Crown Prince Julian stepped forward, sword raised, eyes sharp as they swept the field. "Open a path for Jay Zelthar!" he commanded. "Guard his flanks! Match his rhythm do not obstruct him!"
The orders flowed like a current.
Imperial lines shifted, formations transforming. Mages reinforced the routes Jay tore through, barriers rising and falling precisely where needed. Heavy shield-bearers sealed the gaps he left behind, while fast attackers surged forward, widening the wounds he carved.
Jay surged among them not as a commander, but as a center of gravity. Enemy forces split, were flung aside, scattered beyond recovery. The remaining monsters hesitated to approach; clan warriors lost formation, lost courage.
"Zelthar—!" someone screamed before the sound was cut short.
Jay did not look back.
