The air above White Tiger territory was heavy with tension.
Columns of Black Tiger warriors moved through the mountains.
Their steps were silent.
At the front stood Jon, to his left walked Rasha, to his right, Riya.
Behind them, Selene's voice came softly.
"They know you're coming now," she said.
"White Tiger scouts have retreated to Fortress One. They're mobilizing elites."
Jon didn't slow.
"Good," he replied. "That saves us time."
BATTLE PHASE INITIATED
Objective: Break Fortress One
Command Authority: Absolute
White Tiger warriors emerged from the fog like ghosts.
"Hold formation," Jon commanded.
Black Tiger shields locked instantly.
The first wave hit.
Metal screamed. Blood sprayed.
Rasha surged forward with a roar, her body blurring as she tore through the enemy line, her movements brutal but controlled. Every step protected Jon's flank.
Riya raised both hands.
A translucent barrier snapped into place just as a barrage of Tiger Claw Blades slammed into the unit.
"Barrier stable. Counter window open."
Jon stepped forward.
Shadow gathered around his arm.
Shadow Fang Strike.
The attack tore through the battlefield like a living thing.
Three elites fell instantly, their Bloodline energy collapsing inward as Jon absorbed it without breaking stride.
Bloodline Absorption Efficiency: Increased
Enemy Morale: Cracking
Fortress One Falls
The gates of Fortress One were reinforced with White Tiger runes ancient, proud, and brittle.
Jon placed his hand against the stone.
"Break it."
He didn't shout.
He didn't strain.
The power answered.
The gates exploded inward, fragments raining across the courtyard as Black Tiger warriors surged through the breach.
White Tiger defenders tried to regroup but panic had already taken hold.
Selene's voice returned, sharper now.
"Command tower is north. Their leader is retreating."
"Not anymore," Jon said.
He moved.
White Tiger Territory Control:+12 percent.
When the fighting ended, the courtyard was silent.
Black Tiger banners were raised where White Tiger insignia once stood.
Jon turned to his unit.
"You fought well," he said. "This is how we advance together. No chaos. No waste."
The warriors knelt as one.
Rasha stood close, her shoulder brushing his. "They feared you," she said quietly.
"They should."
Campaign Progress: Ongoing
Next Objective: Deep Strike