The first light of dawn barely penetrated the thick smoke hovering over the Ash Plains. Pyronis had returned, their forces reorganized and bolstered with reserves, siege engines, and a cunning plan designed to fracture Firelonia's lines. From the palace terrace, Saku clutched Naelith's hand, eyes wide as columns of soldiers moved like rivers of fire toward the kingdom's defenses.
Bao Bao stood atop the central ridge, Sunfire flickering along his arms like coiled lightning. Lyrin Thorne knelt beside him, reviewing reports from the frontlines. "They've split their assault into five main columns. Two for the ridges, two for the flanks, and a hidden reserve pushing directly toward the central Sunshadow Guard line. This is their decisive strike."
Bao Bao's jaw tightened. "Then we meet them as one. Veylara, central line. Torren, southern ridge. Kaelis, northern pass. Rana, strike gaps immediately. Raijin, coordinate flanks. Kuro, lead cavalry charges wherever the enemy falters. Every general, every army, act as extensions of my command."
Veylara's voice rang across the battlefield, unwavering. "Sunshadow Guard ready! Shields forward! Archers, cover every approach! Cavalry, anticipate flanks!" Her elite soldiers surged into position, bracing against the first waves of Pyronis's assault.
On the southern ridge, Torren Wyemfall, General of the Bronze Army, planted his troops and swung his massive warhammer into charging columns, sending shockwaves through the Pyronis ranks. "Hold this ridge! Fire will not touch us here!" His men reinforced weak points, turning every Pyronis advance into costly failure.
Kaelis Stonehide, General of the Silver Army, stood atop the northern pass. Each swing of his stone axe shattered Pyronis scouts and scouts' siege equipment. "Northern line—steady! Do not break!" His presence was immovable, the Terragon Legion flowing like molten rock under his guidance.
Rana moved like lightning through exposed Pyronis units, cutting down soldiers attempting to flank Veylara's Sunshadow Guard. His blades flashed, creating openings for Firelonia's cavalry and reinforcements to strike.
Kuro led devastating cavalry charges into enemy gaps. Sparks flew as his sword met enemy blades, carving paths through overextended columns and forcing the enemy to retreat in