The army was positioned just outside the shimmering portal. The main defensive force consisted of the seasoned Warriors, hardened by two prior battles, while the Mages were fresh recruits still new to war, stood at the rear, preparing to rain magic from afar. With their temporary team composition, they leaned heavily toward offense. There was no dedicated tank yet, no shieldbearer or guardian to absorb the brunt of the assault. It was a glaring vulnerability, and everyone knew it.
Still, they had little choice. The portal had to be protected at all costs. Behind it were the innocents: the children, the mothers, the elderly. All nestled safely inside the Soul Realm. A single breach could mean disaster. The saying rang in Ren's mind again and again: "The best defense is a good offense." It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do.
