"Do you think we can win this war?" Miya asked, her voice filled with uncertainty as she gazed at the gathered soldiers preparing for battle.
Henry turned to her, his expression serious. "It's not whether we can win or not, Miya. It's that we have to win, no matter what."
Miya's heart sank at his words. "Right... but the plague has already corrupted half the kingdom. Even if we defeat Ares what will be left of Apollo?"
A heavy silence hung between them as they both took in the gravity of the situation. The soldiers all were filled with a mix of hope and desperation as they awaited their leaders' next move.
Beside Henry and Miya stood a figure shrouded in minimalism. He was dressed entirely in black with a mask hiding his features. His presence was so understated that he seemed like an ordinary commoner that was devoid of the power and prestige that accompanied the mages.
However, as he spoke, his voice cut through the tension like a blade. "No, we will not just defeat Ares. We will conquer them," he declared with an unwavering conviction that belied his unassuming appearance.
Henry turned to him, surprised by the boldness of his statement. "And how do you propose we accomplish that?" he asked, intrigued yet cautious.
The masked figure stood tall as his aura shifted slightly as he revealed a hint of power beneath his humble facade.
"We will not only fight with our strength but also with cunning and strategy. We must strike fear into their hearts and show them the true might of Apollo."
Miya exchanged a glance with Henry, both recognizing that this enigmatic person might hold the key to their success.
Henry and Miya exchanged curious glances, both feeling the weight of the masked figure's words. They had no idea who he was or how he had come to stand beside them but something about his presence hinted at a deeper significance.
Unbeknownst to them, this mysterious individual had been directly appointed by the king himself. The king had recognized the gravity of the situation and had chosen this figure for his unique talents and unorthodox strategies that could turn the tide of battle in their favor.
While Henry and Miya focused on traditional tactics, this masked presence embodied a new approach, a wildcard that could potentially shift the balance of power. But for now his identity remained a secret which added an air of intrigue to their already perilous situation.
"We are at war," Alden stated bluntly. Julian's eyes widened in shock, he hadn't expected the conflict to arrive so soon.
Seeing Julian's surprise, Alden quickly added, "It's the Kingdom of Apollo. They've gathered an army and are preparing to invade our borders. We leave for the royal palace at dawn."
Julian felt a wave of relief wash over him. His thoughts flashed to the warning the headmistress had given him about a different, more mysterious threat, a kingdom cloaked in shadow.
For now, that danger was still distant. This war with Apollo, however, was an immediate challenge, one he could face head-on.
"Understood," Julian replied, steeling himself. "I'll be ready, Father."
The Easvil estate was busy with activity as preparations for war took full swing. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, polished their armor, and reviewed formations each one aware that their strength could determine the fate of the kingdom.
Mages gathered in groups, casting defensive wards and preparing powerful spells to support the soldiers on the battlefield.
The air was thick with a sense of urgency, and even the servants moved with purpose, ensuring supplies were in order for the journey to the royal capital.
In the training grounds, Julian could see seasoned warriors sparring with recruits, while the estate's senior mages instructed younger apprentices on how to channel their magic for maximum effect.
As Julian gazed over the training grounds, his attention was drawn to a young man around his own age. The young spearman was in a fierce sparring session against a sword wielding opponent, and though he was on a losing streak, his expression was calm and unwavering, lacking any sign of frustration or defeat.
Julian's eyes narrowed as he observed the young man's stance. At first glance, he seemed like a beginner as he hesitated slightly and appeared clumsy.
But Julian, an experienced spear wielder himself, caught the subtle mastery in his form, the slight adjustments in his grip, the precise footwork, and the smooth transitions in his movements. This was no ordinary novice, he was concealing a well-honed skill beneath a facade of inexperience.
Julian decided to keep watching, curious to see if the young man would reveal more of his hidden talent or if he was intentionally keeping it under wraps.