The winner

Two Weeks Later

In the darkness of the night, the enemy camp was silent and dimly lit. The Thaerd army seemed at ease in their vast plain encampment. However, this ease had left them at their most vulnerable. Days of feigned retreats and sudden raids had worn them out and created the perfect moment for victory.

"The enemy has let their guard down," I whispered to Duke Grohandal. As I reviewed the ambush points we had marked on the map one more time, I noticed the growing impatience among my soldiers. These past two weeks of strategic attacks—cutting off supply lines, ambushing patrols, and breaking morale—were finally about to bear fruit.

"We will strike the enemy camp tonight," I announced, surrounded by my commanders. "Our fire mages will target their most vulnerable points. Archers will take positions on the high ground. Once the attack begins, no one escapes."