Siege Preparations

At dawn, the sound of marching boots echoed down the winding mountain road. The elite battalion, two hundred strong, approached Mont Verdain with disciplined precision. These were the best-trained and best-equipped soldiers on the island, personally organized under Bruno's command. They were clad in durable uniforms with reinforced leather padding. Slung across their shoulders were semi-bolt action rifles, a weapon designed and produced under Bruno's industrial reforms.

Leading the battalion was Captain Auguste Vallier, a battle-hardened officer with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. He raised his hand, signaling the column to halt as they reached the main gate. A sentry on the wall gave a confirming shout.

"Open the gates!"