The Civil War Begins

The sun rose over Mythrendel, casting a blood-red hue across the battlefield. Tension crackled in the air as Joseph stood at the helm of his army, his eyes gleaming with a sharp, almost manic intensity. Across the plains, the armies of Duke Eleazar and Duke Sebastian stood in rigid formation, their armor reflecting the morning light. Thousands of swords, spears, and shields lined up in disciplined ranks, awaiting the signal to charge.

Joseph exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the cool morning air. "So they really think this is going to be a normal war..." A grin crept onto his face. "Let's show them the power of my creation."

The Battle Begins

A loud horn blared from the enemy's side, signaling their advance. Like a tidal wave, their forces surged forward, their war cries echoing across the battlefield. Horses galloped, their riders wielding lances, while foot soldiers charged with shields raised high.

Elyndra, standing beside Joseph, tightened her grip on her sword. "Are you sure this is going to work?"

Joseph chuckled darkly. "Oh, it'll work." He turned to his generals. "Prepare to fire on my command."

The enemy forces closed in, oblivious to what awaited them. As they neared striking distance, Joseph raised his hand. "NOW!"

Mana-Infused Firearms Unleashed

A deafening BOOM erupted across the battlefield as Joseph's troops pulled the triggers of their mana-infused rifles. Blue streaks of magical energy shot out in rapid succession, slicing through armor and flesh alike. The enemy soldiers barely had time to react before dozens collapsed, their bodies riddled with glowing wounds.

Panic spread through Eleazar and Sebastian's forces. They had expected a clash of steel, not an unseen force that could strike from a distance.

One soldier, shaking, pointed toward Joseph's army. "What kind of sorcery is this?!"

Joseph's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "This isn't sorcery." He raised his own rifle, aiming at an enemy commander. "THIS IS THE POWER OF MY CREATION!"

He pulled the trigger. A bright blue projectile pierced through the commander's chest, sending him toppling off his horse. Joseph laughed, his excitement bordering on madness.

The Turning Point

Sebastian, witnessing the slaughter, turned to Eleazar. "We have to fall back! We can't fight against this kind of power!"

Eleazar gritted his teeth. "No! We outnumber them! If we can just get close enough, we can still—"

Another volley of mana rounds shredded through his ranks, cutting his sentence short.

Joseph stepped forward, blood splattered across his uniform. "Give up now, and maybe I'll let you live." His voice was eerily calm, his eyes devoid of hesitation.

Eleazar snarled. "You're a monster! This isn't war—it's slaughter!"

Joseph shrugged. "Call it what you want, but I win either way." He raised his rifle again. "Your time is up."

The Fall of the Dukes

Realizing there was no escape, Eleazar roared in defiance and charged forward, sword raised high. Joseph didn't even flinch. He pulled the trigger.

A single, precise shot pierced Eleazar's forehead. The Duke's body crumpled, lifeless before he hit the ground.

Sebastian, trembling, dropped his sword. "I... I surrender! Please, spare me!"

Joseph tilted his head, contemplating. Then, without a word, he shot Sebastian through the heart.

Silence fell over the battlefield. The rebel army, witnessing their leaders' deaths, dropped their weapons, surrendering en masse.

Joseph exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "That was fun."

Elyndra stared at him, a mix of awe and concern in her eyes. "You enjoyed that a little too much..."

Joseph turned to her, his grin widening. "Maybe." He looked down at his hands, the blood of his enemies staining them. "Maybe I did."

Aftermath

The war was over. With the rebel Dukes dead and their forces in disarray, Mythrendel was now fully under Joseph's control. But even as he stood victorious, a new challenge loomed on the horizon.

The Empire of Solmara had been watching. And now, with Mythrendel weakened, they saw an opportunity to strike.

Joseph licked his lips, anticipation burning in his eyes. "Looks like we have another war to fight."