Final Preparations for War

The sun hung low over Mythrendel's capital, casting an eerie golden glow over the city. The scent of steel and gunpowder mixed with the crisp evening air. The soldiers stood in disciplined formations across the training fields, eyes locked onto their weapons—mana-infused rifles that shimmered with an otherworldly glow.

Joseph stood before them, arms crossed, his crimson royal cloak billowing behind him. His golden eyes gleamed with excitement as he paced back and forth.

"So, tell me," he suddenly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a dangerous edge. "What makes a man powerful?"

Silence.

One brave soldier stepped forward. "Strength, Your Majesty!"

Joseph's lips curled into a grin. "Wrong."

Another soldier tried. "Tactical brilliance?"

Joseph shook his head. "Closer, but still wrong."

He raised his arm, and in an instant, a mana-infused rifle materialized in his grasp. Without warning, he fired at a practice target several hundred meters away. A flash of blue light erupted, and the target disintegrated into dust. The soldiers flinched.

"Power…" Joseph whispered, tilting his head, his voice thick with amusement. "…is making sure your enemy never even gets the chance to fight back."

The army swallowed hard. Their king was terrifying.

"Now," he clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "I expect all of you to master these weapons. No excuses. You have one week before we march on Solmara."

Elyndra's Chambers

That night, Joseph entered Elyndra's room without knocking. She looked up from her desk, irritated. "Ever heard of knocking?"

Joseph leaned against the wall. "Ever heard of thanking your king for winning a war?"

Elyndra sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're insufferable."

Joseph smirked. "And you love it."

She threw a pillow at him. He caught it effortlessly.

"…So, you're really doing this? War with Solmara?" she asked, her tone softer now.

"Of course." He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "You saw how they tried to take advantage of our civil war. I don't tolerate opportunistic parasites."

She bit her lip. "And after that?"

Joseph leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'll build an empire so vast that even the gods will have to acknowledge me."

Elyndra's breath hitched. "You're insane."

He grinned. "And you're stuck with me."

Training Grounds – Three Days Later

The soldiers were adjusting to their new weapons with increasing ease. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air.

Joseph sat atop a stack of crates, watching them with an unreadable expression.

"Your Majesty, the men admire you greatly," General Reinhardt remarked, stepping up beside him.

Joseph chuckled. "Of course, they do. I gave them power. I made them into something more than just sword-fodder."

Reinhardt nodded. "And yet… I see it in your eyes. You're not just preparing for war. You're… excited."

Joseph tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Who wouldn't be? The chaos, the destruction, the thrill of seeing an entire kingdom bend to my will… exhilarating."

Reinhardt shuddered. Joseph's love for battle wasn't normal. It was something else entirely. Something… terrifying.

The War Council

A large map of Solmara lay sprawled across the table. Joseph traced his fingers over the territories, a predatory grin forming.

"Our spies report that King Alfred is fortifying his defenses," said Duchess Amelia. "They expect a standard frontal assault."

Joseph chuckled darkly. "Then we'll give them something… unexpected."

Duchess Sophia raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

Joseph leaned forward, tapping the map where Solmara's supply lines were marked. "We cut these off first. Starve them out. Then, we strike with overwhelming force. Our weapons will tear through their ranks before they even know what's happening."

Sophia smirked. "You enjoy this way too much."

Joseph met her gaze, his voice dripping with amusement. "Oh, absolutely."

The Night Before Departure

Joseph stood atop the castle walls, staring at the moonlit horizon.

A soft rustle behind him. He turned to see Elyndra, dressed in a simple nightgown, her silver hair illuminated by the moonlight.

"You should rest," she murmured.

Joseph grinned. "Sleep is for those who aren't preparing to conquer a kingdom."

She sighed, stepping beside him. "Promise me one thing?"

"Hm?"

"No matter how powerful you get… don't lose yourself."

Joseph chuckled. "Oh, Elyndra… I lost myself the moment I stepped into this world."

Her brows furrowed. "That's not funny."

He turned fully to face her, his eyes dark and intense. "Who said I was joking?"

She felt a shiver run down her spine.

Then, he smiled—an almost gentle smile, though something dangerous lurked beneath it.

"Go to bed, Elyndra. Tomorrow, we begin our conquest."

The stage was set. The war against Solmara was about to begin.

Joseph couldn't wait.