War Preparations

Valtheria's preparations for war intensified. Valtherion, now seated upon his throne, oversaw the final stages of military fortifications. Reports flooded in from his generals, detailing the state of their defenses and the readiness of their soldiers. The city buzzed with energy as blacksmiths worked day and night, forging weapons infused with mana, their fiery glow illuminating the streets.

Inside the grand war chamber, Valtherion stood before a massive map of the continent, his piercing gaze locked onto Raegath's borders. Around him, his most trusted commanders, including General Varkas, Isabella, and Elyndra, awaited his command.

"How long until our forces are fully prepared?" Valtherion asked, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge.

General Varkas stepped forward. "Our soldiers are battle-ready, my Lord. The mana-infused weapons have been distributed, and our cavalry is stationed along the western front. However, Raegath is no fool. Their scouts have been sighted near our borders. They know we are coming."

Valtherion smirked, a glint of madness flickering in his eyes. "Good. Let them wait in fear. We will break them."

Elyndra, her golden eyes sharp as ever, leaned against the table. "Their forces outnumber ours, but their technology is primitive. Their reliance on traditional warfare will be their downfall."

"Still," Isabella interjected, "we cannot underestimate them. The nobles of Raegath are desperate. They will fight to the last man."

Valtherion laughed, a low, almost chilling sound. "Then we shall grant them the death they seek."

Meanwhile, in the heart of Raegath, King Aldric sat upon his throne, his fingers gripping the armrest tightly. The council before him was in turmoil.

"Valtheria marches to war!" one noble shouted. "They wield weapons we cannot understand! Our forces will be slaughtered!"

King Aldric slammed his fist against the table, silencing the room. "Enough! We are not cowards. We will not kneel before that madman."

A younger noble, fear evident in his voice, spoke up. "But your Majesty, their weapons—they do not fire arrows, nor do they require steel. They use mana to unleash death from a distance. Our knights are no match."

A grizzled general stepped forward. "Then we adapt. If magic fuels their weapons, we must find a way to counter it. Our mages are already working on countermeasures."

Aldric nodded. "Send word to our allies. We will not face this war alone."

Back in Valtheria, as the final preparations were made, Valtherion stood upon the balcony of his palace, overlooking his kingdom. Below, soldiers stood in perfect formation, their armor glistening in the morning sun. He raised his hand, and silence fell over the army.

"Brothers and sisters of Valtheria!" his voice boomed across the courtyard. "We stand upon the precipice of history! Our enemies cower behind their walls, thinking themselves safe. But they do not know what true power is! We will march upon Raegath and show them the might of Valtheria! We will carve our names into history with blood and fire!"

A deafening roar erupted from the soldiers, their weapons raised in unison. The ground trembled with their battle cries.

As the army prepared to march, Valtherion turned to Elyndra and Isabella. "It's time. Let the world see the power of my creation."

With that, the drums of war began to sound, and Valtheria's unstoppable force set forth toward their destiny.