THE PATH TO WAR

Chapter 99: The Path to War

The Vanguard rode through the dead lands of Krevos, their cloaks billowing behind them as their warhorses thundered across the cracked earth.

The terrain was barren, lifeless. A wasteland that reeked of decay and old battles.

Ahead of them, barely visible through the dense mist, was their target—the fortress of Xelthar.

It loomed like a jagged scar against the horizon, surrounded by towering black walls reinforced with mana barriers pulsing with red energy.

The enemy was waiting.

And they knew it.

Kael rode in silence, eyes locked on the distant fortress.

Beside him, Lucian Eldoria was equally quiet, his golden gaze unreadable.

Finally, Lucian broke the silence. "You've gotten stronger."

Kael raised a brow. "So have you."

Lucian smirked slightly. "Not the same. I was trained for war since birth. You? You weren't meant to be here."

Kael exhaled. "And yet, here I am."

Lucian nodded. "That's why I trust you to lead."

Kael glanced at him. "You're the Crown Prince. Shouldn't you be the one leading?"

Lucian shook his head. "I may be the heir, but you understand people in ways I don't. You don't lead through status. You lead because you survive."

Kael was quiet for a moment.

Then—he chuckled. "Didn't know you were capable of compliments."

Lucian smirked. "Don't get used to it."

For a brief moment, the tension eased.

Then—Cassian pulled his horse up beside them, grinning.

"You two are looking way too serious," Cassian drawled, spinning a dagger between his fingers. "At this rate, the enemy will die from boredom before we even reach them."

Kael sighed. "Cassian, do you ever shut up?"

Cassian smirked. "Not when the world needs my brilliance."

Lucian rolled his eyes. "If you're here to waste time, leave."

Cassian feigned a wounded look. "Come on, Your Highness. We're about to infiltrate the deadliest fortress in Eldoria, fight assassins, sabotage their war efforts, and probably get horribly maimed. You can't expect me to go into that with a stiff upper lip."

Kael snorted. "So your plan is to annoy the enemy to death?"

Cassian grinned. "It's worked before."

Rael, riding just behind them, chuckled. "He's not wrong."

Even Selene sighed, a small smirk flickering on her lips.

Cassian leaned toward Kael. "Besides, you need me. Without my charm and good looks, this team is just a bunch of battle-hardened maniacs."

Evelyne scoffed from the back. "Maniac? That's rich coming from you."

Cassian winked. "I like to think of myself as a strategic lunatic."

The Vanguard laughed, and for a moment—just a moment—the weight of war didn't seem so heavy.

Then—

The fortress gates came into view.

And all traces of laughter vanished.

Kael pulled his horse to a stop, the others following suit.

"The plan is simple," he said, his voice now cold, sharp, focused.

"We break into four teams."

His crimson eyes scanned his comrades.

Cassian & Mira – Stealth & Assassination.

Their job? Take out Xelthar's top assassins before they can strike.

Darius & Evelyne – Disruption & Chaos.

Their job? Destroy the supply lines and weaken Xelthar's war capabilities.

Rael & Selene – Barrier Disabling.

Their job? Break the mana barriers, making it possible for Eldoria's army to breach the fortress.

Kael & Lucian – Commander Elimination.

Their job? Kill Xelthar's war strategists.

Kael took a deep breath. "We move fast, hit hard, and get out before the full force of Xelthar can retaliate."

Lucian unsheathed his sword. "No hesitation. No mistakes."

Cassian stretched. "And no dying, preferably."

Kael turned to them all. "If something goes wrong, regroup at the eastern watchtower. If the mission fails…"

He met each of their gazes.

"You get out alive. No heroics."

Silence.

Then—

Mira smirked. "No promises."

Kael sighed. "Alright. Move out."

And just like that—

The Vanguard split into the shadows.

The war had begun.