Omens of War on the Crimson Empire

Location: The Royal Palace, the Iron Capital (formerly)

The palace still bore the marks of battle, although the new servants and workers were diligently cleaning the blood and repairing the damage.

I sat on the throne made of black steel, one of the great symbols of the Iron Empire that was now under my control.

Before the throne stood my three closest advisors:

Falco - the general in charge of the First Army.

Saira - the leader of intelligence.

Regis - the one in charge of political affairs and administration.

I began the meeting with a firm tone:

"How many new soldiers have joined our army?"

Regis bowed slightly, then replied:

"About 37,000 soldiers from the Iron Empire decided to join us, while the rest refused and were executed according to your orders."

I nodded. A good number... but that doesn't mean their loyalty is guaranteed yet.

"Falco, make sure to plant some of our original soldiers within their units. I don't want any attempts at rebellion."

Falco smiled savagely and said:

"Of course, I will make them integrate with us the hard way if necessary."

I turned to Saira and asked her:

"What about the Crimson Empire? Have you received any intelligence reports?"

Saira, who was wearing a black cloak and her face half-hidden by a mask, stepped forward with quiet steps and said:

"The Crimson Empire is not like the Iron Empire. Their king, Caesar the Crimson, is a very intelligent person, and he surrounds himself with powerful advisors. They have an army of 400,000 soldiers, including 20,000 elite."

I raised my eyebrows slightly. 20,000 elite? Interesting.

"And what about their attitude towards us?"

She replied in a calm voice:

"They have heard about the fall of the Iron Empire, and according to our reports, they have already begun to fortify their borders. It seems they are expecting a war."

I laughed softly.

"That's expected... but they won't be ready enough."

Then I turned to everyone and announced my decision:

"We will begin to move within three days. Have the army prepare... because we will soon invade the Crimson Empire."

Over the next three days, the army was equipped with everything it needed.

Units were reorganized, and the new soldiers were integrated into our ranks.

Reconnaissance teams were sent to gather more information about the borders of the Crimson Empire.

Blacksmiths began to melt down iron from old weapons and forge new weapons and armor.

Supply teams were established to provide food and drink for the army during the march.

On the last night before moving out, I stood before a huge map in the war room, looking at the paths we would take.

Falco pointed to a location on the map and said:

"We have two options: either attack directly from the eastern front, where the defenses are strong, or we flank from the south, through the Shadow Pass, which is a dangerous route but the defenses there are weaker."

I considered the options silently.

Then I smiled slyly and said:

"We will do both... We will make them believe we are attacking from the eastern front, while a small force will be sent through the Shadow Pass to penetrate their rear defenses."

Falco laughed and said:

"A clever plan... Caesar the Crimson won't know what hit him."

As dawn broke, the entire army was ready.

At the head of the army, I rode my armored black horse, and behind me were thousands of cavalry and infantry, the sounds of drums beating in a slow rhythm that ignited enthusiasm in hearts.

Then, I raised my hand high and let out a war cry:

"To war!"

"To glory!"

"To the Crimson Empire!"

And the army moved, heading towards the coming battle... towards the next conquest... towards eternal glory.

◈◈◈◈

 Location: On the border between the Iron Empire and the Crimson Empire

The morning was eerily quiet. Gray clouds gathered in the sky, and a cold wind blew across the vast plains that separated the borders of the two empires. Behind me, my army stretched for miles, rows of cavalry and infantry, clad in armor and gleaming weapons, all on high alert.

Ahead of us, several miles away, the towering walls of the Crimson Empire awaited us. There was no visible movement, but I knew they were watching us.

"Falco, have we received any new movements from the enemy?"

Falco, who was riding his horse beside me, shook his head and said:

"Scout reports confirm that their main army has not yet moved, but they have reinforced their defensive positions at the narrow passes. It seems they realize we might use the Shadow Pass."

I smiled coldly. Well, that means our plan is proceeding as expected.

"Have they sent any messages or negotiations?"

Saira, who was wearing her black cloak, stepped forward and said in a calm tone:

"Nothing official yet, but we intercepted a secret message addressed to one of the fortified cities within the Crimson Empire. It seems they are requesting secret reinforcements."

"Reinforcements, huh? Have they discovered our plan?"

Saira shook her head: "Not entirely, but it seems they are trying to secure the rear of their army in anticipation of any surprises."

I thought for a moment. If they are requesting reinforcements now, it means they are not fully prepared yet. This is the perfect opportunity to strike before they can fully muster their strength.

"Regis, how long do we need to put our alternative plan into action?"

Regis, who was standing beside our large map, replied quickly:

"If you give the order now, we can move the disguised battalion through the Shadow Pass overnight. It will take them two days to reach their rear positions and begin the attack from within."

I smiled and nodded. "Good, do it. We want to make them feel safe until the very last moment."

Then I raised my gaze to the horizon, contemplating the distant crimson walls. "I have waited long for this moment... Caesar the Crimson, I hope you are ready."

Inside the Royal Palace of the Crimson Empire 

 Location: The Crimson Palace, the Imperial Capital

In the massive throne hall, Emperor Caesar the Crimson sat on his throne made of pure crimson crystal. The torchlight reflected off its surface, making the throne seem to glow with a bloody flicker.

Before him stood one of his trusted advisors, Duke Rainard, reading an intelligence report on the movements of Kyles' army.

"My Emperor, according to the latest reports, the enemy army has begun to move towards our borders. It seems they are preparing for a full-scale battle."

The Emperor sighed slowly, his eyes gleaming with intelligence and cunning as he stared at the map before him.

"So, the time has finally come..."

He glanced at the Crimson Empire's military commander, General Kain, who stood beside him with stern features.

"Is the army ready?"

Kain, who was known for his coldness and ruthlessness in wars, replied in a steady voice:

"Yes, but I still believe it is best to implement our defensive plan first. We cannot risk facing Kyles in an open battle."

Emperor Caesar did not respond immediately. Instead, he smiled slightly and said:

"Kyles is not like our previous enemies. He moves with calculated steps, just as he did when he brought down the Iron Empire. But... this empire is not like the last."

Then he stood, his royal red cloak swaying behind him, and declared in a voice full of confidence:

"I will be the one to put an end to his advance. I will make him see that crimson... is not easily erased."

Night fell, and my forces awaited my signal.

Falco, who was wearing his black armor, stepped beside me and said:

"The infiltration forces are ready. Regis himself led them through the Shadow Pass. If things go as planned, they will begin their attack from the rear within 48 hours."

I nodded. "Good. As for us, we will make them believe we will attack directly."

I gave the signal, and the first divisions began to move slowly across the plains, their torches lighting the night. I knew the enemy was watching us, and that was exactly what I wanted.

"Let them feel comfortable... until the moment we completely destroy their defenses."

I smiled, my eyes glowing with the excitement of the coming war.

"Crimson Empire... prepare for hell."

◈◈◈◈

The night was heavy, and fog began to creep slowly across the plains surrounding the crimson walls. I stood amidst the vanguard cavalry, my breath cold as ice as I watched the massive gates of the empire.

There was something strange... I had expected the enemy to fortify their defenses, but not like this.

"Falco, have you noticed anything strange?"

Falco, who was beside me, pointed with his eyes to a distant tower and said in a low voice:

"There are fewer guards than there should be... it's as if they want us to get closer."

I took a step back. This is not good. If there's one thing I've learned from previous wars, it's that an enemy who appears weak... hides a deadly trap.

"Order to all forces: stop immediately!"

But suddenly—

BOOM!!!

A deafening explosion roared, and the sky ignited with flames. Suddenly, hundreds of arrows charged with magic shot from above, heading directly towards us!

"To defense!"

I raised my sword, charged with magical energy, and blocked the first arrow, but...

"Damn it!"

This was just the beginning.

◈◈◈◈

The arrow I blocked struck the ground, but it wasn't just an ordinary arrow...

"Explosive magic!"

BOOM!!!

The explosion created a shockwave that pushed dozens of soldiers backward. Dust filled the air, and the heat from the attack made the air charged with deadly energy.

"It's a trap! Retreat!"

But it was too late. Before my orders reached everyone, more traps buried underground exploded.

"Damn it... they were planning this from the start!"

In an instant, the vanguard of my army turned into a burning hell. I had only a second to make the right decision.

I raised my hand high and cast a reverse wind spell, causing some of the flames to dissipate away, but it wasn't enough to save everyone.

Falco reached me, shouting: "They're moving! The Crimson infantry are coming from the flanks!"

I looked quickly... it was a perfect plan.

We are trapped between the fiery traps from the front and a wave of soldiers from the rear.

But... that doesn't mean we've lost.

"Falco, take the Second Unit and retreat 300 meters back, you'll find a small hill there, prepare the archers and mages immediately!"

"Understood!"

"As for me..." I drew my sword, a cold smile forming. "I will hold back the first wave."

◈◈◈◈

The enemy forces were approaching quickly. Their numbers were greater, and they were better equipped for this fight than us, but I wasn't thinking of fleeing.

When the corner is tight... attack is the best defense.

"You fools..."

"If you think I'm just an ordinary leader... I will make you regret it."

Activating [Black Flame Mode].

Magic flowed through my veins. The heat around me changed, and vision became clear as if night had turned into day.

"It's time for a massacre."

I raised my sword and unleashed my power—

"Crimson Flame Slash!"

BOOM!!!