Northern Wasteland.
The Holy Flame Empire's army had been left behind in this land of burning disaster. Flames from the falling heavenly fire had descended upon the earth, and the scorched soil radiated blistering heat.
The army was severely short of water, yet they still had to set out to dig firebreaks, stopping the flames in the north. With every step they took, they felt as though the soles of their feet were being burned.
Complaints were useless. Extraordinary power could suppress all mortal defiance.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Stag Legion began tightening the discipline of the Holy Flame Empire's army. The first thing they did was break up every unit and reorganize them.
Naturally, this caused considerable chaos, but that did not matter.
"Water's here!"
The messenger's shout sent every soldier into a frenzy. They licked their cracked lips and wanted to run toward the sound, but instinctively recalled the harsh lessons of recent days. Their legs trembled as they remained where they stood, craning their necks in anticipation.
Water carts came racing over. Faint magical runes kept the solid ice inside the wooden barrels frozen, and merely drawing near made the soldiers feel the desperately desired chill emanating from the carts.
The army stirred, crowding toward the water carts racing down the road and quickly surrounding them so tightly that not even water could pass through.
"What are you doing?!"
A tall knight slowly approached, sweat seeping out from beneath his armor. The soldiers immediately moved aside to either side.
The knight licked his lips and asked the man leading the water carts, "What are the arrangements?"
"General, our convoy is headed for the Golden Lion Legion. The convoy assigned to your Northern Gray Lion Legion is behind us. It should arrive in about half an