Beneath the dark sky not far away, the valley north of the fortress had undergone a drastic transformation in just a few days. The once-barren ridges were now covered with massive Crystal Clusters growing everywhere, so numerous they could not be counted. The Crystal Cluster Army filled the valley. From time to time, flying Crystal Clusters rose into the sky and circled above the valley. When their numbers grew large enough, they could actually form a torrent in the sky.
The Crystal Clusters' sharp cries echoed through the valley, deafening and chaotic, causing the envoys from every nation to pale. There had been no shortage of people like them these past few days. Some had already come to the walls three or four times to observe the scene outside, while others had experienced the battles of the last two days. Most wore worried expressions.
"Gentlemen, this is the enemy the Cruzian people are facing," Fiona Nidwen said to everyone from atop the walls. "As most of you have guessed, they are the Twilight's minions. In fact, these minions already defeated the Cruzian people once within the Empire. It was only with this fortress that we barely managed to establish a foothold and halt their advance southward. I am not saying this to claim credit, but to ask for your help. This is by no means an enemy belonging only to Cruz or to a single nation. On the contrary, their goal is to destroy our world and kill every one of us here."
"The Cruzian people do not fear death. If necessary, we will calmly fight here until the last person falls. But after that, these monsters will cross the Alqash Mountains and bring the Wilds of the Four Borders, the Silver Bay region, and the heartland of Saint Osore