After a series of offensives, the Empire had won decisive victories against Karthus on multiple fronts. The fall of this ancient nation was now only a matter of time. Yet the Imperial Army, which should have pressed its advantage and marched its main force back to the gates of Karthus City, had inexplicably pulled back its troops. It had settled inside a large former Karthusian fortress, barely forty miles from the city, and no one knew what it was thinking.
If any Karthusian eagle knight had dared to fly over and scout the fortress, they would have discovered that its surroundings were covered with banners, tents, and camps of all sizes. They encircled the vast stronghold, leaving it at the very center. Judging by the sight, there were at least a hundred thousand troops!
And if they had investigated more closely, they would also have noticed that the castle atop the fortress flew not only the banners of the Reichkalt Empire and Emperor Barnhardt's headquarters, but also the blue battle flag of the Azure Dragon Knights, the blue flag of the Ice Dragon Legion, the red flag of the Flame Dragon Infantry Corps, and the black mage's flag of the Black Dragon Archmage Corps.
With so many flags flying above the fortress, there was no doubt that Emperor Barnhardt of the Reichkalt Empire and the commanders of his four most important legions had gathered there.
In fact, that was exactly what had happened!
Deep inside the fortress, in a hall adorned with Imperial flags and carpets and warmed by a blazing hearth, Emperor Barnhardt sat high on his throne. He was meeting with four of his most capable and battle-hardened subordinates: Egbert, Lyon, Vargas, and Imelda.
"Egbert!"
"You're a mage, and the commander of the Black Dragon Archmage Corps. Tell