After Matriarch Onomi woke from the medical pod, she immediately obtained all the information from the supreme military commander. Yet the news lodged in her throat like a bone, while the double torment of mind and body battered her brain without pause. She wore no crown; in fact, she wore nothing but a simple piece of cloth. Her mane had not even been combed when she sat on the sofa in the command center, staring at the data slate.
On one hand, she was astonished that such tremendous changes had occurred across Attilan during the time she had been attacked by the invaders, severely wounded, and unconscious. On the other, she feared that without the Kymellian Clan's military power keeping them in check, the Wizarding Council members who had remained in the settlement under the excuse that "the disputes of the Material Universe have nothing to do with seeking truth in the Outer Dimensions" would once again recreate the chaos of those years. The Kymellian Clan's military commanders had shared that concern. Thus, while resisting the invaders, they had secretly relocated Matriarch Onomi while publicly claiming that she was directing the troop movements. Once she had resumed command of the clan army, Matriarch Onomi had immediately wanted to lead the troops back to the settlement and build a defensive line there, rather than waste time at this chaotic Fourth Defensive Line.
"Where are our reinforcements?"
"There are no reinforcements." The Kymellian Clan general spoke helplessly. "We have already sent the reserves onto the battlefield. These soldiers are now all the armed forces we have left..." He waved his hands repeatedly. "...The invaders are too powerful, Matriarch. Those humans have wizards too. Our accompanying wizards cannot resist miniature fusion-core bullets, fire, and plasma while also resisting human magic. And they brought