The Church's Finest Fighters

"Gleam Fortress has a peak Fourth Tier Blood Moon Werewolf outside its walls. The Sacred Flame Tower is still intact and has entered First-Level Overdrive, but it can only hold for another half day. Requesting reinforcements."

The Anointed One received the message two hours later.

His cloak hung behind his shoulders, and the Holy Emblem on his chest looked steady in the firelight.

His presence made everyone around him fall silent. The entire space seemed to freeze.

The Anointed One considered what the message meant. "A peak Fourth Tier Blood Moon Werewolf is close to the greatest possible threat under the Blood Moon. Once Overdrive ends, the fortress will fall quickly.

"And half a day is only a window. It isn't time we can safely count on."

Everyone understood what he meant.

The Sacred Flame Tower could hold for a while longer, but at a steep cost. The Holy Unction was being consumed rapidly.

The rank and file could hold on with their weapons, but someone had to confront the real threat head-on. Once time ran out, the defensive line would collapse.

The Anointed One said no more. "The White-Gold Holy Blade Knights will deploy immediately. Highest priority."

At his command, everyone sprang into motion.

Knights donned their armor, stowed the Holy Unction, took up their lances, and hung chains beside their horses. The Riftmist Banner was handed to the vanguard.

Hooves struck the ground in rapid succession near the stables.

Meanwhile, the central Echoing Platform had sent a reply.

It was simple: Order received. Hold the tower, maintain Overdrive, and do not leave the city to fight a decisive battle.

The reply traveled back along the echoing line to the Water Spirit Defense Zone.

Gleam Fortress's Echoing Platform lit up with the response, and the Recorder immediately relayed it