The Dimon Kingdom was determined to make this offensive count.
When Annan reached the city, the departing warriors were marching in formation, cheered on by citizens lining the streets and leaning out of windows.
Among them were the Forgotten Ones from Snow Mountain Fortress.
Tasia walked amid a group of Minotaurs, her heavy steps as resolute as any warrior's.
Brino Jana and her people wore Orc-like Leather Armor that exposed their powerful muscles and pale skin. As if sensing something, she looked toward Annan.
"Come back alive!"
Annan's shout was swallowed by the cheers around him, but Brino Jana seemed to see him. Her lips formed the words, "We'll win."
He watched them leave the city and disappear into the North, then hurried back to Camp and ordered the Villain Legion to set out.
Annan departed alongside High Mountain City's forces, but halfway there, they left his group behind.
"Use the Light Feather Spell unless you want to be stuck cleaning up the battlefield!"
Shadow Song cracked her whip. Magic flashed, and the Villain Legion picked up speed.
It took them from early morning until afternoon just to barely keep up with the elite force assigned to clear out the Demon vanguard. The force made camp about thirty li from the Demons' main encampment, a black scar seared into the earth.
Annan had a secret mission to investigate the main Demon force, so he kept his distance. He found a hill on the edge of the battlefield, beyond the coming fight's reach, and hid there.
But while they were digging into the hill, Lloyd found some interesting traces on its surface...
Annan followed him onto the weed-choked hillside. The Demons' presence had changed the land. The closer one got to the black Rift, the more barren and blighted the ground