As Louis finished speaking, the air across the entire parade ground seemed to tighten in an instant.
Every gaze shifted in unison from the towering reviewing stand to the front of the formations.
Major General Gray stood atop the half-track command vehicle, his back straight as a spear, like a crossbow bolt ready to fire.
The next instant, battle aura erupted from his chest.
Clang!
The sound of his command saber leaving its sheath tore through the air. Cold steel traced a fierce arc, pointing straight at the sky.
"All troops, form ranks! Prepare for inspection!"
His roar thundered over the crowd, carrying the killing intent forged through countless trials on real battlefields.
That single shout forcibly stilled the restless spectator area. Even their breathing slowed for a beat.
In the VIP seats, Nico's eyes brightened slightly. "What a voice... and what killing intent."
Before his words had faded, heavy, primal war drums thundered to life, pounding the earth beat by beat.
The first formation advanced from the distant horizon.
Sako rode a black horse, his cold iron armor gleaming in the sunlight, flickers of battle aura showing through its seams.
His gaze was unwavering and fervent, fixed firmly on Louis atop the reviewing stand.
He knew that Lord Louis, along with his own parents and brothers, was watching him now.
Among the crowd, Sako's father stood ramrod straight.
Seeing his son leading the formation, he knew that sending the boy to the Red Tide Fief all those years ago had been the wisest move of his life.
Sako's younger brothers clenched their fists, their eyes filled with longing.
But behind Sako, the true shock was only just beginning.
The Red Tide Coat of Arms shone on their matching plate armor, and every knight radiated steady, concentrated fluctuations of battle