The Grand Duchess stood tall atop the ridge, her cloak flaring behind her in the high winds of battle.
The screams of monsters and the clash of steel echoed across the valley. Her face remained composed—until the scout approached.
"My lady! The monsters—they've begun to change! Their regeneration rate has spiked. And… and they're coordinated now!"
He shouted, bloodied and panting.
She didn't reply at first. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the battlefield shift in subtle but deadly ways.
Monster formations that once lunged wildly now moved with uncanny discipline. Soldiers who had just begun gaining ground were being pushed back, struggling against the overwhelming force.
Then, her gloved hand tightened into a fist.
"Tch."
A deep frown etched across her regal face, and the air around her seemed to grow colder.
She turned to her officers.
"Inform every squad—tighten formation. Do not fight alone. If a group is overwhelmed, retreat and regroup. I will take the front."
