The scene shifts to the battlefield — and it was a sight unlike any before. The largest force North Ryehem had ever mustered was marching towards them, their numbers stretching beyond the horizon. Millions of soldiers flooded the land, their armor glinting under the sun like a metallic tide of death.
In response, South Ryehem sounded the emergency horns, summoning reinforcements from every corner of their territory. Countless soldiers poured into the battlefield, ready to face the impossible odds. The tension in the air was suffocating.
Ezabela stood at the front lines, her eyes burning as fiercely as the flames she commanded. Without hesitation, she unleashed every Spirit ability in her arsenal."Flame Eruption!"The ground cracked open as columns of fire surged, incinerating hundreds of enemies at once.
"Fire Manipulation!"Walls of living flame bent to her will, tearing through enemy ranks.
"Melting of Temperature!"The very air shimmered as the heat became unbearable, metal armor liquefying around unfortunate North Ryehem soldiers.
Arthur wasn't far behind, his mastery over Spiritual Manipulation wreaking havoc on the battlefield. He intercepted copied abilities thrown by the enemy, redirecting them back like deadly arrows of vengeance.
Meanwhile, Shang — the seasoned warrior and commander — stood unshaken amidst the chaos. He gathered his immense power, activating Spiritual Accumulation, amplifying his energy reserves to staggering levels. With a sharp command, he extended his hand.
"Spiritual Telekinesis!"
Massive boulders and shattered debris hurled through the air, crushing clusters of enemy troops. The ground shook under the weight of their battle.
The clash raged for three grueling hours. Explosions of Spirit energy, torrents of fire, and devastating physical blows turned the battlefield into a storm of carnage. Blood soaked the earth, but slowly — inch by inch — South Ryehem managed to hold their ground.
When the dust finally began to settle, neither side had claimed victory, but South Ryehem had successfully equalized the border once again.
Suddenly, a letter arrived from North Ryehem's command post, delivered by a trembling messenger. Shang read its contents aloud to his officers and soldiers:
"For one year from now onwards, no war shall be fought between our nations. But after that year… we will wipe you from existence."
Shang's face twisted in contempt. Without hesitation, he tore the letter in half, the shredded pieces fluttering to the bloodstained ground.
He turned to address his exhausted yet loyal forces."Hear me well! The cowards have begged for one year's peace — we'll give them that. But prepare, for in a year's time, we'll show them the true wrath of South Ryehem!"
Cheers erupted from the remaining soldiers. Orders were quickly given: the regular troops were dismissed to return to their cities and homes, while the border soldiers would remain. The elite Knights, under the command of Arthur — the Head Knight — were instructed to mobilize immediately.
Their destination: the allied Elf Kingdom, which was embroiled in a vicious war with invading goblins. South Ryehem would honor its alliance and lend its strength.
Arthur, already present at the frontlines, swiftly rallied the Knights for deployment. Without delay, they marched out, a gleaming force of elite warriors.
With the battle concluded and responsibilities reassigned, Shang, Kazuki, and Ezabela began their journey back to South Ryehem. Shang had duties as Emperor to fulfill, reports to read, and new strategies to devise for the uneasy peace ahead.
Kazuki, his mind restless, gazed back at the battlefield one last time. He knew the conflict was far from over. One year was all they had — and the clock had already begun ticking.