The dark water stretched to the horizon, broken only by the outline of ships moving in formation. Their numbers were more than than expected.
But we did not retreat.
Our fleet cut through the water in silence.
I stayed on the ship near the front and began casting a long‑range spell. Shadow and I linked our souls, thoughts blending, strength flowing as one.
The spell demanded everything. Focus locked my body in place—even a small shift would shatter the casting. So they guarded me.
Enemy scouts noticed us at last.
Signal flares rose from their rear line, red streaks cutting through the gray sky.
"Deploy the defense formation!" an elf commander shouted.
Layered barriers snapped into place, sealing the formation
Cannons rotated outward. They no longer aimed to advance. They aimed to protect.
The first wave of enemy magic tore across the sea.
Bolts of green and crimson energy slammed into our shield. The lead ship lurched under the impact, yet the barrier held.
