Kuro led devastating cavalry charges into enemy gaps. Sparks flew as his sword met enemy blades, carving paths through overextended columns and forcing the enemy to retreat in confusion. His roars carried across the battlefield, rallying the Firelonian cavalry to push harder, striking decisively wherever Pyronis exposed weakness.
Raijin Sarurama moved among the Gold Army ranks, calmly directing reinforcements to the points under greatest pressure. "Left flank, rotate forward! Archers, cover the southern pass!" His eyes scanned every movement, foreseeing Pyronis's maneuvers before they could unfold, his steady voice keeping thousands of soldiers coordinated amid chaos.
Bao Bao stepped forward, his Sunfire flaring along his arms in blinding arcs. The light pulsed outward, illuminating Pyronis's weak points and signaling coordinated attacks across multiple fronts. Bolts of pure energy streaked along the ridges, shattering siege engines, igniting exposed columns, and creating corridors for Firelonia's armies to exploit.
Veylara's Sunshadow Guard surged forward into the enemy's center, shields locking against molten projectiles, spears thrusting with unerring precision. Torren's Bronze Army held the southern ridge, crushing any attempt to overrun their position. Kaelis's Silver Army flowed like stone, unyielding, pushing back relentless attacks from the northern flank.
Rana darted between columns, exploiting every gap, cutting down Pyronis soldiers who attempted to slip behind Firelonia's lines. Kuro's cavalry struck again and again, scattering reserves and creating openings for counterattacks. Raijin's subtle commands orchestrated reinforcements with flawless timing, ensuring no unit faltered under the onslaught.
From the palace terrace, Saku's small hands gripped Naelith's tightly, eyes wide at the chaos below. Dust, fire, and smoke twisted across the plains. "They… they're everywhere… Father is controlling everything!" he whispered.
Naelith's hand rested on his shoulder. "Yes, Saku. Today you see not only courage but the weight of leadership. Every choice affects thousands of lives, and every moment can change the course of war. Watch closely."
Bao Bao's Sunfire flared again, brighter this time, streaming across the ridges like a river of light. Independent generals—Torren, Kaelis, Rana, Raijin, and Kuro—moved in perfect synchrony, responding instantly to each pulse of his power. The Pyronis forces wavered under the combined assault, their formations breaking as attacks struck simultaneously from every direction.
Hours passed in a blur of fire, steel, and strategy. Pyronis's main assault collapsed under Firelonia's unified defense. Smoke rose in great columns as retreating soldiers fled the battlefield, and the Ash Plains, though scarred and battered, remained under Firelonia's control.
Saku whispered, voice trembling, "They… they're winning… because everyone is working together… Father, Veylara, Torren, Kaelis, Rana, Raijin, Kuro…"
Naelith nodded, her eyes on Bao Bao, whose Sunfire pulsed faintly but steadily as he oversaw the battlefield. "Yes, Saku. This is the weight of leadership, strategy, and unity. Today you have seen why a kingdom stands strong—not just through power, but through guidance, coordination, and trust."
Bao Bao finally lowered his arms, the Sunfire dimming. The battlefield fell silent except for the distant cries of retreating Pyronis soldiers. The first true inferno of war had passed, and Firelonia had emerged unbroken, stronger, and more united than ever.
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