Rakion (in a broken voice): "We have lost everything in a single night... the army is disintegrating, Cassio. The electro-crystal armories we were counting on are nothing but ash."
Ajax (as General Cassio – coldly): "There is no time for regret now, Rakion. If the remaining forces stay inside the city, they will be slaughtered in the alleys. We must issue an immediate order to station outside the 'City of Silence' and around the 'Frost Valley.' Open ground is our only chance to breathe."
Rakion (whispering to his scribe): "Write an urgent message to King Medon... tell him we have suffered internal treachery and widespread sabotage. We need full support from the 'Elite Knights' and the strategic reserve before the insurrectionists swallow us whole. Tell him Chrystalis is on the brink of collapse!"
The Taste of Honey and Iron
On the opposite side, the scene was entirely different. The "City of Silence" and "Frost Valley" officially fell into the hands of the Coup Party after the panicked withdrawal of government forces. The squares filled with cheers, and the distribution of massive provisions—sent by Ajax from his secret caches—began.
Amidst this chaos, the companions sat around a large bonfire inside the captured camp. Strangely, Myron, who was always grim-faced, began laughing loudly as he distributed pieces of dried meat to his comrades.
Myron (laughing hysterically): "Did you see the faces of Rakion's soldiers as they fled? They dropped like rats before our weapons! What a glorious day, Orthinus—I didn't know that falling could taste like honey!"
Picus (chewing on a piece of meat): "Myron, are you alright? You've suddenly become a comedian, and that scares me more than Rakion's bombs."
Myron (slapping Picus on the shoulder): "Picus, when you see your enemy burning by his own fire, there's nothing left to do but laugh! Look, I've met these new comrades... Zara the sniper, and the massive Boros."
Zara (a rebel sniper): "Welcome. We heard you were in the heart of the camp when it failed to explode. It seems luck was with you."
Orthinus (in a cautious tone): "Luck is a deceptive word, Zara. We are here because someone wanted us to live... the question is: why?"
The Silent Harvest
While the rebels celebrated, mysterious convoys arrived at the gates of the City of Silence. Trucks loaded with ammunition, crystal fuel, and even heavy winter clothing for the Frost Valley. No one asked about the source; hunger and euphoria had blinded them.
In the dead of night, on the outer perimeter where the remnants of Rakion's forces were stationed, the squad operated with stunning silence. Antoine and his "Lords of Snow" moved like ghosts.
A Sentry (whispering to his comrade): "Did you hear 그 sound?"
No reply came. He turned to see his comrade hanging by his neck from a thin crystal wire, with Antoine standing behind him with unbearable coldness.
Antoine (whispering in the soldier's ear before slitting his throat): "Tell your King... that the real winter has begun."
That night, Antoine assassinated over fifty elite officers and soldiers, leaving Rakion's remaining troops in a state of paralyzing terror.
Shadows of the Puppet Master
Away from the rebels' clamor, Nirar withdrew with Romelius and Orthinus.
Nirar (fiddling with a broken radio): "This support reaching us... it's too organized. The weapons, the food, even the maps given to the Coup leaders. Ajax isn't just a supporter; he's managing us the same way he manages Rakion."
Romelius: "Myron is happy because he sees the destruction, but he doesn't see the invisible shackles around his neck. Orthinus, we now control two strategic cities, which means the next confrontation won't be with an exhausted army, but face-to-face with the King's wrath."
Orthinus: "Rakion has asked for reinforcements, which means the Frost Valley will turn into a global battlefield if the Kingdom of Frencha intervenes. We must find a way to reach this 'Ajax' and stop him before he drags us into a bloodbath."
Picus (approaching them anxiously): "The new comrades are talking about an attack tomorrow on the Central Citadel. Myron wants to lead. Shall we follow him?"
Orthinus (looking at his sword): "We will follow... not out of love for his war, but to be there when the mask falls off the face of this demon running the game."