The roar of thousands shook the heavens.
It rolled across the hidden realm like the birth of a storm, echoing through the branches of the World Tree and across the shattered crystal plains below.
Ancient dragons spread broken wings.
Crystal giants raised weapons that had not tasted battle in millennia.
Forgotten knights stood shoulder to shoulder with beasts whose names had long since faded from history.
Their eyes no longer glowed with mindless rage.
Instead...
They moved with terrifying discipline.
Every movement was synchronized.
Every step deliberate.
John's expression grew solemn.
"This isn't an army of corrupted monsters anymore..."
Aerion nodded.
"They're soldiers."
"They're being commanded."
Far above them, Asterion lowered his outstretched hand.
"Advance."
His voice wasn't loud.
Yet every warrior heard it.
The entire army moved as one.
---
The earth quaked beneath countless footsteps.
Crystal forests shattered beneath the march of giants.
