Lyra watched the one-sided exchange with grim recognition.
"Cease long-range attacks. Pull back archers from exposed positions. We've lost this phase."
"But the purification—" Kelvin protested.
"Is going to complete regardless of what we do. We've wounded three mages and disrupted the ritual twice. That's all we could achieve. Continuing costs us more casualties than it's worth."
"Acknowledged. Pulling back."
The settlement's long-range attacks ceased.
Elric noted the change immediately.
"They've recognized the losing exchange and withdrawn. Smart tactical decision by their commander." He showed no satisfaction, just professional acknowledgment. "The purification will complete successfully in approximately eight more minutes."
The holy mages continued their ritual uninterrupted now, golden light spreading across the entire battlefield approach. Where corruption had lingered yesterday, divine purification now reigned.
The ground itself seemed cleaner, holier, sanctified.
