The War Room fell silent.
For nearly five full minutes, no one spoke.
No one moved.
Dozens of rulers, generals, advisors, and tacticians stood around the maps, each studying the positions Jax had marked.
Each trying to find the flaw.
Each trying to uncover the mistake.
And each coming up short.
In theory, the strategy was sound.
The scattered armies of the United Kingdoms would not attempt to defeat the Empire outright.
They would strike.
Delay.
Bleed them.
Then fall back in coordinated stages.
Always south.
Always toward Solmere.
Toward the heart of the United Kingdoms.
Toward the city where every major portal converged.
To some, it sounded brilliant.
To others, it sounded insane.
If Jax's final move failed, Solmere would be overrun.
The city that symbolized everything they had built.
The city that had transformed from a forgotten backwater into the most prosperous city on the continent.
The city that represented hope.
It would either become the Empire's greatest victory—
Or the place where the Empire was broken forever.
Finally, one of the Cat Kingdom analysts spoke.
"And what happens when we drive them to Solmere?"
Every eye turned to Jax.
Jax smiled.
"I've got a plan for that."
That was all he said.
No elaboration.
No explanation.
And somehow, that was enough.
Orders were issued.
Messengers rushed from the chamber.
Tele-stones lit up across the continent.
Portal schedules were rewritten.
Troops began moving.
The pieces were in motion.
---
North Front – Outside NorthFolk
Princess Llandra Darquebane arrived through the portal shortly before dawn.
Her armor shimmered in the early light.
What had once been elegant Elven armor had, through Jax's transmutation and countless upgrades, become something extraordinary.
Silver and gold with subtle red accents.
Beautiful.
Deadly.
Powerful.
At her side hung Starpiercer, the crimson-hued bow that glowed with intricate runes and dragon-forged magic.
She rode atop a magnificent white warhorse gifted by Barb.
Before her stood nearly twenty thousand soldiers.
Elves.
Catfolk.
Fairies.
Dwarves.
Minotaurs.
Humans.
Wolfkin.
Soldiers from nations that, only a few years earlier, would have eyed one another with suspicion.
Now they stood shoulder to shoulder.
Waiting.
Watching.
Wondering whether this young Elven princess was truly ready to lead them.
Llandra guided her horse slowly across the front ranks.
To the left.
Then to the right.
She saw the uncertainty in their eyes.
And, if she was honest, she felt it too.
She was the youngest daughter of the Elven King.
The child most likely to wander the woods than sit on a throne.
The daughter many once believed too impulsive to lead.
And yet here she was.
At the head of one of the largest armies in the history of the United Kingdoms.
A small fairy in ceremonial armor flew to her side.
"We can amplify your voice," he whispered.
He touched her shoulder.
"When you're ready."
Llandra took a slow breath.
Then turned to face the army.
"My fellow soldiers."
Her voice thundered across the field.
Perfectly clear.
Perfectly steady.
"I am Llandra Darquebane. Princess of the Elven Kingdom. Queen of House Darquebane."
She let the words settle.
"I have been entrusted to lead this army."
She saw some of the tension ease.
Then she continued.
"You were handpicked for this mission by my husband, Jax Darquebane."
A ripple moved through the crowd.
At the mention of Jax's name, heads lifted.
Spines straightened.
The energy shifted.
Llandra felt it instantly.
"Many of you know him as the founder of the United Kingdoms."
"Others know him as the man who transformed Solmere."
"Some know him as the hero who slew dragons and broke armies."
She smiled.
"I know him as the stubborn man who refuses to sleep when all of our lives are at stake."
Laughter rolled through the ranks.
The tension broke.
"He chose each of you because he believes you are the best of the best."
Pride spread like wildfire.
Elves stood taller.
Catfolk grinned.
Fairies buzzed excitedly.
Minotaurs crossed their arms with satisfaction.
And then many of them realized the same thing.
They were standing beside others who had also been chosen.
The best of the best.
Llandra raised Starpiercer.
"This army is not made of separate kingdoms."
Her voice rose.
"It is one army."
"One people."
"One purpose."
She pointed toward the south.
"The Empire is larger."
"The Empire is stronger than anything most of us have ever faced."
Her expression hardened.
"And they are coming to destroy everything we love."
She let the words hang.
Then her voice softened.
"I fight for my husband."
"I fight for my family."
"I fight for the home we have built together."
She looked across the endless sea of soldiers.
"And today, so do you."
Cheers erupted.
But Llandra was not finished.
"Our enemy will arrive weakened."
Murmurs spread.
"Weakened?" someone whispered.
"Jax is with us," another soldier said.
Confidence surged.
Llandra nodded.
"They will not be weak."
"They will still be dangerous."
"They will still outnumber us."
"But they will not break us."
She drew herself to her full height.
"We will defend NorthFolk."
"We will defend the United Kingdoms."
"We will show the Empire what happens when they march against people who stand together."
She raised her bow to the sky.
"Who stands with me?"
The response was deafening.
Weapons rose.
Voices thundered.
Twenty thousand soldiers roared as one.
Llandra felt the sound in her chest.
For the first time, all doubt vanished.
They believed.
In Jax.
In the United Kingdoms.
In her.
She turned her horse toward the horizon.
The scouts had already reported movement.
Dust rising in the distance.
The Empire was coming.
Llandra's grip tightened on Starpiercer.
Her voice rang out one final time.
"Prepare for war!"
The soldiers answered with a thunderous roar.
And beneath darkening skies—
The Third Great War began.