The Ash Plains roared under the scorching sun, the ground trembling beneath Pyronis's advancing columns. Firelonia's armies were arrayed in perfect coordination, every division poised under Bao Bao's watchful eye.
At the center, Veylara led the Sunshadow Guard with absolute authority. Shields and spears moved as one, archers sent volleys of arrows down the ridges, and the cavalry pivoted at her command to intercept flanking units.
On the southern ridge, Torren Wyemfall, General of the Bronze Army, raised his hammer high. "Hold steady!" he bellowed. His troops, clad in heavy armor, met Pyronis's volleys head-on. Torren's warhammer struck with crushing force, scattering enemy lines, his presence a bulwark against the advancing tide.
To the north, Kaelis Stonehide, General of the Silver Army, anchored the Terragon Legion. With his massive stone axe, Kaelis cut through Pyronis skirmishers and held the northern pass against repeated assaults. His calm, unyielding presence steadied his soldiers, ensuring no breach would open.
Rana, moving like a shadow across the battlefield, targeted enemy scouts and weak formations. His twin blades flashed, striking with lethal precision wherever Pyronis soldiers attempted to exploit gaps. Every movement he made created openings for Firelonia's cavalry to respond.
Kuro led a cavalry strike from the Silver Army's flank. Charging into gaps, he broke enemy formations, parrying strikes and countering with unmatched force. Sparks flew with every swing of his blade as he carved through enemy soldiers, turning chaos into advantage.
Raijin Sarurama moved among the Gold Army's ranks, anticipating enemy movements and redirecting soldiers where pressure mounted. His calm authority kept units coordinated, stabilizing positions and guiding reinforcements to critical points in real time.
Bao Bao's Sunfire flared faintly across the battlefield, highlighting weaknesses in Pyronis's formations and guiding the independent generals' armies. "Veylara, hold the center! Torren, secure the southern ridge! Kaelis, northern pass! Kuro and Raijin, watch for flanks! Rana, strike any weak points!"
The battlefield seemed alive, every army moving in perfect synchrony. Veylara's Sunshadow Guard pivoted to block the main Pyronis advance while Rana and Kuro struck at enemy flanks, Torren and Kaelis anchored the ridges, and Raijin redirected reinforcements seamlessly.
From the palace terrace, Saku clutched Naelith's hand. Dust and smoke rose in columns, arrows arced through the air, and soldiers collided below. "They're… everywhere… Father, Veylara, Torren, Kaelis, Rana, Raijin, Kuro…" he whispered. "They all… work together?"
Naelith nodded. "Yes, Saku. This is the strength of leadership, strategy, and unity. Today, every general, every soldier, moves as one. That is why Firelonia's Ash Plains hold."
Pyronis's assault began to falter under the coordinated might of Firelonia. The Sunshadow Guard held the center, independent generals reinforced the flanks, and Bao Bao's subtle Sunfire illuminated every weakness in the enemy's advance.
Saku's eyes widened. "They… they're winning… because everyone is working together."
Naelith squeezed his shoulder. "Yes, Saku. Today you see courage, strength, and leadership combined. This is how a kingdom protects itself."
By sunset, Pyronis's first major assault had been repelled. The Ash Plains, scarred but unconquered, stood as a testament to Firelonia's coordination, strategy, and the combined might of Bao Bao, Veylara, Torren, Kaelis, Rana, Raijin, and Kuro.
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