"The Silver-rank is fallen!"
The cry erupted from a thousand throats, rippling across the battlements like wildfire. Hardened veterans embraced while blood-spattered recruits stared in disbelief at the impossible victory they'd just achieved.
The general exhaled slowly, tension draining from his shoulders as he surveyed the battlefield. Blood streaked his armor, mingling with sweat and dirt.
Finally. I thought that I was going to die.
Across the wall, medics rushed to the official who'd been sent flying by the Ape's massive fist. The man lay crumpled against broken stone, chest rising and falling in shallow breaths—alive, but barely.
"We are not done!" The remaining official's voice cut through the premature celebration, his sword cleaving an Iron-rank beast in two. "There are still monsters to kill! It's too early to celebrate!"
