As first light tinged the sky with rose, the assembled forces of the Academy marched from the northern gate. Gargoyles, knights, students—nearly a thousand strong—bore banners of crimson and gold. Lilith rode at my side, her cape a dark flame; Seraphina's ice-crown caught the dawn's rays; Yuria's laughter crackled like distant thunder; Valmira's tome glowed with runes; Astraea led the war drums.
I stood atop the gate steps, Heart Shard in hand, addressing the ranks. "Today, we reclaim the ley-line nexus at Black Spire!" My voice carried over the silent crowd. "Shadow wraiths fell before us—now we drive into their heart. Follow me, and we shape the dawn!"
A roar thundered—an echo of hope and fury. I felt the shard's warmth surge in my palm, steady and bright.
With a final nod to Lilith, I stepped down. Torches flickered to life as we poured into the morning mist. The world beyond the gate was veiled in violet fog.
