The group landed hard behind a fractured coalition formation, their mounts stumbling across the scorched ground as soldiers nearby shouted in alarm. A few almost raised weapons toward them before recognising Alexander's armour and the royal crest.
"Prince Alexander!"
"Your Highness!"
The prince dismounted quickly, eyes sweeping across the battlefield as Elion landed beside him.
The air was thick with corrupted mana, blood, smoke, and the kind of desperation that made men fight harder even while knowing they might already be dead.
Elion's gaze moved toward Alexander with clear warning.
"Get back."
Alexander looked at him sharply.
Elion's voice was firm. "You and your retainers need to get back. This battlefield is way beyond your level."
Lukas immediately stiffened, but even he did not argue.
Alexander's expression twisted slightly. "I am not useless."
"I didn't say you were," Elion replied. "But your life is too important to gamble in a meat grinder like this."
