Marek allowed the final words of his speech to settle over the assembly ground.
The recruits were no longer whispering.
Some stared toward the distant rift with greed in their eyes. Others appeared more cautious after learning what was truly at stake. Yet beneath their different reactions was the same growing impatience.
They had listened long enough, and Marek could sense this.
"I have spoken for long enough," he said.
His pale-orange eyes moved across the ordered rows one final time.
"You now know why you are crossing. Whether you care about the future of the Demon Realm or only the rewards waiting for you makes no difference to me."
He turned slightly toward the three Vice Commanders.
"It is time for battle."
BOOOONG!
Another campaign bell rang.
This time, the sound came from the direction of the rift.
