The first-wave army left Black Horn's assembly ground in a long, ordered column.
Armoured soldiers occupied the front and outer edges. Behind them marched the Assault Cores, followed by healers, supply units, and rune masters carrying sealed cases. Heavy wagons rolled over the stone roads, while transport beasts snorted dark vapour into the morning air.
The citizens and demons in Velmora watched them pass.
Demons crowded balconies, rooftops, and restricted streets, calling out to relatives or wagering on which unit would earn the most merits.
The campaign bells continued ringing above them.
Assault Core Seventeen marched close to the front.
Their position was not an honour. It existed because they had been assigned to protect one of the first groups of rune masters expected to cross the rift.
Virella walked near the centre of their formation, repeatedly looking toward the sealed cases ahead. Rellis watched the soldiers around them, while Akaza moved with his usual composure.
