Discordant Note: Crescendo | TBATE

Chapter 257: The First Strike

Thank you to my beta reader and editor, GlassThreads!

Arthur Leywin

I waited at the edge of the sound barrier, my eyes tracing the currents of dark green mana as they enshrouded the hidden camp. Behind me, a hundred and thirteen elves and men all waited silently, anxious for my command. The moon barely shone overhead in the pitch darkness of the night.

One of the many Alacryan camps of the Beast Glades waited before me, shrouded to most. But between Lance Phantasm's reconnaissance, the knowledge of the Trailblazer Division, and the information Tess had drawn from Mawar, it was only a matter of time before we started finding the hives of these parasites. This was one of the largest camps we'd found, easily housing hundreds of Alacryans and beasts alike.

I had debriefed all of my soldiers on the plan before this, but I could taste the uncertainty they held as they lounged in the nearby trees and foliage, tense as bowstrings. It was a familiar thing, one I'd experienced long ago in another world. When I first became King Grey, my troops were hesitant to follow me. Deep in their souls they didn't know me, couldn't trust my authority.

Until I showed them the strength of my sword; the sharpness of my mind.

Once upon a time, I had spoken to Dicathen of what it took to foster loyalty among the citizens. But to foster loyalty in soldiers was a different matter.

I needed to show them that I was worthy of their support.

Sylv, I thought over my mental tether as I waited leisurely by a tree, how goes your end?

It took a minute for a reply to come. "It's all ready, Arthur," she replied, her voice tense and emotions wired like the strings of an instrument. "But..."

I shifted slightly. What is it, Sylv?

Our bond darkened for a moment. "It's nothing. I'll tell you after the battle, when we can afford distractions."

I frowned slightly as our tether darkened, my foxy dragon focusing on her emotions and settling her thoughts. But despite my worry, I trusted my bond would do what she needed.

I turned slightly as an elf phased into existence by my side, the wind magic that muffled his steps billowing slightly. Immediately, he knelt, his face covered by masks that reminded me of a ninja from my past life. He lowered his eyes as he sank a fist into the soft earth.

"Lances Silverthorn and Phantasm sent word. They are each in position and awaiting your orders," the man said quietly. "Permission to proceed?"

I rolled my shoulders, calling on my mana as I prepared myself for what was to come. "Granted," I said. Over my bond with Sylvie, I repeated the same order. She had permission to proceed.

All across the Beast Glades, several distinct strike teams had been gathered. Led by Tess, Aya, and Sylvie respectively, they prepared to send daggers right into the throats of our enemies. And like a trap drawing shut, we would all strike at the same time. The Alacryans were fielding their massacres from these hidden camps, but once they were destroyed? There would be no more deaths plaguing the countryside of Sapin.

I held a hand out to the side as I dismissed the informant, cycling through a few hand signs to alert the troops behind me.

Then I stared at the sound barrier, calling on my mana. My core thrummed, and I felt my mood dip into something cold and hard.

I called on the power inherent in my blood, and I turned fireborne. My very skin began to glow a translucent orange as the fire mana in the atmosphere flared to my perception. I felt the urge to move; to rush and explode and let it all go.