Inside the Imperial Palace, the emergency council chamber was filled with high-ranking officials, Noble Order members, and Imperial Vanguard commanders. The room was quiet as Lucas entered and took his seat on the imperial throne. His gaze swept across everyone present before he spoke."Starting today, every asset belonging to Callen Langford is officially confiscated by the Empire. There will be no exceptions."Matthew stood up and read the next decree. "Any individual, organization, or military force that provides assistance to Callen Langford will be considered a rebel against the Valdera Empire!"Several officials exchanged glances, but no one dared to interrupt. They knew the decision couldn't be challenged.Lucas then raised a single document. A grin appeared on his face. "I also have one more announcement. Starting today, the Empire is offering the greatest bounty in Valdera's history."The entire room instantly fell silent."Whoever captures Callen Langford alive or brings me

War didn't break out in just one place. Within a single day, battlefronts erupted across different regions of Valdera.The city gates were sealed while trade routes were shut down indefinitely. War sirens echoed from morning until night, reminding everyone that the time of peace had come to an end.Across many cities, civilians rushed toward the shelters that had been prepared. Children cried in fear while their parents tried to comfort them, even though their own faces were filled with worry."Hold Mom's hand!""Don't get separated!""Everyone, get underground!"Elsewhere, many families had to say goodbye at the city gates. Some fathers served in the Imperial military, while their sons had chosen to join Heliark."Dad...""I have to go."The middle-aged man patted his son's shoulder while forcing a smile. "If that's truly what you believe, then stay alive."His son nodded with red eyes. "You too, Dad. I hope we can still meet again after this war," he said.In one city square, citize

Dawn had just broken when Steel River was filled with logistics ships carrying food, ammunition, medicine, and fuel toward the capital. For decades, the river had been Valdera's most important supply route. Whoever controlled it would control the course of the war.Inside the Empire's command center, Lucas stood before a massive map, pointing at Steel River. "Steel River must return to the Empire. Failure is not an option," he demanded.Fang saluted without hesitation. "The Imperial Vanguard will take it back!""This won't be as easy as the logistics fortress." James studied the map for a moment. "If they hold the bridge, we'll lose a lot of troops."Joseph nodded. "Then we'll wipe them out all at once."Lucas sighed. "Do whatever it takes, you stupid people! As long as that supply route belongs to me again!" he screamed.On the other side, Rosalin gathered all of her army inside a tactical tent. A map of Steel River was spread across the table.Leon pointed at a steel bridge spanning

Far from the battlefields of Valdera, a small country across the sea was still enjoying peaceful days. Waves crashed against the harbor while people went about their lives.Inside a modest house, Ivy sat in front of the television with her hands clasped together. The screen showed updates from the Valdera civil war, displaying ruined cities, towering columns of black smoke, and thousands of soldiers locked in battle.The news anchor spoke in a solemn voice. "Fighting continues across multiple fronts. Casualties on both sides continue to rise. The Empire has declared that military operations will continue."Ivy didn't say a word. Her eyes never left the television screen.On the living room floor, Lily was stacking wooden blocks into a small fortress."Mom," she called softly.Ivy turned toward her and forced a smile. "Yes, sweetheart?"Lily hugged a small dragon plushie. "Is Dad coming home today?"The question made Ivy's smile tremble. "Not yet. He still has work he needs to finish."

An Imperial Vanguard lieutenant raised his weapon. "All units! Bring them under control!"But before he could finish speaking, one of the prototypes slammed into the vehicle in front of it, flipping it onto its side.The soldiers nearby scattered. "Fall back! They're attacking us too!"On the other side of the battlefield, the Heliark soldiers also came to a halt. Rosalin frowned. "That wasn't part of our plan," she said in confusion.Leon raised his binoculars. "They're attacking everyone. They don't care what uniform you're wearing."Silas, who had just arrived at the front line, observed the situation."Lucas has truly unleashed something he can't control," he commented.The battle descended into chaos. The Imperial Vanguard formation collapsed as part of the army struggled to defend itself against the prototypes, while the rest continued trying to fight Heliark.On the Heliark side, the soldiers blew emergency whistles."Don't rush forward!""Keep your distance!""Save the wounded