Karl stood at the center of the elevated platform, the Supreme General of the Sovereign Empire and the man entrusted with leading its armies into battle. Beside him stood Cassian, the Supreme Supervisor and Strategist, whose responsibility was to oversee the entire operation and coordinate the battlefield from above. Before them stretched thousands of soldiers, their weapons and armor catching the light as they stood in disciplined formation across the open field.Karl slowly swept his gaze over the army. For several seconds, he said nothing, allowing the silence to settle over the battlefield before finally stepping forward.“Look around you.”Thousands of soldiers raised their heads.“You are looking at the greatest army the underground world has ever witnessed.”A wave of confidence moved through the ranks as Karl spread his arms. “Five thousand warriors,” he declared, his voice carrying effortlessly across the entire field. He pointed toward the armored vehicles positioned behind

A wave of determination moved through the ranks. Victor and Michael exchanged a glance before Victor quietly exhaled.“We hope so.”Kade heard him and turned toward them with a faint smile.“Don’t hope.”Victor looked confused.“Hope is for people who don’t know what comes next.” Kade looked back at the thousand men, his expression settling into cold certainty. “We know what comes next.”He paused.“War.”The field fell silent.Kade walked slowly down from the elevated platform until he stood directly in front of the army. The men watched him carefully, waiting for his next words.“You all know the numbers.” He pointed toward the horizon. “Sovereign has five thousand men.”Then he turned and gestured toward the warriors behind him. “We have one thousand.”Nobody spoke.“That means every one of you will face several enemies. Some of you will be surrounded. Some of you will be wounded. Some of you will become exhausted. There will be moments when you believe we have already lost.” His v