New World - A New Beginning

"Sir, a massive army has appeared to the East," reported a scout as he hurriedly entered the tent. I looked up from the giant map, noticing the visible happiness that was spread across his face. This wasn't a message bringing despair, but rather, a message signaling the beginning of hope.

"Who is it?" I asked, confirming my suspicions.

"The Imanian army, sir. They've arrived."

I nodded, straightening myself up. There was no way Ares would allow our allies to join us without resistance. If the S-rank played his cards correctly, he would most likely be able to separate both armies while simultaneously massacring thousands of enemy lives.

I exited the tent, thousands of men already lined up and awaiting my orders. They had all felt the massive shift in the atmosphere, realizing that something was about to occur. I spotted Mia standing to the side, her face facing the ground. Her eyes glanced momentarily at me, meeting my gaze as the girl gave a quick nod.

"Our allies have arrived," I announced, silence spreading across the Dragon army like wildfire. Not a single breath could be heard, everyone waiting for the decision of their Supreme Commander. "The Dwarves will not allow them to join us without a fight, and the Imanian army isn't powerful enough to take on the Dwarves head-on."

I paused, letting the information sink in.

"They will need support if they want to stand a chance at reaching our position..." I continued, "We will push forward and subdue any Dwarven resistance. If we wait too long, the Imanian armies will be defeated. Prepare to move out!"

A massive roar erupted across the camp, the loud crash of metal boots rumbling across the area as thousands of soldiers prepared to advance back into the heart of the enemy.

"Are you ready?" asked Mia, approaching me.

"I am. I just have one more thing I need to do. Make sure they're prepared when I get back," I said.

"That depends on how long you take. I can't prepare them in five minutes," responded the girl, smiling sarcastically.

"Then as fast as possible."

I headed towards the royal tent as Mia headed off towards the armory.

"Supreme Commander," said a voice. I turned around, the young Dragon that had volunteered to participate in the eradication of the domains around us stepping forth.

"Marc Xym. What is it?"

"I would like permission to stay here with a small squad, sir. I want to guarantee the Princess's safety myself."

I remained silent, eyeing the Dragon neutrally.

"You'll protect her?" I asked coldly, my aura leaking out around me.

"Y-Yes, sir."

I still couldn't make out why his aura seemed so familiar, but if he was able to remain composed when faced with my aura, then it meant one of two things: he was telling the truth, or he was a stone-cold liar.

"Very well. I'll allow you to stay here in a defensive position."

"Thank you, Supreme Commander-"

"However, you are forbidden from entering the Princess's quarters unless specified to do so. Do. You. Understand?"

The Dragon froze, his eyes shivering from the aura of death that loomed around our conversation.

"I understand, sir. I will remain outside."

I nodded, extinguishing my aura and continuing my walk towards the royal tent.

I stood before the drapes that led to Asthia's room, pausing. A small amount of mana emanated from the other room, a hint of gold shimmering through the curtains.

I frowned sadly, letting out a small sigh. Was she trying to heal herself right before the fight?

"Asthia," I called out, entering the room.

The girl looked up, letting the bind around her calm down.

"I'll fight," she said confidently, her eyes flickering slightly. The girl was attempting to mask her fragility with her determination to fight, but it was pointless when the individual standing before her knew how she felt as if it were his own emotions.

"Asthia," I repeated softly, "this isn't your fight. Let me do this."

"I'm the Princess of the Dragonkin! How can it not be my fight?!" she exclaimed, her voice breaking.

"..."

"Please, Jay. I hate myself, right now. I need to do something."

"I can't let you go out there," I responded, not lowering my defense in the slightest.

"Thousands of people have died protecting me, Jay. Now I have to wait by on a bed while more Dragons lose their lives?"

"Asthia, you can't walk," I said. It wasn't the nicest thing to point out, but it was a current fact. The girl couldn't walk, there was no way she'd be able to fight.

"Yes I can," she stated firmly.

"Then get up and walk to me, right now."

I watched painfully as the girl struggled to bring herself to one side of the bed. She let her white feet delicately touch the ground. Her eyes shook, realizing that she was still unable to feel the contact.

Even so, she pressed forward. Her arms pushed off the bed, shooting the girl up momentarily.

"Ah!"

She toppled over immediately, my body already there to receive her fall. The girl landed in my arms softly. Asthia said nothing, her hands clutching my own weakly.

"Please, Asthia, stay here and rest. I'll be back soon," I pleaded. Seeing the girl struggle so much was unusually disturbing for some reason, and all I could do was beg her to remain safe.

She nodded meekly. I grabbed her legs with my other arm, lifting her and laying her back onto the bed. I headed towards the exit of the tent, feeling the energy in the air from the soldiers outside.

"Please, be careful, Jay," said Asthia, refusing to make eye contact with me out of shame for her current state.

"I will."

I exited the room, the warm sunlight welcoming me back into the open air.

Mia stood next to the exit, her expression dark with frustration.

"She'll heal," I comforted, laying my hand on her shoulder.

"You mean physically?"

I remained silent for a bit, understanding the true meaning behind her question. Her physical recovery would only take time, but her mental state was completely fractured. Even if her body returned to her, would she be the same Asthia we had always known?

"That will be up to us."

Mia nodded. Asthia's salvation would depend entirely on those around her, and how much support she received. I could tell Mia was suppressing her own insecurities and worries due to all the other problems currently around us, but I decided to not mention it.

If we were to come out of this encounter successfully, it would allow us to extend our defensive line and potentially come into direct contact with Selena's forces. Another friend would also join us, and it was bound to help calm the nerves of both girls currently on the Western Front.

"Let's go."