A few days later, the damages caused by the missile had been reversed almost completely and reconstruction of damaged areas was already taking place. Dario was in his mansion having a conversation with Bruce. “…it is surprising how she has not retaliated by now,” Dario said and chuckled. He wondered why Elizabeth had not sent her forces or started war yet after he launched missiles into her empire. “Your Majesty, I’m equally surprised. She is one to act based on emotions,” Bruce said. “I’m guessing the effects of the missiles really shook her and her entire empire. Or maybe she might be preparing to unleash a full attack.” “You might be right. I’m certain she won’t still succeed.” Dario smiled at Bruce’s confidence. He loved it. “She didn’t even send another missile,” Bruce mockingly added. “Oh she can’t! She and her entire empire can’t afford another missile even if she sold all her possessions. Only if you knew how much a missile cost.” Bruce nodded, pride filling

The letter read; To Emperor Dario of the Persian Empire,The time has come. For decades, the Ashton Kingdom, Richmond Kingdom, and Hudson Kingdom have harbored a deep hostility against the Persian Empire due to the acts of your father, Lord Reynolds in the past. Our grievances have grown, and now, United by a common purpose, we declare our intention to join forces and fight the Persian Empire. Our combined armies are prepared to strike with full force and make sure Persian crumbles and turns to dust! The Clandestine Kingdom, formally an ally of yours is now one in our shared hatred, and has pledged its support in this endeavor.This is not a mere threat but a promise of war. We challenge you to meet us on the chosen battlefield; Ironclad plains, in one month's time, where our might will clash with yours. Failure to comply will only cause relentless attacks on your borders, cities and people, sparing none in our path of retribution.Prepare your forces, Emperor Dario, for we come no

Dario sat at one side of a round polished table in the neutral grand chamber. The neutral grand chamber was a location used specifically to host diplomatic meetings. Alongside Dario, the kings from Ashton, Richmond, Hudson and Clandestine were seated around the table, their faces stern and seeming uninterested. Each of them brought their most trusted advisors and the air was thick with unresolved grudge and conflict. No one wanted to speak as they all glared at Dario, waiting for him to begin.‘I don’t know if this will go as I hope,’ Dario thought when he scanned their facial expressions. They all had an unyielding expression plastered on their faces like they knew exactly what Dario wanted to talk about and they had their answers ready.Dario began regardless, ‘there’s no harm in trying.’ His voice was calm but firm as he began, “Thank you for agreeing to this meeting-”Just as Dario dropped his first sentence, King Samuel of Hudson let out a very loud hiss, eyeing Dario from up

The following day, Dario was on his way to assess the readiness of the forces himself. Earlier, he had addressed the people of the empire on a raised platform in the main square, about the coming battle. Before them, he said, “My people, as many of you may have heard, there is a battle approaching. This is not a war we sought, but one that has been brought to our doorstep. I assure you, however, this is an arranged battle and as long as our enemies keep to the terms, you are not at risk during its course.”He took it upon himself to reassure them of their safety and let them know that the war would take place on a battlefield. He also informed that at that moment, preparations were made for civilians in vulnerable areas to be evacuated to safer areas within the empire. “The people seemed to be in more relief after the address,” Bruce said to Dario on their way.Dario nodded, allowing the breeze from outside to caress his face. “It was like they collectively heaved a sigh of relief

“Charge!” Dario shouted, his voice loud, deep and powerful.“Ahhhhh!” The Persian soldiers roared in unison. Before the day of the battle, they had carefully orchestrated their first strategy which was a swift and coordinated assault on the sides of the enemies formation. This strategy was to break the lines of the enemies and create chaos. They moved with precision with their shields raised and their swords drawn while the archers also began to release arrows at the enemies. But as they neared the enemies’ lines, a chilling realization hit Dario. The enemies did not scatter or fall back like they expected.Instead, they stood firm in place with their shields locked forming an impenetrable wall. It was as if they knew the exact move Dario’s soldiers would make. “Hold the line!” the overall commander of enemies shouted and the next second, a hail of arrows from the enemy side met the advancing Persian troops, completely catching them off guard. The front lines immediately faltered