"Your subjects chose violence," Ethan replied with patient explanation. "Your defenses targeted me first. I'm simply responding to established hostility with proportional force."
Truth. Simple mathematics.
Ten Gold-rank captains spread into tactical formation around their lord, their individual auras combining into coordinated threat display that would have intimidated most territorial opponents. Professional military experience guided their positioning.
Lord Vance's face darkened.
"Kill him," Vance commanded with absolute authority.
Poor choice.
Ten Gold-rank captains attacked simultaneously.
Their coordinated assault represented the pinnacle of organizational military capability—diverse talents working in perfect harmony through accumulated combat experience. Fire magic, ice manipulation, earth control, and many more talents created a killing field that would have challenged small armies.
