Walking down the snow-covered path, Yusha silently followed the group of knights.
Their armour clinked with every step, the sound familiar yet distant.
Liam led at the front, coat brushing snow as if it parted for him alone.
He didn't look back—not once.
It was as though it didn't matter who followed, as long as they obeyed.
Yusha pulled his cloak tighter around himself. Fog curled in the air every time he breathed. The cold normally soothed him, but today it was like it decided to become his enemy, chilling his bones.
They soon reached the edge of the forest where screams of soldiers echoed.
Flames scorched the whiteness, turning snow to hissing steam.
A dragon—massive, dark blue scales like the depth of the ocean—towered over the burned trees.
Its roar shook the earth beneath Yusha's feet.
"Attack!" one knight yelled, rushing forward with a raised spear.
Liam's sword flashed, slicing the air as he charged ahead fearlessly.
