The following night, the soldiers of the Eclipian army rested quietly in their camp. The air was still, broken only by the sound of distant wind against the tents. Inside the command tent, Marcus gathered for a meeting with the other generals through a magical mirror that shimmered like water.
There were five generals in total.
The 5th General, Aurel Faenor, known for his discipline and strategy.
The 4th General, Selvia Ruenhart, a fierce woman whose tactical mind was unmatched.
The 3rd and 2nd Generals, Leron Vael and Irielle Mora, were both powerful sorcerers who led the division of mages and healers.
And lastly, the 1st General, Marcus Fox Smith himself, leader of the Eclipian main army.
Through the mirror, they discussed their next move. Aurel, the 5th General, reported the location of the remaining Asterian strongholds. Selvia and Irielle confirmed they had reclaimed the city of Viocara, once lost to Asteria years ago. Leron nodded, adding that their mages had stabilized the captured region.
When it came to Marcus, he stood firm and declared, "Our next step is to march on Mount Kirena. We will siege the city of Là Nasiàn. No mercy for those who dare call themselves Asterians."
His tone carried a weight that silenced everyone. None of the generals spoke. After a moment, all four nodded and pledged to follow his command.
The mirror dimmed and the meeting ended.
Marcus sat alone at his desk, studying his maps and battle plans. But suddenly, a sharp pain struck his head. He stood, clutching his temples. The tent flickered, the candlelight bending like ripples on water.
Then he saw it.
Standing before him was himself.
A twisted reflection of Marcus his Trench coat uniform shattered, his body covered in blood and bullet wounds. His left eye was missing, his skull cracked open, blood trailing down his face.
Marcus whispered, "Who… the hell are you?"
The figure smiled faintly and replied, "Your end."
Marcus stepped back, heart pounding. He reached for his pistol, but the vision vanished before he could move. His guards rushed in after hearing the noise.
"Sir, what happened?" one asked.
Marcus stared at the ground and shook his head. "Nothing. Leave me."
The soldiers obeyed and left the tent.
He sat down again, trembling. "What was that…? What does it mean, my end?" he muttered.
He tried to convince himself it was just exhaustion, or perhaps his mind failing him after years of war.
The next day, the army began its march toward Mount Kirena. The sun was dim, hidden by heavy clouds. Carriages and cannons rolled along the rocky path, soldiers chanting their battle songs. Marcus rode his horse beside his lieutenant and the flag bearer, the banner of Eclipia waving proudly behind them.
By dusk, they stopped to rest on a hill overlooking the valley.
Suddenly, a soldier ran into Marcus's tent, gasping for breath.
"General! The Asterian army is advancing toward us. Thousands of them, and they brought cannons!"
Marcus's expression hardened. He slowly stood up, his eyes sharp once more. "Then we'll set the trap," he said. "Let them come."