Gumarak closed his eyes slowly, breath deep and steady.
For a moment, the war room was silent—only the soft hum of mana crystals filled the space.
His voice rumbled, heavy with restraint.
"I hope... at least one of our messengers finds a way."
He didn't open his eyes.
"If they can reach the Beastkin Kingdom... or the Elven Kingdom...
Then maybe—just maybe—they can send word to the Armand Region."
Silence followed.
The generals glanced at each other, unsure if they should speak.
Then—
"Chieftain?" one finally asked softly.
Gumarak opened his eyes.
They were hard as stone but clear.
He looked around, locking eyes with every general present.
"Reinforce the outer regions," he said sharply.
"Triple the defenses on the mountain routes. Strengthen the supply lines."
He slowly stood, towering over the map, casting a long shadow.
"And above all—"
"Fight."
His voice echoed like a drumbeat.
"Fight for our people."
"Fight for our land."
