The advance of the ground forces toward Yino's castle had been surprisingly smooth.
Despite not being able to fly like the King and his aerial vanguard, the increases to their physical capabilities meant the vast majority were faster than common three-horned horses.
Selphira had established a relentless pace, her serpent gliding over the terrain as if it were liquid.
Others like her rode directly on their beasts: Leonel on his own serpent kept his head low just behind his mother, several minor nobles also mounted on creatures or simply running with superhuman speed.
"Maintain formation!" Selphira shouted as they approached the castle's outer walls. "We don't know what kind of..."
She stopped abruptly upon realizing the castle gates were wide open.
The sight was unexpected… unsettling.
"A trap?" Leonel murmured, instinctively positioning himself behind her.
"No," Selphira responded after a moment of analysis, "rather a preselection of the battlefield terrain."
