That night, Domr, Lilith, and the others spent the night at HQ preparing. Their strategy was finalized: they knew the enemy would attempt a pincer attack from the north and east. Severely outnumbered, they were already at a disadvantage before the battle even began, so they had to divide their forces to maximize their chances.
Lilith asked, "Father, if we're so sure about their tactics, why didn't we just issue a Conqueror's Challenge?"
Domr replied, "Because they know they can't win a one-on-one fight. If it were a two-on-one, they might have a chance against me or you — but that's not allowed under Conqueror's Challenge rules."
Lilith said, "Then we need to prove their weakness by drawing first blood."
Domr nodded. "Here's the plan, so listen carefully. Jewel and Lilith — you two take the north. Sujibur, you and I will intercept them from the east. David, you're in charge of protecting our HQ. And Lilith — make sure Gelda stays with the children at all times. That's our top priority. If, during this war, the truth about Liebe is ever discovered, then forget Herald and Elaar — the entire nation will turn against us. Not even Astreous will be able to save us."
Lilith said, "Understood."
The following morning, at dawn, the battle began.
Jewel said, "I guess I actually have to show my Holy Relic's true abilities now. Snow Summon — Holy Relic: Lamp of Avior! Now: Heaven's Judgment!"
His holy relic flew high above the battlefield.
"Now — Light Beam!"
As the beams hit the floating lamp, they split into five different rays, scattering across the ground like divine artillery.
Herald gasped. "What kind of relic is this — one that can divide magic power like that?!"
Lilith said, "Jewel, focus on holding their troops at bay."
Jewel replied, "Depends on how much magic I can spare. You just focus on your chant."
Lilith nodded. "Got it."
Meanwhile, in the east...
Domr shouted, "Sujibur! Use your clay magic to create a wall — I need 35 seconds to complete my chant!"
Sujibur replied, "Got it! Clay Magic — Wall of Ragnir!"
A massive clay wall rose from the ground. It wasn't strong enough to withstand the full assault, but with Sujibur present, he could continuously repair every broken section in real-time.
Domr stood still, eyes closed, power rising. "The time is at hand."
Then, he began his chant:
Voces damnatorum, expergiscimini ex profundo,
Scindite velum ubi umbrae repunt.
Clamor ruinae, resonate per caelum,
Dark Magic — Clamor Diaboli!
He unleashed a roar — a roar so powerful it shattered the clay wall behind him.
Every enemy within a 125-meter radius collapsed, blood pouring from their ears — killed by the sheer force of the scream.
Sujibur stared in awe. "That was... truly something else."
Domr looked toward the battlefield. "Elaar is still left. But at least... we've drawn first blood in this war."