Drael stepped forward, shield resting against his shoulder, his armor still scarred and dented from the cave battle.
The light of the Sanctuary flickered across his worn plates; each mark a reminder of how far they'd come.
The new summons—still adjusting to their surroundings—turned their attention toward him.
Even Serathis, towering and composed, shifted slightly, his gaze settling on the veteran warrior as though measuring his worth.
"My Lord Karl," Drael said, bowing his head briefly before speaking, his voice steady and firm despite the fatigue that clung to him.
"These are our new allies. I'll brief them on our situation so we can move forward together strong and prepared."
His words carried easily through the Sanctuary, silencing the quiet murmurs that had begun to stir among the newly summoned. One by one, heads lifted. Postures straightened.
The Bronze I fighters, though untested in true war, seemed to feel the pull of purpose in Drael's tone.
Even the artisans and laborers among them listened closely, the weight of belonging slowly sinking in.
The moment hung steady, a pause before motion, a breath before the next step.
Around Karl, the Sanctuary felt alive again. No longer just a refuge, but the heart of something greater—something ready to rise.
Drael's eyes scanned the gathered summons and allies. He spoke in a steady, strong voice so everyone could hear.
"We just came back from an essence crystal mine," he began. "A Bronze III Serpentile lived there and we fought it and after fierce battle we killed it but not long after a rival lord named Veythar attacked us with eleven of his men''
He paused so the words could sink in. The new summons looked at one another. Some had wide eyes. Some were quiet and tense.
"We managed to kill five of them," Drael continued. "The rest ran away. But they will come back with more soldiers. They might bring twenty fighters or even more."
He took a breath and pointed toward the entrance. "The Sanctuary Barrier will fall in less than an hour. When it does, we will face two problems at once.
"The rival lord may attack and the wild beasts will come too. That is why we left the crystal mine and returned here. We must protect the people inside the Sanctuary. We must build defenses and be ready to meet them."
A small murmur ran through the new summons as they listened. Brynna the Timberjaw Beaver twitched her ears and flexed her muscles like he wanted to charge.
Drael's words settled over everyone like a small, sharp bell. The danger was real. The plan was clear. Now they would work together.
Serathis inclined his head slightly, his deep voice steady and calm. "Understood."
Drael gave a short nod and stepped back, letting the new summons take in everything they had heard.
A quiet murmur spread through the group—soft voices, small movements, the sound of armor and tools shifting as they began to understand their roles.
Karl stood still for a moment, his thoughts turning inward. His eyes moved slowly across the gathered faces—warriors, builders, scouts, and mages—each different, each carrying their own spark of purpose.
They were not as strong as Serathis, not even close, but they were many. Bronze II and Bronze I summons, each one adding a piece to the whole.
He allowed himself a quiet assessment, noting the strength and specialization of each summon, mentally cataloging their roles and potential in the battles to come.
The list unfolded in his mind like a map of the army he now commanded:
Combat Summons
Bronze III
Ember (Stormfeather Falcon, Female)
Serathis (Vanguard/Elite Guardian, Male)
Bronze II
Thorn (Vine Wolf, Male)
Grok (Warrior, Male)
Sylus (Skirmisher/Assassin, Male)
Drael (Shieldbearer, Male)
Rhea (Battle Mage, Female)
Brynna (Timberjaw Beaver, Male)
Bronze I
Tarran (Spearman, Male)
Korath (Stonehide Rhino, male)
Borin (Axeman, Male)
Sera (Duelist, Female)
Varnok (Crossbowman, Male)
Gorran (Berserker, Male)
Zyra (Ranger, Female)
Talia (Knife Thrower, Female)
Dren (Brawler, Male)
Veyra (Archer/Sniper, Female)
Support Summons
Bronze I
Liora (Healer, Female)
Lysa (Beast Tamer, Female)
Mira (Herbalist, Female)
Torenna (Apothecary, Female)
Sylva (Botanist/Alchemist, Female)
Fenn (Carpenter, Male)
Elira (Weaver, Female)
Toren (Forger/Smith, Male)
Vael (Scribe, Male)
Rorin (Miner, Male)
Lirien, (Cook, Female)
Civilian Summons
Bronze I
Mira (Herbalist, Female)
Orven (Gardener, Male)
Mirael (Housewife, Female)
Doran (Chicken Breeder, Male)
Lyra (Civilian/Unawakened, Female)
Jessa (Human, Female)
Tomas (Human, Male)
Karl's gaze swept over them once more. Each name, each face, represented a thread in the tapestry of their strength.
They were no longer just survivors of the last skirmish—they were a gathering storm, a living arsenal waiting to be shaped. With strategy, coordination, and careful guidance, even the shadow of Veythar might tremble before them.
He inhaled slowly, letting the weight of responsibility settle firmly on his shoulders. The Sanctuary had grown and so had the burden—and the opportunity.
Now, Karl's next steps would decide whether this assembly of summoned souls would be the backbone of salvation or simply another collection of lives swept aside by war.