New World - A New Beginning

ASTHIA DARCK'S POV:

I said nothing, perplexed by the arrival of the mysterious figure. The Dwarven soldiers that had been approaching my position were suddenly floating in the air, helpless against their new enemy.

Were they really floating?

I concentrated, realizing that the world around me was simply moving at a slower pace. The speed of the individual before me was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I had no idea why I was able to share their speed through my own eyes.

A flash of lightning blinded me momentarily as a trail of yellow zipped from soldier to soldier, instantly killing them before slamming into the ground and causing an eruption of energy.

The figure returned to its original position, waiting for his surroundings to process what had just happened.

They stood with their back towards me, their legs covered in dark black armor that seemed to fit them perfectly. A simple t-shirt that fit tightly on them covered their upper-half. Rips and tears within the fabric revealing various scars that they had gained over the years.

A shoulder pad lay on their right shoulder, offering small amounts of protection. Their left arm, on the other hand, was left completely unprotected and uncovered. A shining dagger remained clutched in their hand, lightning crackling as it moved around the blade of the weapon.

Tears began to form in my eyes as I recognized the dagger, the boy's long brown hair fluttering in the wind from the swirl of bind around him.

"Jay..." I croaked, failing to keep my composure any longer. I wanted to embrace him, run at him and thank him for coming, cry in his arms for all the pain I had experienced over the last few days, but my body forbade it.

I was completely paralyzed from the waist down, a state that could easily be treated through holy magic, but it took time nevertheless.

The boy looked at me, his turquoise eyes bursting with power. A small smile appeared on his face, a look of relief washing over him as he realized both Mia and I were okay.

"Good job," he said gently, not knowing how to approach a reunion like this in the middle of a battle, "you did great. I'll take it from here, okay?"

I nodded, brushing off the fact that he was talking to me like I was a little kid. I hoped he remembered who was older here.

A boom of laughter erupted up ahead, Ares recognizing the waves of power that were emanating from the new contender.

"Jay Cadmium!" he called out, planting his spear into the body of a struggling dragon soldier and focusing his attention on the boy.

The battlefield fell silent at the mention of his name, the Dwarves realizing that this individual was the most powerful Dragon currently within the Dragonkin's ranks, and the Dragons gaining back their lost hope at the arrival of their Supreme Commander.

"Ares Hearth," said the boy, his calm stride unchanging, "I'm glad to see you're doing well."

The man laughed, nodding in acknowledgment.

"As am I. Unfortunately, I cannot forgive you for your actions at Thorria, and as you currently stand, you are the leader of the enemy faction. I will recognize you as my official enemy, and will hold nothing back, do you understand?"

Jay nodded, looking around and addressing the few remaining Dragons still standing.

"We are the final front between the enemy and our families, their final glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. Draw the line here, and don't let a single enemy past you!"

A colossal cheer rang across the Dragon's ranks, all of them forming multiple lines as they reorganized their formation. Their goal was not to defeat their enemy but simply hold them back in hopes of stalling their advance.

The Dwarves reorganized themselves, their endless numbers preparing to clash one final time in what could potentially be the last battle to take place on the Western Front. If they achieved victory, then Lares would crumble, allowing the Dominion to win the war within only a few months.

Ares readied himself, his eyes locked with Jay's.

"We fight for the freedom of our people! Dedicate your hearts to this battle, and bring victory to our king! Charge!" boomed Ares, the Dwarves thundering towards the Dragons at full speed with a deafening cry.

RENA VYE'S POV:

"We've been summoned back?!" I exclaimed, shocked by the order that the envoy had brought to me directly from the capital.

"Yes, Ms. Vye. Jean Lymine is currently leading an attack on our borders, and she is making rapid progress. The King has already set up measures to halt her advance but will require both your presence and your brother's to assure the safety of the capital." answered the envoy, his voice shaking ever so slightly. The last thing he wanted to do was anger an S-rank.

I sighed, calming myself.

"Very well. I cannot argue with His Majesty, anyway." I said. "What about this front?"

"His Majesty wants you to decide that for yourself. If you believe that this front will crumble without your presence, then only Mr. Vye's presence will be required."

Selena's quivering arms, as she picked up the necklace, flashed before me. The Emperess was still recuperating from the loss of her husband, and it had become painfully obvious that the Dragons were playing an extremely passive game.

As long as a considerable force remained, I doubted they would actually lead a counter-attack. The Western Front could potentially receive aid, but I had to think about my own nation before the lives of the Dwarves.

"I'll go back," I said confidently, "The Front won't crumble if at least half of our current forces remain here. Do we know anything about the other S-rank: Amelia Lala?"

"She has been reported to be stationed on the West. It seems like King Roy is trying to force a two-way attack by separating his forces and heading straight for both capitals."

"I see. The Dwarves won't last long without Ares's presence, but I believe he won't be able to leave his current position. If Lio and I begin forcing Jean back, Amelia is sure to be called back to support her."

"Creating a stalemate," concluded Lio as he entered the tent.

"Exactly. That being said, a stalemate benefits the Allies more than it benefits us. Our initial goal was to wipe out the Dragons within mere months, but that is now unachievable. We'll need to prepare for a war of attrition," I explained, both Feis standing before me nodding in understanding.

Giving the Allies too much time would ultimately lead to our downfall. It was true that a stalemate was currently the only way to save ourselves from our overextension into Dragon territory, but if it were to last too long, the upper-hand would be given to the Allies sooner than I would like to believe.