Chapter 54: Beyond The Capital Walls

    A murmur rippled through the crowd, the soldiers exchanging glances.

    "This training will take a different approach," Arkanos continued, silencing the murmurs instantly. "Out there, beyond the safety of these walls, you will see the fruits of all the days I made you pull massive boulders through the mud, endure the grueling strain of those intense drills, and bear the pain of discipline."

    "In war, the ground is rarely firm, the path never smooth. You will encounter mud, uneven terrain, and obstacles that will test the limits of your strength and resolve. Today, we leave behind the familiarity of this field and face a terrain that mimics the chaos of battle. You will put your endurance to the test, your coordination as a unit, and your ability to adapt to the unknown."

    The crowd was silent, hanging on his every word. The soldiers'' expressions changed from curiosity to seriousness, straightening their postures with resolve.

    As the silence settled over the crowd, Arkanos raised the crystal once more. His voice rang out.

    "Knights of the Empire, it is time. Move out."

    The soldiers straightened to attention, their right fists crossing over their hearts in a salute. In one resounding voice, they echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

    The sound of their synchronized footsteps reverberated across the training grounds, accompanied by the metallic clink of their armor.

    The soldiers began marching toward the gates, their resolve clearly seen in their movements.

    As the knights moved out, Seraphine stepped forward, her expression shadowed. Her white and gold armor caught the sun, her golden hair whipping slightly in the breeze.

    "Your Majesty," she spoke softly.

    Arkanos turned to her, his sharp gaze meeting hers. "Speak, Seraphine. What is it?"

    She inclined her head slightly before proceeding. "I have received troubling news. Word has reached me that some of our knights are being approached, pressured to betray us and join the former generals in their plan to stage a rebellion."

    Arkanos then said, "For now, Seraphine, continue observing and ensure the loyalty of the men."

    "Understood, Your Majesty," she replied, bowing deeply before stepping back to join the departing knights.

    Arkanos remained where he stood for a moment longer, a faint smirk on his face as he whispered to himself, "So the former generals think they can shake my throne? How arrogant. Though I am not unreasonable, I am not merciful to fools either."

    With that, he turned and strode forward, his cape billowing behind him.

    The knights marched beyond the capital walls, their armor clinking as the morning sun dappled through the trees.

    The dense woods loomed ahead, casting long shadows over the narrow dirt path. The sound of boots crunching against the earth filled the air as the three division leaders, Kael, Esten, and Laris, walked slightly ahead of the main group.

    Kael, the leader of the Defenders, was a tall man with broad shoulders and a sturdy build. His dark hair was cut short, almost militaristic, matching his piercing green eyes that seemed to scrutinize everything around him.

    His square jaw and slightly scarred face gave him the appearance of a battle-hardened warrior, but he had a calm demeanor.

    Esten, the leader of the Flankers, was leaner and wiry, with auburn hair tied back into a loose ponytail. His amber eyes glinted mischievously, with a calm smirk always appearing as though he was two steps ahead.

    Laris, the leader of the Vanguard, was a rugged man with silver-streaked black hair that fell just above his shoulders. His steel-gray eyes were intense, like the scars that ran diagonally across his left cheek. His deep voice often silenced any doubt within his ranks.

    "I wonder what the Emperor has planned for us this time," Kael spoke as his eyes swept the forest ahead.

    "Probably something insane," Esten replied with a grin, tapping the hilt of his twin daggers. "For an entire week, we were practically breaking our backs pulling those damn boulders. Our comrades are still complaining about the blisters."