Chapter 962: War Room
The polished oak doors creaked open as servants stepped out, leaving only the most trusted within.
At the center of the chamber stood a massive strategy table. A handcrafted replica of the surrounding territories stretched across it, complete with moving mana-projected units representing armies, fortifications, and supply lines. Markers illuminated red for the Consortium, blue for Greenvale’s forces, and gray for neutral or destabilized regions.
The room’s atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant for a war council. Not boisterous, but confident. Relaxed. The kind of energy born from steady, unquestionable progress.
Duke Alastair Greenvale leaned forward over the table, fingertips pressed together, eyes sharp like a hawk surveying the board. His jade cloak, embroidered with the house sigil—a silver stag under a crescent moon—flowed elegantly behind him.
"Reports from the eastern front," one commander began, reading from a floating mana scroll. "The 4th Battalion has pushed the Consortium’s siege lines back another three miles. No major losses on our side."
A younger officer grinned. "It’s the same across the entire southern ridge. They’re bleeding... slowly but surely."
A third, older general chuckled, stroking his beard. "Heh... serves them right. My sources were correct. The Consortium made a grave miscalculation."
The man stepped forward and tapped the miniature section of the board that represented the far southeastern beastkin territories.
"They diverted a full thirty-thousand-strong high-tier army to secure alliances there before this conflict began. Thought they could get the beastkin into helping flank us from the border."
He paused just as a smug smirk emerged on his lips.
"But... thanks to the foxkin betrayal—and more importantly..." He flicked his fingers, causing a different sigil to pulse on the map. "...thanks to the Covenant of Eternity pulling the rug from under them... their little expedition turned into a disaster."
Another commander nodded in agreement. "Hah! Glorious. They walked into a den of wolves thinking it was a tea party."