From the top of Spawnhold's wall, The sky was beginning to clear.
Beneath the soft light, they saw it: the locusts had reached the ice dome. From above, it looked like black rain spilling through a crack.
Elder Peter narrowed his eyes.
"The bugs have entered," he said. "There's a hole in the barrier."
Beside him, General Marvik leaned forward, eyes locked on the shattered dome in the distance. The cold wind didn't seem to bother him, but his frown deepened.
He stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then, with a calm but clear voice, he gave the order.
"Everyone, prepare. We're marching to the battlefield."
At once, the soldiers behind him began to move. Some checked their weapons. Others helped fasten armor. No one spoke. They could all feel the shift in the air.
—----
Inside the shattered ice shield, the real storm continued.
Lander charged forward, sword burning with fire.
