The next morning arrived not with chirping birds or the peace of dawn, but with the golden blaze of an unforgiving sun. The afternoon light fell heavy over the war camp, bathing the dust-laden grounds in a harsh, bright glow. It was a new day—but not a fresh one. A day of blood, iron, and possibly the last clash in this battle.

The air trembled with tension; warriors sharpened their swords while mutters of prayers escaped trembling lips. Flags fluttered against the dry breeze, bearing marks of kingdoms and causes. Inside one of the larger tents, silence reigned for a moment, a sharp contrast to the noise outside.