Chapter 98: The Final Orders
The Vanguard marched through the halls of Eldoria Academy for what could be the last time.
This wasn't just another mission.
This was the endgame.
The doors to the Headmaster's War Room swung open, revealing Varian Drakos Eldoria standing at the center of a massive war table.
Around him?
The Empire's most powerful strategists, generals, and rulers.
Including Emperor Adrian Eldoria.
And the Dukes of Eldoria.
Kael felt the weight of their gazes.
But he didn't falter.
He stepped forward, the rest of the Vanguard right behind him.
And for the first time—
They weren't students.
They were soldiers of Eldoria.
The War Council – A Mission Like No Other
Varian wasted no time.
He raised a hand, and a massive projection of the Krevos Region appeared above the table.
"Xelthar has already begun their operation," he stated. "We received intelligence this morning—an entire army is being mobilized in Krevos."
Selene's silver eyes sharpened. "An army?"
Duke Ragnor Grimthorne crossed his arms. "Not just any army. Their main force."
A murmur spread through the room.
Varian continued. "We are facing an organized war effort. This is no longer just about stopping their experiments. This is about crushing their ability to wage war against us. If we fail—Eldoria will fall next."
The weight of those words settled over the room.
Evelyne's fists tightened.
Cassian let out a low whistle. "Well, that's dramatic."
Lucian ignored him, eyes locked onto the map. "What's the plan?"
Varian's golden gaze met his. "A full-scale invasion. The Imperial Army, the Noble Legions, and the Vanguard will all move in simultaneously."
Kael's brows furrowed. "Then why are we here? If the entire army is moving, what's our role?"
Varian's expression darkened.
"Because the Vanguard will be striking first."
A Suicide Mission?
The room fell silent.
Then—
"Excuse me?" Darius asked flatly.
Varian waved his hand again, shifting the projection.
It zoomed in on a single fortress at the heart of Krevos.
"Their main stronghold. Heavily fortified. Impossible to take down in a direct assault."
He turned to the Vanguard.
"Which is why you will infiltrate it first."
Kael exhaled. "Of course we will."
Duke Varian Duskbane finally spoke, his voice sharp as a blade.
"You will strike before the main war begins. Disrupt their supply lines. Sabotage their command structure. Force them into chaos."
Duke Garrick Zephyrion smirked. "In other words, you'll be the storm before the hurricane."
Lucian's golden eyes glowed faintly. "And if we fail?"
The Emperor's voice cut through the air like a knife.
"You won't."
Varian pointed to the projection.
"Your objectives are threefold."
"One—Infiltrate the fortress."
"Two—Eliminate key Xelthar commanders."
"And three—Disable their defensive barriers before the full invasion begins."
Selene analyzed the projection. "How long do we have?"
Varian's golden gaze flickered.
"Ten hours."
Rael exhaled. "No pressure."
Varian's eyes swept across them all.
"You will be fighting enemies stronger than anything you've faced."
Kael already knew that.
This wasn't a beast hunt.
This was war against the strongest warriors Xelthar had to offer.
And if the Vanguard lost?
The Empire would burn.
Final Words from the Dukes
One by one, the Dukes stepped forward.
Alistair Veyrin met Kael's gaze first. "I have no doubts you'll succeed. You carry the Veyrin name. Do not shame it."
Kael nodded firmly.
Varian Duskbane turned to Selene and Cassian. "No mercy. No hesitation. End this quickly."
Selene bowed her head slightly. Cassian smirked. "Always."
Ragnor Grimthorne faced Evelyne. "Break them."
Evelyne cracked her knuckles. "That's the plan."
Garrick Zephyrion clapped Darius on the shoulder. "Show them why Zephyrions own the sky."
Darius rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, no pressure."
Finally, the Emperor looked at Lucian.
"You are my son. You know what you must do."
Lucian simply nodded.
No words were needed.
The Call to War
Varian turned back to the Vanguard.
"You leave at sundown."
He let those words settle.
"Make your final preparations. This is the last time you will step foot in Eldoria before the war begins."
Kael exhaled.
This was it.
The Vanguard stepped back, each lost in their thoughts.
Then—
Varian's voice cut through the silence.
"Kael."
He turned.
Varian's golden eyes locked onto him.
"You are their leader. Lead them well."
Kael met his gaze.
And for the first time—
He felt no doubt.
"We won't fail."
Varian nodded.
"Then go."
And with that—
The Vanguard departed.
Because tonight, they would march.
And tomorrow?
They would start a war.