Claude and Aubree rode a horse on top of a grassy hill, his sharp eyes surveying the village nestled below. It was larger than Hyte Village but still small compared to a proper city.
Unlike the last one they'd attacked, this village had a fortified gate and defensive walls—nothing grand, but certainly more of a challenge.
He hadn't brought his full army this time. Claude had split his forces to optimize progress, assigning Hendrich to lead an attack on another village.
This way, they could cover more ground and conquer faster.
"I know some of you might think this'll be another easy sweep like the last time," Claude began, his voice carrying across the hilltop.
"But don't forget—some of you got wounded back then, and that was embarrassing."
In front of him floated a pair of holographic lenses—an enchanted artifact allowing him to see inside the village without being seen.
Through the lenses, he watched unaware guards lazily pacing, oblivious to what was coming.
