“I don’t expect most of the humans of this world to measure up to any of you, however, not all of them will fall so easily. This is a competition, after all, it’s only fitting I ensure that you’re tested to your limits.”

- Ira

…

The war effort within Liliara’s Imperium had been set in motion without restraint. With her younger brother at her side, she and her army would take Argos. Well, to be specific, she would take resources and people from Argos and burn everything else. Rather than splitting her power to maintain two separate territories, she would exercise the right of the victor. As far as she was concerned, Argos was already a pile of ashes and its people just needed to be transported to her Imperium.

Liliara called her closest subordinates to the war room in order to iron out her plan. The tentative leaders of each faction gathered around a table wherein a map was spread out. At the head of the table, Liliara stood, slightly leaning over it as her eyes drifted over each corner. At her side, of course, was Casimir who recovered without issue, previously suffering from fatigue due to sparring with Liliara. Also. close by, a naive Margo was nestled between Reva and the leaders of the Dark Elf, Beastkin, and Dragonkin factions. 

“Reva will lead the Lycans into the city under the cover of darkness and spread panic.”

Normally, one would abide by the rules of war, but as Liliara saw it, only the strong could dictate the terms of engagement. And while a flood of papers announcing an attack would cause panic and confusion, she felt it was more than merciful on her part.

“Unless the merchant circle of Argos is full of idiots, they will at least raise some sort of defense. This will also serve to draw out the guard captains and commanders, at which point the Lycans will remove the chain of command, targeting the highest ranking officers and officials first. Next, we’ll have a perimeter set at all exits, save the waterways and aqueducts. Anyone willing to crawl through filth is, at the very least, deserving of their freedom. A majority of my army will restrain those who attempt to flee. My city is in desperate need of manpower so do not falter in your efforts and kill any who cause a stir to prevent larger disturbances. The last thing I want is a few rebellious souls sparking some sort of resistance within my territory… Additionally, Casimir and I will enter the city with the dragonkin and deal with the main brunt of their defenses. As for everything else, there are key areas on the map such as the treasury, grain storage, and various warehouses that must be secured, this will also fall on the Lycans so take care not to make any mistakes, Reva.”

“Of course, Sovereign. We will not fail you.” Reva bowed her head respectfully. She had complete faith that she and her fellow kinsmen would complete the tasks without issue. There was also another motivating factor behind her and that was the subtle struggle for influence within each faction present in the city of Ir’rah.

As of now, the Dark Elves stood and the top and it would likely be that way forever as Ira heavily favored them. That was even more apparent when realizing that Princess Suvi Meldara, the next in line to be the Queen of the Dark Elves, was suspected to be romantically involved with Valeryn. But that was neither here nor there, the spot for the second most influential group fell between the Lycans and the Dragonkin though that didn’t make the Beastkin or Vampires in the city of Ir’rah any less active. This, “power struggle,” wasn’t too disruptive and as long as outright malicious schemes weren’t hatched, it received silent approval from the Valkyries who acted as enforcers of Ira’s will.

“If you all are clear on what shall be done, take your leave and prepare for battle. Anyone who’s impedes the speed of our march will be dutifully punished. Understood?” Liliara asked, surveying the room with a frigid gaze.

“Yes, Sovereign!”

“By your will, Sovereign!”

“It will be done, Sovereign!”

Declarations of understanding were made in reply before the room began to empty. Margo and Casimir were the only two who remained and the former seemed to be full of hesitation. 

“Um… Sovereign?”

“Don’t mince words and speak freely, Margo,” Liliara replied, the intensity of her gaze lessened.

“Yes, Sovereign. It’s just that– I fear that I may not be of much use. I’ve trained as hard as I could but I am not foolish enough to think that I’m any stronger than before.”

“Is that what worries you, Margo? I thought perhaps you had some moral qualm or nervousness toward the approaching battle and yet, you fear that you aren’t strong enough to be useful?” Liliara’s soft laughter filled the room as soon as she finished speaking. 

Stolen story; please report.

Casimir, who stood with his arms crossed only moments ago, relaxed as a well-humored grin appeared on his face. 

Margo, on the other hand, began to turn red with embarrassment. Simply put, even though the sound of Liliara laughing was pleasant, she assumed herself to be the subject of ridicule and felt like a fool as a result.

“I approve of your enthusiasm, but you are known as an unblooded, Margo. Once you go through certain rituals, you will have more than enough strength to be of use, but for now, you are to observe and learn from my soldiers. Now go, you should at least inform your sister of your imminent departure.”

“Ah!” Margo’s eyes lit up, her spirit becoming roused from Liliara’s assurances, “Right away, Sovereign.”

She bowed before quickly vacating the room, leaving the brother and sister duo alone. Casimir was the first to speak the moment he had the room. 

“I may need your assistance,” He spoke. 

“I’ve already agreed to cooperate with Lady Ravenport, but if there is something else you require I’ll do my best to assist you.”

“I’ve misspoken, I only meant that I need a little advice.”

“Then feel free to speak.” 

“By now you should have heard of the process in which warriors cultivate an aura in order to grow stronger, right?”

“Yes, that isn’t exactly surprising news. I suppose you attempted to use one and came up short?”

“Ah, yes, how’d you–”

“You’re attempting to use human techniques but you aren’t human at all.”

“What does that mean? I know our bloodlines are far from them, but I thought that it would work regardless.”

“Oh, brother. You and I, as well as our brother and sisters, are very much near-perfect beings. I only say ‘near-perfect’ because none of us can even begin to match father if you ignore the twins. We also don't have as many organs as humans as our bodies are far more efficient. The organs we do have resemble large gemstones rather than following the structure of humans.”

Casimir entered a contemplative silence as he unraveled Liliara’s words. It was hardly new information to him, but he hadn’t put too much thought into the nature of his own being. 

“It's simple, if you wish to use aura techniques, do not go about it as a human would. Hmm, do you have the technique in your possession at the moment?”

“Y-Yes, I do,” Casimir said as he produced a small bronze case that held a scroll within. He handed it over to Liliara who examined it, slightly raising an eyebrow before smiling as if amused.

“Have you ever tried controlling the flow of your blood in conjunction with your breathing, Casimir?”

“Not really, no, I don’t think I have.”

“From what I can gather, most aura cultivation techniques probably start by gathering strength at certain parts of the body, specifically, your joints and tendons before moving on to complicated steps like strengthening your internal structure. Apparently, it requires controlled and rhythmic breathing in order to increase blood flow before rapidly slowing it down. That part is rather unnecessary for you.” As Liliara finished, she moved toward an inkwell and began to write on the scroll. 

Most martial experts, be they swordsmen, spearmen, or otherwise, would cry at the sight of an invaluable cultivation scroll being carelessly vandalized. However, if they knew the being responsible was essentially a demigod, they’d respond quite differently. Especially if they understood she was creating a personalized technique for Casimir. 

“I understand the nature of our physiology more than anyone else, with the exception of father and the twins. So you were right to ask for my advice…” Liliara trailed off as she made several ‘corrections’ to the scroll. 

“Okay, I’m all finished. I expect that you will find more success if this is indeed the technique you wish to pursue. Although–" Liliara seemed uncertain as she dried the scroll before handing it back. 

“What?” Casimir inquired, reaching for the scroll but finding that Liliara’s grip around it remained tight. 

“I fear you may harm yourself if you aren’t adequately prepared.” Liliara released the scroll as she spoke of her worries. 

“What will I explode?” Casimir asked, chuckling as he did, quickly stopping upon seeing Liliara’s serious face. “No, wait, will I really?”

“Promise me you’ll be careful with it.”

“I’ll be careful, Liliara. I promise.” Casimir nodded solemnly, sensing his sister’s concern. He couldn’t imagine how terrible she’d feel if he gravely injured himself while using something she created. For the sake of her mental state, he resolved to take a cautious approach so that he wouldn’t end up hurt. If things went out of his control, then he’d make sure she never found out.

“And thank you, Lili,” Casimir muttered, turning his face away by the time he got Liliara’s nickname out. 

Not wishing to put him on the spot, Liliara simply smiled, finding his reaction to her satisfaction. 

“Now, if there is nothing else, you should prepare for tomorrow’s battle.”

“Okay then, I’ll meet you out there tomorrow.”

“Yes, yes, go tend to your guests. I'd be surprised if they weren’t frightened out of their wits by our people.” 

With that, Casimir headed out while Liliara stared at the map once more. She lifted a small knife and stabbed it into the point which represented Argos. 

“Argos will fall,” She whispered to no one, her dark red eyes stirred violently as they drifted to several other cities and towns. “The rest will come soon after.”