Crimson Cloud [End]

[Kilik]

After a series of rather exciting events, Kilik finally reached her journey's first true stepping stone, her crusade of Elen veneration. She walked about the deck with a stride of confidence, an air thatwas removed of arrogance rather one that carried alack of inhibition. There was no more for self-doubt or fear. She had managed t unlock a ancient power that completely changed her perspective of what she was. A link to an old legacy that soon would lay the road for the future of not just the groves but vescrutia as a whole.

"It's time KIlik.."

Orvyn's voice crept up in her mind; the dragon spirit had been resting. The technique that ultimately merged their consciousness, this energetic fusion, while giving access to a well of power, also took a lot of energy. Through Sylvan's meticulous and dedicated magic, she felt right as rain and ready to unleash this downpour upon those who would stand in opposition to their aims. She knew, though, to exercise more caution around this technique in the future, should her healers ever be incapacitated, she would be left to the wolves.

"Orvyn, sweet dreams, I trust?"

"mm surely you jest, we're about to flood destruction upon an entire kingdom.'

"Such is the price I am willing to pay to see my people live."

"I have my thoughts, But I am but a steward upon your path; I shall adjust to whichever way you tide sways."

Kilik said nothing further; she understood Orvyn's trepidation and had more than contemplated the weight of what she was about to do. But when she saw the smiling face of her tribe as she departed, the face of hope they had not held in ages, she resolved to shoulder whatever sin she must; her vision of the mountain of corpses was now to be reality.

“First Command,” Delion called as he approached, his voice cutting through the quiet. “I trust that Is everything settled?” he asked, unsure if she was here or located at a different wing of the warship.

"Reporting, sir."

Her voice is as stoic as her posture as she stands not too far away from the mountain of a man.

"The Nissagro have pledged their allegiance to the Empire."

She said it with an undertone that expressed both confidence and relief. It was a well-fought battle of not only attrition but resolve. Now, it was her turn to make good on her promise and rid the world of the human stain.

[The Bhalian Empire]

"Very good.." Delion said, his tone steady and authoritative, yet carrying a faint edge of anticipation. "Their support will be crucial during our invasion of Maderia. But that is for later. For now, we approach the land of Muu, and our first target of conquest."

His piercing gaze lingered on Kilik for a moment, his ebon irises narrowing. Without another word, he turned sharply, his cloak billowing behind him like a shadow drawn by the ship’s lights.

“You will convene with one of our Zenith's most formidable warriors,” he called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a weight that silenced even the hum of the ship’s massive engines. “He is an elven Frostjack—a rare breed among their kind, masters of ice magic. Together, you will vanguard forty thousand of our finest soldiers into the kingdom of Helidor. Your objective is simple: weaken their defenses, cripple their resolve. Once accomplished, you will report directly to me.”

Delion stopped at the end of the corridor, his silhouette framed by the massive iron doors leading to the Crimson Cloud's main deck. Turning slightly, he added, his voice colder than the ice the Frostjack wielded. "I'm sure I dont have to mention this.. but as my First Command Kilik, failure is not an option. That is all."

Without waiting for a response, he strode forward, the heavy doors groaning open to reveal the deck beyond. The sky stretched out endlessly before him, the swirling mists of the sea below barely visible beneath the ship’s cloaking field. Soldiers moved like cogs in a vast, intricate machine, preparing for the invasion that would soon ignite the flames of war.

[Kilik]

A Frostjack? It was her first time hearing the term, but to be considered one of the Empowero's most formidable warriors in content full of them was all the accolades she needed to understand the breadth of his power. A user of Ice Magic? This was sure to be an exciting collaboration, a perfect companion for Kilik's water magic. She could not help but smirk partly. Every cell in her body felt like it was tingling in anticipation. Finally, she could make good on her vow and test the limits of her abilities. It was time for a monsoon of transformation to take this wilting world and give it room anew...to blossom a world without mankind. She steeled her mind against the notions of sympathy for Muu, the children of Helidor who would pay today for the sins of their parents. But if she was to create a world without that suffering, their deaths needed to serve as a means to an end.

“He is an elven Frostjack—a rare breed among their kind, masters of ice magic. Together, you will vanguard forty thousand of our finest soldiers into the kingdom of Helidor. Your objective is simple: weaken their defenses, cripple their resolve. Once accomplished, you will report directly to me.”

His directive sat on her shoulders with a new weight. Delion held Kilik in high esteem despite Joro's innate disposition to women; for her to stand as his First Command was a testament to her growth and his faith in her ability to succeed. She would not allow that to be wasted; not an ounce of his faith would be squandered, especially since she planned to have a command of her own one day.

"...."

She said nothing; his statement to her was absolute. Her mind now was focused on the best way to go about the assault.

"What do we know?"

She inquired. She was sure that soon she and this Frostjack would be introduced, but until then, she felt getting a briefing could suffice.