Chapter 350 350: Today, history begins to shift

The next day came with a sharp sense of finality, and by the time the sun rose fully above the horizon, the armies were already assembled in disciplined ranks that stretched far beyond what the eye could easily take in, banners standing tall, armor gleaming softly, and the air filled with a tense silence that spoke of readiness rather than fear.Lucas stood at the edge of the encampment, watching the final preparations with a calm expression, while Tom moved efficiently beside him, overseeing the loading of a sturdy wagon that carried everything Lucas would need for the campaign, from sealed cases of alchemical supplies to carefully wrapped core of dominion gauntlets, and alongside Tom were two young boy servants who waited attentively for his instructions, already aware that from this moment onward, they answered to him alone.

"Be careful with that crate," Tom said firmly, placing a steadying hand on the side of the wagon as one of the boys adjusted its position. "If it shifts during travel, you will answer to me before anyone else."

"Yes, sir," the boy replied quickly, his voice earnest as he corrected the placement, glancing nervously at Lucas before lowering his head again.

Lucas watched the exchange with mild amusement before speaking. "You are doing fine, Tom. Just make sure they understand that order and patience matter more than speed once we move."

Tom bowed slightly. "I understand, my lord. I will make sure everything is secured properly before we set off."

Hovering lazily at Lucas's side was the ice belle, her small crystalline form glimmering faintly in the morning light as she drifted in slow circles, her attention divided between the bustling army and the faint scents of food wafting from the supply tents.

"So many people," she muttered softly, her voice light and curious. "Are they all coming with us, or is this just for show?"

"All of them are coming," Lucas replied calmly, glancing at her briefly. "And it is not for show. Every one of them will be fighting soon."

She tilted her head, her large eyes scanning the sea of soldiers. "That sounds tiring. I hope they brought enough food."

Lucas let out a quiet chuckle but said nothing more as he stepped forward, Tom signaling for the wagon to follow at a respectful distance, and together they moved toward the heart of the formation where the king stood surrounded by senior commanders and elite cultivators.

As they approached, the weight of the gathered force became even more apparent, the collective aura of thousands pressing subtly against the senses, and Lucas felt a familiar steadiness settle within him, the kind that only came when preparation was complete and hesitation had no place.

The ice belle drifted closer to his shoulder, sensing the shift in his mood, while Tom straightened his posture, ensuring the servants remained in line, and together they closed the remaining distance toward the king and the waiting army, ready for whatever the march ahead would demand.

When Lucas and his small entourage finally reached the front of the assembled army, the presence of authority was unmistakable, with the king seated firmly atop his warhorse, clad in heavy armor, his posture straight and commanding, while beside him stood his squire holding a massive sword that remained sheathed, yet even in its restraint the weapon radiated a pressure that made weaker cultivators instinctively avert their gaze.

To one side, Henrietta, Lira, Nyx, Seraphine, Mirielle and Selene sat astride their horses in quiet readiness, their war robes flowing subtly with the breeze, their expressions composed but resolute, each of them carrying the calm focus of someone who understood that the coming conflict would not forgive hesitation or fear.

Captain Varran stood close to the king's flank, his armor scarred and familiar, while Commander Alexander remained on the other side, his sharp eyes constantly sweeping the formation as though memorizing every detail of the troops under his command.

Lucas stepped forward without urgency, stopping a respectful distance away, and bowed deeply to the king, lowering his head just enough to show respect without diminishing his own standing.

"Your Majesty," Lucas said evenly, his voice carrying clearly despite the vastness of the gathered army. "The preparations are complete on my end."

The king looked down at him for a moment, his gaze heavy and thoughtful, before nodding slowly. "I expected nothing less from you," he replied. "This army moves with confidence knowing I'm with them."

As the king spoke, Tom moved efficiently, signaling to one of the servants before guiding Lucas's horse forward, holding the reins steady as the animal stepped into place beside the others, its tack simple but well maintained, clearly chosen for endurance rather than display.

"Thank you," Lucas said quietly to Tom as he accepted the reins, his tone calm but sincere.

Tom bowed his head. "It is my duty, my lord. Everything is ready, and the wagon will follow behind your unit as instructed."

Lucas mounted smoothly, settling into the saddle with practiced ease, while the ice belle drifted upward and hovered near his shoulder, her small form shimmering faintly as she peered curiously at the king's imposing presence and the enormous sword beside him.

"That sword feels dangerous," she whispered, her voice only meant for Lucas. "It is sleeping, but it does not feel kind."

Lucas answered just as softly. "You are not wrong. Pray we do not need to see it awaken today."

Henrietta glanced toward Lucas then, her expression softening slightly as she spoke. "I see you are ready as well. Try not to disappear into the heart of the battlefield without warning this time."

Lucas met her gaze and smiled faintly. "I will do my best, though battles have a habit of ignoring plans."

Lira leaned closer on her horse, her eyes searching his face. "Just come back," she said quietly. "That is all we ask."

Nyx crossed her arms loosely, her tone more restrained but no less sincere. "Do not forget that you are not fighting alone, even if you insist on standing where the danger is greatest."

Seraphine inclined her head, her gaze sharp and analytical. "The army's morale is high. That alone will make a difference."

Selene simply nodded, her grip tightening briefly on her reins before she spoke. "Be careful."

The king watched the exchange in silence, then raised one gauntleted hand slightly, signaling for attention, and the surrounding noise diminished almost instantly as soldiers straightened and focused.

"Everyone is in position," Captain Varran reported firmly. "We await your command, Your Majesty."

The king exhaled slowly, his eyes sweeping across the sea of soldiers, commanders, and cultivators, before resting briefly on Lucas once more.

"Then we move," the king said at last, his voice steady and resolute. "Today, history begins to shift."

Lucas tightened his grip on the reins, feeling the weight of the moment settle fully upon him, as Tom stepped back respectfully, the servants standing ready, and the army waited for the signal that would send them marching toward war.