Chapter 19: Crimson Spire Under Siege — The Battle Ignites
> "A queen without war is merely a crowned flower. Let the flames bloom."
—Lyra of the Crimson Spire
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• Location: Outer Defense Wall, Crimson Spire — Day One of the Orc War
The sky turned red before the first horn blew.
Lyra stood atop the eastern wall of Crimson Spire, her eyes narrowed as waves of black-armored orcs marched through the crimson fog. The Devourer King's banner—a maw eating a sun—fluttered above them. He had arrived.
> [Enemy Count: 320,000 troops | Elite Units: 12,000 | Berserker Orcs: 8,000] [Projected Casualties: 74% defensive forces without Queen-level intervention]
Lyra grinned.
"Perfect odds."
Behind her, Blood-Iron Minotaurs loaded obsidian cannons. Volcanic Ifrits whispered incantations, lighting molten glyphs. Reptari generals issued commands through scent-runes written in the wind.
The first wave hit like a tidal quake.
Massive orc warbeasts charged the gates, hurling boulders and firebombs. Soul-chained ogres cracked the earth beneath them.
"Form Dragon's Spine Formation!" Lyra shouted.
Lines of berserker elite snapped into motion. Red spears glowed. Abyss flames crackled.
> [Skill Activated: Sovereign Warpath — Queen of Blazing Iron]
Lyra leapt from the wall like a phoenix reborn.
Her sword split the first warbeast in two.
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• Meanwhile: Tower of Veiled Truth
Aria received the war report.
"It's begun."
She turned to her mirror oracles. "Deploy Phantom Wings. Have them disrupt the enemy's spiritual commanders."
"Understood, Lady Aria."
> [Support Mission: Active — Espionage Saboteurs En Route to Crimson Spire]
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• Moonspire of Mercy — Celene's Citadel
Celene's expression was grim as she healed three wounded scouts brought in via teleportation.
"Begin channeling the Celestial Net. We will shield Lyra's command lines."
> [Divine Ritual: Moonveil Matrix – Progress: 11%]
She stared out the window, whispering a silent prayer. "Stay alive, sister."
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• Crimson Spire, Battlefield
The night fell with no rest.
Lyra's armor was scorched. Her blade cracked. Blood matted her braids.
Yet she stood.
And the enemy hesitated.
> [Orc Command Break Confirmed – East Battalion Disoriented] [Message from Bella: 'Do not fall. You are fire.']
Lyra looked up at the stars—flames reflecting in her golden irises.
"I'm not done yet."
She raised her sword.
> [Ultimate Skill: Crimson Titanborn – Unleashed]
Flames devoured the eastern plain.
A goddess of war roared—and the night screamed with her.