Generals, officers, and communication units advanced almost in battle formation, so orders could be given on the move.
We reached the large command tent, where maps already covered the tables, troop markers were laid out, and communication crystals burned with steady light.
Norris entered first, without knocking.
“Commander! Urgently!”
The general looked up. His face was grim, his eyes red from sleepless nights.
But when Norris quickly explained everything — about the statues, the castle basement, and the “Codex of Defense” —
the general’s expression changed.
First — disbelief.
Then — a flash of hope.
And finally… fear.
The kind that comes when you realize there is a chance — but it’s thinner than a blade.
“If this is true…” the general rubbed his forehead.
“It would turn the battle around. Stone guardians… they aren’t just legends?”
Elinia stepped forward, confident.
“They aren’t legends. I am the king’s daughter. I know where the basement entrance is and how to activate the system.”
The general looked at her for several seconds. Then he nodded sharply.
Stolen novel; please report.
“Good. Then listen carefully, all of you.”
He pushed aside one map and unfolded another — a layout of the city center.
“Three legions have already surrounded the palace district.
The demons are dug in inside and holding their ground.
Losses… are heavy.”
He spoke calmly, but every word cut through the air.
“A few hours ago our mages reported that the demons opened a portal in the throne hall. We don’t know where it leads, but it’s bad. Very bad.”
We stayed silent.
“We will begin a full assault in twenty minutes. Long-range mages will fire a barrage, ballistae will strike the palace walls. That will draw their attention to the front.”
The general pointed at a spot on the map — a narrow tunnel near the Temple of the Holy Wind.
“There is an entrance here to the old sewer system. It leads directly beneath the palace. Old corridors — narrow, but still usable. The demons definitely haven’t gone there. They hate enclosed spaces.”
Norris turned to us.
“Your task:
go through the sewers to the basement.
Break into the Guardian Hall.
Find the statue without a sword.
Place the sword into its hands.”
The commander added:
“If it works, the statues will awaken. And then the city center will be ours.”
Finn raised his hand.
“And if… it doesn’t work?”
The general didn’t blink.
“Then you will die there first. And we will follow.”
No one moved.
The silence was so thick you could hear a raindrop strike the tent canvas.
“We need a signal,” the general said. “So we know whether you succeed or not.”
“I can do it,” Finn said. “I can create a pillar of fire. Everyone will see it.”
Norris nodded.
“Then it’s settled.
If it works — a pillar of light.
If it fails — a pillar of black smoke. Everyone will understand.”
The general gave his final order.
“The assault begins in twenty minutes.
And you… prepare to go to hell.”
He looked at each of us.
“And come back alive. If you can.”