Late night, Highland Reach, Sanctuary South-West Border, Sam.

Even in the dark of night, it was easy to see the two marching armies. The Empire had called their men from all corners and made a massive temporary camp at Phoenix City at the bank of the Gold River running through the middle of the Dawnstar land. The newly built runic weapons were on full display.

One of the Empire transcendent seeds accompanying Damian had managed to transcend a few years ago. This, Doomscribe, was also a rune shaper class like Damian. Empire was truly elated and had high hopes for the guy, but his runic tools were nowhere near Damian's level. Still, the man created many runic tools for the Empire.

Currently, the Empire's Moondancer, Faerunia's Veilpiercer, and Eldori's Bonecrusher, along with dozens of each country's transcendent seeds and renowned second rankers, were sent away to an unknown location using their own ships. Damian had full access to any and all ships, and it was based on intent. Even if the Sun God took over him, these commands can't be changed.

Without him and Damian, no one in the world will even be able to find these people.

The Faerunians were near the border of Dawnstar, but they too were marching slowly to gather men from different regions of Faerunia on the way. Only half their forces were marching; the other half was on the large warships. Vearon's ship was leading this armada.

The Empire's forces look like they are waiting for the Faerunian foot soldiers to join them before marching forward together. By their calculations, if such a large force marches on foot till Sanctuary land, it will take them at least five days.

If they rush it, maybe 4 or 3.5 days. But their people won't be in fighting condition if they do that.

Sam had shifted to their western stronghold. A large part of the refugees had left, and people were still leaving in groups, but the crowd had lessened significantly. The ones who wished to leave had already done so; the rest were not going anywhere. He had left the Sanctuary in Souldealer and Evrin's hands and had moved here with the rest of his forces.

The south-west runic wall was already manned at regular intervals. From the harbour town of Royne near the sea facing Faerunia to the Mohshi town in the south-east, five large wall towers were placed. These towers were massive high structures resembling a vertical palace. In between were several mini garrison quarters, fitted with large defensive runic machines. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

The Faerunians had a large armada of ships, but they shouldn't venture far from this south-west region, where the Empire's forces will most likely attack. They had waygates, so changing locations based on the enemy's intentions was not a problem. The entire wall was lightly manned, and with their surveillance systems active at all times, being caught off guard was nearly impossible.

But the thing was.. all of mainland knew that.

'Why are they doing this despite knowing very well they do not stand a chance against us?'

The only thing they might have trouble handling was Vearon himself. But with the addition of the Highswords, they had more than enough transcendents to fight back and even deal severe damage to their forces.

Marching straight towards their walls meant marching to their death for mundanes and pathfinders who weren't transcendents. Even if they manage to push Sanctuary back, it will be a bitter fight, and only a handful of truly strong ones will survive. And besides, with waygates, they can leave at any time.

'Maybe they are counting on the Gods' help?'

If the gods started taking control of the people, there was really not much they could do. But this was being recorded and being displayed all over the mainland and other continents. If the gods took control, the people would finally see them for what they truly were.

'Maybe they think it doesn't matter as long as Sanctuary is gone.'

Even if people recognized their gods' true faces, they would only fear more. If even the strongest country like Sanctuary had no chance against the gods, what will they accomplish by going against them?

Well, if this were the end, then be it. The only thing Sam can do is fight. Fight as best as he can.

The weapons, armor, and runic tools were shared with the people who had come to fight for Sanctuary. The leaders of the United Army gathered in the Highland Reach to plan the battle.

The large stone hall of the ancient castle was filled with people. Sanctuary captains, both pathfinders and mundane; the adventurer guild leaders; transcendents of sanctuary; highswords; and even some individuals, big names who were made leaders of large civilian groups at the last minute by the people. Sam did not care who called himself what as long as they wished to help.

He knew he couldn't trust them all. Many here must be spies of the gods or the other kingdoms. But there was no time to investigate people. Not like his plan was going to be a secret, with Sun God able to see and hear everything he was.

Sam stood up, and all the chattering subsided in the large hall.

"First of all, to all of those who answered our call to war, I applaud your courage and righteousness."

Several faces stared back at him, each with varied expressions.

"There is not much to discuss here. All should keep in mind that everything said here is in the presence of all the gods. They are watching everything we do at all times."

The crowd of people looked at each other with uncertainty. Someone voiced the thoughts aloud,

"May we know how you claim so strongly about these gods' schemes and presence?" It was Warren who spoke up.

The Dawnstar man who once served Lucian's father and his friend, Lord Silas. He had joined Damian as well and had become a transcendent. But unlike the other newborn sanctuary transcendent Grimblade, who created his own guild, Warren still accompanied the exploration dungeon diving party.

There was no point in keeping it a secret, so Sam began revealing all he knew and understood about the gods, starting with the primordial age.