The shattered remnants of the Northern Army executed a swift, disciplined retreat, establishing a fortified perimeter 20 miles from the battlefield. Northern army camp, was a grim reflection of the devastating loss. Field hospitals were overwhelmed, and the air was heavy with exhaustion and the acrid smell of burnt flesh. The cost of Kaine's arrogance was absolute: 4,000 casualties total. The sight of the endless rows of fallen soldiers shattered the once-unshakeable Northern morale.
The Apology of a General
Within hours of the retreat, General Kaine, despite his serious wounds, called a war council. General Kaine was recovering from wounds, his powerful 9th Core Stage core struggling with the physical and magical trauma inflicted by Verath.
The council was somber, attended by Kai's tea
