The blue energy of the Aegis dome pulsed with a sickening rhythm against the cracked obsidian dirt. Captain Alden stood near the newly constructed fire pits and watched the captive Valorian soldiers eagerly devour their first meal in two days. The contrast was stark and brutal. Outside the barrier thousands of surrendered men drank fresh water and ate roasted meat while inside the glowing shield Trent paced like a trapped animal.
The giant spectral face of the Valorian king still hovered in the sky. The projection laughed and spat insults down at the Ashguard infantry.
"You are nothing but dirt," the spectral voice boomed over the valley. "You can cook your meat and sharpen your cheap iron all week. You will never breach a High Tier Basic relic. I am a god and you are peasants waiting fo
