The war council commenced, the air charged with strategic energy. Tatsuo distributed copies of Reeldos's intelligence reports to the Emperor and High Marshal, outlining the defenses and troop deployments of Blackrose City.
"With the Wyverns at our disposal," Tatsuo began, his voice confident, "conquering the city will be significantly easier. We will execute a coordinated assault, striking from multiple fronts."
He unfurled a map of Blackrose City, pointing to key locations. "Rota," he said, addressing his loyal knight, "you will lead my battalion of 800 men in a direct assault on the main gate. Your objective is to breach the defenses and create an opening for our forces."
"Commanders Edald and Rudy," Tatsuo continued, turning to his other Rare Commanders, "you will lead your battalions of 1,000 men to attack the east gate. Coordinate your efforts and exploit any weaknesses in their defenses."
"We will keep 400 men in reserve," Tatsuo explained, "ready to reinforce any point of need."
He then addressed Lady Blackwood. "Lady Blackwood, I need you to coordinate with Mayor Leon of Greywall to ensure a steady supply of provisions for our army. We cannot afford any logistical disruptions."
"Captain Galter," Tatsuo said, turning to the leader of the Wyvern platoon, "your Wyverns will play a crucial role in our assault. Unleash your full power and support our ground forces."
"We will launch our attack tomorrow morning," Tatsuo concluded. "Please prepare your respective soldiers accordingly."
The assembled officers saluted, their voices ringing with determination. "Yes, Prince!"
Tatsuo dismissed them, allowing them to prepare for the impending battle. He, the Emperor, and High Marshal Cheng Hui remained in the war room.
Emperor Hiro clapped his hands, his expression filled with admiration. "You've improved greatly, Tatsuo," he said, his voice warm and proud.
He looked at Cheng Hui, who nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Thank you, Father," Tatsuo replied, his voice sincere. "I didn't build this alone. It's the result of the combined efforts of everyone who has been with me since the beginning of my journey."
The next morning, the assault on Blackrose City commenced. The air vibrated with the sounds of war – the clash of steel, the thunder of warhorses, and the shouts of soldiers. Rota's battalion stormed the main gate, while Edald and Rudy's forces launched their attack on the east gate.
Suddenly, a tremor shook the ground, like a miniature earthquake. Tatsuo and the Emperor turned their gaze towards the west. A cloud of dust billowed in the distance, growing larger with each passing moment.
The Emperor chuckled, a sound of genuine amusement. "Shouwie," he said, his voice laced with admiration, "you always exceed my expectations."
From the west, a thunderous charge erupted. Grand Duke Shouwie Shun led his Lion Cavalry, a force of elite warriors mounted on powerful, leonine beasts. Alongside them, Grand Marshal Kasai Ryujin and his squad of Wyvern Knights soared through the air, their majestic forms casting long shadows over the battlefield. Kasai's personal Wyvern, however, did not join the fray. Instead, it landed beside the Emperor, its presence a silent guardian.
Tatsuo approached his great-uncle, Kasai, and greeted him warmly. "Uncle Kasai," he said, bowing slightly, "it is good to see you."
Kasai returned the greeting, tapping Tatsuo on the shoulder. "You've grown into a fine commander, Tatsuo," he said, his voice filled with pride.
With the arrival of the Lion Cavalry, the battle intensified. Tatsuo, his eyes blazing with determination, mounted his warhorse. He drew Warbreaker, the blade glowing with the power of his Magisterial Court Realm cultivation. With a mighty roar, he charged into the fray, his presence a beacon of strength and leadership.
The Emperor watched his son, a sense of deep satisfaction washing over him. Tatsuo's skill and courage were undeniable, a testament to his growth and determination. He nodded approvingly, his heart swelling with pride.
The defenders of Blackrose City were thrown into disarray by the sudden, overwhelming assault. The sight of Wyvern Knights tearing through their defenses and the thunderous charge of the Lion Cavalry, led by Grand Duke Shouwie Shun himself, sent shockwaves of fear and confusion through their ranks.
Count Valerius Blackrose, observing the unfolding chaos from the city walls, realized the futility of their resistance. "If we continue this fight," he muttered, his voice grim, "they will slaughter us all."
He issued a desperate order to his son, Commander Damien Blackrose. "Raise the white flag! Signal our surrender! We cannot withstand this onslaught." He then relayed the same order to every soldier under his command.
Damien, though reluctant, obeyed his father's command. A white flag was raised above the city walls, a symbol of their surrender.
Meanwhile, Tatsuo's brigade, fueled by their leader's momentum, breached the main gate. They flooded into the city, their battle cries echoing through the streets. The combined assault from multiple fronts, coupled with the aerial dominance of the Wyverns and the devastating charge of the Lion Cavalry, had shattered the defenders' morale.
As the fighting subsided and the city fell under Tatsuo's control, Count Valerius Blackrose was brought before him. He was visibly shaken, his face etched with defeat.
"Prince Tatsuo Ryujin," the Count said, his voice trembling slightly, "I surrender unconditionally. Had I known it was you leading this army, I would have surrendered sooner."
The realization that he had been facing the Crown Prince himself further compounded his sense of defeat. He understood the gravity of his situation, but he also sensed a glimmer of hope in Tatsuo's reputation for honor and fairness.