Commander Dugartz nodded solemnly, the weight of his duty pressing heavily on his shoulders. He straightened, clenched his fist to his chest in a firm gesture of respect, and bowed deeply.
"I understand," he said with unwavering resolve. "I will persuade my people to stand down and raise your flag… I won't let their suffering continue."
He turned slightly, then added in a respectful tone, "Please, if you'll excuse me."
Javier nodded once beneath the oni mask, a silent acknowledgment.
"Very well… go now," he said calmly.
But just as Dugartz was about to walk away, Javier's voice cut through the tense air—sharp, serious, and unwavering.
"But let me warn you, Commander."
Dugartz froze in his step.
"There will be no second chances. No negotiations if even one of your soldiers dares to raise a weapon or attack me or my knights."
Javier subtly gestured toward the battlefield—toward the blood-stained, shattered remains of 120,000 halfling troops.
