Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Church's First Strike

The first major assault by the church's forces came at dawn, under the cover of a thick morning fog. The city of Valeria, one of Lucian's key strongholds, was their target. Valeria had been a center of wealth and power for Lucian's empire, and its fall would be a significant blow to his influence.

Roderic, who had taken charge of the city's defenses, had anticipated the attack. The city walls had been reinforced, the gates fortified, and the streets prepared for urban warfare. Lucian's loyal forces, a mix of soldiers, mercenaries, and citizens who had benefited from his empire, were ready and waiting.