The Holy Empire was in chaos.
Amidst the panic that engulfed the Holy Empire, Sagittaria's defeat sent shockwaves through the once-stalwart nation.
While the Empire's leaders displayed little concern for the fallen kingdom, their hearts trembled with fear as the relentless advance of Leonis grew ever nearer.
Sagittaria had been a bastion of young and skilled Seven-Starred Aura Masters, surpassed in numbers only by the Empire itself.
Yet, in the grim reality of war, half of these seasoned warriors perished, leaving the Empire vulnerable.
The ministers, their faces etched with desperation, ventured into the forsaken wing of the palace where the old and weakened Holy Emperor resided.
Wrinkled and gaunt, his once-majestic countenance now marred by bitterness, the Emperor sneered at their arrival.
"It has come to this."
His eyes, filled with disdain and weary wisdom, scanned the gathering before him.