Eric's expression shifted subtly. During his time in Salt City, he held the belief that war was a distant prospect, possibly not occurring in the next few decades.

However, skirmishes and even full-fledged battles were commonplace at the border. For soldiers, this was the reality of war.

Pierce, driven by ambition, sought to decisively quell the border disturbances. Perhaps this explained why he and the Battle Department had come to the border. Only someone with Pierce's grand vision could mus