Published: July 3, 2025
At that moment, Lord Aubrey and the leaders of the allied forces were stationed on the flatlands north of the narrow pass, commanding their operations.
The sense of unease that Lord Aubrey felt came from behind the main army, from the north.
There were no cries of alarm.
However, the battle-hardened Lord Aubrey sensed something was amiss.
Was the sound that should have been there absent?
Had the expected noises suddenly vanished?
At least, no one other than Lord Aubrey noticed.
But a moment's judgment can determine the outcome of a battle. That is the nature of the battlefield.
(Something is wrong. What? No, this is the battlefield. If something is wrong, it must be due to an enemy attack.)
Concluding this, he rose from his chair and shouted.
"Enemy attack! Take defensive formations!"
With Lord Aubrey's orders, his loyal subordinates sprang into action immediately.
These were the captains who had fought under Lord Aubrey's command since before he became a dictator a decade ago.
They quickly exited the command tent surrounding the main army and began issuing commands to their troops.
They did not fully understand what was happening or what was about to occur.
However, Lord Aubrey's mere mention of "enemy attack" was enough.
If he said "enemy attack," then an enemy must be assaulting from somewhere.
And soon, this main force would likely be involved.
Thus, he issued orders for interception.
Since they did not know where the attack would come from, they would prepare for an all-around defense.
([Icicle Lance 256])
The rounded tip of the icicle lance pierced through the allied soldiers like an uppercut or smash, thrusting upward diagonally.
Even targeting their jaws.
The reason for not killing them was not out of mercy, but because too much blood would cause nausea from the smell.
As the Southern Army advanced, they eliminated a substantial number of allied soldiers.
Leading the charge was Ryo, followed by Chloe from the duchy's intelligence department, the red sword, and Hugh McGrath.
Basically, Ryo was single-handedly responsible for eliminating the enemies in this area.
How far would he go?
Until detected by the enemy.
(That's strange. I was brought here as a porter, but I feel like I'm working like a draft horse...)
Even while thinking this, he continued to fire icicle lances.
"Seriously, Ryo, your magical power seems endless..."
Lin, the wind attribute mage, followed behind, looking astonished.
(That's strange. I shouldn't be qualified to participate in combat as a D-rank, yet I feel like I'm working harder than a B-rank adventurer...)
Even while thinking this, he continued to fire icicle lances.
"Seriously, having Ryo around is so convenient."
Abel praised his efficiency with admiration.
Everyone in the forefront group, excluding Chloe, understood Ryo's extraordinary abilities.
Even at this stage, Hugh was still careful about leaking information about Ryo.
In reality, rumors about him circulated widely among the Southern Army.
However, because Hugh McGrath was perceived as an adventurer reluctant to share information, no one specifically tried to spread news about Ryo.
Across the entire kingdom, the name of the hero McGrath was held in high esteem, but in the South, it could be said that he gathered almost divine faith.
Such was the overwhelming power of the name "Master McGrath."
Countless allied soldiers had been knocked unconscious by Ryo's rapid-fire icicle lances.
Finally, from the front, the shout of "enemy attack" echoed.
The moment that voice was heard, the previously advancing Southern Army of seventy surged forward in unison.
Now that the surprise attack had been discovered, it was a race against time.
Their target was the enemy's main camp.
They aimed for the head of Lord Aubrey.
Everyone understood that there was no other chance for a turnaround.
It was possible that even if they defeated Lord Aubrey, the allied forces would not retreat from the Duchy of Inberri.
However, even if that were the case, Ryo felt that they could manage against the allied forces without Lord Aubrey.