Published: July 3, 2025
The morning mist was finally beginning to dissipate on the battlefield.
Both armies had already completed their formations and were raising their fighting spirit.
Everyone present understood that today would mark the battle that would decide the fate of the nation.
Normally, both sides would assert the righteousness of their cause and condemn the unlawful actions of the other... but this time seemed different.
After several messengers had come and gone, King Abel and King Raymond met in the center of the battlefield, each accompanied by one subordinate.
Of course, this scene was visible to both armies, and while the soldiers heightened their fighting spirit, they were also intrigued by the unfolding events.
"It's been a while, Uncle."
"Ah, it's been a long time, Albert."
From Abel's perspective, Raymond, who was his father's younger brother, was an uncle.
Due to the strained relationship between his father and himself, Abel had never had a friendly conversation with Raymond, even when he was in the royal castle.
Moreover, before Abel was born, Raymond had already become the Duke of Flitwick and withdrawn from the royal castle.
"Could you relinquish the throne, Uncle?"
Raymond, upon hearing Abel's direct request, simply smiled wryly rather than getting angry.
"You know that such a demand cannot be fulfilled."
"If you relinquish the throne, I will overlook the incident involving the 'Five Dragons' sent to assassinate me, and I will continue to recognize the Duchy of Flitwick as your territory."
"Ah... so it seems you were attacked by an a-rank adventurer. That must have been unfortunate."
Raymond spoke as if it were completely detached from his own concerns.
"If it were a duel between you and me, I would have had no chance of winning. However, in a battle between armies, we can expect a fight that is at least even. If you surrender now, I'd be willing to grant you some territory."
"I decline, Uncle."
Naturally, Abel rejected Raymond's proposal.
"You understand, Uncle, that the true enemy is the Empire. They have already taken control of the eastern region, and Count Gota and others in the north have aligned themselves with the Empire."
Upon hearing this, Raymond slightly raised his eyebrows.
Perhaps he wasn't aware that Count Gota had joined the Empire.
"The Empire's target is the 'black powder' produced in the eastern kingdom. This is something that could change the course of future battles. It must not fall into the hands of the Empire."
"I see. I understand what you're trying to say. Of course, I don't intend to let the Empire take control of the east. However, for now, we will utilize the Empire's military power."
"Uncle..."
Abel spoke with a sorrowful expression.
It truly saddened him... he thought Raymond's understanding of the Empire was naive.
However, at the same time, he realized that no matter what he said, it wouldn't get through.
"Then, Albert, let us show each other's strength."
"…Yes."
Leaving behind their disjointed conversation, the two parted ways.
Raymond returned to his army and swiftly raised his right hand before bringing it down.
In response, Raymond's army, consisting of ten thousand in the vanguard, began to walk forward slowly.
This consisted of units of militia, adventurers, and archers.
Following them, twenty thousand in the middle infantry also began to move.
A combined pressure of thirty thousand in a horizontal formation was quite significant.
"They're coming!"
The central part of the Southern Army was primarily composed of adventurers specializing in close combat.
The volunteer militia formed groups of five and fought...
Leading the central unit, which would face the enemy the longest, was none other than Master McGrath, who had popularity that even rivaled that of King Abel among adventurers and militia.
As a hero from the past 'Great War' and the Guild Master of the Adventurers' Guild in the City of Run, he was undoubtedly the best person to lead this central unit.
However, even Master McGrath felt the considerable pressure of the approaching thirty thousand.