Published: July 5, 2025
At the northern border of Darwei, the Northern River.
This great river, similar to the Southern River that flows through the imperial capital, can exceed a kilometer in width in some parts.
For a long time, this Northern River has served as the northern boundary of Darwei.
The territory north of the Northern River is considered to have less value due to the significantly colder climate.
Therefore, previous dynasties before Darwei also established the Northern River as the northern border, where nomadic horse tribes occasionally built their nations and engaged in conflict.
The great river can be considered a natural fortress, making it difficult for the nomadic nations, like the Payu Nation, to invade Darwei easily.
In particular, in recent decades, the relationship between the two nations had been favorable.
However, just days ago, the Payu Nation suddenly invaded Darwei.
During that assault, they crossed over the Northern River.
The invasion was repelled by Prince Lyun, who acted under an imperial decree.
However, this time, the Chououchi Empire, which had annexed the Payu Nation, had crossed the Northern River to invade.
When the Payu Nation attacked, it was deemed unlikely, so there weren't many defensive forces stationed on the southern bank.
As a result, this invasion was permitted easily, but this time was different.
Given the possibility of a southward advance by the Chououchi Empire, the Third Prince Churei was stationed there with 10,000 troops from the forbidden army as the northern expedition great general.
Churei was known as a prince who focused on martial affairs at the Imperial Palace.
As long as he led the forbidden army, it was believed that they would be safe...
"Don’t retreat! If you back down here, the invasion will continue without end!"
Prince Churei shouted.
Around him, a chaotic melee was already underway.
"Your Highness! The enemy has deployed a new ogre unit!"
A subordinate reported with a desperate expression.
Indeed, the Chououchi Imperial Army was utilizing monsters in battle.
Prince Churei understood that he had to assign their reserve forces to deal with the new enemy.
But...
"There are no reserve troops left to deploy."
He muttered, biting his lip.
The main force of the Darwei army that had been engaged in defense consisted of the top elite forbidden army of 10,000.
The forbidden army fought without flinching, even against the ogres, which measured two and a half meters in height.
In fact, during the initial phase, they endured the attacks and even had moments where they could push back.
However, the enemy was not only comprised of monsters.
"Here they come again!"
"Talisman!"
"Watch above your heads!"
It was that!
Talisman flying from the rear of the enemy forces.
Hundreds of talismans flew through the sky, raining down stones and fireballs from above.
You could protect yourself by raising your shields overhead.
But doing so would hinder the battle against the monsters directly in front of them...
As a result, the Darwei military gradually found their combat power and morale worn down.
"I’ve found you!"
Clang.
With a piercing sound, Prince Churei blocked a blow that came towards him with his sword.
"That splendid armor isn't from a lowly soldier. But still, you’re young. That means you’re either a child of the Shtaiif layer or a member of the royal family!"
"What are you going to do about that?"
Prince Churei replied casually to the assailant's deduction.
His response was flippant, but he understood that the sharpness of the attack indicated that this opponent should not be underestimated.
"I am Gan, the Seven Star General of the Chououchi Empire. I am the one who will take your life, remember that!"
"If you take my life, how can I remember you?"
Prince Churei sighed at Gan’s introduction.
However, as a member of the royal family, he couldn’t just let it go unchallenged.
"I am Prince Churei, the northern expedition great general of Darwei."
"Prince Churei, the Third Prince, huh? Quite a big deal!"
"Is that so? What will you do then?"