BELLUM PRAESINTIA

Long Process

In an instant, the winds of change swept through everyone present on the battlefield, one by one falling to the opposing side and kneeling in submission.

Pedro and his troops still struggled to catch their breath, their hearts pumping rapidly. His eyes scanned from west to east, observing the rows of kneeling soldiers. Each one stared at the ground, lips curved and wrinkles deepening.

Accompanied by Felius, Pedro advanced step by step toward Garlan. His heart trembled with each passing moment, rejecting the unfolding scene.

Garlan's gaze slowly turned towards him for less than a second before returning to the front.

"I never expected you to do this so easily, even before the reinforcements arrived!" Pedro swallowed his saliva, resulting in a pause for a few moments.

The passing wind echoed in their ears, and those two men's eyes remained fixed on the motionless Garlan. Slowly, eyebrows narrowed, and jaw clenched, ready to shout.

"Now, this is just the beginning!" Garlan replied curtly. Then, his gaze shifted to everyone in front of him, each face representing the turmoil within. "A much larger scale of warfare will emerge. It doesn't matter if I succeed in delivering something good. As long as the agreement can be achieved, this must be done!"

His feet carried him away from there, gradually disappearing from sight.

Pedro's breath grew heavy upon hearing those words. "Hmph... he dares to say this! Felius, what do you think of this man? Will he be able to fulfill everything he promised?"

Felius hurriedly scratched his cheek, feeling the warmth on the back of his neck as his gaze remained fixed on the barren ground. "I don't know!" He replied hesitantly. "It's too early to conclude. At least today, he was able to bring victory to everyone! It sounds strange, but it's evidence of his high capabilities!"

All of that couldn't be denied, and Pedro stared with a sense of annoyance.

Time transitioned into a silent night, everything felt still. The day had been arduous, but the bones found solace even against rough surfaces.

Garlan could hear the sounds of soldiers and comrades from below, toasting and laughing. It would be more comfortable to gaze at the star-studded sky alone, but the rhythmic sound of footsteps approached, shattering the silence.

Garlan continued to watch his surroundings, and from a distance, a familiar face caught his eye, causing his gaze to turn.

"Leader, what are you doing here?" Gean asked, extending a cup filled with wine.

Garlan took the cup, his body was silent as he stared at the reflection of his face in the purple liquid, spreading an aura of sweetness.

"How was today? Were there many casualties?"

Shaking his head, Gean signaled that it wasn't too severe, but it couldn't be confirmed yet. "For now, many have survived. Some are injured, but it hasn't been too bad!" He explained.

Garlan narrowed his eyebrows. "It's too early for us to feel at ease. After this, a much heavier battle will come, and we must prepare everyone's mindset for it!"

As those words sank in, Gean forgot to breathe, slowly lowering his gaze to the tightly grasped cup, the tremors leaving fading marks.

"Leader, are we all entitled to be in a battle like this? Shouldn't we stay away from the royal faction?" All the feelings that had been held inside were released at once.

He blinked several times before gazing back at the beautiful star-filled sky.

"Yes, this is part of our goal! Just because the enemy considers us enemies, everything that happens shouldn't be taken lightly. They started this, so we have to finish it now!"

At that moment, the wind suddenly ceased to move, and the night was engulfed in a gripping silence.

Each word from his mouth began to prove itself, as time assisted them in every journey they took. The east and the south had already been reclaimed, traversing many battles drenched in blood.

It only took a short time for the name Black Dragon to become known throughout the land. Anyone who heard it would directly assume a vigilant position, leading to the long-awaited point of the battle.

Currently, the two opposing camps stood facing each other, glaring at one another, their flags waving dimly.

"So, those are the troops of the Black Dragon?" asked a man with a nervous tone.

The bearded man approached him and said, "Yes, do not underestimate them! For the past few years, they have fiercely conquered enemy-held territories! Now, our nation will steal their pride and crush them!" Laughter echoed in the ears of the soldiers.

No sound, no audible breaths, everything existed in a void, eyes continuously fixed on the enemy, as if forbidden to look away. Dust particles flying became a constant disturbance.

Poung...

A trumpet sounded from the western end, shouting loudly, clenching fists in a movement towards the enemy. The neighing of horses accompanied the pounding footsteps.

Crash...

The clash continued in a merciless battle, drenching the barren land with their blood.

"Hehehee... they can be easily immobilized by just gazing at our troops. Don't worry, we will quickly incinerate you!" said the previously nervous man, casually moving his fingers like a fan.

Beside him stood a man with a serious expression, constantly challenging whatever lay ahead, his clenched fists mirrored by his curved mouth.

This commotion became a question mark, everyone looked around, their hands trembling violently, and they followed the crisp sound coming from two o'clock. Someone flew past their faces, landing in a lifeless position. Breathless, they observed the imposing figure staring fiercely.

"Good afternoon, soldiers of the Black Dragon. I have been waiting here for a long time to meet you all! Now, you must entertain me, do not disappoint me, I beg of you all..." He said politely, but this politeness turned into horror as his hand lifted a large sword, still stained with blood, adding to the terrifying impression.

Gean clenched his teeth and muttered, "Can we face someone of such enormous stature like this?"

__To Be Continued__