Chapter Three - Battlefield

"By the great Lord Vaectorfinay!! shouted several men.

The war roar was followed by the sound of something similar to a stampede, hundreds of men riding bipedal lizards descended the hill at full speed, their objective was to break through the defense line of the imperial army.

The mounted army lined up their shields, normally these shields wouldn't hold back such a terrible advance, but they were enchanted to be lighter to handle, and when lined up together formed a kind of firm barrier, it would be like having a wall mounted.

But that wasn't enough, the dragon army's riding lizards were mighty, with the strength of the strongest bull and the speed of the fastest horses, on top of that receiving the benefit of the speed of descent, with all that they broke through the barrier easily.

The men riding such beasts were equally impressive, clad in dragon scale armour, wielding mighty halberds and with all the fury of a beast, they tore the panicked men before them as if they were little lambs, for serving the dragons they believed to be the army. most powerful in the world, and without fearing death they threw themselves before dozens of men, for the empire's army it was like trying to contain a storm.

When all seemed lost, the mages took action, the greatest strength of the reign were the mages who had different specialties, using their magic they managed to contain the advance of the draconic troops, and while healing the wounded, they reorganized the shaken troops.

Light and nature mages healed the wounded, mind mages shared information, inspiration mages soothed the desperate and encouraged the brave, battle mages ended the threat, all working evenly.

"Looks like we managed to hold it this time "said Famur watching from afar through a magic screen.

"Even so our losses were severe, for each one of the enemies that we shot down we lost at least three men " said one of his officers " so we won't last even one more week.

"Without the army, the mages won't be able to hold everything " said another officer " we need to find a way to equalize the forces.

"I'm working on it, I think that tomorrow we'll even things out " Famur replied looking at the map " above all, have you finished protecting the land?

"Yes sir, the creation wizards created metal barriers underground " replied the officer in charge " both the main base and the camps are protected now.

The biggest problem in dealing with green dragons was their natural ability, they could dig the earth with extreme ease, the bigger ones practically swam on land as they would swim in water, so there was always a risk of them emerging from the ground at any moment, with plates of metal underground they would at least ensure that such a surprise attack would not happen.

"Although their habitat is underground, stay alert for air attacks " ordered Famur " reserve all the griffin cavalry to repel any dragon that approaches flying.

"What about dragonslayers? " asked another officer " you summoned all of them, didn't you? When are we going to use them?

"I'll only use their strength when it's definitive, we can't lose even one member " he replied.

Dragonslayers were warriors and magicians specialized precisely in killing dragons, it was ironic that such specialization made them almost useless against other types of monsters, in the western region they had a base to stay as close as possible to their prey, and if there was any hope of defeating Vaector was with their help.

"I need to create an opening, a single opening that will allow me to take the dragonslayers and the main troop to Vaector " he said leaning over the table " if we expel or kill your leader, your entire army will retreat.

The officers present could almost hear his brain working, Famur was not only humanity's strongest warrior, he was also the greatest military strategist, every battle he has commanded so far had a purpose, even those where he suffered defeat served to give some advantage or discover the enemy strength, so that the next day he could turn the game around, it was exactly like a chess match.

"Vaector uses all the strength of his troops in a brutal attack, but he knows the right time to retreat and minimize his losses "said Famur "it won't take long until he orders the withdrawal, when that moment comes it's the time that we will retaliate.

As he predicted the order to retreat came, a soldier mounted on a wyvern flew over the battlefield and blew a horn trumpet, with the order to retreat all the dragon knights in battle turned around and retreated back to the top. from the hill, even if they were in the middle of a fierce battle, their master's orders were absolute.

As they were going up the hill they were surprised by portals opening, these portals opened by dimensional mages poured out summoned creatures and battle golems, all appearing exactly on the dragon knights, caught by surprise they didn't react very well, and with that the soldiers of before they advanced to launch an attack on both sides, a tough battle resumed but with an advantage for the army of the reign.

"Good move Famur " praised the ancient dragon in his new fortress " with that I lost 25% of my draconic knights, a huge amount of damage in a single day.

The ancient dragon Vaector was in the newly built fortress, in fact it was a construction of a few floors very rustic and simple, to fit in the construction he had assumed his humanoid form, a man who appeared to be 50 years old with a beard and well"groomed hair, he wore armor which was actually his own transformed scales, before him two other dragons also in human form.

"Let me go to battle father, I will bring thousands of human heads to you! " Asked one of the dragons beside him.

"No! Send me to battle father " asked the other dragon beside him " I will bring the head of the enemy commander!

The two dragons began to glare at each other and snarl, both were sons of Vaector and ruled their own cities, all 6 sons of the ancient dragon came to battle bringing their armies, and they all vying for the greatest conquests.

"kokokoko don't be in a hurry, your time will come " replied Vaector " your other brothers are leading the army, soon it will be time to change.

"But why can't we attack the capital of this region? Eradicating a million humans would be perfect to avenge Findaral " asked one of them " what is happening here is not a war, it is a children's fight.

"Don't question our lord's will, he ordered me to take care of it " his father replied " he wants me to make it last as long as possible, he didn't even mention victory or defeat.

"So the goal is to make this war last forever? " asked the other son " if the goal is not to win how are we going to define that?

"Let's see, I think I'm going to play with them until there's almost nothing left of these hairless monkeys " said Vaector with a mean tone " then I'll destroy your capital before returning home, that should count as “neither winning nor losing”

The two sons present had a good laugh, looking from that point of view it was fun to fight even without getting results, with that Vaector gave his orders, today would be considered the victory of the humans, but tomorrow he would give the change, until then he would collect his troops.

"My lord, may I interrupt you? asked a human soldier on his knees.

"Talk, what do you have to report? Vaector authorized.

"Today we took two villages, they are not a big deal but we managed to capture their residents " reported the soldier in a respectful tone " I think we have about 400 prisoners.

"Kill all the men and the old ones, and give the women to our soldiers tonight " ordered the dragon mercilessly " they will be the reward for the hard work.

"What about the children my lord? " asked the soldier just in case, after all Vaector could have a different fate for them.

"Send them to my children's cities, they will make good slaves," Vaector replied, his eyes gleaming with malice.

*****************************

"I don't believe that... "said Aella with a disgusted face.

"You can get used to it, while we're there you'll be under my command " replied professor Miu Ziam with an evil smile " which means that from now on you're mine!

All the 5th year students were summoned and were lined up, before them was the teacher of combat magic Miu Ziam and the dean of the academy Androuet, even if they were apprentice magicians, the feeling they felt now is that they had joined the army.

"Despite everything you will not fight on the front line, your function is strictly support " explained Androuet " even the combat mages will act as guards for important points.

Behind them are several giant crates, each containing food, water bottles, medicine, potions and other necessities, all to be taken to the southern region where an invasion was taking place, the academy's mages would be the support they needed so much.

"So now you will be divided into teams of 10 members " explained Androuet " each team will have a representative and you will have to follow their orders, I hope you act wisely on the battlefield.

The students were soon divided as they thought best, and as expected for all Merilda was chosen as leader of one of the teams, her partner Peter was also elected leader of a team, what was surprising was that Derek was chosen as a leader too .

"Are you sure about that? " he asked all repressed " I don't know if I'm good to be a leader.

"Don't worry about it, I'll help you out " said Urick " and you're good at that, no one here will have any problems with you in the lead.

"Also because there won't be much to do " warned Aella " after all we're not going to fight on the front line.

Aella had been chosen more by the elimination process, there was a dispute and she simply won, even so those under her command were in a cold sweat, Androuet seeing that the teams were already formed continued the explanations.

"Despite being in teams, you will be assigned to carry out orders according to your skills " he continued " there will be other higher level mages there, you will only need to follow their instructions.

“Mr. Androuet, I've brought all the crates,” Thalia said, making the last one appear.

The crates were more like containers, they were huge and heavy, Androuet said that each team should take one of them, for that it would be necessary to combine their magic and use [magic force] to lift them from the ground by wrapping them with a movable barrier type.

As soon as all the crates were lifted by magic the dean acted, using his 9th level magic Androuet opened a portal to the southern capital, even for him it was impossible to teleport all of this directly to the southern border, so he would have to make two trips , with the portal open the students moved the crates through it.

As soon as all the crates were transported, it was the students' turn, lined up and organized, they went through the portal at once, followed by Androuet and Thalia, the teleportation center was crowded at that moment.

"So this is the capital of the south... "Derek said watching the city through a window.

"Yes, and this building is where teleportation is concentrated " explained a dimensional magician at his side " this building is specially prepared for that.

Derek already knew this, in the first year when he traveled back home he used a similar system on the way back, he went to the northeast capital and from there he used the service to return to the southwest capital, they found it amazing how he could cIsaak half the reign in few seconds.

Once the arrival was organized it was time for the second trip, this time Androuet opened the portal using the building's own system to send them to the border, with the help of this resource he was able to teleport the almost 500 students and the several tons of crates full, the destination was the town closest to the border.

The students carrying the crates cIsaaked the portal and emerged into a large tree"lined square, where there were many soldiers, wizards and other support people, while the crates were organized in the square the students were once again gathered.

"I am Commander Domitius, responsible for the entire southern army " the man said with a powerful voice " welcome to the rear, academy students.

The commander explained that this was the closest town to the border, that it had been evacuated and was now being used as a base of operations, the battles were actually taking place many kilometers further into the border.

"Attention students, all officers and people of higher ranks are in the lodgings of the city " explained the commander " you will choose the houses around the lodgings to settle.

"Is it okay to use other people's houses? " asked a student after raising his hand.

"When the evacuation started everyone took what they could, but their furniture and other things are still there " he explained " as long as they don't damage anything they can use it at will.

And so they would be divided into pairs where each pair would choose a house around the inns, when the pairs were being chosen Ashera held the Derek's hand and stared at him all red with embarrassment.

"c"c"can we stay together? she asked, unable to look him in the eyes.

Derek didn't know what to say, a part of him wanted to accept her request, but knowing what would surely happen another part wanted to vehemently refuse, when he gathered the strength to say something someone soon interfered.

"Actually, we're all agreeing to stay in pairs like in the first year " said Urick " it's not a problem for you, is it?

"y"you're right, it was a silly idea " she said already leaving " sorry.

"Thank you, you saved me "thanked Derek after she was gone.

"You can't say no to a girl, can you? " said Urick laughing " but even if he had accepted, everyone already knows that there is an atmosphere between you, so they wouldn't be complaining.

"But then a lot of couples would form, wouldn't they? This can be the biggest problem in a war " said Derek " I like Ash, but I don't want to hurt her.

"All right, I understand your thoughts " said Urick " so allow me to console you in her place.

"Bloody bastard..." snarled Derek as the other chuckled.

The two headed towards the indicated neighborhood, they needed to leave their things at the chosen house and then return to the meeting, while they went to one side Ashera joined Merilda in another direction.

"He rejected me," she said as if she were joking.

"One day you can do it " said Merilda to encourage her " until then it will be great to share a room with you.

Merilda and Ashera chose a house at random close to one of the inns, it was very simple and apparently belonged to a family of 5 people, the two ended up with the double room where there was a large bed.

"Shall we share the same bed? Ashera asked.

"Don't like the idea without Derek in the middle? "Merilda teased laughing at her own joke.

The other laughed too, it was difficult for the two to act normally for a while, when they ended up seeing each other naked they remembered when the three of them had that night together and were completely embarrassed.

"Let's leave our things here " Merilda said " soon we'll have a general meeting.

They dropped their backpacks with belongings and equipment, while heading out of the house Merilda noticed a picture frame on a piece of furniture, it had probably been forgotten since there was none left in the place, in it you could see the happy couple with their two children small and one more person, probably a relative who lived together.

"They had to flee in a hurry to escape the war " Merilda said sadly " ​​I hope they can return home.

"Let's help as we can, so that the war ends soon "said Ashera.

Merilda agreed with that, but something bothered her, this war started after the country of Valice decided to reconquer their lands, lands that had been conquered about 3 years ago in a campaign led by General Famur, Merilda understood that the citizens of this kingdom they could be satisfied, but fighting an enemy they cannot defeat is suicide, so what drove them to it?

"Even if they invade our lands they won't go beyond that, eventually the kingdom's army will defeat them and expel them " Merilda said almost talking to herself " so why are you fighting so desperately to invade?

"I heard that they started right after the dragons attacked us " replied Ashera " so do they think they have a chance of winning if the dragons attack us from the west?

"Are you talking about the division of forces? It's true we sent a lot of people west,” Merilda replied, “but we still have more than enough to stop them here.

"So maybe they know about lago that we don't know " said Ashera " or they just couldn't bear the defeat and just want revenge.

"Let's hope that's all there is to it," Merilda said.

When they left the house, they saw that another pair occupied the house next door, one of the people was precisely Kuzoha who, when she saw Merilda, called her for a conversation, Merilda asked Ashera to go ahead while she spoke with her.

"What it was? May I help you? Merilda asked.

"Yesterday I got in touch with my family in Yamato " replied Kuzoha " and my mother revealed to me the last prediction she made.

"I suppose this has to do with me," Merilda said, cIsaaking her arms.

"Yes, my mother was clear when she told me " replied Kuzoha " you're going to die here soon.

************************************

"It's just a matter of time now," said the masked man sitting on the ledge.

"The meeting is over, it was decided that we will advance further " said a woman wearing armor " our men are ready too, I hope you fulfill your part.

"Ah, don't worry about it, soon we will crush the forces of the kingdom " replied the masked man " and then you can have all of their southern region.

"And what do you get out of it? I can't believe you're helping us out of charity or justice " said the woman " I'll never trust a guy like you, he's certainly using us for some purpose.

"But that's obvious, I don't give a damn what happens to you " he replied " but I have a deep interest in your victory, so I will help you to win.

"Again I ask: what do you get out of it? she insisted.

"The destruction of my hated enemy," he replied in a voice that sounded quite spiteful.

The knight named Ramizia hated this man, he arrived a few months ago and proposed an aid agreement, where he would provide means to expel the invaders and give them back what was rightfully his, at first everyone doubted him, but he had said that the time to act would be when the dragons attacked the kingdom from the west, and when the dragons really attacked the few remaining nobles gained courage, they mobilized every revolted citizen and launched a terrible attack, they were now bent on invading the kingdom.

"The battle in the west will get more and more violent, they won't be able to send reinforcements here " he explained " when the ideal moment arrives we will attack with our secret weapons, we will finish off the southern army in a blink of an eye.

Ramizia disagreed with this plan, but she would follow until the end the will of the sovereign who ruled this small nation, yet she sought out some of the few royal knights who had survived the previous war, she gathered everyone she could and even that day explained her plans, she wanted these noble men to lead the people in the battle to come, but regardless of the orders they received, they should prioritize the survival of the people.

"What did the princess say about that? asked one of the seniors.

"She trusted me to organize our troops " replied the knight " I'm doing the best for our people.

"Does this have to do with the strangers who joined us? " asked another " we are saving our nation with the help of outsiders, I don't like that.

"Me neither, but they gave us the chance we needed " replied Ramizia " as long as we have the princess and our people we can rebuild our nation, so let's do our best to preserve both.

The royal knights cheered and promised to do their best, Ramizia then bid them farewell and took the path to stay with the princess, not wanting to leave her unprotected for too long when strangers were walking through the castle.

"Protecting the princess is all that matters, for that I will give my life if necessary "she said to herself.

***********************************

(following day)

"We have wounded coming! " reported one of the mental mages " get ready to open the portal.

All the dimensional magic students gathered around a circle of magic, concentrating their spells at the same time they managed to open a smaller version of the portal that Androuet used to take them there, when the portal opened dozens of men charged in stretchers were brought in from the front lines.

"Medical team, do your part! " said one of the high level mages.

The students of nature and white magic rushed to help, each one placed himself in front of an injured person and cast their best healing magic, with that they quickly managed to stabilize the wounded soldiers, they would still be out of combat, but they didn't run anymore risk of death.

"Is there anything we can do? asked a student of creation magic.

"Let's see, you can fix the damaged equipment can't you? " said the person in charge " we are short of supplies, everything that can be reused will be useful.

As requested, the students took charge of this task, they took the damaged weapons and armor and used their magic, cracks and dents were fixed little by little, the most skilled managed to put together broken parts, if they already mastered 6th level magic they could even create lower replicas.

"Is that your golem? He is very nice! Derek praised.

"Thanks, it took a lot of work to do it " said Emanuel satisfied with his own work " I managed to give him the same intelligence as a dog, he can even act on his own as needed.

The golem had the form of a large canine animal, it was strong enough to serve as a mount or to pull loads and run without tiring, Emanuel made it in this form to make it ideal for various tasks, as humanoid golems were still out of his reach. .

"It uses the latest liquid crystal technology, which allows you to mold it into extremely precise shapes! " explained Emanuel with great excitement " ​​his energy core uses a level 5 magic gem and his command core has more than 300 response options and...

"You know I have no idea what you're saying, right? " said Derek laughing dully " I just think it took some work, didn't it?

"Yes, I spent more than 2 months doing it " replied Emanuel a little discouraged " but at least it earned me an extra approval.

"I don't understand anything about golems, but can they do anything you say? Derek asked.

"In theory yes, but the more complex the commands are, the more advanced your command core will need to be " explained the other " for example just to make this guy walk forward I have to program the movements of each step, and I have to do more programs if I want to make it run and do somersaults, I had been preparing the command core for a year.

"Her?... I think this is too much for me " said Derek scratching his head " only geniuses like you can make one like this.

"I appreciate the compliment, but you have nothing to do? " asked Emanuel " after all it is strange that you come to talk to me.

"There's not much a black magician can do " replied Derek " so basically I'm the only idle person here.

He looked around, everyone was running from one side to the other doing something, even the combat mages worked as city guards, Derek was looking for something to do but in general no one needed him, so he did simple jobs, so at the seeing Emanuel and his golem decided to talk to him.

"Hey you, come here boy " called the officer in charge of the base " I heard you're a black magician, is that true?

"Yes sir," Derek replied.

"And what the hell did a black magician do here? he asked.

"I don't know, if you have problems with demons you can call me " replied Derek " until then I'll go… I don't know what I'm going to do.

"I don't trust leaving a guy like you walking around " said the officer " I'll send him back to the academy.

Derek didn't like the idea at all, he wanted to use this war to gain field experience, improve his skills and see how magic is used in real battles, he complained a little about being left out of the fights, but it would be even worse to go back to academy.

"You don't need to worry about him, I assure his character " said Miu Ziam who arrived now " he may not have much to do now, but I have plans to use him soon.

Miu Ziam had assumed leadership of the combat mages at the front, but now halfway through the day he had returned and joined the others, seeing the officer teasing the Derek he decided to act soon.

"Black magicians are criminals, around here we don't even ask, we send them to jail or execute them right away " said the officer.

"And even? What a waste " replied Miu Ziam " this guy here has already done a lot for the academy, I would say he is more useful than you think.

The officer didn't want to argue about it and left, as soon as he left Derek thanked Miu Ziam, who told him not to worry about things like that, because even he had problems in the army.

"So... you said you had a job for me? Derek asked.

"Oh yes, of course I have! " Miu Ziam said excitedly " ​​tell me, how good are you at spying?

*********************************

(at that night)

"The arcane academy has sent help today," the messenger announced.

"What kind of help? asked the emperor, arching his eyebrow.

"Excuse me, your highness, I don't know the details " replied the man with fear for his job.

"Go find out about it, I want to know the details " ordered the emperor.

The man bowed low and then left in a hurry, quick steps without running so as not to insult the throne room, after he was gone the big door was closed, the emperor looked tired as he was following events in two different places, both the war from the west as well as from the south demanded his full attention.

"Androuet sent help, now the southern front can hold the battle until the end " said the white magician Leefka who stayed behind to help him.

"I don't want to hold back the battle, I want to win it " complained Shidic " fighting on two fronts costs too much.

If he could, he would have already sent reinforcements to the south and won the war, but the emperor's hands were tied, the battle in the west was the one that would demand more resources from the kingdom, he could not withdraw troops from the north so as not to compromise the defense, because in the north were the bestial beings who make men their prey.

He planned to withdraw troops from the east, there were no declared enemies there, even if the elves and fairies were hostile they would not invade out of nowhere, there were still troops from the imperial capital, but Famur advised not to withdraw any more and reserve them for the protection of the core lands.

"Famur said he feels someone's hand on that "said Shidic "the attacks were very simulAshous and Vaector's movements are strange, it's almost as if he wasn't trying to win, just stalling.

"If just rolled up he does all that... I'm afraid when he fights seriously " Leefka said " but are you trying to say that someone made the dragons and the people of the south work together?

"That's what Famur thinks, and in that case if there really is a force manipulating everything then we can't let our guard down " said the emperor " we're going to have to win in the south with as little force as possible, preserving what we can so we don't suffer an attack surprise.

But the emperor couldn't think of who could be behind it, it was true that he made a lot of enemies over the years, but there was no logic in threatening the most powerful nation on the continent, the revolt in the south was already absurd, those people he knew he couldn't win and yet they launched themselves into a suicidal battle, so who could be aiming for the fall of the reign?

"Could it be the demons? Could they be behind this? asked the emperor.

"It's not impossible, but it's difficult " she explained " demons aren't powerful enough to manipulate dragons, and these don't team up with races they despise, especially if they know they're trying to manipulate them.

But she didn't rule out the possibility of a demon manipulating the people of the south, especially if it was an archdemon, Leefka believed that they took advantage of the war in the west to try to recover the lost lands, and the desire for revenge could blind people.

"It is a difficult decision, to send reinforcements to the south now or later " said the emperor " in any case if we send them now we weaken the defenses, if we send them later they may not arrive in time.

"Let's trust that those fighting in the south can handle it " Leefka said " if they can win without help it will be very good.

"You can't go there? A mage of your caliber would change everything,” he said.

"With all due respect, but this idea is stupid " she replied with a cynical smile on her face " if there are really demons involved in this, you'll need me here.

"How can you offend me so politely? " he asked " if there is a demon there wouldn't it be better for you to be there?

"If there is a demon there, he expects us to do this " she replied " someone who has manipulated all this must know of our steps.

"That's why they say that half the result of a war depends on the head and not on the weapons " said the emperor " we are fighting blindly here while the enemy dances around us.

"Do not be afraid, the light reveals all the farces and betrayals " explained Leefka " I will bless you against evil and everything will be fine.

"I need more than a simple blessing " he said " I need a miracle.

"Miracles appear in many ways, even in those we cannot see " she replied " don't lose hope, maybe someone is already acting to make that miracle.

*********************************

"I don't know how I thought this was a good idea," Derek said with a growl.

Derek was walking through a forest at night, he had already cIsaaked the border thanks to the dimensional spells that took him several kilometers inland, he always found it amazing how difficult things could be made easy with magic.

The mission he received from Miu Ziam was reconnaissance and espionage, as a veteran of the Miu Ziam army understood the extreme importance of accurate information, so getting someone into enemy territory was essential to know what they were dealing with.

Normally such a mission would be given to specialized groups, but being a black mage Derek had a clear advantage in the dark of night, once he was in enemy territory he could practically disappear and spy on everything freely, for that purpose Derek received high"end magical equipment. level, things he normally couldn't use as an academy student.

"Man, now I understand why Mr. Androuet forbids magic equipment in the academy " said Derek examining what he brought " I feel invincible with all this junk, this is very dangerous!

He said this as he ran his hand over the armor he was wearing, a chainmail enchanted to be extremely light and not make any noise when moving, it also had a stored magic that generated a force field if a spell was cast against it.

He also had 5th level magic potions (the maximum level for potions) and 6th level scrolls, a 6th level sword with some special abilities, a ring with some stored healing spells and another with the ability to detect nearby magic, some other specific equipment was part of his list as well.

There was a side effect to using equipment more powerful than you, their magic aura used to drive people crazy like a drug would, depending on the type of magic of the items it could make the person aggressive or paranoid, insensitive or cowardly, rarely did this side effect bring something good, so it was always recommended that people not use items more powerful than themselves, fortunately this side effect only happened after long periods of years.

After resting Derek reactivated his camouflage magic, it only worked at night but as long as there was no strong light he remained invisible like a shadow in the middle of the dark, then he reactivated the magic of his boots that made him move much faster, with that he ran through the forest without being seen and with great agility, after an hour running he arrived at the enemy camp.

The camp was in a clearing, but Valice's soldiers knocked down almost 1km of trees around the clearing to enlarge it, they also used the cut wood to make huts, fences, spears and other things, the huts were very simple and rustic but there were a downtown base that was a lot more upscale, Derek was pretty sure that was where the command center was.

"There are two more camps like this one, but this is the furthest from the border " Derek said to himself " if they keep secrets, it's certainly here.

The plan was to enter the command base and managed to obtain information about the enemy, before entering the camp Derek checked his magic once more, torchlight could not reveal him but magic light yes, he could not walk in open field either or it would be seen as a black blur in the middle of nowhere, the command base was surrounded by magic torches but as long as he avoided the guards it would pass quickly.

"Okay Derek, think of it as a training to face that archdemon " he said creating courage " after all I'll need to get close to him first, won't I?

He went around the camp looking for a side that was less guarded, after finding a breach in the guard he sneaked carefully, always walking close to the walls, looking for the darkest places, between the outer fences and the command base there were 1km of tents and huts , and at least a thousand soldiers recovering from the last battle or in readiness for the next one.

"How long will we need to hold out? asked someone walking by.

After hearing voices Derek immediately stopped moving, crouching down next to a barrel he kept an eye out to hear the conversation, it was a group of soldiers and everyone was badly wounded, a woman helped them to bandage the wounds, Derek he remembered that in this country there were no magicians like in the reign, here half of the population was able to manipulate Mana to use basic magic.

"They say who will finish soon, it seems that we have to endure three more days "said one of them.

"If it continues like this, we won't be able to withstand another day of battle " said someone who was angry " today we lost more than half of our comrades!

Derek remembered today's report, during the afternoon there was a big confrontation, one of their army divisions was almost all annihilated, out of 2 thousand soldiers only 800 managed to escape and retreat, probably because they were wounded they were brought to the furthest base, the The kingdom's army was quite confident that they managed to defeat them in less than a month, but Miu Ziam who already worked with Famur thought that there was some hidden danger in these lands.

"It doesn't matter if we have to fight until we turn to ashes, I'm going to kill as many of these bastards as possible " one of them said in a sinister voice " only then can I be reunited with my wife and daughter with my head held high.

"Do you really intend to fight to the death? asked another in a sadder tone.

"I would have done that today, but the princess's orders are absolute " he replied " if I need to live to give the decisive blow another day, I will avenge my family while protecting our kingdom.

Derek thought he wouldn't get much information from conversations like that, besides the content of the conversation was bothering him a lot, he sympathized with a person determined to fight to the death for a cause, but he felt like the villain of the story, with care he left his hiding place and went to the command base.

"Now how am I going to get in? " he asked himself " there is no open window or door, and all entrances are guarded.

By a stroke of luck he saw a wagon arriving, it looked like it was bringing supplies to be stored inside the base, when the back door was opened Derek slipped under the wagon and then into the shed, once inside he began to circling carefully, following a well"dressed man, he eventually arrived at the senior officers' conference room.

"The initial attack was our only advantage, but we're not going to last a month like this " said one of them worriedly " ​​the soldiers' momentum is great, they're fighting with twice as much strength, but there's a limit to what high morale can do to do.

"Is this really a hopeless battle? " asked the older one sadly " ​​if we retreated now...

"The kingdom will not forgive us, we incited a rebellion after signing the surrender agreement " ​​said another more seriously " thousands of them have already died in battle, even if we surrendered now they would annihilate us!

"The bastards invade us, force us to sign surrender and now we can't even try to rise again!? " asked an angry officer " the royal family was destroyed, our symbol of pride was burned!

Hidden in a corner Derek heard everything, he felt very bad about it but he couldn't do anything, if neither side would retreat or surrender there was only the alternative of winning the war, and he only had to fulfill his mission.

"The council and the knight Ramizia said that it is not the end, that our secret weapon will arrive soon " said the youngest among them " we just need to lure them deeper into our territory.

"We are using our men for this, volunteers who agreed to shed blood for the nation " said the oldest " it doesn't matter if we win the war if there's nobody left from our country!

At that a soldier rushed in saying "she's here", just with those words the men gathered quickly ran after him, Derek didn't know what was happening, but he understood that something big was going to happen now, without thinking too much he ran after the officers , seeing that they were heading outside Derek climbed a ladder and went to the roof of the base.

From the roof he looked at the soldiers who were all gathering in the center of the camp looking in one direction, looking in the same direction Derek saw a chariot of great size and beauty approaching, the chariot was being escorted by 30 knights in shining armor, one One of them, carrying a flag of the kingdom, went ahead as if opening the way.

The clamor in the camp was increasing as the carriage was getting closer, when it stopped the knights got off their horses and made two rows in front of the door, the expectation increased as the door was opened and a knight descended in front, a knight very beautiful with blonde hair and well cared for.

"Get ready to receive our princess! "She ordered with authority and grandeur.

The soldiers quickly lined up in an impeccable formation, even the wounded struggled to remain in formation, when everyone organized themselves and silence prevailed someone appeared at the carriage door, it was a very beautiful young woman, probably 15 years old, in noble clothes and With an elegant bearing, she descended the steps of the carriage and walked among the knights, elegantly she walked until she reached the side of the knight from before, she knelt down and was soon followed by all the soldiers present with the officers in front.

"I am very happy to be here " she began with a sweet and pleasant voice " as princess of Valece I swear to you: our victory is already assured!

The soldiers dropped all composure and roared in joy and will, with just a few words this girl brought them all the certainty of victory, and with that Derek knew that things were only going to get worse from now on.