Chapter 37

"Wow, that's impressive. You're putting up a good fight against more than twice your number!"

Sitting atop the castle wall, Raidor clapped his hands in admiration as he watched the battle between the two armies. Below him, the kingdom's forces were skillfully luring the imperial soldiers into a trap and delivering a fierce counterattack. The unexpected resistance of the kingdom's army, which seemed destined to be overwhelmed by numbers and terrain, was exhilarating even from his vantage point above.

"Maybe I won't even need to get involved. You really are a great general. I take my hat off to you."

"Hardly, this is only the beginning."

Raidor praised the commander Galsdorf with applause, but the general shook his head calmly.

"The earlier attack was a surprise tactic that worked because our plans weren't known. Gracos Bazen will quickly regroup."

"You have a high opinion of the enemy general. Is the imperial commander really that skilled?"

"A fierce warrior despite his age. If it weren't for the Holy Sword, a legendary weapon, he would have been hailed as a hero."

Galsdorf answered Raidor's question with a distant look in his eyes.

"The only advantage I have over that man is my youth. If he hadn't been born, the empire's territory would be half of what it is now."

"Wow... that's something."

Raidor smiled, his lips curling into an amused grin as he turned his gaze toward the hill where the imperial camp was located. Even with his superior eyesight, he couldn't see the enemy general from that distance. Still, the thought of an extraordinary commander there made his blood boil.

"I shouldn't get too excited. It's my first battle, and getting too worked up on the battlefield can lower the morale of the troops."

"As a subordinate, I find you very reassuring. To feel joy rather than fear on the battlefield, you truly are the hero chosen by the Holy Sword."

"That's not it. I'm just a kid who hasn't lost his nerve."

Raidor slapped his cheeks to tighten his face and refocused on the battlefield.

The imperial army, which had suffered a fierce counterattack and lost half of its first division, quickly sent in reinforcements. Unlike the first division, which had charged down the hill, these troops held their shields above their heads to block arrows as they slowly spread out on the battlefield. They gradually closed the distance with the kingdom's forces, using their shields to block the supporting fire from the fortress. Behind them, another unit was deployed on the high ground of the hill, firing arrows at the kingdom's forces, who were in a dense formation.

"It seems they've found a way to counter. That old man is truly detestable."

Galsdorf, unusually, twisted his face and cursed. Raidor glanced at the general and watched the imperial army's counterattack with a critical eye.

Arrows from Brain Fortress were being fired at the imperial soldiers surrounding the kingdom's forces, but they were mostly blocked by the shields above. Conversely, arrows from the hill were being fired at the kingdom's soldiers, who were also using shields for protection. With the conditions being equal, the difference in numbers began to show. The imperial army had already surrounded the kingdom's forces and was attacking from the front and sides. Thanks to their specially made long spears, the kingdom's soldiers were skilled in defense, but as time passed, they were gradually pushed back due to the numerical advantage. The kingdom's forces were already being pushed to the front of Brain Fortress, leaving them with no place to retreat.

"It seems it's time for the prince to make his move. Please, fight as the ancient legends tell."

"I will... I think this one is reaching its limit too!"

Raidor chuckled and gripped the sword at his waist. Since the battle began, the Holy Sword Dainsleif had been vibrating in its sheath, demanding to be used.

Fight already. Slash already.

The Holy Sword, which had found its wielder after centuries, was eager for battle, its teeth chattering in anticipation.

(This is where it truly begins. My own hero's tale starts here...)

Raidor's face was set in a cold smile, but beneath it, his fighting spirit burned fiercely as he leaped down from the inside of the castle wall.