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A commotion erupted in the quiet Northern Empire just a month ago.

―Clack, clack, clack!

A massive army moved with such precision, it was as if they were one solid piece of steel. If it hadn’t been for the Imperial Army waiting nearby, one might have mistaken it for a full-blown war. Nobogord’s elite forces finally appeared as reinforcements.

“Mom! It’s the Demon Tribe! They really have horns on their heads!”

Children’s words were half correct and half mistaken. They did have horns, but they sprouted from their helmets, not their heads. That misunderstanding had stemmed from their way of armor.

They were not the pathetic soldiers like those from the Southern Kingdom. They weren’t even in a position like the Eastern Allied Forces, worrying about supplies. They were a fully armored, highly motivated, and most importantly, a formidable 30,000-strong army.

And the one commanding them was one of the generals who had previously clashed with the Empire. To be exact, he was a former Demon Tribe commander who had been outsmarted by Kael’s first campaign.

“Upon arrival, I’ll meet with my daughter to discuss the subsequent matters.”

The day before the deployment, the Demon Tribe commander heard such words from the chairman of the council, Caland. Being a moderate himself, he agreed, also fully understanding the request to cooperate with the Empire.

But there was one thing he would never concede.

“I will never relinquish command. That I will protect at all costs.”

A formidable force of 30,000, none of them a bunch of jokes, but elite troops of the highest caliber. Were they really expected to hand such power to the Empire? How could that even make sense? Who would be in charge, given how it had been managed?

While it wasn’t as it had been in the time of the great kings, the Demon Tribe still revered strength. When everyone on the continent shouted Runen, only they sought out the powerful. Strength is beautiful. Strength is noble. That’s why they pursue strength.

Unless they could prove that strength, they would never command the Nobogord army. They were merely reinforcements. They could step in only when help was sought.

This much the council members would also agree with, thought the commander.

“What did you just say?”

Somewhere along the route from the Northern Empire to the West.

Before he could meet with a few of the Empire’s figures.

“I ask that command over the Nobogord forces be handed to me.”

The Imperial Chief of Staff. Kael Clausewitz. Yes, that man. The one who had brought a great humiliation to Nobogord on that foggy day. The genius strategist who had tied them up in a plan they never imagined.

“…You’re being quite rude from the get-go.”

The Demon Tribe commander managed to hold himself back, but his tone grew harsher. If Charlua hadn’t been beside Kael, he might have immediately dropped the formalities.

“How have you been?”

“It’s been a while. Ah, congratulations on your appointment as commander.”

Charlua and the Demon Tribe commander had a history, having faced off against Kael before. For a brief moment, the atmosphere lightened, but Kael quickly shut that down.

“I will ask again. Commander. Please hand over command of the Nobogord forces.”

“The Imperial Chief of Staff lacks the qualifications to make such a request.”

Recognition of his strategic genius is acknowledged. Several Demon Tribe members admired his feats. But the commander himself certainly didn’t. At the very least, he preferred warriors over strategists.

Only strength. Only power. Only that qualifies one to lead such elite troops.

“Hmm. It seems our views are not aligning.”

“The Nobogord forces have come to assist the Empire. We desire the treatment that entails.”

“To do that more efficiently, we need command.”

“We’re just going in circles.”

“Indeed.”

For a moment, Kael had been maintaining a smiling facade before continuing.

“Then let’s do this. We’ll each pick a warrior to duel.”

“A duel, you say?”

“Yes. And if the Nobogord side emerges victorious, we shall not discuss the command issue further. Furthermore, I will provide the utmost support for you. You’ll also be given independent discretion.”

“….”

It was a shocking proposal, almost like promising a blank check. Observing their reaction, Kael added, “In return…”

“If the Imperial-side warrior wins, you’ll hand over command.”

“While we’re confident, are you sure about this? It’s unacceptable to talk out of both sides of your mouth. Especially regarding the Nobogord’s independent discretion.”

“A man should always keep his word. You need not worry.”

Not just anyone, but the Imperial Chief of Staff. The Empire’s renowned genius strategist. Surely he wouldn’t go back on his word like a child.

The commander pondered for a moment but soon nodded and turned around.

“Halfdan!!”

An enormous cheer erupted from within the Nobogord army. At the same time, the sound of spears and shields striking the ground made it feel as if an earthquake had occurred.

―Waaah!!!―Gugugugung!!

Before them stood someone clearly larger than the average Demon Tribe.

Anyone could tell he was extraordinary. With those massive hands, he looked capable of crushing anything.

From beneath his helmet, malice radiated vividly.

“He’s a renowned warrior from Nobogord. Specially attached to this reinforcement.”

“Is that so?”

“Now it’s the Empire’s turn.”

While this was happening, Kael continued to smile as he called for someone.

“Kaya.”

Moments later, a figure emerged from among the Empire’s guards.

The sight of her made the Demon Tribe commander gasp.

“Is that person a warrior of the Empire?”

“Yes.”

Small. Tiny. Not even a man.

Having just spoken of an honorable duel, what on earth was this?

With various thoughts swirling, the commander shook his head.

He had already promised. The loser would have to fulfill the winner’s requests.

Victory was the only requirement. And to be honest, losing was impossible.

Halfdan, one of the top warriors of Nobogord. There was no way he would lose to such a girl.

“Should we start the duel then?”

“Let’s do that.”

As the commander gestured, the Demon Halfdan stomped into position.

A posture with no openings. Thick armor and sturdy helmet.

A massive shield, a sharp spear, and an axe hanging from his waist.

He bore an overwhelming presence that suggested he could crush his opponent with a single blow.

―Thud

Approaching him was the Empire’s warrior, Kaya Clausewitz.

She glanced briefly at Halfdan before doing something no one could have anticipated.

She plunged her spear into the ground, tossed aside her shield, and even removed her helmet.

Wearing only light armor and holding just a sword in her hand, that was her only form of defense.

To anyone watching, it looked as if she was asking for surrender.

Yet moments later, what unfolded left everyone in shock—

“Gurk!”

Kaya charged forward first, and Halfdan, not the least bit careless, met her in battle.

They collided just once. No more, no less—just one entanglement.

However, moments later, Halfdan collapsed to the ground, leaving only Kaya standing.

“What the…?”

With a single strike, she took down Nobogord’s finest warrior.

Even more astonishing was the fact that she hadn’t killed him.

She aimed for his neck, but had only rendered him incapacitated in an instant.

The fact highlighted the vast gulf between the two warriors.

―Thud

As Kaya strode over to the Nobogord forces, a lone girl faced 30,000 fully armed demons.

“….”

Glaring at them with an icy voice, Kaya spoke up.

“Is there no one else?”

Silence overtook the Demon Tribe. They were stunned by this absurd warrior’s appearance.

Unsure whether they were dreaming or wide awake.

“Is there no one else?!”

Kaya’s voice rose higher.

Meanwhile, the Demon Tribe shrank back even further.

“Who dares to add more nonsense to my brother Kael’s words? Is there no one?!!”

Was that a girl’s shout or a beast’s roar?

Some demons trembled and stepped back. Some dropped their spears, others their shields.

As one furious beast unleashed its breath before the Demon Tribe,

cautiously approaching was the Demon Tribe commander who decided to speak with her.

“Who are you?”

“Kaya Clausewitz. Kael’s sister. In other words, the Imperial Chief of Staff’s sister.”

“…”

“And the one whose sword and spear you must bow down to.”

For a moment, the commander gazed at Kaya before finally presenting the staff he had been holding.

A proof of command received directly from the council, to lead this vast army.

“This is the commander’s staff. Please deliver this to the Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Deliver it in person. That’s what’s appropriate.”

With that, Kaya turned away without a second thought.

Among the Demon Tribe who stared blankly, cheers broke out.

―Waaah!!!

Whether friend or foe, a great warrior deserves to be treated appropriately.

‘Hmm.’

On the other hand, Charlua reached a very firm conclusion.

She absolutely could not let the Empire become their enemy.

“How did I do, brother?”

“You were amazing. You’re definitely my sister.”

“Really? Great! I’ll keep working hard like this!”

Even she could hardly handle those monstrous siblings.

*

The Empire’s continued victories did not mean Kael was sitting idly by.

He kept in touch with the legion commanders he had connections with, especially those from the East and South.

Dedorant was anything but trifling, and he needed to be prepared for anything.

The Eastern 7th Legion, 12th Legion. And the Southern 6th Legion and 13th Legion.

All of them had witnessed Kael’s schemes firsthand.

They were the ones who had marveled at his keen insight and roared in admiration.

Hence they began to move with greater caution.

Yet, somehow, it seemed that this was perceived as hesitance by the Western Legion.

The continued victories had led to a peak atmosphere around them.

More than two months of nonstop victories—what could possibly be frightening?

Had they already achieved substantial feats in the East and South?

That was likely the case. Having seized the advantage, they weren’t moving actively.

Such misunderstandings piled up, making the Western Legion’s offense even more intense.

The staff had already laid out a strategy to drive the final nail into the situation.

[ The Western Legion will lead the way, charging straight into the Dedorant royal capital. ]

[ Dedorant is already reeling. We’ll finish them off with one decisive battle. ]

This was the West, where the Western Legion naturally had to achieve more merit.

Perhaps it was the last great war. The staff needed to show a strong performance.

Those factors intensified what was already a powerful blow.

The Empire’s large-scale assault began. The Western Legions served as the tip of the spear.

Their aim was to capture the king and the prince and bring the war to a close.

And then—

“I command the proud sons of Dedorant. At dawn, commence a counter-offensive across the entire front.”

The wolf, crouching at its limit, finally bared its fangs.

 

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