Eunius straddled his horse, commanding the private army he brought with him to face off with the army of General Bahn.

On this chaotic battlefield, both sides had their command in relative order. Albeit, only relative to the rest. The reason they couldnt pay undo mind to keeping formation lay in the black giant nearbythe gora recklessly thrashing around.

Eunius took a glance in its direction.

Id like to end this while Aleist is keeping it busy; then I can go help him out.

Even if the sky was beyond him, he could help as long as it was on land. But regardless of what wanted to do, the matter wouldnt be settled so easily.

Bahn Rhoshwasa general who had worked his way up, a seasoned veteran of the empire, and a strong opponent in land battles. While he didnt stand out due to the existence of the dragoons, Eunius father had held a close fight with him more than a few times.

The dragoons would come out before the victor could be decided, so there was no score to keep. Which side was stronger? Both countries likewise regarded the question as wholly inconsequential.

Yet on a battlefield where they couldnt borrow the dragoons aid, it would hold a large meaning. The quality of troops at Eunius home the Diade House was high.

But the opponent was a prominent force of the empire.

Eunius licked his lips.

Go at it making light of them, and well be devoured.

He said, pulling his sword as he looked at the faces of his enemythe faces of elite soldiers.

Run them down!

The numbers were even, or perhaps the other side had a slight advantage. The empire had supplemented a majority of their forces with monsters. For that sake, the numbers of humans were lower than expected.

The soldiers Eunius led wrung out their voices, gripped their weapons and collided with enemy forces.

The frontmost soldiers clashed, filling the air with the sounds of clanging metal and shouts.

With both sides accustomed to battle, slight casualties didnt fluster them in the slightest.

But perhaps the opponents side was short on time, they came out with hard offensive measures.

A large-build man on a horse grandly brandished his battle axe, butchering soldiers on Eunius side.

Swinging around a large axe that- at a glance- made clear the strength of his arms, he made a straight line towards Eunius.

The official to Eunius side cried out.

Young master! He plans to take you out and pierce straight through our army.

Eunius gave a small laugh.

Is he mocking me? Or is he out of time looks like both!

Kicking his horses stomach, he had his allies ahead of him stand back as he raced towards the unit led by General Bahn.

Upon seeing that, Bahn performed a wide swing with his axe to cut Eunius down; but Eunius caught the blow with his greatsword. The horses both rode had stopped in their tracks, their hooves sinking into the earth

Once a conspicuously large metallic sound had chimed across the battlefield, both enemy and ally had begun taking distance from the two.

General Bahn glared at Eunius.

Youngling, are you related to Diade?

Eunius held up his greatsword in one hand, directing its tip towards the general.

The eldest son. Youre Bahn Rhoshwas, right? Ive heard about you. Heard there was some bloke my old man couldnt take out.

As General Bahn clenched the hilt of his battle axe, it let off a grinding, grating noise. His muscles swelled and raised a sound.

Oh quit it. Youre just another coward protected by the dragon, Id usually say. But if your Diades brat, that changes things up a bit. You lot are just about the only ones to hold back my armys charge.

Each side holding high their weapon of choice, what followed was a simple clash of steel.

Sparks scattered.

But youngling now youre in the way. Ill send your old man down afterward. Go wait for him in hell.

Olding his sword horizontally to block the strike from on high, Eunius grit his teeth.

(What weight. This guy really is strong.)

Eunius felt his own horses shaking legs and tried to ward the blow aside, yet his attempt had General Bahn forcefully blow him off of his horse.

Protect the young master!

The knight who went out front was promptly cut down.

Eunius rolled across the ground before immediately standing and shouting out.

Dont get in the way! Ill take him down.

Looking down on Eunius from horseback, Bahn scoffed at those words.

You look halfway competent, but youll stand before me with that level of skill? Your heads in the clouds.

But Eunius had properly measured out his opponents abilities.

That so? But I got it with that one. Id love to have fought you in your heyday, old man.

It was a provocation, that the aged Bahn was lacking.

Youngling, Ill praise your tongue if nothing else!

General Bahn galloped his horse, lifting his axe, charging at Eunius to slice him in twain. Eunius lowered his hips and watched his movements.

(Youre definitely strong, old man. But you know Im even stronger. And I know people far stronger than me!)

As he watched his foes movements, Eunius was overcome by a sensation as if time was passing by in slow motion. He concentrated, and matching General Bahns motions, he swung his great sword.

The sword was clad in light, and as that light grew stronger, he finished his cut before the general was within sword range.

You fool. You grew impatiennngh!!

General Bahn spat up blood. Holding his mouth, he fell from his horses back; his axe pierced into the ground as he fell to his knees.

A single large wound across his chest.

Eunius magic sword has inflicted a blow on him. Seeing that, Bahn siped his mouth, stood, and took a stance with his axe.

Hey now, I felt quite some resistance.

While Eunius felt resistance on his blade, it did seem General Bahn was far tougher than hed anticipated. The general laughed.

Gahahahah! Youngling, Ive been fighting form before you were born. Like hell itd be so easy to off me. But Ill admit youre not all talk.

While his subordinates gathered around him, Bahn had them step down.

No complaints, having you as my last foe. No, guess you wouldnt want this old man. Id have loved to have fought you ten. Nay, twenty years earlier.

Eunius laughed.

Dont be stupid. Youd cross axe with rattle?

The two laughed, their looks gradually shifting to serious as the surrounding air tense up. Around them, ally and enemy fought, yet their minds were taken by the duel.

And the two stepped in and passed by.

It happened in an instant.

A large cut opened up on Eunius arm, leaking some blood.

But General Bahn collapsed right on the spot.

The ground flowed with a heavy torrent of red.

Youngling. Your name?

Eunius. Its Eunius Diade.

I see. A good name. Ill be waiting in hell. Until our net match

When General Bahn used up the last of his strength, the surrounding imperial soldiers lowered their weapons one after the next. Eunius saw that and shouted out.

Dont kill those whove surrendered. Spread the word Bahn Rhoshwas has fallen to Eunius Diade! Cease your resistance!

His subordinate raced over.

Young master! The sky!

Looking in the direction he pointed, the gora had vanished, lacing a scene of black smoke rising up onto the sky.

Ive got a bad feeling about this Rudel, just end this already.

Meanwhile.

Lueckes army marched in close formation.

Vargas barked from nearby.

Maintain formation! Dont disperse under any circumstances!

Knights toting shields engraved with magic circles stood at predetermined positions hoisting up their shields Upon confirming that, Luecke used his magic.

A pale green flame broke out around, his army, dispersing the lightning that rained down from above. An intense explosive sound rose as the earth was gouged out.

Were lucky the ground was damp. Otherwise, the dust cloud would be terrible.

Vargas cried out at Lueckes words.

Not that it matters, young master! Do something about this. At this rate, the magic will keep coming down, and we wont get any closer.

The enemy was stationed on a low hill, having prepared a circle there, and was firing off magic from it. That alone wasnt a problem, but the magic output was way too high.

If they took on a single blow, it would be enough to inflict serious damage unto the entirety of Lueckes forces.

He managed to elude those attacks, utilizing the shields to cast large-scale spellcrafts.

Luecke toughed his hand to his chin.

But how curious. With that setup I can make out from a distance, they should have a higher output. Thats what Ive been preparing for with each defensive measure but is it not yet complete? Still preparing?

As one who used magic, he held a genuine curiosity. This was despite Vargas pleas.

You can think about it later, but just do something now. If it gets complete, were all in danger!

Luecke felt somewhat let down.

(If this had nothing to do with Rudel and the others, and our motherland wasnt in peril, I wouldnt mind waiting for them to complete it more so, I should invade after insuring its complete to thoroughly investigate their circle. No, theres no such time what a waste. If Lena werent here, Id watch a while longer.)

While he looked the type to prioritize his own interest, at the same time, he was also considering his means of attack.

Vargas. The enemy is clearly making light of us. Otherwise, they can only launch incomplete attacks because their magic circle isnt fully prepared. Id rather it not be number one. That would mean with all that careful preparation, they can only fire magic on this paltry level.

Vargas leaked a sigh. Even in that instant, lightning rained down from the sky to be blocked by Lueckes magic.

You wouldnt believe how thankful Id be if they were just putting on a show.

Luecke ignored him and explained.

Their strength is either equal to, or slightly greater than our magic formation for a simple shield. In that case, its simple. We will maintain this formation and charge towards the enemy.

Hearing that, Vargas opened his mouth.

Pardon?

Charge, I said. Charge.

Those around couldnt conceal their hesitation either. They couldnt think the heir to the Halbades House actually voiced a word like charge. No, they would indeed charge from time to time.

But that was after they had done something about the opponent, and they wouldnt charge to force through enemy lines like the Diade House.

How do you figure?

With Vargas acting as a representative of surrounding opinion, Luecke spat a sigh.

Fool. We need only move while keeping the shield up. If our opponent changes the attribute of their magic, well immediately adapt. Youve all been trained to do so. Simple, right?

Vargas eyes turned teary.

Ive said it before, but you know arent you in the wrong family!? Young master, I thought you were kinda a bit more apt to using your brain!

Vargas dont think Im a muscle head like Rudel and the others. Im an intellectual. All Im saying is that this is the optimum means of victory. Ill admit, it vexes me I cant win over our foe with magic.

He chose a charge for victory, there wasnt any particular impatience in Lueckes eyes. Knowing he didnt thoughtlessly choose a reckless assault on his first campaign, Vargas didnt rebut him anymore.

However

Alright, youve all got to properly fulfill your own roles. Well be swiftly changing formation on the move. Everyones coordination will be the key.

Vargas cried out yet again.

Change formation in transit!? This isnt any ordinary formation, young master! The spells are reproduced by the positioning of the shield knights, and asking them to

Luecke shook his head, placing a hand on Vargas shoulder.

Do it. That is an order, Vargas.

When he was so kindly informed with a smile, Yes was all that was left to say.

And the Halbades Houses moving army spread about a bit from its close-knit formation.

Luecke began his move to the center.

As they would have to make delicate adjustments to their positioning, while Luecke rode a horse, the shield knights had to dismount theirs and go on foot.

The march began once Luecke was in place.

This time, a mountainous load of large fireballs was fired off from the enemy camp. While they were many in numbers, they also had a speed, and it was in a rain of fire that Lueckes men were to move.

Change formation. Water.

Abiding by his orders, the shield knights hastily moved and took their places as a pale blue light enveloped their surroundings.

The flames that collided directly went out. The places on the ground set ablaze by those that missed faded away as soon as they touched against the pale light.

Luecke watched for his foes reaction.

(Now then, whats their verdict on our approach here it comes. )

The soldiers- presumably guards- on standby took up their weapons, and started on their way towards him. As the imperial soldiers approached, Vargas and the others drew their weapons at the ready.

But the enemy troops were few in numbers.

Luecke grimaced.

Decoys.

While the magic from the enemy camp had stopped for a moment, the problem was that they were preparing for another round.

Vargas, the shield knights shall prioritize maintaining formation. Everyone else, protect the shield knights.

Drawing his sabre from its sheath, Luecke began commanding his troops.

Vargas retorted.

Its supposed to be the other way around! We were brought up to protect you and our allies!

Luecke shot back.

Shut it! Just do it! If you guys misstep, we wont be able to block enemy fire!

As soon as he had said that, the enemy camp was at it again.

Next earth!

As Luecke ordered the shield knights to change formation, the others provided support. The imperial soldiers were few in numbers, and while they fought desperately, they were taken down one after the next.

(They dont mind firing on allies, eh. Cant say I respect that. But itll pick up the pace.)

Here it comes!

The enemy soldiers outside the formation were swept up into a tornado and blown into the air. Upon seeing that, many soldiers gave up their resistance.

Cast down your weapons and surrender. We are increasing our speed to the enemy camp.

Vargas posed Luecke the question.

Will the enemy wait for us? Shouldnt they already by

But Luecke firmly declared.

Theyll be there. They cant move. Theyre too fixated on their magic after all.

And with those words, the Halbades House army continued its advance.

What they came upon once they were right at the camp were the magicians who had still remained on the site.

In chaos, abandoned by their guard knights and soldiers and left behind.

In the center of the magic circle, a single unhealthy-looking man in a robe raised his voice. His ear perked at the chipped and uncanny voice, Luecke urged on his horse.

Y-you utter fools! Dont let those brutes into the circle! Dont step there! What do you take this artistic magic circle for

Luecke looked down on the screaming manLeor.

It certainly is a work of art. This deployment, and the sheer beauty of the sigils Im sure no ordinary man c ould even imagine it.

To Lueckes words, Leur knew he had found a kindred spirit. His expression brightened right up.

Y-you can tell? I never thought Id find someone in Courtois who could understand this

Lueckes sabre stuck into Leors chest. Witnessing such a scene, the magiciansLeors assistants raised screams. Those assistants were quickly apprehended and restrained.

Luecke pulled out his sabre.

W-why? If you let me live, the secrets of this magic circle could be

A portion of the circle was incomplete.

To add to that, there were spots he had erased because the enemy had come.

Youre right. It really is a pity but even so, I am a noble, and a knight of Courtois. I have to see beyond the magic. And someday, Ill unravel the secrets of this circle, just you wait.

Hearing Lueckes words filled with confidence, a slight smile crossed Leors face.

Thats impossible. The likes of you I am a genius

Confirming Leor had breathed his last breath, Luecke issued orders to Vargas.

Vargas, have those with the knowhow accurately copy down the magic circle. The positioning of all the ceremonial equipment as well. Record it all, copy it all, preserve everything important and

But before he could finish, Luecke looked at the sky.

In his eyes was a scene of black smoke rising to the sky.

Luecke narrowed his eyes.

Young master?

To Vargas worried voice, Luecke shook his head.

Vargas, lead all troops. Were moving.

Are you sure? Isnt this magic supposed to be amazing?

Luecke immediately mounted his horse and started off.

Ive got something more important to attend to.

Luecke looked at the sky and muttered.

Rudel, I cant really lend a hand if hes so high up.

There, Vargas spoke.

Itd be a whole lot easier if we could attack the sky with this thing.

Luecke immediately took a look at the circle. It was around sixty percent complete. While a portion had been erased, from what he could see, at the very least, those portions could be reused.

He jumped down from his horse.

Vargas!

Y-yes!?

Well said. Gather up all the shield knights at once. Were putting this to good use.