Boom!

It was the dusk of dawn and the sun was starting to rise. The gates of El Pasa opened.

The warhorses left the castle gates through the morning fog. A warm breath of air started to disperse the occlusion.

Clop, clop.

The flagbearers were at the forefront, and the cavalry followed behind along with lightly equipped soldiers who were carrying short swords at the waist and a round shield on their backs. All the knights adorned the same equipment, and all the soldiers were dressed equivalently as well.

Diligent passersby quickly moved to the side of the road as soon as they saw the procession of the soldiers.

Hundreds, no, thousands…

The flags leading the endless procession belonged to the 7

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 imperial regiment, 11

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 imperial regiment, and El Pasa. The last of the soldiers and the knights finally left through the gate.

About a dozen carriages and a hundred oxen and horses carrying luggage followed behind the troops. The carriage at the forefront was a luxurious vehicle being led by four horses. It was something that only the rich nobles could afford.

However, with the front carriage as the sole exception, the others were simply built with a roof made of oiled leather. Only one horse was assigned per carriage, and it was evident that the carriages were there to transport various goods.

Unusually, the person who was leading the carriages, the horses, and the oxen was a woman. The bottom of her face was covered with a thin veil of cotton, but her revealed, black eyes were clear. Even without looking at the whole face, it was evident that she was a beauty.

“It is the symbol of the Mandy Association.”

“It was true that the Gold King’s daughter joined the coalition force.”

Rumors had already widely spread that El Pasa’s Gold King, Karl Mandy, had contributed a huge sum of money to the coalition force against the monsters. In addition, he had placed his daughter as the head of supply within the coalition.

Soon, the Mandy Association’s livestock and the carriages left the gates as well. In the meantime, the skies had become a little brighter. And when the sun finally started to light up the world, a legion led by a knight in a dazzling silver-white armor decorated the end of the procession. Those who followed were equipped in various ways.

“L, look over there.”

“That’s him. That person is the…”

The passersby had been in awe ever since they saw the flags of the 7

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 regiment and the 11

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 regiment decorating the front of the long procession. An even greater expression of reverence appeared on their faces.

They were all well aware that the young knight in silver white armor who was passing by them was the one who organized the procession. He was the Governor-General of Leus, Duke Alan Pendragon.

The coalition and the young duke were finally heading out of El Pasa.

“It is the Derna family.”

“Huh? Isn’t that the Knights of Pess?”

“I see the Gapusa warriors as well!”

Whispers broke out as the passersby saw the composition of those who followed behind Duke Pendragon and their respective flags. Even though they had already heard the rumors, it was still awe-inspiring to see tens of southern families joining hands with Duke Pendragon.

“But compared to the 7

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 and 11

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 regiment, their numbers seem to be a little small to be considered the united army of the south…”

“Tsk, tsk! My brother, how would they send their troops with all the trouble that is going on near the Great Forest? It is obvious that they would only send a few representatives to announce their decision.”

“Ah… Heuk?”

“What!?”

People started to nod in understanding, then a shocked expression appeared on their faces. Some even fell to the ground in fear.

“O, orc!”

The orcs were eight-foot-tall giants equipped with heavy, metal armor. Everyone panicked at the intimidating presence of the orcs. However, the heavily armed orcs marched in line without sparing a glance at the people.

“Ancona Orc Warriors…”

“I heard they devastated the orc tribes in the inland sea.”

The people whispered while pressing on their chest to calm their frightened hearts. A long shadow casted over them.

Kiyaaaahk!

“Griffons! I see griffons!”

People burst into exclamations at the sight of dozens of griffons flying over the wall. One person’s name came into mind as they observed the incredulous sight.

“Elkin Isla!”

“Stormbringer!”

Fwooosh!

The group of griffons quickly flew past the long procession and headed towards the front. The sight of the monster exterminating coalition force was imposing and proud.

***

“We are about to reach Blago’s borders, sir.”

“Well, I already sent a letter ahead, but just in case, send Sir Isla ahead as a messenger. Meanwhile, let us take a break.”

Several hours had passed after leaving the gate. Sir Bracha, a knight of the 11

th

 regiment, reported. He had been ordained as a battalion captain by the commander-in-chief, Viscount Moraine. Viscount Moraine gave the orders.

Soon, a few griffons broke off the encirclement above the procession and flew forward at a high speed.

“Stop for now. Take a break.”

“Yes, sir! Stop! Stop! Break!”

Another knight echoed Sir Bracha’s words, and the order quickly spread throughout the coalition.

There were 1,000 soldiers from the 11

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 regiment, 2,000 soldiers from the 7

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 regiment, and with the supply attendants and the southern lords and landlords combined, a total of 4,000 people were in the group. However, it did not take long for Viscount Moraine’s orders to spread, and everyone got in position to take a rest.

Raven rode his horse to the lead where Viscount Moraine was. Raven had been tasked with taking care of the rear of the procession.

“Is it because of Blago?”

“Yes, we have already sent a letter asking for their cooperation, but the territory’s lord is the nephew-in-law of the Arangis Duchy…”

Just like Raven, Viscount Moraine was unfamiliar with the South. He had visited the South a few times in the past, but he had been on duty. Hence, he had little acquaintance with the southern lords and the nobles.

Count Cedric was best acquainted with the southern nobles as the Governor of El Pasa, but he had remained in the city to oversee the continuous supply and to act as a rear commander.

Even though the coalition was organized to stabilize the south, they still had to be cautious in passing through other people’s territories.

“We have sent Sir Isla ahead, so we will be able to receive an answer soon.”

“Hm.”

The Cavaliers of Valvas were very respected in the South.

They were also the reason why there were fewer mercenaries in the South compared to the mainland. The cavaliers performed mercenary work to make a living in the barren land, but their abilities were second to none. They were a loyal bunch as well.

Therefore, both the southern lords and the nobles feared and respected the Cavaliers of Valvas. Since Isla was also a Valvas Cavalier, not to mention his latest feats, it was worth looking forward to a positive answer.

At that time, the griffons returned from Duras, a small castle on Blago’s borders.

“What happened?”

Isla dismounted his griffon, and Raven asked.

Isla replied with a military salute.

“Yes, my lord. The captain of Duras has authorized the passage of the coalition force. However, because of his lord’s orders, they will not be able to provide us food and troops, but they can provide water.”

“That is as expected. The Ocean King’s nephew-in-law would not come over to our side.”

Raven nodded lightly, then asked again in a low voice.

“Was there anything suspicious?”

“The soldiers were quite agitated when they saw me and the griffons, but there was nothing particularly strange.”

“That is a relief.”

Viscount Moraine spoke with a satisfied expression.

“Then we will get going after a short while. Sir Bracha, let them know.”

“Yes, sir.”

Contrary to his rather fierce and strong impression, Sir Bracha was a cool and manly knight. Even if the 7

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 and the 11

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 regiment both belonged to the imperial army, a rapid transition of commanders could be difficult. However, Sir Bracha did his best to support and aid Viscount Moraine in any way possible.

Indeed, it was befitting a knight recommended by Count Cedric. He was doing excellently as Count Cedric’s representative, leading the 11

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 regiment on the commander’s behalf.

“Anyhow, I think we should change the formation a little after we enter Blago territory.”

“Hmm, I agree. Even though they are not the enemy, they are not our allies either. There’s nothing wrong with being extra careful.”

Raven agreed with Viscount Moraine’s words.

In fact, El Pasa’s ‘isolation’ was because all nearby territories were under the influence of the Arangis Duchy. Most of the lords nearby were relatives of the Arangis family, and some territories even had soldiers of the Arangis Duchy placed there.

They would not attack openly with other southern nobles and landlords gathered in the coalition, but there was also no guarantee that nothing would happen.

Above all, Raven did not fully trust in all the southern nobles who had joined the coalition force.

“Well, it would not hurt for something to happen earlier than later anyways.”

“What?”

Raven muttered in a low voice, and Viscount Moraine showed his confusion.

Raven answered with a smirk

“Would it not be better to get rid of a traitor as quickly as possible rather than carrying him for a long distance?”

“Well, that is certainly true.”

Viscount Moraine agreed. Raven sank into thought for a moment before hinting.

“Commander-in-chief, why don’t we take this chance to slightly reveal our bare skin?”

“Our bare skin?”

Viscount Moraine showed curiosity at Raven’s words, and the reaper of the demonic army replied with a meaningful smile. Viscount Moraine might best Raven in terms of commanding the troops, but Raven overshadowed him in ‘other areas’.

“The southerners and I will take the lead. And then…”

“Hmm, Hoooh…!”

As Raven continued, a similar smile began to appear on the lips of Viscount Moraine.

***

“Captain! I see the monster coalition force!”

“Finally…!”

Alberto, knight of Blago and captain of Duras Castle, rushed to the wall. Far away, he could see dozens of flags and a huge force appearing along the hillside leading to El Pasa.

“Dammit! The rumors were true after all.”

Alberto’s expression darkened when he saw some familiar flags. He snorted in disdain when he first heard that some southern nobles and landowners had joined the side of Duke Pendragon and the Governor-General of El Pasa.

Were they seriously going to join the men who killed the son of Duke Arangis, the Ocean King? It was no different than punching oneself in the face. Their families would fall.

There was no need for the Arangis Duchy to step up personally. In the first place, Crete Island was a far distance from the South anyways.

Even if only five or six southern lords gathered, including the lord of Blago, the petty nobles and the landlords could be suppressed. Of course, the addition of the 11

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 regiment would not change anything.

However, the news he heard a few days ago was enough for him to doubt his own ears. At first, he had assumed that only nobles and landlords situated near the Great Forest had gathered.

But it seemed that renowned, large forces had joined in as well. From the foreign port cities of Gapusa and Agadir, all the way to the Pess Knights… many of them were famous in their own right.

“And the Valvas Cavalier who was here just a while ago… This is driving me crazy.”

Alberto trembled involuntarily when he recalled the sight of the knight dismounting the huge griffon with a cold expression.

Alberto was a knight as well, but the energy exuded by the Pendragon Duchy’s knight, Elkin Isla, was truly incredible. Even putting aside the incredulous rumors from the faraway lands concerning his prowess, Elkin Isla was a fearsome knight.

The Valvas Cavaliers’ unique atmosphere and spirit were incomparable to an ordinary knight like himself. The cavaliers had honed themselves through countless battles, while he had lived a comfortable life without battle for a long time.

“Still… there is a chance.”

With a low murmur, a suspicious smile appeared on Alberto’s face.

There was a saying in the south:

“When hunting a pride of lions, separate the leader of the herd. Then you can slaughter the lions more comfortably. Hehehe!”