Amber Sword

The orderlies shuttle back and forth, weaving the nobles’ orders across the plain, merging into one. Flags within the Northern Alliance are being passed back and forth, and then the army begins to slowly advance.

Everyone held their breath as Brand suddenly felt a cool sensation on his forehead.

The wind has picked up.

"Raise spears!"

"Advance, maintain formation!" The first to set off is the Burei Formation from Borsas (1). The Burei Infantry, wearing only chest armor, wielding war-hammers, donning wide-brimmed helmets, and dressed in loose breeches with iron boots secured below the knees. The Burei Infantry is strictly disciplined, their unified blue and white uniforms merging as one, from above appearing as a blue and white ribbon slowly splitting from the Northern Alliance across the meadow.

Viscount von Doggen, riding atop a massive Earth Dragon, leads his rangers to follow behind the infantry, forming the rearguard. Taking in the view, the thin line of infantry stretches across the entire valley, the blue and white formations undulating with the terrain, flags fluttering in the air, numbering in the hundreds, even thousands.

Although well aware that this attack is but a probe, it is difficult not to feel one’s heart swell with excitement. This is truly a great battle, but how many have witnessed such a sight with their own eyes? Let alone participated firsthand. Moreover, he understands that this battle will be his claim to fame.

From now on, von Doggen will be another name shining in Erune’s history.

He raised the long spear in his hand and shouted hoarsely, "I will lead the charge, victory shall be ours! Long live Erune! Long live the King!" The voice echoed across the plain, with the Northern Alliance responding in unison.

A wave of deafening cheers.

The tumultuous roar rippled through Count Oting’s noble private soldiers, their hands gripping tightly onto their long spears, unaware as sweat streamed down like a spring. Count Oting, seeing his tense subordinates, couldn’t help but sigh. The plan was indeed a bold one; how could his men possibly execute it?

He turned to look at Brand.

Brand’s face showed no sign of worry, as he listened casually to Princess speak beside him. "I heard from Overwell about Mr. Brand’s heroic deeds in Ridenburg, but what was it like when Mr. Brand charged?" Princess Griffine, looking at the Northern army, also appeared calm.

Back then.

Brand smiled, "Didn’t think much, but people must strive to survive. Nobles are no different from civilians; in the face of life, there is no distinction."

"Is this what Mr. Brand wishes to tell me?" Princess asked perceptively.

"No, just a thought," Brand replied.

Princess Griffine glanced at him.

Brand silently counted in his mind, suddenly turning back to ask, "Antitina, how long?"

"Less than ten meters, Lord," Staff Lady replied behind him with a yawn, her eyes swollen red.

The Blei people’s well-attired infantry brigade is advancing slowly in a line along the valley. To them, the northern bank where the Princess’s army is stationed appears as a vague grey line, with no hint of any impending assault.

Meanwhile, the Flame Temple priests accompanying the army began chanting prayers, and holy songs echoed above the open fields and forest, as golden light occasionally showered upon the infantry.

This was the Flame Protection Spell, a blessing over a large area, granting the spell recipients 1 point of protection and 1 point of fire retaliation. However, the protection conferred by this spell conflicts with armor, meaning that more lightweight armor reaps the full benefit, perfectly complementing the Burei Infantry.

But just at that moment.

The entire battlefield witnessed a sudden flash within the Blei infantry formations, and several Blei infantry were instantly tossed high into the air, crashing down like puppets onto the flower-covered ground.

Then a thunderous explosion reverberated across the plains—

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Background Note:

(1) Nayue, a fishing village near Grey Mountain in Yanilasu Province, developed into a port. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)