The tranquility of the northern region of the Empire was disrupted a month ago.
Clang clang clang!
A massive army moved with precision, like a single piece of steel. If it weren’t for the Imperial Army standing by, one might have mistaken it for war.
The elite forces of Nobogorod had finally arrived as reinforcements.
“Mom! They’re demons! They really have horns on their heads!”
The children’s statement was half-right, half-wrong. They did have horns, but they were on their helmets—not their heads. It was their unique armor that had caused the misunderstanding in the Empire thus far.
These weren’t the ragtag soldiers of the Southern Kingdom, nor were they in the precarious situation like the Eastern Allied Forces who worried about supplies. These were thirty-thousand heavily armed, battle-ready troops with sky-high morale and unmatched combat prowess.
And who was commanding them? One of the field commanders who had clashed with the Empire before—specifically, the one who had been dealt with by Kael during his first major operation.
“Once we arrive, meet with my daughter to discuss further arrangements.”
Before setting out, the Demon Race’s Commander had received such instructions from Councilor Kalande, the leader of the Moderates. The Commander, being of the same faction, readily agreed. Moreover, he fully understood the emphasis on cooperating with the Empire.
However, there was one non-negotiable demand: “I will not relinquish command. That much, I will defend.”
A massive force of thirty-thousand elite troops. Handing over such an army to the Empire? Preposterous. Not only was there no guarantee of competent leadership, but also, how could they expect the Demon Race, who revered strength, to bow down?
On the continent where everyone prayed to Lunen, only they sought combat. Strength was beauty, strength was nobility, and thus, they pursued it.
Without proving their strength, no one could command the forces of Nobogorod. They were, after all, an auxiliary force, appearing only when called upon. This, the members of the Council also agreed with, the Commander believed.
“What did you just say?”
Somewhere along the road from the northern to the western regions of the Empire, prior to meeting some Imperial figures.
“I would like the command of Nobogorod’s army transferred to me.”
The Chief of the Imperial Staff, Kael Klauwitz. That man. The very strategist who had brought immense shame to Nobogorod in the foggy incident. The tactical genius who had outmaneuvered them in ways unimaginable.
“That’s quite rude for a first meeting.”
The Demon Commander tried to keep his cool, but the edge in his tone couldn’t be hidden. If Charlotte hadn’t been standing beside Kael, he might have said something even harsher.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Oh, and congratulations on your appointment as Commander.”
Charlotte and the Demon Commander knew each other from the past encounter where they fell to Kael’s tactics. For a brief moment, the atmosphere became tense, but Kael quickly deflected it.
“Let me reiterate my request. Commander, please transfer the command of Nobogorod’s forces.”
“The Chief of the Imperial Staff lacks the qualifications for such a role.”
While the Commander acknowledged the strategist’s tactical brilliance, and some of the Demon Race admired Kael’s accomplishments, it wasn’t enough for him. He preferred warriors over tacticians. Only strength, only might, qualified to lead such elite forces.
“Seems we’re at an impasse.”
“We’ve come to assist the Empire. We expect proper treatment.”
“That proper treatment includes an efficient command structure.”
“Back to square one, then.”
“Indeed.”
After moments of smiling, Kael resumed speaking.
“Here’s what I propose: let’s have a duel. Each side chooses one warrior.”
“A duel, you say?”
“Yes. If Nobogorod wins, we’ll drop the issue of command entirely. Furthermore, we’ll provide your side with top-tier support and full autonomy.”
“…”
An outrageous offer. The Commander, watching Kael’s reaction, finished, “But if our warrior loses, we’ll transfer command.”
“Understood. But let me be clear—no taking it back. Particularly your claim of autonomy. That’s a big deal.”
“A man’s word is his bond. No need to worry.”
The Chief of the Imperial Staff, the Empire’s renowned genius strategist. Would he really go back on his word like a child? The Commander, after some contemplation, nodded and turned back.
“Halfdan!”
This call was met with roaring cheers from the Nobogorod forces, the ground trembling as shields and spears pounded against the earth.
Roar roar roar!
A towering warrior emerged—one easily larger than any average demon. His mere presence screamed power; his eyes, gleaming from under the helmet, exuded lethal intent.
“This is one of our best warriors, specially assigned for this campaign.”
“I see.”
“Your turn, Empire.”
With a lingering smile, Kael called out.
“Kaya.”
Soon, a figure emerged from the Imperial escort. The sight of it made the Demon Commander exhale, “Huh?”
Small. Petite. And… not male. What was this supposed to be? What honor was there in a duel if the opponent was a woman?
After a moment of hesitation, the Commander dismissed his reservations. An agreement was an agreement. And realistically, they couldn’t possibly lose. Halfdan was among the top ten warriors of Nobogorod—certainly not someone to fall to some woman.
“Shall we begin the duel then?”
“…Agreed.”
At the Commander’s signal, Halfdan took his stance—impenetrable, clad in thick armor, equipped with a massive shield, a sharp spear, and a waist-holstered axe.
In contrast, the approaching imperial warrior, Kaya Klauwitz, did something completely unexpected.
She planted her spear on the ground, threw her shield aside, and removed her helmet. All that remained was a light armor and a single sword in her hand—a sight that looked more like a surrender.
But then—
“Grah!”
Kaya lunged, and Halfdan met her with full readiness. But the clash was brief—just one brief clash.
And then Halfdan fell. Kaya remained standing.
“What in….”
In one swift strike, she had incapacitated one of Nobogorod’s finest warriors. Even more impressively, she hadn’t killed him—only disabled him with precise timing.
With that display, she left no doubt of the gap in skill between the two warriors.
Step
As Kaya walked toward the ranks of the Nobogorod army, one small figure approached thirty-thousand heavily armed demons.
“Are there any more?”
Silence. The demons couldn’t believe their eyes.
“Are there any MORE?!”
Kaya’s voice grew louder, and the demons instinctively shrank back. Some dropped their spears, others their shields.
“Anyone daring to question Brother Kael’s judgment?”
Was that the cry of a young girl, or the roar of a beast? Several demons stumbled back in fear.
As this beastly warrior unleashed her fury, the Demon Commander approached her.
“Who are you?”
“Kaya Klauwitz. Brother Kael’s sister. Thus, the Chief of the Imperial Staff’s sister.”
“And the sword and spear at your disposal.”
After a moment of studying her, the Commander withdrew his staff—his official symbol of command, gifted by the Council.
“This is the Commander’s staff. Please relay it to the Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Give it directly. That’s the right thing.”
With those words, Kaya turned away without a second glance. The dumbfounded demons erupted into cheers.
Roar roar roar!
Great warriors deserve respect, be they allies or foes.
‘Hmm.’
Meanwhile, Charlotte came to an unshakable conclusion: never make the Empire your enemy.
“How was it, Brother?”
“Brilliant. You’re still the best, sis.”
“Really? Great! I’ll keep working harder!”
Who could possibly handle such monstrous siblings?
*
The Empire’s continued victories didn’t mean Kael had backed off. He kept in touch with the Generals he knew well, especially those from the Eastern and Southern Legions.
Dedolant wasn’t an easy foe; they had to stay prepared for anything.
The 7th and 12th Legions from the East, the 6th and 13th from the South—all seasoned veterans of Kael’s strategies, who praised his vision and applauded it.
Thus, the Legions moved with greater caution.
But this caution was interpreted as hesitation by the Western Legions. Encouraged by an unbroken string of victories, they felt unstoppable. What could possibly frighten them after months of nothing but triumphs? Perhaps their numerous victories over the East and South had convinced them to sit back?
Misunderstandings built up, and the Western Legions’ offensives intensified.
At this moment, the Imperial Staff had a strategy ready.
“[With the Western Legions at the forefront, advance directly to Dedolant’s capital.]
[They’re already reeling. One decisive battle will finish them.]”
This was the West. Naturally, the Western Legions needed to secure their place. Perhaps it was the final war, so their prowess must be clearly demonstrated.
All these factors made their attack even fiercer.
The Empire’s massive assault began, the Western Legions spearheading the charge. Their goal was to break through, capture the king and prince, and end the war here.
And then…
“To the proud sons of Dedolant, I issue an order: at dawn, launch a counteroffensive across all fronts.”
The wolf, having crouched as low as it could go, finally bared its fangs.
