When Gizal arrived at his destination and tried to look around, he felt a presence behind him.
 
“Don’t you understand?”
 
That voice reverberated low in Gizal’s abdomen.
 
“Tch…”
 
He instantly activated the Swift Thunder and swung his weapon as he turned around. But Hazen’s figure was gone, already having moved to a different location.
 
At this point, he no longer knew what was going on.
 
What he did know was that he had been outmaneuvered from behind. He was being completely mocked. But Gizal refused to accept it.
 
This was not a battle of speed as Hazen had said. Something … Read the rest

After a brief silence, Hazen opened his mouth.
 
“In the past… there was someone who tried to save the one I loved, risking their life, their whole life, even their very soul.”
 
“…So there was someone who called that person a monster. That’s terrible. Who was it?”
 
“It was me.”
 
“Eh?”
 
“It was me. I called them that, because the power they possessed far surpassed even my own. Many times, over and over again.”
 
“……”
 
“If I hadn’t done it, I couldn’t have stopped it. I would have died… It was to protect … Read the rest

“If you insist, then bring the Emperor himself.”
 
“…”
 
“…”
 
There was a brief pause. Everyone present took time to comprehend the words Hazen had uttered. Those were words that should never have been spoken by an Imperial soldier, no, an Imperial citizen.
 
Eventually, Major Shimanto began to shout furiously.
 
“Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect! Disrespect!
 
///
 

---

 
scene transition
 
 

---

 
///
 
“So what?”
 
“…Gah!”
 
Major Shimanto tried to stand … Read the rest

 
As evening fell, Hazen came to Lei-Fa’s location. No one approached during that time. The troops of the Duchy of Diode had already retreated.
 
“…Dissolution Arc.”
 
Hazen touched Lei-Fa’s motionless armor and spoke. The armor then merged with the sword and crumbled. Hazen supported Lei-Fa’s body as it collapsed.
 
“Hey, are you alright?”
 
“Hazen…?”
 
” …… “
 
The voice barely came out. Just by touching him, it was clear that her entire body, bones, and muscles were in shambles. Although she did this a few times before, the symptoms had never been this … Read the rest

 
Lei-Fa relentlessly pulverized the rushing enemy soldiers, not killing them but simply crushing them. There was no other way to describe it. Without hesitation, with each swing of her fist, she tore through their armor and bodies.
 
“Damn it! Don’t get so cocky!”
 
The burly warrior swung his mighty battleaxe, but it was stopped by the full-body armor of Lei Fa.
 
“Tch…Aaaaargh!? Gah!”
 
Lei Fa braced herself, then with all her strength twisted and snapped the neck of the charging warrior. The armored female warrior then let out a tremendous roar towards the heavens.
 … Read the rest

 
“It’s a magic wand that specializes in cutting through matter. I call it Steel Cutter. It can slice through steel like pudding, so it’s quite handy.”
 
“…!”
 
“Well, if you have no more hands, shall we call it checkmate?”
 
“…Commander Noyudatu, I cannot handle this alone! Let’s fight together!”
 
The moment the Nidel Squadron Commander averted his gaze, Hazen quickly fired a barrage of over 100 ice rings. As a result, his right foot and right arm were blown off.
 
“Gwaaaaaaaah!”
 
“It’s not wise to be distracted on the battlefield. It’s like you’re … Read the rest

 
“Sergeant Baz.”
 
“Yes, sir!”
 
“Gather the severely injured soldiers who are on the borderline of being able to fight tomorrow in one place.”
 
“…Are you planning to heal them with magic?”
 
“We’re short on manpower. We need to mobilize as many soldiers to the front line as possible.”
 
“But then, won’t it deplete Lieutenant Hazen’s magic power?”
 
“It’s not a problem. I’ll save enough for tomorrow and the day after.”
 
“…But, isn’t Lieutenant Hazen also exhausted? I heard from Yan that he hardly slept at all yesterday due to planning the strategy.”
 
“Of course. As a superior officer, I have … Read the rest

 
Unaffected by the abnormal zeal, they followed the chain of command’s orders. This was the fruit of rigorous training, befitting the mighty Empire’s reputation.
 
However, in terms of troop quality, Diode was not inferior either. While the Empire’s soldiers might surpass Diode’s on average, Diode had specialized in certain military branches.
 
Captain Nidel of the cavalry, Captain Zonan of the heavy infantry, Captain Konahawan of the archers, Captain Noyudara of the infantry – each had trained their specialized troops to the utmost.
 
“……”
 
Yet the battle situation was still unfavorable. Their morale was indeed high.… Read the rest

Chapter 6: “The Declaration of War”
 

 
The day of the declaration of war. It was a clear and sunny day Unusual for recent weather,. Hazen was stationed at the central gate. There were 2,000 soldiers posted at the front of the gate, and 1,000 more within the castle walls.
 
The young man with black hair surveyed the enemy troops from the castle walls.
 
Before him was an army numbering more than 10,000. Previously, he could have taken them on single-handedly, but with his current abilities, it would be an almost impossible task. Therefore, he would have … Read the rest

 
“Colonel Gedol, I’ll temporarily step down as captain and transfer the authority to lieutenant Hazen.”
 
“…Do you think that will be allowed?”
 
“We have no choice.”
 
To win this battle, that man is necessary. Everyone knew it, yet everyone tried to avert their eyes from that fact.
 
Only Captain Lorenzo, who had witnessed Lieutenant Mospitza’s disgrace firsthand, can do this. Rather than becoming like that man, handing over the seat to someone half his son’s age is the better choice.
 
There are more than ten thousand soldiers at his back. This fact, which no one else even considers, is something … Read the rest