At the end of the Liurnia Highway.
The footsteps of the Royal Capital Army trod a distance unseen for millennia, shaking the very earth, a murderous aura surging like a tidal wave.
Rain fell from the sky, lightning flashed, accompanied by magic and incantations bombarding the Southern Army's fortress. Each release created a swathe of rubble, its terrifying power imaginable.
Their siege capabilities were equally formidable; the world's number one legion had no weaknesses.
The two sides had been attacking and defending around the end of the highway for five hours, with the Stormveil Castle forces continuously falling back to the next defensive line, suffering considerable losses along the way. Many souls returned to the Erdtree.
The Night's Cavalry regiment was in charge of this command, advancing methodically.
"The rain is letting up, prepare for an arrow volley—"
Swish!
Black streams of light fell from the sky, making it impossible to distinguish rain from arrows. Finally, one fell, claiming a life. Even hiding behind hastily erected walls was useless; the power was too immense, directly piercing through stone and killing the target.
Even Edgar, positioned in the mid-rear, took an arrow to the shoulder and barely held on after drinking a potion.
He didn't even dare to move or pull it out easily, because the archer's strength was too great, the arrowhead barbed; careless handling would lead to excessive blood loss.
"Have the Stormhawks sent to the Academy for Her Majesty's aid returned?"
"No news at present."
"We can't hold out much longer like this," the ancient hero Samir beside him suggested. "Since we can't win anyway, let's send everyone to inflict losses on them, creating conditions for a retreat to Stormveil to fight a defensive battle."
"I can also take the opportunity to kill a few," a Black Knife Assassin agreed, eager to try.
In fact, they had already fought a round, bathed in blood and not without wounds, only just returning to catch their breath. After all, to survive an engagement with the Royal Capital's vanguard was already commendable; the enemy's formidable strength was no less than in years past.
However, when they chose to follow Frieren, they knew this day would come sooner or later. At worst, it would be an exhilarating battle, conveying their resolve. No one in the Lands Between feared death.
No, in the face of the Fell Omen, they were still apprehensive.
If their souls were absorbed by the Omen's horn, they couldn't expect reincarnation. This fact indeed made many of Margit's opponents hesitate.
No wonder he was known as the one "who made heroes bleed rivers in the Shattering." This likely applied to both sides, as some defenders might also have had their souls absorbed. This assessment wasn't necessarily all praise.
In short, he was indeed a troublesome enemy; it was best to avoid a direct confrontation.
Rumble!
Continuous explosions accompanied by the dust of collapsing buildings signified that the defensive line couldn't hold. Perhaps they should carefully consider the suggestions of the Black Knife Assassin and the ancient hero Samir.
However, Edgar shook his head. "We can't just throw away lives, especially since Her Majesty instructed me before departure."
"Preserving strength is what's important. Retreat when necessary, even if it means leaving the pressure on Liurnia, on her alone."
The officers looked at each other. This was indeed Frieren's style. Only someone with her great heart and fearlessness in the face of challenges would instruct a commander this way, and only such a by-the-book person would execute it.
The army painstakingly built in the South should not be lost entirely.
Their quality was not that of Godrick's soldiers of old, but rather those who had received soul healing and slight blessings from a Great Rune, possessing elite potential.
Stormveil Castle's current main force was the absolute core of the future, destined to serve as grassroots officers and, when necessary, tackle key battlefields. This mission had a training objective; they shouldn't put the cart before the horse.
"And the most intense battle is about to begin, which is also our last chance to retreat."
"Why?"
Edgar looked around and said grimly, "It's been a while since we've seen the Farron Undead Legion. What do you think they're up to?"
Before his words landed, the ground shook violently, and even the command tent collapsed by half.
The group hurried out to see Margit himself leading the charge, accompanied by the most elite of the Tree Sentinels, Ancient Dragon Knights, and Leyndell Knights, formed into a squad, sternly awaiting the enemy opposite them.
The Farron warriors had all fallen, save for one who stood tall. He continuously absorbed blood, coalescing into a more powerful individual, his posture upright, his aura imposing, full of oppressive might.
A true demigod-level powerhouse.
The captain wielded two swords, single-handedly holding back the formidable army before him, his body pierced with arrows and broken spears.
If not for his undead nature, he would have long since fallen.
Insufficient in offense, but more than enough for entanglement, which was why he could firmly hold back the Fell Omen's squad.
"Give up, you're at your limit," Margit advised coldly. "Either step aside and don't block the way, or we'll seal you. It will only take a little effort; you can't handle our combined offensive."
The captain's response was a brilliant flash of his sword, blazing with fierce flames, as he adopted a dignified ceremonial stance, expressing his resolve.
"What a pity. Frieren is very lucky to have your service, but unfortunately, you will soon disappear."
The next moment, the Leyndell Knights stepped forward, their greatshields blocking the sword's slash. Even if the first rank was knocked off balance, the rear rank firmly supported their comrades, advancing like a city wall.
The highly mobile and heavily armored Tree Sentinels on either side constantly harassed them, their sharp golden halberds gouging several holes in the captain's body in an instant.
However, he moved faster, dodging most of the attacks.
Yet, anyone could see Margit directing the ever-tightening encirclement, clearly intending to completely surround and kill the target, even mobilizing most of the elite troop types on the battlefield. Rescue was impossible.
The Royal Capital Army, with its remaining strength, was still sufficient to suppress Stormveil Castle's forces.
So, the Farron Undead Legion's initial plan was to cover the rear.
"Abandon this defensive line, coordinate with aerial firepower, and advance towards the middle section of the Liurnia Highway." In the end, Edgar made a decisive decision, also watching as the enemy overwhelmed the captain, who disappeared from sight.
Clap!
A roar heralded the Ancient Dragon Knights brewing a deadly attack. Their Ancient Dragon incantations were extremely threatening, targeting difficult-to-overcome special targets.
At the same time, Margit also struck. His twisted cursed sword clashed against the captain's greatsword defense with a ping, creating a fleeting opening.
"—Hold him down completely!"
The well-coordinated elite squad immediately stepped forward, their shields knocking the captain's body down. Before his back hit the ground, golden halberds swarmed, piercing his limbs. At this moment, the Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike had also finished charging. Red lightning flashed in the sky and then fell.
Heaven and earth lit up, clouds parted for a clear sky. This bolt of lightning, full of murderous intent, swerved.
Where?
Everyone suddenly looked up to see a Death Rite Bird blocking it. Just you?
No, it was a silver-haired figure leaping from its back, grasping the lightning. The lightning projected a majestic aura that was suffocating.
Neutralizing the Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike with Annihilation Lightning and simultaneously transforming it into a lightning spear—this was Frieren's rescue plan.
The next moment, she hurled a devastating blow towards the center of the Royal Capital Army's formation.
Break for me!
Responding to Frieren's determination, the lightning spear landed in the army formation, creating a mushroom cloud that sent hundreds flying. The shockwave spread, sending men and horses tumbling, dust filling the air, making it impossible to even see the specific casualty situation.
Struck by this powerful blow, the Royal Capital Army's momentum faltered. They immediately defended their position, quickly deploying dragon-slaying ballistae.
The Death Rite Bird hurriedly landed, carrying its master.
At this moment, the silver-haired girl stood before Margit, the threat clear.
He gave a look, and the surrounding Ancient Dragon Knights, Tree Sentinels, and others had to release their target. Although the opponent hadn't cast a spell yet, who knew if she would suddenly attack? Maintaining a suppressive posture would only leave them wide open.
"This time, we fight side-by-side again."
Before his words finished, the captain, who had been lying on the ground, actively split, transforming into a dozen Farron members guarding their comrade's flanks, also forming a formation.
Compared to the two of them unleashing their demigod strength in a fierce assault, it was better to choose the stable option of mutual cover. Anyone familiar with Frieren knew she wasn't as imposing as she appeared on the surface; she had already been worn down—round after round.
But undoubtedly, the scene of intercepting lightning mid-air and counterattacking had awed everyone. The Royal Capital Army was also unsure of the situation.
"Hold fast!"
Edgar's shout was accompanied by the Southern Army's earth-shattering roar.
Finally, they didn't have to be suppressed anymore, at least not letting the Fell Omen casually charge into their ranks and wreak havoc. Now, the strongest magic cannon was aimed at the arrogant enemy.
Even the Leyndell Knights, renowned for their formations, quickly dispersed under this pressure.
Everyone could see the undried bloodstains and unhealed scars on Frieren's body, as well as her tattered armor, yet she still presented herself with the highest dignity. After all, this person might already be the strongest normal mage in the Lands Between, having just finished a pinnacle battle.
Many Royal Capital soldiers were seeing the legendary Soul of Cinder King for the first time. Those demi-human features weren't ugly; on the contrary, they possessed both charm and heroic spirit.
She must be battle-hardened.
At this moment, the battlefield returned to a standoff.
Margit snorted coldly. "I guess you rushed here right after defeating the Full Moon Queen, didn't you?"
"That's right. I hope you can last a little longer than her."
"Such arrogance! How much combat power do you have left? Besides, don't you want the Academy of Magic anymore? Aren't you afraid of being attacked from both front and rear?"
This interrogation was intended to dampen the Southern Army's morale, but unexpectedly, Frieren still appeared confident... Something was wrong. What had happened at the Academy of Magic in such a short time?
Hum!
Suddenly, a corner of the army formation bloomed with an azure blue light: Great Carian!
It forcibly carved a path straight to the forefront of the standoff. Even if the figure couldn't be seen clearly amidst the dust, its astonishing aura could be felt.
In his haste, Margit quickly swung his golden light-rain sword to block, but Frieren's Glintblade Phalanx was faster—striking it down, a precise defense. In terms of magic combat, she had the upper hand, not letting any attack harm her advancing teammates.
A troop of Carian Knights had broken through the encirclement! How was this possible? So there were still so many of these elite troops, which had declined with the royal family!
Many had seen Moongrum, the leader, who was quite famous. And now, he dismounted and stood beside the silver-haired girl, with numerous knights on guard, clearly forming a battle formation.
The rumors were true; they had allied?
Their genuine armor and insignia couldn't be wrong, made even more conspicuous by their standard-issue staves and swords.
If the Academy of Magic and Stormveil Castle allied, it would undoubtedly be bad news.
Rumble!
Another legion arrived with the rumbling of the earth, kicking up dust as it merged into the Southern Army's flank. Their banner was clearly the emblem of the Carian Royal Family.
Since Ranni had already decided to place her bet, she might as well let the nobles, who had long awaited revitalization, join in. Thus, this reinforcement arrived. The noble power, practically the essence of the Liurnia of the Lakes region, was concentrated, their morale soaring.
What better time to make their presence known and express loyalty? In the eyes of the nobles, Frieren was also an ally, and besides, the Fell Omen should be driven out of the lake region.
Swords were drawn, bows bent; the situation was explosive.
The successive arrival of Carian Knights and Liurnian noble soldiers directly represented the absolute local support for Stormveil Castle's army. It was a union from the south to the central-south, encompassing almost all regional combat power except Caelid, all standing against the Golden Dynasty.
At this moment, banners fluttered, war drums thundered, and warhorses neighed to the sky, their blood boiling.
Wyverns and Stormhawks from Limgrave arrived together, even including Glintstone Dragons. At this point, the assembly was complete.
"Now you should go home, Margit. Don't keep your subordinates waiting too long." Frieren raised her staff. "There's no room for you to interfere here anymore."
"You are formidable."
"I've just gained some trust and support."
Precisely what Margit lacked, a world of difference. He had no doubt the Golden Army could still crush the enemy, but losing the support of Caria and the nobles meant virtually the entire lake region had declared rebellion.
Were they to be bogged down in the Liurnia region, fighting an endless stream of rebels?
The above deduction was still the best-case scenario. The truth was, no one was willing to embark on such a distant expedition under the leadership of a Fell Omen.
A defensive war was to protect their homes; being absorbed by your soul was acceptable.
But an offensive war with no end in sight, initiated by you personally—was it worth continuing to fight to the death? If they fought on, conspiracy theories like "the Fell Omen is instigating war to absorb souls" would emerge.
Margit believed Frieren wouldn't do this, but her nobles would surely be happy to fabricate rumors.
The Omen-children were considered inauspicious primarily because the Omen horn affected the souls of the dead, interfering with the Erdtree Rebirth system. Death meant true death, which was simply unacceptable.
Should he retreat?
Frankly, he admired those who dared to fight him, so he should cherish them all the more.
"...But if I leave just like this, wouldn't it mean the tenuous relationship between the Golden Dynasty and the South is also over? That would be a complete split. The Dynasty should not fall into division under my watch; I will absolutely not allow it."
"You are strong. The Soul of Cinder is a respectable enemy, so today is probably the only day to kill you."
Margit's cursed sword swirled with immense magic. Darkness, as if devouring light, surrounded him. His power alone silenced the allied army's boisterous shouts.
The demigod was enraged.
"It's a good opportunity for you, and for me as well."
Frieren immediately equipped dual staves. At the same time, the Farron Undead Legion tightened their formation, more closely protecting her blind spots. On the periphery were Moongrum leading the Carian Knights, the recently arrived Dragon Communion squad, and others. Though it was their first time cooperating in battle, their formation was stable, unmovable as a mountain.
This was a contest between two top-tier demigods, and it was a coordinated battle involving their respective teams, not purely a contest of strength, but also a difference in depth.
Therefore, Margit decided to fight a great battle here. Even if he couldn't kill this enemy, he had to permanently weaken them.
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