Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 1 Red Grace Inn (1)
Chapter 2 Red Grace Inn (2)
Chapter 3 Dawn Academy (1)
Chapter 4 Dawn Academy (2)
Chapter 5 Young Noble
Chapter 6 The Origins Of Battle Force
Chapter 7 The First Days Since Reincarnation
Chapter 8 Battle Force And His Days As A Mercenary
Chapter 9 Dynamic Vision
Chapter 10 Aquametal Technique
Chapter 11 Incador Medal
Chapter 12 The Pawn And The Announcement
Chapter 13 Academy Head Levins
Chapter 14 Lakefront Residence
Chapter 15 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (1)
Chapter 16 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (2)
Chapter 17 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (3)
Chapter 18 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (4)
Chapter 19 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (5)
Chapter 20 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (6)
Chapter 21 A Fleeting Moonlit Dream (7)
Chapter 22 Locke And Els (1)
Chapter 23 Locke And Els (2)
Chapter 24 Locke And Els (3)
Chapter 25 Locke And Els (4)
Chapter 26 Els’S Request
Chapter 27 Final Preparations
Chapter 28 Selling Books And Requesting Help
Chapter 29 Settling Bills At The Inn
Chapter 30 Battle Force Awakening Course
Chapter 31 Pulse Reading (1)
Chapter 32 Pulse Reading (2)
Chapter 33 Journal Entries And The Duels
Chapter 34 Dueling Period
Chapter 35 President Peterson’S Thanks
Chapter 36 Attendant And Carriage
Chapter 37 Ambush On The Streets
Chapter 38 Counter Kill
Chapter 39 Aftermath
Chapter 40 The Duels Continue
Chapter 41 Counting Earnings And Beggars
Chapter 42 Arrival Of The People From The Family
Chapter 43 Troubles Within The Family
Chapter 44 The Fanatical Female Students
Chapter 45 The Decision
Chapter 46 Convoy Plans And The Oath Of Allegiance
Chapter 47 Knights And Gifts
Chapter 48 Northbound Journey Strategy
Chapter 49 The Academy Armory
Chapter 50 In Which Els Reports For Duty
Chapter 51 The Sloph Slavers
Chapter 52 Slaughter
Chapter 53 Occupying The Bastide
Chapter 54 Reorganization And Maidservants
Chapter 55 Ambush And The Yields
Chapter 56 Baron Miranda
Chapter 57 Various Preparations For The Journey
Chapter 58 The Journey North Begins
Chapter 59 Kill Them All
Chapter 60 Camp Intrusion And Takeover
Chapter 61 Arrival Of The Convoy
Chapter 62 Offense And Defense
Chapter 63 Breaching The Camp
Chapter 64 Winter Night Massacre
Chapter 65 Conclusion And Reorganization
Chapter 66 Mister Tim
Chapter 67 Josk’S Wish
Chapter 68 Strategizing
Chapter 69 The Battle Begins
Chapter 70 Troop Deployment
Chapter 71 Success
Chapter 72 Freiyar
Chapter 73 Trust
Chapter 74 Surprise Attack Successful
Chapter 75 The Final Assault
Chapter 76 Rounding
Chapter 77 Conference Of The Nobles
Chapter 78 On The Road
Chapter 79 A Withered Tree Crumbles Easily
Chapter 80 Forming Yet Another Convoy
Chapter 81 Telesti
Chapter 82 Viscount Kermas
Chapter 83 River-Crossing And Arrival
Chapter 84 Takeover
Chapter 85 The Plan Of The Kenmays Family
Chapter 86 Construction Staff Appointment
Chapter 87 Homecoming
Chapter 88 Power Struggle Rumors
Chapter 89 Inheritance Ceremony
Chapter 90 Three Chief Supervisors And Irina
Chapter 91 Sword Crisis
Chapter 92 Knight Belnick
Chapter 93 Enticement
Chapter 94 Midway Skirmish
Chapter 95 Family’S Forbidden Area
Chapter 96 Whitedeer Mound, Bread And The Slave Camp
Chapter 97 Mercenaries And Metal Armor
Chapter 98 Lorist’S Plan
Chapter 99 Maplewoods Bastide
Chapter 100 Barbarians, Gold Mine And Plotting
Chapter 101 Mistakes
Chapter 102 Trap
Chapter 103 Melee Outbreak
Chapter 104 Bloodshed And Remorse
Chapter 105 Repercussions
Chapter 106 Reward
Chapter 107 Supply Transportation
Chapter 108 The Pitiful Grandmaster Ciroba
Chapter 109 A Meeting With Telesti
Chapter 110 Intermission
Chapter 111 Breakthrough
Chapter 112 Blissful Night Life
Chapter 113 The Chosen Location And The Duel
Chapter 114 News Of The Mountain Barbarians
Chapter 115 An Unwelcome Guest
Chapter 116 Baron Camorra
Chapter 117 Tabik'S Demand
Chapter 118 The Issue Of Compensation
Chapter 119 The Decision To Deploy
Chapter 120 The Days Of The Expedition
Chapter 121 Duke Loggins'S Plot
Chapter 122 Return In Futility
Chapter 123 Urgent Reinforcement Request
Chapter 124 Warzone Merchants
Chapter 125 Battles Of Nobles
Chapter 126 Knight Carnival
Chapter 127 The Plot Of The Kenmays Family Head
Chapter 128 Request For Peace
Chapter 129 Knight Waxima
Chapter 130 Troop Deployment
Chapter 131 The Massacre And The Suspension Bridge
Chapter 132 Josk'S Fire Arrows
Chapter 133 Rolling Boulders
Chapter 134 Surprise Takeover
Chapter 135 Completion
Chapter 136 Out Of Options
Chapter 137 Aftermath Matters
Chapter 138 News Of The Kenmays Family
Chapter 139 Celebratory Banquet
Chapter 140 Shock
Chapter 141 The Whereabouts Of The Convoy
Chapter 142 Charade The Demon
Chapter 143 The Experiences Of The Messengers
Chapter 144 Hennard'S Ransom
Chapter 145 Release
Chapter 146 Departure
Chapter 147 Dilemma
Chapter 148 The Mounted Archers Unit
Chapter 149 Blockade
Chapter 150 Small Mountain Village
Chapter 151 Bypass
Chapter 152 Noble Rank Elevation
Chapter 153 Trivial Problems
Chapter 154 Lorist'S Strategy
Chapter 155 The Citadel'S Weakness
Chapter 156 Kill During The Darkness Of The Night
Chapter 157 Burn When The Winds Are Strong
Chapter 158 Worriless Journey North
Chapter 159 Assault During A Snowy Night
Chapter 160 Strategies And Plans
Chapter 161 The Long Wintery Night
Chapter 162 Gentle Spring Rain
Chapter 163 River Crossing
Chapter 164 Conditions And Request
Chapter 165 Plunder, Move, And Destroy
Chapter 166 Battle Preparations At Firmrock Castle
Chapter 167 Auguslo'S Counterattack
Chapter 168 Female Unit
Chapter 169 Felicitas Settlement
Chapter 170 Ridden With Matters
Chapter 171 Female Secretary
Chapter 172 Messenger And Alliance
Chapter 173 Top Kek
Chapter 174 Magical Beast Wave
Chapter 175 Central Town
Chapter 176 Goats In The Town
Chapter 177 Wrapping Up
Chapter 178 Ballistas And Metal Materials
Chapter 179 Daily Life Within The Dominion
Chapter 180 Count Kenmays'S Visit
Chapter 181 Facing The Magical Beast Wave Again
Chapter 182 Military Reorganization
Chapter 183 Sid Steel Armor
Chapter 184 Princess Sylvia
Chapter 185 Count Kenmays'S Letter
Chapter 186 A New Sea Port
Chapter 187 Development Plans
Chapter 188 The Ultimatum
Chapter 189 The Onset Of War
Chapter 190 Before The Battle
Chapter 191 Ballista Storm
Chapter 192 The Unfortunate Blademaster
Chapter 193 Confrontation With Princess Sylvia
Chapter 194 Victor Of The Duel
Chapter 195 Four Family Alliance
Chapter 196 Prisoners And Letter
Chapter 197 Escort
Chapter 198 Settling Down
Chapter 199 Master-Disciple Conversation
Chapter 200 Reidy'S Request
Chapter 201 A Failed Experiment
Chapter 202 Assaulted [Cliffhanger 1 Of 5]
Chapter 203 Grueling Battle [Cliffhanger 2 Of 5]
Chapter 204 Bloody Battle [Cliffhanger 3 Of 5]
Chapter 205 Executed [Cliffhanger 4 Of 5]
Chapter 206 Enslaved [Cliffhanger 5 Of 5]
Chapter 207 Mortification
Chapter 208 Wooden Shack
Chapter 209 House-Building
Chapter 210 Barbarians
Chapter 211 Departure
Chapter 212 Setting Out
Chapter 213 Analysis
Chapter 214 Royal Capital
Chapter 215 Arrangements
Chapter 216 The Decision Of The Duke
Chapter 217 Visit
Chapter 218 Whale Island
Chapter 219 Grandmaster Sid
Chapter 220 Flying Fish Of Dawn
Chapter 221 Tax Collection
Chapter 222 Arrival Of The Dominion Lord
Chapter 223 Tax Collector
Chapter 224 Hector
Chapter 225 Whitebird Restaurant
Chapter 226 Farama Village
Chapter 227 Imperial Capital
Chapter 228 Paradise Gathering
Chapter 229 Davey And The Princess
Chapter 230 Face-Smacking
Chapter 231 Flipping Out
Chapter 232 Leaving
Chapter 233 Breaching Five Camps In The Night
Chapter 234 Investigation
Chapter 235 Discussion
Chapter 236 Heading To Morante City
Chapter 237 At Sea
Chapter 238 Matters Back At Home
Chapter 239 Port Troubles
Chapter 240 The Secret Of Gunpowder
Chapter 241 Glassmith
Chapter 242 The Curious Case Of Luxcrimson Winery
Chapter 243 Unforeseen Changes
Chapter 244 Shocking Developments
Chapter 245 Two Letters
Chapter 246 Blockade At Sea
Chapter 247 Bathing In Blood [Cliffhanger 2 Of 3]
Chapter 248 Escape [Cliffhanger 3 Of 3]
Chapter 249 Senbaud
Chapter 250 Threat And Expropriation
Chapter 251 Dispute Within The Chikdor Merchant Guild (1)
Chapter 252 Dispute Within The Chikdor Merchant Guild (2)
Chapter 253 Mayflower Merchant Guild Assault Incident
Chapter 254 Setup And Counters
Chapter 255 The Glass War
Chapter 256 The Haphazard War
Chapter 257 Clash Of The High-Tiers
Chapter 258 President Peterson'S Conditions
Chapter 259 The Second Highness'S Assault
Chapter 260 The 5Th Day Of The 4Th Month
Chapter 261 Furybear
Chapter 262 The First And Third Young Masters
Chapter 263 Research And Improvements
Chapter 264 Firearms, War News, And The Nightmare
Chapter 265 Assault From The Hanayabarta Kingdom
Chapter 266 The Aftermath And The March Into Battle
Chapter 267 The Wait
Chapter 268 The Terrible State Of Silowas
Chapter 269 The First Household Blademaster
Chapter 270 Meeting Of The Four Families
Chapter 271 Battle Report
Chapter 272 The Death Of Duke Urubaha
Chapter 273 Before The Expedition
Chapter 274 Money Of All Things Comes The Fastest
Chapter 275 Battle On Shore
Chapter 276 Karman
Chapter 277 Hector And The Slave Camp
Chapter 278 News From Tarkel
Chapter 279 Changing Strategic Arrangements
Chapter 280 Encounter
Chapter 281 Setup
Chapter 282 Arrival
Chapter 283 Royal Capital
Chapter 284 Drunken
Chapter 285 Dueling Grounds
Chapter 286 Three Floors Underground
Chapter 287 Taking Action
Chapter 288 Secret Path
Chapter 289 Trap
Chapter 290 The Ploy
Chapter 291 The Persuasion
Chapter 292 Termination
Chapter 293 The Death Of A Nation
Chapter 294 Arrangements
Chapter 295 Dread Monument
Chapter 296 Garrison Division
Chapter 297 Surrender
Chapter 298 Shocking News
Chapter 299 Reconcilliation
Chapter 300 Refusal
Chapter 301 Jillin Harbor
Chapter 302 The Child'S Play Siege
Chapter 303 Anna And Arri
Chapter 304 The God Of War'S End
Chapter 305 The Odd Situation
Chapter 306 Return To Morante
Chapter 307 The Plight Of Dawn Academy
Chapter 308 Nostalgia
Chapter 309 Dauslyke Hotel
Chapter 310 President Bejisanro
Chapter 311 Preparations
Chapter 312 Arson
Chapter 313 Closing Act
Chapter 314 Ridden With Matters
Chapter 315 Reasons For Coming
Chapter 316 Huge Purchase
Chapter 317 Charade Returns From Seclusion
Chapter 318 Viscount Eidis
Chapter 319 The Duke'S Welcome
Chapter 320 Welcoming Banquet
Chapter 321 Count Chujway'S Narrative
Chapter 322 Duel
Chapter 323 Intelligence Center
Chapter 324 The Tournament Begins
Chapter 325 Three Requests
Chapter 326 Apologies
Chapter 327 The Princess'S Heart
Chapter 328 Missed Initiative
Chapter 329 Dominion Replacement
Chapter 330 Plan Of Attack
Chapter 331 Incident And New Equipment
Chapter 332 The Trouble With Compact Crossbows
Chapter 333 Arrival Of The Second Highness
Chapter 334 Refusal
Chapter 335 Reinforcement
Chapter 336 Negotiations
Chapter 337 Conditions
Chapter 338 Pledging Allegiance
Chapter 339 Lobbying
Chapter 340 Regret
Chapter 341 Landing
Chapter 342 Occupation
Chapter 343 Suggestion
Chapter 344 Reason
Chapter 345 An Audience
Chapter 346 Settling Debt
Chapter 347 Letter
Chapter 348 Gold Coins (1)
Chapter 349 Gold Coins (2)
Chapter 350 Bank, Entitlement And Real Estate
Chapter 351 Update On Catapults And Cannons
Chapter 352 Reidy'S Encounters
Chapter 353 Ambush, Pursuit And Assault
Chapter 354 Demongrass Swamp
Chapter 355 Gold Eagle
Chapter 356 Second Highness, The Path Seeker
Chapter 357 The Second Highness'S Strategy
Chapter 358 Made It In Time
Chapter 359 Captive
Chapter 360 Igloo
Chapter 361 Drinking Session
Chapter 362 Surprising Pledge Of Loyalty
Chapter 363 Banquet And Entitlement
Chapter 364 Strategy And Deployment Meeting
Chapter 365 Rainy Season
Chapter 366 Extermination
Chapter 367 City Entrance
Chapter 368 Escape
Chapter 369 Pursuit
Chapter 370 Humiliation Of The Duke
Chapter 371 Arrival
Chapter 372 Tower Defense Tactic
Chapter 373 Onset Of A Great Battle
Chapter 374 Open-Field Battle Preparation
Chapter 375 Victory
Chapter 376 Retreat
Chapter 377 Boblige Mountain Range
Chapter 378 Two Pieces Of Bad News
Chapter 379 Eidelwoke
Chapter 380 100 Thousand Barbarian Cavalry
Chapter 381 The Bloody Battle Of Pedro (1)
Chapter 382 The Bloody Battle Of Pedro (2)
Chapter 383 The Eccentric Queen
Chapter 384 Scheme
Chapter 385 Galini Beloput
Chapter 386 Three Requests
Chapter 387 Property And Taxes
Chapter 388 Mayor Doboff
Chapter 389 Barbarians And Gold Mine
Chapter 390 Jaeger'S Consolidation
Chapter 391 Persuasion
Chapter 392 Admitting Loss
Chapter 393 The Barbarians Cometh
Chapter 394 Defeating The Barbarians
Chapter 395 Gold Mine Obtained
Chapter 396 Insomnia
Chapter 397 Untitled
Chapter 398 Decision
Chapter 399 Effect
Chapter 400 Right Of Inheritance
Chapter 401 Way To Settle The Debt
Chapter402 Marital Bliss
Chapter 403 Negotiations
Chapter 404 Salt Merchant Committee
Chapter 405 The Storm Brews Again
Chapter 406 Inspection
Chapter 407 The Oddity Of The Second Highness
Chapter 408 Carriage Track
Chapter 409 War In The South
Chapter 410 Before The Grand Wedding
Chapter 411 The Wedding
Chapter 412 Survey
Chapter 413 Second Highness'S Scheme
Chapter 414 Changes
Chapter 415 Crossing The Border
Chapter 416 Meeting
Chapter 417 The Allies
Chapter 418 Plotting
Chapter 419 Declaration
Chapter 420 The Battle Begins
Chapter 421 War
Chapter 422 Trenches And Mud Walls
Chapter 423 Stalemate
Chapter 424 Flooding
Chapter 425 The Two Dukes' Decisions
Chapter 426 Rescue
Chapter 427 Migration
Chapter 428 Hot Spring Valley
Chapter 429 Word Of The Swordsaint
Chapter 430 Method
Chapter 431 Three Methods (1)
Chapter 432 Three Methods (2)
Chapter 433 All Quiet On The Southern Front
Chapter 434 The Line Of Succession
Chapter 435 Round Up And Hunt
Chapter 436 Envoy And Conditions
Chapter 437 Moonlight Stones
Chapter 438 Argument
Chapter 439 House Nordingham
Chapter 440 Submission
Chapter 441 Distribution Of Rewards
Chapter 442 Big Business
Chapter 443 Return To The Northlands
Chapter 444 Dealing With Matters
Chapter 445 Trouble And Busywork (1)
Chapter 446 Trouble And Busywork (2)
Chapter 447 Knight Lundmorde
Chapter 448 Conspiracy
Chapter 449 Helplessness
Chapter 450 A Peaceful Year
Chapter 451 Joint Development
Chapter 452 Contract Singing
Chapter 453 Hostage
Chapter 454 Rescue
Chapter 455 Swordsaint'S Domain
Chapter 456 Platinum Beach
Chapter 457 Refusal
Chapter 458 Lorist'S Considerations
Chapter 459 Secret Plot
Chapter 460 Deal Sealed
Chapter 461 Prepare For War!
Chapter 462 Start The War!
Chapter 463 Baron Abott
Chapter 464 Surprise Attack Ongoing
Chapter 465 Siege
Chapter 466 From Attack To Defense
Chapter 467 Danger
Chapter 468 Resolution
Chapter 469 Triumph
Chapter 470 Fall Of The City
Chapter 471 The Coming Of The Rainy Season
Chapter 472 Regroup
Chapter 473 Banquet
Chapter 474 Reply
Chapter 475 Envoy Krilos
Chaper 476 Invitation
Chapter 477 Lashing Out
Chapter 478 Severely Injured
Chapter 479 Awakening
Chapter 480 On The Run
Chapter 481 Hunter'S Cabin
Chapter 482 Recuperation
Chapter 483 Internal Strife (1)
Chapter 484 Internal Strife (2)
Chapter 485 The Feral Wolves And The Magical Bear
Chapter 486 Karitoke
Chapter 487 War On The Plains
Chapter 488 Bad News
Chapter 489 The Loyalty Of A Scoundrel, The Loyalty Of A Traitor
Chapter 490 Various Matters
Chapter 491 Human Resources
Chapter 492 Heavy Military Reorganization
Chapter 493 Tying Up Loose Ends
Chapter 494 Reinforcement
Chapter 495 To Deploy Or To Not Deploy
Chapter 496 Invincible Fleet
Chapter 497 Northsea
Chapter 498 The First Encounter
Chapter 499 The Second Naval Battle
Chapter 500 Conclusion Of The Battle
Chapter 501 Lorist'S Preparations
Chapter 502 Intel And Final Battle
Chapter 503 Captain Woodleis'S Worries
Chapter 504 Confident Of Victory
Chapter 505 Decisive Naval Battle
Chapter 506 Suicide Charge
Chapter 507 Messed Up Victory
Chapter 508 Meeting After The Battle
Chapter 509 Decision And Promise
Chapter 510 Plan
Chapter 511 Befuddle
Chapter 512 Occupation
Chapter 513 Fall Of The City
Chapter 514 Trouble
Chapter 515 Crisis Control
Chapter 516 The Angle Of Merchants
Chapter 517 Miscalculation
Chapter 518 Pitfall Trap
Chapter 519 Jindoz'S Gift
Chapter 520 Auguslo'S Trust
Chapter 521 Charade'S Plan
Chapter 522 Economic Measures
Chapter 523 Response To The Peace Negotiations
Chapter 524 Leaving The Camps With Nothing
Chapter 525 Dinag'S Encounters
Chapter 526 Protest
Chapter 527 Shocking News
Chapter 528 Rather Miss Than Meet
Chapter 529 Merciless
Chapter 530 Loan Problems
Chapter 531 Two Letters
Chapter 532 Agreement And Rumors
Chapter 533 Two Conditions
Chapter 534 Callisto Hills
Chapter 535 War Discussion
Chapter 536 Approaching Battle
Chapter 537 Duel
Chapter 538 Day Of The Grand Battle
Chapter 539 Duel Of The Swordsaints
Chapter 540 Grand Victory
Chapter 541 After The Battle
Chapter 542 Year 1781
Chapter 543 Arrangements
Chapter 544 Report
Chapter 545 Independence Pact
Chapter 546 Debate
Chapter 547 War Council
Chapter 548 Mountain Path
Chapter 549 Sandbag
Chapter 550 Duke Nikolas
Chapter 551 The Change Of The Tides
Chapter 552 Knight Wecksas
Chapter 553 Count Mireitas
Chapter 554 Duke Peterson'S Demands
Chapter 555 Surrender
Chapter 556 Reconciliation
Chapter 557 Retreat And Leasing Land
Chapter 558 Dominion For Rent At 3000 Gold
Chapter 559 Study
Chapter 560 Still So Busy At Home
Chapter 561 Enfeoffment Talks
Chapter 562 Secret Intel From The Trade Union
Chapter 563 Enfeoffment And Arrangements
Chapter 564 Alisa'S Marriage
Chapter 565 Blissful Union
Chapter 566 Belief And Supervision
Chapter 567 Dean Claude'S Request
Chapter 568 Who Would Assassinate You?
Chapter 569 Arrival At The Imperial Capital
Chapter 570 Terrence-Donkey Whip
Chapter 571 Invitation And Murder
Chapter 572 Kill Them All
Chapter 573 Flipping Out And Falling Out
Chapter 574 Turning Back Suspicion-Filled
Chapter 575 Marquis Krilos'S Frustration
Chapter 576 Suggestion To Demilitarize
Chapter 577 Entanglement
Chapter 578 Free Citizens
Chapter 579 Auguslo'S Provocation
Chapter 580 Plundering Incident
Chapter 581 Auguslo'S Objection
Chapter 582 Huge Blunder
Chapter 583 The Obstructive Andelou Merchant Guild
Chapter 584 Malek'S Defenses
Chapter 585 Taking A Few Steps Back
Chapter 586 Auguslo'S Handwritten Letter
Chapter 587 The Bird Called Bolga
Chapter 588 Trade War
Chapter 589 Lack Of Manpower
Chapter 590 Celebration And Budgets
Categories Genre: Action, Adult, Adventure, All, Comedy, Completed, Drama, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Mature, Romance, Slice of Life Status: Completed ______
Total Chapters in book: 591
Estimated words: 1635811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8179(@200wpm)___ 6543(@250wpm)___ 5453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1635811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8179(@200wpm)___ 6543(@250wpm)___ 5453(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 591 Page No. 590 Page No. 589 Page No. 588 Page No. 587 Page No. 586 Page No. 585 Page No. 584 Page No. 583 Page No. 582 Page No. 581 Chapter 185 Count Kenmays'S Letter
Hey guys. This was supposed to be last week's second regular chapter, but I was unable to complete editing it in time, hence the delay. Also, a small announcement: as I have mentioned before, I will be taking a 2 week plus break and will be back earliest by the 25th of May so that I can focus fully on my exams. I know it'll be difficult to go 2 weeks without chapters, that added to the decreased release frequency lately, but I still ask for your understanding regardless.
That aside, when I return, while it might take 1 or 2 weeks for me to get back up to speed, I believe I'll be able to get back to the former 6 chapter a week (2 regular 4 sponsored) like before, so look forward to it!
For those who are taking tests as well, good luck!
"Those magical bulls lowered their heads and stared with their glowing red eyes as they roared and rushed over with crazed frenzy with a cold glint emanating from their horns, furiously ramming against the mud walls reinforced by ice. The ice cracked all over as a result and the mud walls started to shake, but the soldiers desperately stabbed towards the crazed bulls from the walls with their pikes. For every bull that fell, many more rushed over. From a higher vantage point, one can only see nothing but bulls, constantly rushing over. The way they covered the wide expanse of land gave off a feeling of pressure and despair..."
Count Kenmays paused to take a sip of amber-colored fruit wine before he continued to tell the others present about his imagining of the scene of the Norton Family soldiers battling against the hordes of magical beasts. Next to him listening to his story were tens of elaborately dressed noble ladies who were completely absorbed in the count's tale.
"One particularly huge magical bull rammed harshly onto the tough face of a shield, causing it to rupture into pieces with the shield-bearing soldier being knocked flying into the air. By the time he landed, he had already lost consciousness and fainted. Beside him, a few other soldiers managed to stop the bull's charge using their pikes to stab at it. However, with a twist of its body, the bull shattered the pikes with relative ease. It was at that moment when a horn signal was blown, causing the soldiers to breathe a sigh of relief. This was the signal to retreat to the second line of defense, which prompted some soldiers to fend of the remaining bulls as their injured comrades made their way up another tall stone wall.
"This stone wall was far larger and tougher than the wall at the first line of defense and many ballistas were also installed on this wall. After the order to fire was given, bolt after bolt as long as pikes were fired, causing the bulls at the front to fall, much to the soldiers' delight. But at that moment, another loud roar resounded from the distance and out came several gigantic animals around 6 meters tall from the snowstorm. Each of them had thick fur and two large, curved tusks sprouting from either side of their mouths as well as a long and strong trunk. With each step they took, they left a deep imprint onto the snowy ground."
Currently, the count was at the duke's mansion at Gildusk City which had been taken by the Second Prince to be used as his own residence.
It was the last day of Year 1770 on the Grindian Calendar. The Second Prince and his queen were receiving the coming of the new year with the other nobles of the Iblia Kingdom by having a grand celebratory banquet.
While the weather outside was harsh and cold, it was nothing but warm and comfort within the mansion as the various fireplaces and steam pipes within the walls continuously gave off heat to keep the temperature from plummeting. Elegantly dressed noblemen and noblewomen could be seen all over the mansion, with some of them talking in low voices in smaller groups and others trying hard to expand their network of acquaintances as they awaited the chime of the clock that signified the coming of the new year.
It was at this time that Count Kenmays fulfilled his promise with Lorist to spread the heroic tale of the resistance of the Norton Family soldiers against the magical beast wave to his audience who comprised mostly of beautiful noble ladies.
"These great magical mammoths continued their charge despite the fact that there were countless ballista bolts buried deep within their skin. When they neared the walls, they flung their trunks around furiously and smashed against the ballistas, causing the soldiers operating them to be tossed into the air. The formation had completely collapsed and the soldiers could only fend for themselves by running all over the place in panic while the magical mammoths easily caught up with them and stomped at them with their feet, turning the unfortunate soldiers into flattened meat pies on the white, snowy ground."
"That's horrible..." muttered one of the ladies who was huddled up and shivering with a few other noblewomen.
At that moment, a voice rang out from behind the count. "My dear Count Kenmays, what tall tale are you telling now to frighten these beautiful ladies?"
Count Kenmays hurriedly stood up and put down the silver cup he held and bowed respectfully. "Greetings to Your Majesty, the king and his beautiful queen, as well as the goddess which will always have a place in my heart, Princess Sylvia. Your humble servant pays his respects."
The noblewomen who were listening to the count's story also hurriedly made their greetings one after another.
The Second Prince revealed a gentle smile and hurriedly asked them to drop the formalities while the queen merely kept her mouth shut and nodded coldly towards them. Princess Sylvia who stood behind the queen smiled as she curtsied to return their greetings.
"I seem to have heard you describe a huge battle just now. What epic poem might that be from, Lord Count?" asked the Second Prince casually.
"Oh, no, my king. What I was describing was not from a poem at all. It's a true story. As I enjoy this peaceful night with these beautiful ladies here, the soldiers of the Norton Family are engaging in a bloody battle within their dominion against the magical beast wave," replied Count Kenmays.
"Magical beast wave? The Norton Family? Can you tell me more about this?" asked the Second Prince as he narrowed his eyes with scorn.
The queen then interjected. "Are you referring to that Baron Norton who has refused the kind invitations of the king for a few times? It's as if he doesn't even have any respect for our king..."
The Second Prince's face twitched as he laughed awkwardly and said, "If his dominion is truly facing a wave of magical beasts, then I suppose he has no choice but to refuse my invitation. I believe that when his dominion calms down, Baron Norton will definitely come forward to me to pay his respects. Isn't that so, Count Kenmays?" As he asked that question, he glared at the queen furiously. The queen on the other hand merely humphed and turned her face towards the roof without even caring about the Second Prince's glare.
"Naturally, my exalted king. Baron Norton expresses his regrets for being unable to attend the celebratory feasts of the past few years as well. During every winter, his dominion will be assailed by the magical beast wave and he has no choice but to remain there to keep things together. It was definitely not his intention to neglect Your Majesty's invitation.
"Personally, I've read about the magical beast wave from a book titled 'The Northlands Journal' written by Count Fogland. According to him, the magical beasts travel from the mountainous wastelands to the wildlands of the Northlands every winter. However, since I didn't witness this for myself when I moved to the Northlands, I believed that this phenomenon no longer occurred.
"It was only recently that I found that it was because of the Norton Family's resistance against the magical beasts that they didn't spread to the rest of the Northlands. I've asked a few older Northlanders and they said that the magical beasts that the Norton Family face number up to one million," Count Kenmays said as he improvised to make his words sound more convincing.
"I see... My Lord Count, please greet Baron Norton and his soldiers on my behalf and tell them of the respect I have for them for facing off against the magical beast wave. It's about time now and I should head to the main hall for the countdown to the new year. I hope the rest of you beautiful ladies will have a pleasant night. We'll take our leave now, see you during the ball," said the Second Prince politely towards the others.
However, Princess Sylvia stepped forward and asked, "Lord Count Kenmays, can I make a request of you?"
"Why, naturally, princess. Your will is my command. As long as it is within my capabilities, I will definitely fulfill your request," Count Kenmays said as he bowed deeply while the other noblewomen looked at the princess curiously.
With a slight blush on her face, Princess Sylvia said, "It's like this... Even though I just heard about those bloody battles between the Norton soldiers and the beasts, I've never actually seen a magical beast myself and don't know how they look like. If it's possible, can you write a letter to Baron Norton and have him send over a few magical beast carcasses to satisfy my curiosity? I understand that the beasts are the spoils of battle for the Norton Family, so I'm willing to offer 100 gold Fordes to them as reparation for the beasts. I wonder if this is too much to ask..."
"Oh, it's definitely fine, my goddess. Beloved princess, your request is but a small task for me to accomplish. I believe that Baron Norton will also be happy to comply and send a few beasts over as your new year's gift. Please rest assured, I will send my messenger there first thing tomorrow morning to fulfill your request," promised the count.
"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Count. I will take my leave now," Princess Sylvia said before she curtsied and left.
"We should head to the main hall as well. The clock is about to ring at midnight," Count Kenmays said to the other beautiful ladies there.
"Shouldn't you be following that goddess of yours? Why are you mingling with mere mortals like us?" mused a voluptuous lady unhappily. It was apparent from her expression that she was a little jealous of the attention the count showed Princess Sylvia.
Count Kenmays held that woman by her waist as he smiled and said, "Goddesses are only to be worshipped and put on a pedestal. On the other hand, you, my darlings, are far more suitable for a mortal like me, isn't that right? Us mortals should hang together to find our own happiness..."
The clock in the main hall sounded loudly as the snow continued to paint the lands in white, indifferent to the coming of the new year.
......
As the nobles were celebrating the new year at Gildusk City, Lorist was laying flat on a snowy slope with his men, spying on the rear of the magical beast wave.
"Milord, this year's wave seems to be half of last year's. There were only around 70000 magical bulls which were lured into the Crewe Circular Gorge this time and that's even less than half the number of last year," Josk said. Being a stellar marksman, he was easily able to notice the difference with his sight when compared to the rest.
Lorist nodded and said, "We should leave now. Otherwise, the magical wolves and panthers that are circling around in this area will come for us. There should be only around 500000 magical beasts remaining. Order Dulles to bring his three carroballista brigades to exterminate the bulls at the gorge as soon as possible before heading to the fourth sector. We will meet up there. We must force the remaining magical beasts to stay within the Felicitas Settlement so that the magical beast wave will not show up next winter."
15 days later, Lorist brought around 30000 family soldiers to the central town of the fourth sector to build three ice walls around it so that they can use the town as a stronghold to wipe out the magical beasts there.
Knight Waxima, who was stationed to guard Firmrock Castle, sent a few soldiers to escort a messenger to Lorist.
"You are the messenger sent by Count Kenmays and came all the way from Gildusk City?" Lorist asked the man whose nose was bruised either from a fall or the extreme cold and wondered what prompted the count to send a messenger to him in that kind of weather.
"Yes, yes I am... Milord, here is the personal letter of the count," said the messenger as he shivered and labored to take out a letter from his breast pocket.
After reading it, Lorist felt like screaming out in anger. Despite knowing that I'm fighting for my life here, that Kenmays fellow actually wants me to send some carcasses over there for him to show off to the ladies? And what's this about sending the carcasses as a new year's gift for Princess Sylvia? He really has nothing better to do, huh...
Wait a second, Lorist thought, as his lips curved into a sly smile.
"I apologize, mister messenger. I'm sure you've seen that this is already our last line of defense with only three layers of walls. With the magical beasts almost at our doorstep, I really can't afford to send any of my men to fulfill the count's request. How about this, I have to trouble you to return and have someone from your dominion come over. My soldiers will move the carcasses in front of Firmrock Castle so that your men can transport it to Gildusk City, is that okay?" Lorist said with a troubled expression to the messenger.
"Is that so..." said the messenger with a sullen look. Normally, it would only take five to six days to travel from Gildusk City to Firmrock Castle on horseback. The snowy weather however caused it to take more than 14 days. The messenger and the rest were already really worn out from the long period of traveling and really didn't feel like returning again after asking for someone to come.
Lorist on the other hand fully understood why he was so bothered.
"How many people came with your group?" Lorist asked.
"Seven of us, with 10 horses. The rest are waiting at Firmrock Castle for the reply," said the messenger.
"How long did it take you to travel here?"
"14 days. We even lost one horse on the way."
"It must have been tough for you to have to travel in this weather to send this letter. But as you can see, we really can't spare anyone else. Count Kenmays also said in his letter that you would cooperate with us in any way you can so that the carcasses can be transported to Gildusk City as soon as possible. The quickest way for that to happen is for you to find more men from your dominion to transport the carcasses there. I will have my men prepare a sledge for you so that your horses can drag you back to your family dominion. I believe this mode of travel will be much faster. Also, I'll give you five gold Fordes and two gold Fordes to each other person in your group for your troubles. I really have to thank you for your effort to deliver the message in this weather."
Lorist's sudden generosity surprised the messenger and he suddenly felt energetic and forgot about the cold altogether. However, he still asked something before he left. "Milord, how many people should I bring over to transport the carcasses?"
Lorist stretched out a finger and said, "One thousand men with horses should be sufficient. There are many carcasses and I'm prepared to send one of each magical beast to your count."
Five days later, the magical beast wave arrived at the central town of the fourth sector and began to make its way towards the walls of the town with abandon. However, the three thousand plus steel ballistas installed on the walls caused one beast to fall after another, covering the land with more and more dead magical beasts. Even the hundreds of magical mammoths collapsed under the incessant fire of the ballistas.
When the last single-horned magical rhinoceros fell, the family soldiers dropped their weapons and started cheering. Lorist and the other knights were smiling at the sight too. The magical beast wave had finally been annihilated, removing the threat that has bothered the family for hundreds of years.
"Dulles, regroup your carroballista brigades and replace the broken ballistas. We will be heading out to wipe out the remaining carnivorous magical beasts.
"Fiercetiger Loze, escort the carroballista brigade with your heavy-armored cavalry brigade and help them out with the extermination of the carnivorous beasts. Terman, your knights will head out together as well.
"Josk, bring your mounted archers to secure the area around the Crewe Circular Gorge and Maplewoods Bastide. I don't want a single beast to escape and return to the wilderness.
"Pog, your two heavy-armored brigades will stay guard here and protect the area to ensure that the people collecting the magical beast carcasses don't get attacked by the carnivorous beasts.
"Charade, I'll leave the collection of the carcasses for you to manage.
"Yuriy, after taking care of the carnivorous beasts with your light cavalry scout brigade, make your way to the first sector and try your best to round up the beasts that escaped their doom and minimize the damage they can cause to our farming efforts next spring."
After giving the chain of orders, Lorist recalled Count Kenmays's letter and asked Els to come over. "Els, pick some magical beast carcasses and remove the ballista bolts from their bodies and make the wounds look like sword and spear wounds instead. Make sure that nobody will find out that the cause of death for the beasts are from the ballista fire. You may even embed some broken swords and spears into their bodies to make it seem like it took us a lot of effort to exterminate these beasts. After that, send these bodies to the empty space in front of Firmrock Castle and wait for the men of Count Kenmays to collect them."
Els laughed out loud before he said, "Locke, are you up to something devious again? Alright, leave the shady stuff to me. I promise that nobody will be able to find out about this..."
Total Chapters in book: 591
Estimated words: 1635811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8179(@200wpm)___ 6543(@250wpm)___ 5453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1635811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 8179(@200wpm)___ 6543(@250wpm)___ 5453(@300wpm)
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