https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-315-Full-Advance-and-the-Situation-in-the-Northern-Regions/13676632/
Chapter 316: Before the Battle
On an endless expanse of flat snowfields, two broad rivers converged and flowed slowly, nurturing the rich black earth. It was the third month of autumn—though the air had turned cold, the river surfaces remained unfrozen, only scattered with drifting ice chunks.
These were the Inaki River and the Olyul River. After the ancestors of Scandian migrated into the Anzeta Great Wasteland, they settled along these mighty waterways, building city after city, eventually forging the Northern Union Kingdom. As such, the rivers were revered as the "Mother Rivers" of the entire Scania Civilization.
A peculiar legend persisted: thousands of years ago, the Frost Goddess Olyul had mated with a colossal Stone Giant named Inaki, giving birth to the Anzeta Great Wasteland—a land eternally shrouded in cold winds, scarred by jagged mountain ranges, a place without spring. The rivers took their names from this myth, and the tale endured through generations.
Yet, of course, such stories were nothing more than the fantasies of ignorant mortals.
South of the Okgaral Plain, the Allied Forces’ fortifications stretched endlessly across the land, teeming with soldiers—many of whom were Players. Amidst the chaos of drills and preparations, a familiar sound echoed once more. From within the ranks of the NowMilitary Formation emerged the Phantom Image of a noble-faced man, his aura radiant, his features flawlessly handsome.
"Frankly," the voice rang out, "you have no reason to fight for them. No reason to die for them."
"I speak now as King, as King of the Burnt Kai Xiusu."
As the voice resonated through the air, every soldier involuntarily set down their tools, their attention drawn entirely to the spectacle. The Phantom Image—and the voice itself—carried an undeniable magical power.
"Whoa… he’s actually hot," one whispered.
"I’m defecting."
"Is this what Kai Xiusu looks like in person? I’m in love! This face is a masterpiece—officials really know how to market."
"Sorry, Duke Leo, you’re a good man, but King Kai Xiusu? He’s just too damn good."
"I’ve made up my mind—I’m surrendering after this!"
"Ahhhh, I’m already captured by King Kai Xiusu!"
"Players on the Kingdom side are getting all the perks."
The murmurs came from female Players, and even some male ones, with little attempt at discretion.
Hearing such blasphemous words, Count Trelsh’s lips twitched. But he had long grown accustomed to the empty ravings of these Stellarfallen.
With the sudden influx of Players, the Bosk Duchy—desperate for strength—had quickly noticed these unexpected assets. Baron Leo had begun actively recruiting the immortal, indestructible Stellarfallen. Now, over five thousand such beings served within the Allied Forces.
Even after all the propaganda, nearly half of the Players had chosen not to spawn at Northwind Keep.
Trelshka strode forward with a decisive step and plunged his sword through the magic crystal, shattering it. The hypnotic Phantom Image dissolved into mist. He had done this countless times before—Wyverns constantly deployed such illusions.
"Never listen to the lies of the Evil Dragon!"
"Whoever discovers the Hidden Stash Crystal shall die!"
Stamping hard on the broken shards, Trelshka roared.
"No! My Master Kai Xiusu!!"
"Sigh… no more eye candy."
"Happy moments are always too short."
"This NPC is so annoying. Can’t he just leave?"
"Next time we see something like this, let’s grab it first—take it back to our base and watch it in secret. Hehe."
Disappointment rippled through the Player ranks—loud, unapologetic, and utterly indifferent to the furious Count standing right beside them.
Trelshka’s temples throbbed. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to execute a few of the insolent Stellarfallen on the spot.
"Enough of this nonsense," he muttered, regaining composure. "I must report to Lord Duke. We must discuss our strategy."
A messenger, fleeing in panic from the front lines, galloped in with urgent news: the eastern and western defenses had collapsed completely. Loren’s Allied Forces were annihilated. The situation was dire. The Northern Regions now stood as the last hope.
But there was one silver lining—this time, their allies were more reliable than ever.
Inside the command tent, Duke Leo’s voice echoed, colder and heavier than usual.
"What?"
"A massive rebellion in the Holy Faedran Empire? Count Fabrik vanished without a word?"
"Indeed, my lord. He activated a portal—likely escaped directly into Faldran Empire territory. He won’t be returning anytime soon."
"Damn it! Why now?!"
Duke Leo slammed his fist on the table, fury burning—but helpless. That Divine Noble had been a Legend in his own right, and his army, brought from Faedran, had been a cornerstone of the Anti-Red Dragon Alliance.
In Leo’s eyes, the man’s worth surpassed that of the entire Northern Kingdoms’ armies combined.
Now, with his betrayal, the Alliance had lost a vital pillar.
Duke Leo stared at the parchment map before him, knuckles white, jaw clenched.
"Still… we have the Silver Dragon Elder. And Asmo, from Heaven’s Mountain."
Stravburg—the Red Dragon would come himself.
"Kill him, and we still have a chance."
"The millennium-old legacy of the Northern Regions can be saved."
Only when his emotions had fully settled did Count Trelsh speak.
"Lord Duke, I come to report intelligence."
"Enter."
Duke Leo looked up, exhaustion etched into his face.
"Speak. What is the situation at the front?"
Trelshka studied the Duke’s expression, hesitated a moment—then spoke softly.
"The front is in ruins."
To his surprise, Duke Leo did not rage. He simply asked, "How bad?"
"Loren’s First Line Defense Allied Forces were wiped out. The Duchies of Carter and Phano on both flanks have been breached. That is all we know."
Leo merely nodded, as if he had expected it. No grief stirred at the loss of his second son. To him, offspring were disposable assets.
Such was Leo Bosk—ruler who had revived the Bosk Duchy, hero who had led the war against Monster invasions, and a pure political creature. None of these were contradictions.
"A bunch of useless trash," he muttered. "But they served their purpose—diverted some of the Ashen Kingdom’s forces. The sacrifice was worth it."
He lowered his head, drew his longsword, and pointed it at the central Okgaral Plain on the map.
"From now on, the fate of the Northern Union Kingdom—indeed, the fate of all Anzeta—depends on the coming war."
"You will win," Trelshka murmured, echoing softly at his side.
Duke Leo shook his head.
"No. The victor of this war won’t be us. It will be the ones with true power."
He lifted the tent flap and stepped outside, gazing up at the sky. Thick clouds churned overhead—beneath them, a gathering strength, ancient and immense.
(End of Chapter)
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