Watching the besieged town of Taris, Viers saw first hand how the wars in a medieval era with magic were waged.

It was... positively medieval.

Taris wasn't as big and fancy enough as Gryphon's Reach to warrant a complete magical barrier. Having one installed and maintained would cost a sum that the town couldn't afford.

And so, the walls.

The attackers also weren't anything special. The Harkelan soldiers were, for lack of a better word, standard. Around a thousand of them were circling the town that closed its gates. The mainly Level 2 Pathseekers didn't have high-class tactical assets like the flying fortress.

And so, ladders.

Both sides lacked a superior Pathseeker that could dictate the battle's flow on his own. Viers knew that because of how the standard siege was happening in front of his eyes. There was no mind-blowing Arte or mystical phenomenon, no one killing enemies by the hundreds.

A medieval battle through and through. Fought by magic slingers, but still one in the end. A low-level battlefield. Viers was getting Kingdom Come: Deliverance vibes.

...I feel quite hungry.

Naturally, Viers could only say that because he was a Level 4. The battle was very real. People lost their lives. Neither side fought the siege half-heartedly or made light of it.

But what Viers felt was not the same as Croix.

"The people of Taris need our help. Red Dragon Unit! Show them the might of Latias!"

Croix roused his men and led from the front. Cavalry and infantry charged together. The hundred men under Croix's command charged at the enemy at least a thousand strong without hesitation.

Like a lance piercing, the enemy soldiers were torn apart. The first blood went to Falmerion, who made a bombing run from the sky. The Rank 3 True Dragon's aura and fire unsettled the Harkelians enough that their formation was in tatters. The Red Dragon Unit entered the clump of enemies at this moment and dealt significant damage.

Viers swung his sword, each swing claiming a life.

He didn't use his Level 4 power to keep his cover. Even so, just his sword and some Victa made him unmatched.

The Level of the enemy was too low. They only had the members going for them. To end this as soon as possible, Croix aimed straight at the enemy's HQ, where the commander lay.

Viers dueled the commander's elite guard while Croix was fighting leader to leader. He didn't use Futon's lightning, only his self-made sword style, the Suiten Mitsurugi-ryuu. While it worked best if incorporated with water Artes, Viers' affinity was sealed at the moment. He made do with just swordsmanship, and it was more than enough.

Since the sword style was inspired by anime, it was intended to be used by a katana. Viers used Sakuya's reunion gift, Umikirimaru. To prevent getting unneeded attention, Viers put an illusion on the katana so others would see a normal, straight sword instead. It was a strong illusion made of Paina's Fae glamour and other things. With the Grand Prix suspended and he no longer had cameras on his for national broadcast, Viers deemed it was good enough for him to use the blade.

After all, the sooner he and the blade achieve 'oneness' state, the better, and he couldn't do it without using Umikirimaru. He didn't forget he could still improve in swordsmanship. The half-elf sword genius princess was a good reminder. While Viers didn't envy her being chosen by the Level 5 Sword Saint and he was not, it would be foolish if he didn't strive to improve.

And war was a fertile ground for growth. Nothing provided experiences like real-life combat. Still, the opponents were lacking this time.

After a swift decapitation strike and the word spread that their leader had fallen, the Empire soldiers went into a rout.

***

"Huff... Huff..."

I should be safe now.

The man was fleeing Taris. He wore a nicer uniform than the soldiers, showing he was a man of rank in the military.

I told the commander we should be watching out for the Kingdom's movement. The previous offences going well made him get cocky.

Looking back, the man saw a dragon breathing fire from the sky on some unfortunate souls.

But I've got some battle intelligence. If I can make it back to friendly territory, it should make up for my defeat. Perhaps even a reward if the stars align.

The man was sneaking through the woods to avoid detection. Suddenly, his instincts screamed of danger. He shot an Arte behind him. When he turned, he saw a masked woman. The Arte had created a hole in her chest, a fatal injury.

"It's not that easy sneaking up on me," the man scoffed with a bit of pride. He was a man who climbed to his position by merit, not by family connections, like the commander that got his head lopped off earlier.

"Urgh!?"

His throat was slit from the back. His own blood was suffocating him. Who?

"Really? I find it quite easy."

As he lay dying, he saw the assailant. It was the masked woman. What was the meaning of this? Were there two people from the start?

The one that had a hole in her chest disappeared in a puff of smoke. That was when he realized he just got the fake.

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"Damn... it..."

He closed his eyes as he felt his life leaving his body.

***

"That was easy."

Croix sat on a stone, looking at the battlefield they won. His armor had signs of battle and blood. His men were looting the bodies of the enemy's fallen.

"Duke Valentine's consideration, I assume," Viers said on his side. Unlike Croix, Viers' appearance was immaculate. Not a thread on his clothes got damaged, not a single splash of blood or mud. "Can't put you in danger."

"Yes, but even so, we suffered casualties," Croix sounded gloomy. "Eight men."

"You did your best. This is a decisive victory."

"Not good enough. The enemy's vice-commander escaped too. He wasn't at the HQ."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Viers grinned. "Ah, here she is. Highness, meet White Bloom."

"Prince, I've brought a gift," Sakuya appeared like a ghost and presented the vice-commander's head.

"White Bloom! You've been here the whole time?" Croix was surprised.

"I followed your army. Think of me as a mercenary force."

"I vouch for her ability, Highness," Viers put his seal of approval. "She'll be a boon for our forces, as you can see."

Viers made a quick soul search on the vice-commander. He saw what happened. Sakuya used Bunshin no Jutsu.

Or was it Kage Bunshin? Hard to tell. If I remember right, she also can use genjutsu, poisons, and even some evil exorcisms. Sakuya seems to have gone full-on ninja build since the Book World. She's not yet Level 4, but I'm quite curious what her Domain will be. Hmm... She's a Wood Pathseeker... Should I teach her Hashirama's techniques? Get her a tailed beast? Hohoho~

After Croix welcomed Sakuya and noted her achievement, Sakuya excused herself, but not before exchanging a small nod with Viers. She would continue to operate independently from the shadows.

More than half of the thousand men that attacked Taris escaped. Croix's one-hundred-men unit had to let them go because of the lack of manpower, even after the Taris garrison joined the battle midway. Killing those men required Victa and it was a waste on defeated enemies. Especially since this was just the beginning of the war.

Some of those remnants would become bandits that would roam the countryside for possibly months, but that was a problem for another day.

"Looks like someone important from the town is coming to meet you, Highness," Viers observed the man in a good outfit and his bodyguards approaching.

"After battle, politics. I hope the Lord of Taris is a reasonable man," Croix sighed tiredly, but he still needed to meet the man. The battle lasted for four hours, and they raced here after being given the order. It was only natural exhaustion catching up to them.

"I'll reorganize the unit," Boram said, then left with Croix's permission.

The Lord of Taris turned out to be a reasonable man. He was extremely grateful for Croix saving the town. He treated the prince and his men extremely well. Medicine for the wounded, supplies, and accommodation to the best of his ability. The town folks also hailed the Red Dragon Unit as heroes. They spend the night in Taris, a well-earned rest.

That night, Viers had a fun, long talk with Sakuya. Something he owed her.

Before morning came, Croix had a decision to make. His orders were to relieve Taris then rejoin the main army to Grandia Castle. However, from the Lord of Taris, Croix learned that a nearby city named Founwell had sent a rider to Taris seeking help. The Empire had attacked them too. Before Taris could react, the Empire came. Taris had no choice but to close the gates and hunker down.

Croix had a choice, whether he should go to Founwell, battling a stronger host of the Empire forces, according to the report, or follow his orders to go back. One was hard and dangerous, one was easy and safe.

It wasn't even a choice in Croix's mind.

Come morning, he skillfully moved the hearts of his men. Those with uncertainty were swayed by promises of riches and rewards.

The Lord of Taris did his part. He gave steeds to Croix's unit. About twenty or so horses. He also sent additional fighting men for Croix, with familiar knowledge about the region. Also, supplies and provisions.

Frankly, it was much more than Croix hoped for. Taris was not a big town and these cost a pretty penny, but the Lord had gone all out. Croix noted this generosity.

Croix came to Taris with 100 men and left Taris with 120. More experienced, more supplies, more equipment, and more horses.

On the road to Founwell, Viers gave Croix counsel. For all intents and purposes, he was Croix's right-hand man and the strongest individual in the unit.

"These forces that we're about to face, the ones attacking cities on Latias' side of the border, they are raider forces. Their objective is to rob the riches inside those walls. Pillage what they can, burn what they cannot."

Viers said on horseback. He got one now, thanks to the Taris lord.

"The commanders don't care how broken it is afterward because they don't expect they can hold the area, so they pillage as much as they like. The ones we faced at Taris think so, and the other Empire armies most likely think the same. Coins, materials, livestock, Power Spots..."

Croix saw many ruined Power Spots along the way. These unique places might not be incredibly precious but each was a Pathseekers opportunity to grow. The Empire pillaged the benefits and left the places as husks and ruins. There would be less resources for the Pathseekers in these areas. It might take years or even decades to get back to normal.

The destruction of Power Spots was like setting fire in a forest rich in game. It wasn't only about the deers and bucks that were affected.

But because it wasn't their problem, the Empire soldiers that did it, didn't care. They only cared about the benefits in front of their nose.

"So much destruction, senseless destruction..." Croix felt his anger welling up. "They must be kicked out immediately."

"I have no issue with that. But we must be cautious, Highness. At Taris, you ordered a full-frontal charge without any semblance of strategy. It worked because we're stronger than them. It might not be the case in the next battle."

"I am a green commander, I know. How could I not, since this is first my war?"

"First and foremost, you must learn what warfare is about. It wasn't only about those with the bigger forces or stronger combatants, even though those are undoubtedly important. There is... an art in warfare. Any idiot can order his army to fight, but to win, it takes more. Like in battle, the stronger one isn't the one necessarily victorious, so is war. You must be able to see this, Highness, for the stakes are not only your life but also the men under your command."

"Thank you, for the precious lesson, Avel."

"Freely given. Founwell should be within sight shortly."

Croix saw a rider from the front coming towards him. "Perhaps the scout brought news about the situation at Founwell. I hope the walls have not been breached yet."

"Your Highness, I have news," the rider in light armor said as he slowed his horse near Croix.

"You stink," Viers suddenly said.

"P-pardon me!"

The messenger was scared out of his wits when he saw Viers grabbing the handle of his sword and emitting killing intent. Was he going to die because he missed a couple of baths? Fucking Hell!

"The stench of the dead..." Viers released his grip. "But you're not the source. I thought you were a moving corpse earlier."

"N-news from Founwell, sir," the messenger said again. "I was attacked earlier by an undead."

Croix frowned. "Undead? Are you sure?"

"Ah, a Harkelan necromancer... How quaint," Viers made a small smile.

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