Chapter 132: The Rebel Prince Charges Forward
The battle unfolded with the Kingdom Army steadily gaining the upper hand. The Rebel Army suffered a significant blow from the initial strike, losing a tenth of their forces, and soon after, they crumbled under the charge. The militia, whose morale was never particularly high, fled first, followed closely by mercenaries driven by greed. The regular soldiers held their ground to confront the Kingdom Army, but by that point, their numbers had already been halved. They could not overturn the overwhelming odds.
One hour into the conflict, the battle was clearly nearing its conclusion.
“Looks like we might be reaching a resolution soon,” Rodel remarked casually.
“Indeed, it appears so,” Dibble replied.
The two were engaged in light conversation while overlooking the battlefield from the Kingdom Army’s command center. Having achieved sufficient results from the initial strike, Rodel and the forces of the Rosemary Marquis House had been relieved of duty. Of course, they could have continued to achieve more victories on the battlefield, but that would have been excessive. They were refraining from further combat to avoid overshadowing the accomplishments of their allies.
“Some of the enemy are still putting up a fight, but it’s only a matter of time. Half of them have already surrendered or fled,” Rodel noted.
“It seems our casualties are light. This is practically a complete victory,” Dibble added.
The momentum of the Kingdom Army only grew against the already faltering Rebel Army. The damage inflicted was minimal, and there were hardly any fatalities among their ranks.
“The fact that the enemy is still holding on suggests that the Supreme Commander, Marquis Aiger—no, Prince Rodel—is still alive,” Rodel speculated.
Although Rodel’s Amaterasu had scorched the enemy’s command center, the power had diminished due to the light being dispersed rather than concentrated. A magician with a certain level of skill in Body Enhancement could likely withstand it. Rodel, despite his questionable character, was reputed to be a capable magician, and Marquis Aiger had once been a court magician in his youth. There was a strong possibility that they were still alive.
“Hmm… it seems the enemy command is becoming more agitated,” Rodel observed.
Just when it seemed the battle would conclude, movement stirred within the enemy ranks. Enhanced vision, bolstered by Body Enhancement, caught sight of none other than Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince.
“From this point forward, we charge into the enemy lines! All who can move, follow me!” he commanded, rallying the soldiers around him as he mounted his steed.
“Firebolt! Thunderstorm! Burnstone!” he shouted, unleashing a barrage of high-powered spells that scattered the Kingdom Army’s soldiers. He cleaved through the battlefield, charging toward the Kingdom Army’s command center with relentless force. His own soldiers attempted to block his path, but they were blown away by his magic, unable to form a barrier.
“…I’m surprised. I never expected him to lead the charge,” Rodel mused.
He had always thought of him as a mere figurehead, a man akin to a monkey king. Yet, Rodel realized that he didn’t know much about the man named Rodel. Perhaps he possessed the bravery to run at the forefront of his soldiers in an effort to change the tide of battle.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Despite being a mere figurehead, the leader of the Rebel Army was charging straight into enemy territory. The enemy soldiers followed suit, emboldened like a cornered mouse daring to bite a cat, regaining their momentum as they surged onto the battlefield.
“Stop him! Don’t let him advance any further!”
“Fire! Fire!”
The Kingdom Army soldiers attempted to counter with magic, but in the chaotic melee, they couldn’t unleash powerful spells without risking friendly fire. Meanwhile, Rodel, charging through the heart of the enemy lines, continued to unleash spells without mercy, employing high-level magic with abandon.
“I am Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince! Witness my power and my resolve!” he declared.
“…I’m astonished. He’s not just a foolish prince after all,” Rodel acknowledged, his perception of the prince shifting as Rodel pressed closer to the throat of the Kingdom Army.
He had thought of him as a spoiled prince, a man whose inflated pride was merely a facade for his lack of true ability. But now, he had no choice but to recognize the truth. At least on the battlefield, Rodel Aiwood possessed the qualities of a hero.
“If he continues this way, the Supreme Commander, the Crown Prince, may be in danger,” Rodel realized.
It was imperative that the Crown Prince not fall in battle. So, what should be done? Without needing to think, the answer was clear.
“We’re going out to intercept Prince Rodel.”
Just when he thought his role was finished, it seemed there was still work to be done. Rodel found himself once again standing in the way of Rodel Aiwood, ready to confront the prince once more.