**Chapter 132: The Rebel Prince Charges Forward**
The battle was consistently dominated by the Kingdom’s forces. The initial strike had cost the rebel army a tenth of its strength, leading to a swift collapse as they were charged. The militia, lacking in morale from the start, was the first to flee, followed closely by mercenaries driven by greed. The regular soldiers held their ground to intercept the Kingdom’s army, but by that point, their numbers had already been halved. They could not overcome the overwhelming odds.
One hour into the conflict, the battle was steadily approaching its conclusion.
“Looks like we might be nearing a resolution soon,” Rest remarked.
“Indeed, it appears so,” Diable replied.
The two were casually conversing while overlooking the battlefield from the Kingdom’s main camp. Having achieved significant results with the initial strike, Rest and the forces of the House of Marquis Rosemary had been relieved of duty. Of course, they could have continued to secure further victories on the battlefield, but that would have been excessive. To avoid overshadowing their allies’ achievements, they refrained from engaging further.
“Some of the enemy seem to be putting up a fight, but it’s only a matter of time. Half of them have already surrendered or fled,” Diable noted.
“It seems our casualties are minimal. This is practically a complete victory,” Rest observed.
As the rebel army teetered on the brink of defeat, the momentum of the Kingdom’s forces only grew stronger. Casualties were light, and it was unlikely there had been many deaths among their ranks.
“The fact that the enemy is still holding out means that their commander, Marquis Aiger—no, Prince Rodel—must still be alive,” Rest speculated.
Although the enemy’s main camp had been scorched by Rest’s Amaterasu, the spell’s power had diminished due to its dispersion rather than being fully concentrated. A skilled mage capable of body enhancement could likely withstand it. Rodel, despite his character, was reputed to be a talented magician, and Marquis Aiger had once been a court magician in his youth. There was a good chance they were still alive.
“Hmm… the enemy camp seems to be getting restless,” Diable remarked.
Just when it seemed the battle would conclude, movement stirred within the enemy ranks. Enhanced vision, bolstered by body enhancement, revealed none other than Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince.
“From here on, we charge into the enemy camp! Those who can move, follow me!” he commanded, rallying the soldiers around him as he mounted his horse and galloped forward.
“Fire Bolt! Thunder Storm! Burn Stone!” he chanted, unleashing a barrage of high-powered spells that scattered the Kingdom’s soldiers. He cleaved through the battlefield, charging straight toward the Kingdom’s main camp with relentless momentum. Allied soldiers attempted to block Rodel’s path, but they were blown away by his magic, unable to form a barrier.
“…I’m surprised. I never thought he would take the lead like this,” Rest mused.
He had always thought of Rodel as a mere figurehead, but perhaps there was more to him than met the eye. In a bid to turn the tide of battle, he might possess the courage to lead his soldiers into the fray.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” the rebel soldiers roared, rallying behind their leader.
Even as 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 biting back at a cat, reclaiming their momentum as they surged onto the battlefield.
“Stop him! Don’t let him advance any further!”
“Fire! Fire!”
The Kingdom’s soldiers attempted to counter with magic, but in the chaotic melee, they could not unleash their most powerful spells. Meanwhile, Rodel, charging through the heart of the enemy lines, continued to unleash magic without restraint, casting high-tier spells mercilessly.
“I am Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince! Witness this power, this presence!” he declared.
“…I’m astonished. He’s not just a foolish prince after all,” Rest thought, watching as Rodel pressed closer to the throat of the Kingdom’s forces, his perception of the prince shifting.
He had believed Rodel to be nothing more than a spoiled royal, a man whose inflated pride was devoid of any real capability. Yet, he could not deny it any longer. At least on the battlefield, Rodel Aiwood possessed the qualities of a potential hero.
“If he continues this way, the Crown Prince may be in danger,” Rest 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. We will intercept Prince Rodel.”
Just when Rest thought his role was over, it seemed he had one more task ahead of him. Once again, he would stand in Rodel’s way, just as he had during the incident at the academy.