Chapter 202: The Three Armies Mobilize

“Throughout history, the war between our Holy Kingdom and the demons has mostly been one where we defend and they attack, except for those small-scale riots. Especially now, before the Redeeming Saintess and the Healing Order, our support, arrive, it wouldn’t be wise to directly clash with the demon army.”

“So, this Sacheno City…”

As she spoke, the Saintess glanced meaningfully at the fully-armored Holy Knight beside her, who nodded unhesitatingly in response.

“I understand. According to our planned strategy, I’ll lead a troop to enter the city first and scout the situation… How’s the situation on the other battlefield?”

“The vanguard army has already engaged with the demons who just occupied Kaidos City, seventy-five kilometers away on the left flank.”

Uncertain who she was speaking to, Yuna quickly added.

“Of course, they won’t fight to the last breath; the aim is to buy us some time. If they fight and withdraw, they should return to our current position by tomorrow night at the latest.”

“As for the demons on the right, according to the Arbiter’s spies, they seem to have run into trouble while crossing the Star River, and encountered resistance from the remnants of the Holy Castle that retreated to the west bank. They are expected to arrive half a day later than the obstructed left flank, so there’s no need to worry for now.”

The Holy Knight nodded, glancing at the sun that had just risen into the sky, and mused.

“So, we have about thirty hours of action time left… Considering the changing battlefield situation and potential reinforcement of the demons, we should ideally complete the defensive line within a day. Princess Yuna, please hold the fort here.”

“Understood. How many troops do you need?”

“Sacheno City has not completely fallen yet; my three thousand elite troops from the Judgment Balance will be sufficient. We will have a response within half a day.”

“Good. Please be careful, and don’t forget… how the provinces of Sanos and Keller fell.”

“I will keep that in mind. Miss Xī… Miss Xī?”

After wrapping up the brief yet intense discussion, the Holy Knight turned around, intending to call the Miss White Fox who was supposed to depart with her, only to find that the latter was staring blankly in this direction, seemingly lost in thought.

Hearing Edwina’s call, Vilyric snapped back to reality, smiling as she shook her head in a somewhat sentimental manner.

“It’s nothing, I just feel… you two are such a good team. Even though you’ve only been working together for less than half a month and had a big fight over your viewpoints before, when it comes to serious matters, the division of tasks is so organized. That’s compatibility for you…”

“…? x2”

“Haha, sorry, sorry, I just said something odd suddenly. Let’s head out!”

…

The military mobilization was swift. Within an hour after the decision was made, Edwina led her three thousand elite Holy Knights from the Judgment Balance over the hills, arriving near the city gates of Sacheno City.

Vilyric naturally accompanied her.

Beyond the interest of joining the excitement, if a plague was indeed silently spreading within Sacheno City, she, holding the Mountain River Seal, needed to open a rift to temporarily isolate those carrying the “impurities.”

Although it was just a matter of raising a hand, it was indeed something only Miss White Fox could do.

Additionally, Vilyric specially brought along the angel sisters Leila and Renée, leaving the weaker combatants Tilysha and Eudora at the central camp on the hill, protected by the Little Dragon Daughter.

This was a reasonably sensible arrangement for the current situation; both Leila and Renée had reached the mythic level that surpassed common beings, and although they couldn’t yet be called “adults” in terms of growth, they possessed a strength that could rival ten thousand in a mortal battlefield.

Among the Holy Army, likely only the true embodiment of the Saint of Bright Light could suppress those two. Even Edwina, having just broken through to surpass the level, could likely only match one of them.

With them in the army, it not only served as insurance, but in many instances, Vilyric could avoid taking action herself.

“Strange… it’s a bit too quiet.”

Standing at the front of the army, staring at the low city walls of Sacheno City less than ten meters away, the meticulous Leila whispered in puzzlement.

In contrast, the more exuberant Renée was already bouncing with excitement, waving her staff before her as if eagerly waiting to rush in and battle something.

“Silly sister, didn’t we say this city hasn’t been in contact with the army for nearly twelve hours? It’s likely already fallen, becoming a trap set by those demons. Otherwise, why do you think Miss Edwina brought along so many canned goods?”

“Canned goods? Take this seriously! This is real war, completely different from those little skirmishes before. Stop being so silly all the time.”

“Oh come on… I know, you really worry too much ~”

Meanwhile, the Holy Knight had also approached the city gates, not minding Renée’s playful names for the Judgment Balance Knights. After all, they had grown quite close during their travels, and she knew the latter meant no harm; it was merely to lighten the tense atmosphere.

She exchanged glances with the Miss White Fox next to her and nodded.

“It is indeed a bit too quiet. We haven’t seen any Temple Knights or auxiliary troops stationed on the city walls of Sacheno City. Even if this is closer to the interior of the western territory, we can’t dismiss the possibility of small, mobile demon units launching an attack from here. How is there no defense at all?”

Combining the views of the three young women, Vilyric made her final conclusion.

“In summary, let’s knock on the door first. Though not very obvious, it seems there were signs of activity in the city when we observed from the hillside.”

“That’s true.”

Edwina drew her holy sword, pointing its tip diagonally.

Instantly, a radiant golden flame erupted from the sword, shooting into the sky and leaping more than ten meters high, transforming into a gigantic sword of light even taller than the walls of Sacheno City!

The majestic and holy aura caused the girl’s crystal-clear golden hair to swirl, and though no phantom appeared behind her this time, the divine and magnificent momentum, like that of a divine messenger descending to the mortal realm, was still unmistakably powerful.

“I am Edwina Cecelia, a child of the Holy Empire, the commander of the Judgment Balance, and deputy general of the Holy War! I have come with my army to assist; where is the overseer of Sacheno City?”

The girl’s spirited and righteous shout, propelled by faith-based magic, immediately transformed into sound waves that spread out, reaching almost a ten-kilometer radius, allowing her resolute voice to be clearly heard.

This was the signal Edwina had agreed upon with Yuna in advance, letting the latter, watching from the hillside with the main force, know that they had followed the plan to approach the city gate and were about to enter the city to investigate, reminding her to be ready for any responses.

Of course, it was also to inform the inhabitants of this small city that the Holy Army had arrived.

If Sacheno City had indeed not fallen, this move would serve as a powerful morale booster for the residents, inspiring them. But if it had already fallen under the control of demons…

Then it would be a warning and a threat.

   

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