Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 222

The Imperial Army pierced through the ranks of the Revolutionary forces, advancing steadily. Their formation resembled a spear thrust, making it easy to break through but vulnerable to attacks from the flanks and rear.

The Revolutionaries, not being fools, redirected their strength to the sides and rear.

However…

“Why are you here?!”

“Betrayal! Betrayal! The 3rd Legion is protecting them!”

The Revolutionaries, who had planned to ambush from behind, were shocked to see unexpected opponents.

With their brown skin and exotic appearance, they were the subordinates of Aisha von Lipenhagen, who had been with them until recently. Though their numbers were small, each individual’s strength was recognized as a legion in itself.

These warriors blocked the advancing Revolutionaries from behind.

“Betrayal? No. What belief did we share to fight together in the first place?”

Karam, one of Aisha’s husbands, sneered at those shouting betrayal. They had joined the Revolutionaries not out of belief but for gain. Both sides knew this well. Hadn’t they also betrayed the Previous Leader for their own benefit?

Adele, the former lieutenant of Gilliam Waterford, gritted his teeth and shouted, “Silence! White Lion Knights, target those traitors over the Imperial Army! Execute those who betrayed the Revolutionaries!”

With his command, the White Lion Knights, who had been targeting the Imperial Army, launched themselves at Karam and his unit.

“Warriors, follow me! Let’s show these scoundrels what we’re made of!”

Karam laughed fiercely as he saw the White Lion Knights charging at them. The two units clashed, swords drawn, and the battlefield was filled with the cries of the wounded.

Though Aisha’s legion was stronger than others, the White Lion Knights, disregarding their lives, pushed forward recklessly, causing Karam and his warriors to struggle.

Just as they were being overwhelmed…

Slash!

“Ugh!”

“Those… those guys!”

“Spare me… Aaaah!”

Suddenly, knights with immense power attacked the White Lion Knights from the flank. They wore red armor, which everyone present recognized. Why? Because they had faced them before.

“The Blazing Knights!”

“They were supposed to guard the Cabalryan territory!”

If they had left the Cabalryan territory and headed to the forward base, the Revolutionaries would have been prepared. But the unexpected appearance of the Blazing Knights caught the White Lion Knights off guard.

Yorden, the vice-captain of the Blazing Knights, smirked at their cries. “We joined right after leaving the territory, so of course, you wouldn’t have heard.”

Originally, they were supposed to appear much later in the war, after many skirmishes had ended and the real war had begun. But the day before, Captain Merriott had contacted Yorden.

Yorden, I know it’s a lot to ask, but… can you lead the entire order to Wind Valley?
The reason was none other than Yan. He planned to launch an all-out war from the start, rather than engaging in small skirmishes. Surprisingly, other nobles and Captain Merriott supported this idea.

So, Yorden received permission from the Sun Duke and led his knights here. “I didn’t expect such a rapid assault, but it’s not bad.”

Yorden smiled as he watched the Imperial Army’s vanguard crush the enemy’s formation. In contrast, Adele, the vice-captain of the White Lion Knights, had a face twisted with rage.

“You… you bastard!”

Since the Blazing Knights joined, all his comrades, who had vowed revenge, were falling with their dying screams. Adele gritted his teeth and charged at Yorden. But it was impossible for someone who hadn’t reached the level of a superhuman to exchange blows with Yorden.

Thrust!

“Ugh!”

“Farewell.”

Yorden, who had already pierced Adele’s chest with his sword, looked at him indifferently.

Swish!

As he pulled out his sword, blood gushed out like a fountain. Adele collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut, his once fiery eyes dimming.

Seeing the Blazing Knights annihilate the White Lion Knights in an instant, Karam swallowed hard. ‘They truly are one of the continent’s top knight orders.’

Yorden turned to Karam. “We’ll handle these guys. You break through quickly.”

Reassured by Yorden’s words, Karam nodded and leaped forward. Watching Karam disappear in an instant, Yorden clicked his tongue. Despite his young age, Karam exuded the aura of a strong warrior.

“There are so many promising warriors outside the Empire as well.”

Yorden chuckled and led the Blazing Knights in pursuit of the Imperial Army’s rear.

* * *

At that moment.

Craig stood atop the walls of the territory occupied by the Revolutionary forces, gazing ahead. He watched the Imperial Army’s ranks surge forward like waves, his eyes steady.

The Supreme Commander had ordered him to hold the line, and no matter what, he had to stop them. Fortunately, he was a mage. His power was more effective in these large-scale battles than in duels against strong opponents.

Having made up his mind, Craig began chanting his spell.

“Fierce flames, burn those who seek to harm me…”

For several minutes, his incantation continued.

Whoooosh!

As the chanting progressed, the mana around him stirred, and a magic circle began to form on the ground where there had been nothing. Even though the flame-drawn magic circle was incomplete, its destructive power was palpable. Throughout this process, Craig’s aura was comparable to that of a superhuman.

Just then, as he was fully immersed in casting his spell, Craig’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Mana floating in the air, block my enemies!”

He spat out the incantation like a machine gun, and a transparent barrier enveloped him.

Crash!

Something collided with the barrier Craig had created, producing a loud crash. Craig squinted, glaring in the direction of the attack. When he saw his opponent, he let out a low growl.

“…Aisha.”

“Long time no see.”

The one who had attacked him from behind was none other than Aisha. She had come to stop Craig, the archmage, one of the greatest threats, instead of leading her subordinates.

Aisha smiled slightly as she saw the magic circle on the ground where Craig stood slowly fading.

“Smart move.”

“If I were to be distracted while facing you, I wouldn’t keep my head.”

Craig gripped his staff tightly. ‘Can I hold out against the Queen of the Plains?’ If he had prepared for her from the start, he wouldn’t have given up ground so easily. But that was already a lost cause. Now, he had to ensure she couldn’t get any closer. If he let her close the distance, both his magic and his body would be torn apart.

As Craig gathered his mana, Aisha grinned.

“Did you know?”

“Know what?”

“I’ve always hated you.”

The way a weakling looked down on her was infuriating. Aisha drew her beloved whip from her waist.

“Flames of protection, build a wall and burn all enemy attacks, Fire Wall!”

“Haaaah!”

Boom! Boom!

The archmage and the Queen of the Plains clashed. Meanwhile, the Imperial Army continued their march towards the heart of the Revolutionary stronghold.

How does that look? Let me know if you need any changes!

* * *

At that moment, Yan and Merriott were far ahead of the Imperial Army.

Countless soldiers and officers tried to stop them.

Slash!

Thud!

Whoosh!

But they fell, unable to withstand the duo’s swordsmanship. Yan and Merriott moved forward relentlessly, their swords dancing with deadly precision. Yan’s Ascalon swiftly claimed the lives of their enemies, while Merriott’s explosive flames incinerated those who blocked their path.

Even the officers, who had reached the 5th rank and commanded their troops, couldn’t withstand the duo’s onslaught and were torn to pieces.

“Sir Merriott! You’re not tired yet, are you?!”

“Hahaha! No matter how old I am, as the leader of the Blazing Knights, if I get tired from this, I should just die!”

Just then, they noticed someone breaking through the Revolutionary forces in the distance. Merriott squinted.

“Who is that?”

“Reinforcements. It’s a face you’ll recognize, Sir Merriott.”

Boom!

The unknown figure mowed down dozens of Revolutionaries at a time, flying towards them. When Merriott saw the face, he blinked in surprise. It was indeed a familiar face, as Yan had said.

“Theo Beowulf?”

“Who would have thought we’d be fighting together after crossing swords not long ago.”

Theo smirked slyly. As he shrugged, Merriott chuckled.

“Likewise.”

Seeing their conversation dragging on, Yan bent his knees, ready to leap forward again.

“I know you have much to discuss, but how about we save it for after this is over?”

“Haha! Agreed.”

With that, the three of them charged forward in silence. The Revolutionary officers and soldiers could only watch in awe as they disappeared at incredible speed.

Thud!

In an instant, they reached their target.

The Lord’s Castle.

Originally the residence of an Imperial noble, it had been occupied by the Revolutionaries and turned into the Supreme Commander’s base. Corpses of the territory’s citizens and knights lay scattered around, unburied.

“…Bastards.”

Merriott’s teeth ground audibly in anger at the sight. Theo steadied his breath for the upcoming battle, while Yan’s eyes darkened at the immense presence he felt within the castle.

And soon enough…

Creaaak!

The castle’s main gate opened, and a figure slowly walked out. With long red hair and skin as pale as porcelain, it was none other than Aquinas, the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionaries.

Merriott glared at him, his voice filled with heat.

“Supreme Commander Aquinas! The Revolutionaries are finished!”

Aquinas chuckled at Merriott’s words. He raised his arms as if to welcome them.

“Welcome, all of you. I’ve been expecting you.”

He smiled with a murderous intent.

“With your end, the glory of my clan will rise again.”

Before he finished speaking, the three were struck with shock at the sight before them.

Rumble!

The Lord’s Castle began to levitate as if its roots were being pulled from the ground. Merriott and Theo were stunned.

“What is this?”

“Magic…?”

“No. That is…”

Yan’s voice was low as he identified the sight before them.

“The ancient home of the Celestials who once ruled the continent.”

Yan’s gaze fixed on the castle floating in the sky.

“The Sky Castle.”