Chapter 595

Chapter 595 Until Death

In this decisive battle, Frost Union deployed about 800,000 troops, which was already at the limit of their mobilizable forces. The rest of the logistical personnel, although numerous, had weak combat wills and lower training levels, making it difficult for them to directly confront the enemy.

On the other side, the Starlight Alliance committed approximately 1.2 million troops, including 300,000 Gufia Beastmen allied forces, 800,000 Clancia army troops, 60,000 elite soldiers from the Holy Land, and 40,000 Black Rock volunteers. Additionally, they had more logistical personnel who were almost ceaselessly transporting the required supplies.

It was the crisp autumn season, with the air somewhat dry, and under the sun’s rays, there was a faint scent of dried leaves and twigs.

Cooper, as a newly trained knight of the National Knight Order, slowly stepped forward with his commanding officers to the front lines of the battlefield.

The view before him was a vast expanse of lush green grassland, swaying gently in the wind. If not for the distant sight, this place would seem like a peaceful haven.

However, at the horizon, several kilometers away, the similarly arrayed formations were less serene. Facing south, the sun was ahead, and under its scattered light, the Frost Union soldiers were somewhat blurred, only visible as glinting gun blades reflecting the sunlight.

Behind these formations stood the golems, towering like mountains. According to the others in the ranks, the Frost Union had mobilized 24 golem legions, nearly 4,000 golems spread across the frontline, serving as supplementary firepower and cover for assaults.

Praying that the golem cannons wouldn’t hit him during the charge, Cooper moistened his dry lips and gripped the slightly sweaty hilt of his gun. As a new knight order member, this was his first time on the battlefield.

As for the airships hovering above, he didn’t have to worry about those. With so many people around, being hit by their artillery was just bad luck.

“Prepare!” shouted an officer nearby, his voice like a signal, followed by the clashing sounds of metal.

Cooper pulled down his steel visor with a loud click, the metallic sound resonating through his skull, clearing his mind. His vision narrowed and turned dark.

Only a few narrow slits allowed him to see the objects ahead clearly.

Just as the instructor had said during training, once the visor was pulled down, there was no turning back, and one could only see the path forward.

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slightly with the tight-fitting armor, even though the weather wasn’t hot, he felt sweat trickle down his back.

“Raise the shields! Enemy attack.” A series of urgent shouts echoed across the battlefield, reaching Cooper’s ears. He looked into the distance and saw the cannons of some golems emitting dazzling flashes. Before he could fully comprehend the nature of this attack, a wave of heat swept over him, making it hard for him to breathe.

Comet-like fireballs streaked through the air, trailing long flames as they fell onto the battlefield.

Just as the flames grew larger, threatening to engulf him, translucent golden walls appeared in the sky ahead. The comet-like fireballs lost their color and heat after passing through these walls, becoming sparse and fragile; even when they struck several people, it caused only minor injuries.

“This place is the Holy Land of Flame Extermination,” a group of black-robed priests chanted in unison from behind. With their prayers and incantations, the walls in the sky thickened further.

Although they couldn’t completely offset the surging kinetic energy, they filtered out the intense magic and reduced the force of the explosions. Thanks to the presence of these priests, the first few rounds of artillery fire wouldn’t cause significant damage to their side.

After the barrage, Cooper heard the commander’s loud command again.

“Harmonization begins—”

He activated the supernatural core within his body, a jolt like an electric shock ran through his mind and body, then he felt the activation of the cores of the others around him.

At this moment, Cooper closed his eyes slightly, feeling as if he were in a vast and complex network. The emotions and wills of the comrades around him were conveyed through this network.

The previous tension and slight fear were immediately enveloped by this magnificent and boundless emotion, dissipating without a trace, leaving only the exuberant fighting spirit and the overwhelming confidence of invincibility.

“And thus, the divine barrier descends to protect us.”

Three High Priests of Sequence 8 conducted a grand ceremony at the rear of the military formation. Thirty thousand white-robed priests sang in unison, and pure white light particles fell from the sky. When these particles landed on the knights, the surface of their armor and bodies glowed faintly white.

“Grip your lance tightly, hold your head high.”

“Advance, Clancia!”

The cries of countless comrades on the side momentarily deafened Cooper, and he let out a shout that released all his pent-up emotions.

As the final charge order was given, the entire formation seemed to come alive. The motionless lances began to move forward, slowly at first but then faster, denser at first but then more spread out. The earth trembled with a rumbling sound, and for a moment, dust filled the air, and voices rose in a tumultuous chorus.

Infinite winds rushed through the gaps in his face mask, carrying a scorching breath that constantly brushed against his face. Yet, Cooper’s heart had never been more tranquil.

Individually, they were alone and weak, but together, they could unleash tremendous courage and strength.

At the core of the war sequence, countless elements were densely arranged like stars, resonating with each other. The web-like magic currents merged into one, converging into an overwhelming flood that surged across the open field. The swallow-tailed banners on the lances rippled like a white ocean.

His cape fluttered violently in the wind, making a loud noise. His gaze narrowed as he stared ahead. As the enemies became clearer and closer, the knights gradually lowered their lances and stood firm, ready to charge.

The moment had finally arrived.

The airships in the sky rained down deep red cannon fire, explosions scattering flesh and soil. Shattered stones struck the armor with a series of sharp sounds, yet he continued to advance.

The glowing muzzle of the golem artillery flashed brilliantly, and the scorching rays grazed his ears. Several familiar figures vanished from his sight, and cries of pain echoed behind him, yet he pressed on.

The gray-green shields standing in formation were like city walls, their sharp lances pointed directly at their hearts. Roars of anger erupted from their chests as they moved forward.

“You will advance like a chariot until death.”

With a burning force, he thrust his lance forward, the crimson-gold spearhead shattering the thick, sturdy shield.

Whether it was—

Armor, flesh, bone,

Or—

Metal, machinery, barriers,

Or—

Soldiers, mages, generals,

All were shattered and incinerated under the fierce lances.

Finally, the glorious flag and lances overwhelmed everything. At the end of belief, victory shone in glory.

(The End)