Lord: I can see loyalty.

Chapter 269 A Turning Point on the Battlefield

In the center of the battlefield, amidst the billowing smoke, the gazes of the two commanders clashed through the swirling blood mist.

Cedric's black and gold armor gleamed with a dark light in the sunlight, and the dark red patterns on the griffin greatsword resembled flowing blood.

His horsemanship was superb; his warhorse moved freely through the chaotic battlefield and rushed to Vio's side in the blink of an eye.

The greatsword was raised high, carrying immense force, and slashed down straight down! This sword strike had no fancy moves, only pure, overwhelming power.

Vio did not take the hit head-on.

He sidestepped, and with a backhand thrust of the Demon Feather Sword, aimed for Cedric's ribs.

But Cedric didn't dodge. He simply tilted his sword slightly and parried the blow with his handguard, while simultaneously slamming his left fist into Vio's chest.

Vio raised his shield to block, but the enormous impact sent him flying off his horse.

He somersaulted in the air, stumbled a few steps upon landing, and then regained his balance.

Such incredible power!

Vio steadied his breathing and gripped the Demon Feather Sword tightly.

His sand breathing technique is known for its speed, and after reaching the fourth level, the speed becomes astonishing.

But Cedric's power was terrifying; that pure, overwhelming force was stronger than Alec's White Whale Breathing Technique and comparable to that of Maherkavel.

This is the Griffin Swordsmanship of the Golden-Maned Griffin family, the origin of the Serpent Eagle Swordsmanship, a perfect combination of power and speed.

Cedric dismounted, tossed the reins to his guards, and walked toward Vio, sword in hand.

His steps were neither hurried nor slow, each step firm and powerful, his boots making a crisp sound as they trod on the gravel.

His gaze remained fixed on Vio, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"The speed of the fourth level of the Sand Breathing Technique is indeed well-deserved." His voice was deep and slightly hoarse. "But no matter how fast you are, if you don't have enough power, you can't hurt me. Your sword can't even pierce my armor."

Vio did not answer, but simply raised the Demon Feather Shield in front of him, with the Demon Feather Sword behind it, unleashing his full knightly aura.

A purple magic shield swirled across its surface, enveloping his aura within it.

Cedric paused slightly, feeling the invisible pressure, but only for a moment before continuing forward.

"?"

Cedric pondered for a moment, then took a deep breath, and an invisible wave of energy exploded from his body. The black-gold aura collided with Vio's purple aura, causing the air to distort violently and the rubble on the ground to bounce up.

The two auras tore and collided in the center of the battlefield, emitting a low hum.

The surrounding soldiers were forced to retreat by the oppressive feeling, and even breathing became difficult.

The two moved at the same time.

Vio's figure spun rapidly around Cedric like a purple lightning bolt, with sword light piercing from all directions.

Cedric stood firm like a rock, wielding his greatsword with impenetrable precision. Every parry was perfectly timed, and every counterattack was powerful and heavy.

Swords flashed and sparks flew as the two fought fiercely in the center of the battlefield, while the surrounding soldiers made way for them.

Vio's sword pierced Cedric's armor, leaving only a faint white mark.

Cedric's greatsword struck Vio's shield, causing the purple magic shield to flicker violently, nearly shattering. Vio gritted his teeth and continued swinging his sword.

He was faster than Cedric, but far less powerful.

His sword couldn't pierce his armor, and his shield couldn't stop his slashes. If this continued, he would lose sooner or later.

"Your sword is too light!" Cedric shouted, sweeping his greatsword and forcing Vio to retreat several steps.

Vio did not answer, but instead channeled magic into the glove on his right hand.

The runes on the glove glowed blue, and a bolt of lightning shot out from the palm, striking Cedric directly in the face.

Cedric raised his sword to parry, lightning struck the greatsword, exploding in a burst of sparks. His arm jolted, but he only took a slight half-step back.

"Magic?" Cedric frowned slightly. "You're quite well-prepared."

Vio gave him no chance to catch his breath. The runes on his gloves turned red, and a fireball shot out from his palm.

Cedric dodged to the side, and the fireball struck the ground behind him, blasting a large crater.

His speed wasn't slow; although not as fast as Vio's, it was enough for him to dodge magical attacks of this magnitude.

"It's useless." Cedric raised his greatsword and lunged again. "Your magic can't hurt me, your sword can't pierce my armor. What other tricks do you have up your sleeve? Use them!"

Vio did not answer, but continued to swing his sword and cast spells.

The magic consumption is too great, and my physical strength is decreasing rapidly.

But Cedric's stamina seemed inexhaustible; each strike was heavier than the last, and each counterattack was faster than the last.

Vio knew that this couldn't go on like this.

Whether it's fighting against Cedric or a battle between two armies on the main battlefield.

They were backed by Golden Horse City, with a long supply line, while Cedric was backed by Snake Nest City, with ample food supplies.

The longer it drags on, the worse it will be for the southern border; he must find a way to break the deadlock.

"Retreat!" Vio shouted sharply, forcing Cedric back with a sword strike, then turned and ran wildly back to his own lines.

Upon hearing the order, Alec forced Cyril back with a single sword strike and began to retreat as well.

Jimmy and Gina covered the infantry as they slowly retreated, while the Grey Wolf family's giant wolf knights brought up the rear to prevent the Northern army from pursuing them.

The southern army retreated like a tide and regrouped five miles north of the city.

Cedric did not pursue them, but simply stood on the battlefield, watching their departing figures, his face devoid of any smile.

"The Earl of the Southern Border —"

Southern Camp, Main Tent.

Vio sat at the table, holding a cup of hot tea, his face solemn.

Alec stood beside him, his gray eyes fixed on the map. Jimmy and Gina sat on either side of him, both bearing wounds but in good spirits.

Valentine leaned on his staff, his old face full of weariness.

"It's difficult to break through from the front," Jimmy said. "The enemy's Grand Knights are quite strong, and their defenses will be hard to breach."

"—Then attack from the flank." Vio put down his teacup and tapped the map with his finger. "Their supply lines come from the capital, pass through Snake's Den, and then to the front lines. If we can cut off their supply lines, they won't last long."

"How do we cut them?" Alec asked. "Their army is blocking our way; we can't get through."

"From the sea." Vio looked up. "The Black Pearl pirates of Axel, Timothy's Western Navy, they've been on standby along the Western coast."

"Let them go around by sea, land from the north, and attack their rear."

"That will take time—" Valentine stroked his beard. "Besides, they also have defenses along their coast."

"So we have to hold them off." Vio stood up.

"Summon the Gray Hyena Mercenary Group. Have Commander William contact those small and medium-sized families in the North who are still observing the situation, and hire their mercenaries. You don't need many, just enough to cause trouble."

Jimmy nodded. "I'll contact Commander William."

"Also, get Axel and Timothy to leave as soon as possible." Vio walked outside the tent, gazing at the gray sky to the north. "This battle cannot be won by fighting head-on."

Three days later.

Along the northern coast, black warships emerged from the mist.

The ship was long and narrow, with a shallow draft, and moved at an astonishing speed. Black sails billowed in the sea breeze, and the ballistae at the bow gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

Axel stood at the bow of the largest ship, a pipe dangling from his lips, his grey eyes coldly gazing at the coastline ahead.

"We've arrived." He exhaled a smoke ring. "Prepare to land."

As the fleet docked, the Black Pearl pirates, armed with scimitars and short axes, surged onto the beach like a tide.

They rushed toward the Northern Army's supply lines.

Granaries, supply depots, and post stations were all set ablaze, thick smoke billowing into the sky.

When news of the dire situation at the rear reached the front lines, the morale of the Northern Army, which had just begun to stabilize, began to waver once again.

With supplies cut off and food supplies running low, fear began to creep into the soldiers' eyes.

The balance of power on the battlefield has begun to shift.