Lord: I can see loyalty.

Chapter 273 Cedric's Fury

In the center of the battlefield, smoke filled the air, and the swords of the two generals clashed amidst the blood mist.

Vio changed his strategy this time, no longer trying to outmuscle Cedric, but instead using the speed advantage of the sand breathing technique to constantly move around.

At the same time, the runes on his right magic glove flashed frequently, and blue lightning and red fireballs shot towards Cedric from all sorts of tricky angles.

Although Cedric was strong, he couldn't keep up with Vio's speed.

His greatsword cleaved through the air, crashing to the ground and creating a large crater. His fist also missed its mark, the resulting gust of wind knocking over the soldiers beside him.

Vio's sword, like a viper's tongue, always struck when he was exhausted. Although it couldn't pierce his armor, the magical attacks did create cracks in his defenses.

"All you can do is hide?! Coward!" Cedric roared, sweeping his greatsword and forcing Vio to retreat several steps.

Vio didn't answer, he just continued to wander around and harass.

His stamina was waning, but Cedric's stamina was waning even faster.

Although those magical attacks couldn't fundamentally damage him, each hit damaged his armor and slowed his movements.

After several dozen rounds, Cedric's arm was struck by lightning, his armor shattered, and blood seeped out.

His breathing became rapid, and veins bulged on his forehead.

"Cedric, no matter how strong you are, it's useless if you can't hit me." Vio's voice was calm as he thrust the Demon Feather Sword straight at Vio's face.

Cedric raised his sword to parry, sparks flying, but Vio had already retreated, the runes on his gloves glowing red, and a fireball struck Cedric straight in the chest.

The fireball exploded, and the enormous impact threw him off his horse, causing him to fall to the ground, where another patch of charred metal appeared on his armor.

"Damn it—retreat the city and defend it!" Cedric scrambled to his feet, mounted his horse, and turned it around to gallop towards Snake's Den.

With their commander fleeing, the morale of the Northern Army collapsed instantly.

The Griffin Legion knights turned their horses around, and the Black Serpent Clan's cavalry rushed toward the city gate.

The Southern Army seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack, and the black-armored cavalry of the Azure Peak Knights surged into the fleeing enemy ranks like a tide, wielding their longswords and cutting down one enemy after another.

The Grey Wolf Clan's giant wolf riders flanked the Northern Army, cutting off their retreat.

The militiamen, wielding their spears, pierced through the infantrymen who couldn't escape.

"Chase them! Don't let them get away!" Jimmy roared, taking the lead and charging ahead.

Alec swept his greatsword across, cleaving the Northern knight and his horse in two as they blocked his path.

Gina's broadsword smashed through hordes of infantry, her body stained with blood.

Flynn's musketeers crouched on the flanks, firing volleys of bullets at the Northern Army commanders. Several Griffin Legion captains were hit and fell from their horses, causing even greater chaos.

The Northern army was routed, abandoning their armor and weapons; the plains in front of Snake's Den were littered with corpses and discarded weapons.

The southern army pursued them to the city walls, but was forced back by a hail of arrows from the walls. However, their morale had already reached its peak.

"We won! We won!" the soldiers cheered, raising their weapons high.

Violet stopped his horse and looked at the tightly closed city gate. He did not order an attack, but instead had his army line up in front of the city, completely surrounding Snake's Nest.

Snake's Den, Castle Hall.

Cedric stormed into the hall, his face ashen, and kicked over the table in front of him.

Maps, wine glasses, and candlesticks rolled to the ground, and several servants were so frightened that they knelt on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

His armor was covered in cracks and charred marks, and blood was still seeping from his left arm, but the rage in his eyes was stronger than ever.

"Where is the adjutant?!" he roared, his voice echoing in the empty hall.

The adjutant scrambled in, knelt on the ground, and trembled uncontrollably. "Your Majesty—"

"How much longer?" Cedric grabbed his adjutant by the collar and lifted him up. "Didn't you say it would be soon? How soon? The White Horse family is ruined, and I can't beat that Earl of the South. How much longer do you want me to wait?!"

The adjutant's face flushed red, and he stammered, "Ready—ready! Your Majesty, almost ready! That's right! We can attack!"

A cold glint flashed in Cedric's eyes. He released his grip, and the adjutant fell to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Then call him out."

The adjutant scrambled towards the rear hall, his footsteps echoing hurriedly on the stone path.

A moment later, heavy footsteps came from the depths of the corridor, each step steady and powerful, carrying a composure completely different from that of battle.

A tall figure emerged from the shadows.

He was clad in silver-white armor, which bore no other emblems except for a lifelike griffin with outstretched wings engraved on his breastplate.

He was handsome, with sharp features, fair skin that was almost translucent, and a faint smile on his lips.

He wasn't wearing a helmet; his long, silvery-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, gleaming softly in the candlelight.

He held no weapon, which hung casually at his side, and walked with a light step, as if he were not on a battlefield, but strolling in his own garden.

"Your Majesty." He walked up to Cedric, bowed slightly, his movements as elegant as a nobleman at a court ball, "You've had a long journey."

Cedric's expression softened slightly. "Ready? My griffin rider."

"Ready." The griffin rider straightened up, looking calmly at Cedric. "The griffins are ready and can strike at any time."

He turned to the side and waved behind him.

In the darkness, a pair of golden eyes lit up.

Vertical pupils, golden, carrying a chilling killing intent and an innate arrogance.

Heavy footsteps sounded, and the floor trembled slightly.

A massive figure emerged from the shadows of the rear hall, with a wingspan of over ten meters and silver-gray feathers that gleamed with a metallic sheen in the candlelight.

Its head resembles that of an eagle, but it is larger than any eagle, and its beak is hooked and sharp as a knife.

Its body resembles that of a lion, but it is stronger than any lion, with thick limbs and hook-like claws.

It also has a specially made saddle strapped to its back, the silver-white leather blending seamlessly with its feathers.

Griffin.

A real, living griffin.

A glint of light flashed in Cedric's eyes, and the corners of his mouth slowly turned up. "Good, very good."

He turned around, walked to the window, and looked at the southern banners outside the city. Vio's army was arrayed below the city walls, the banners fluttering in the wind.

His eyes were filled with murderous intent.

"Count of the South, you think you've won?" he whispered. "No, you haven't seen what true power is yet."

The griffin rider walked behind Cedric, his gaze also falling on the Southern Army outside the city, his smile still elegant.

"Your Majesty, please give the order."

"No rush." ​​Cedric raised his hand. "Wait until they attack the city, then launch your attack from the sky and give them a surprise."

"Yes, ma'am."

The griffin crouched down, folded its wings, and stared coldly out the window with its golden eyes, like a statue.

The hall fell silent, with only the candlelight flickering in the wind, illuminating the somber faces.