"I want to stir up some trouble quickly." Angelo jumped up from the sofa, gesturing with his right hand twice. "I mean, there must be a battle going on down there, right? Isn't this a great opportunity for us to do something?"
However, after a full minute, no one paid any attention to him.
"Give me a little face, Miss Vera," Angelo sighed and sat back on the sofa. "The Lord of Spirits is not around, if you don't talk to me, I really will have nothing to do."
"It's not our turn this time," Vera stopped playing with the magic cube and said in a muffled voice. "The level is too high, just casually interfering might really get us killed."
"The level... is too high?"
Angelo hesitated for a moment. Logically speaking, he had been through some major battles before - demon invasion in the Academy City, the deity incident in Logjing - events that were extraordinary. But still, something even higher in level than this...
Mr. Yuan... who on earth is he, to have his sights set on those supreme beings?
"Mr. Yuan, what exactly do you want to do?" Angelo muttered to himself, not sure if it was a question or just his thoughts. Even though he liked to cause chaos, following Yuan also brought immense pressure.
"I don't know," Vera fiddled with the magic cube again. "But for me, as long as Yuan bro likes to do something, I just tag along, no need to think too much."
...
The defensive line on the eastern border of Maston was actually named the Eastern Defense Line, but in reality, it was situated in the northeast of Maston. The area where Maston bordered Milanía was already considered the southernmost part of the country's territory.
With the change in geographic location, the scenery on the ground began to differ significantly. The broad-leaved plants commonly seen in Milanía were gradually being replaced by coniferous forests. The air felt noticeably drier, making dust more likely to appear, and the distant horizon always seemed to be tinged with a faint sandy color.
After lowering the flying altitude, this was the sight that Tiran saw. However, since it was still midsummer with some time before autumn, the coverage of green vegetation was still quite high.
"Why bother paying attention to all this at such a time?" Aya couldn't help muttering to herself, glancing back.
"Nothing, just refreshing my geography knowledge..." The princess hmphed twice, perking up. "We should be getting close, right? Maston's capital."
Calculating based on Aya's flight speed and the straight-line distance, along with landmarks visible after descending, Maston's capital should be close.
"Look at that commotion behind, it looks like a near certainty." Aya sighed, looking beyond Tiran on her back at the figures of those piloting aerial vehicles chasing them.
They were the "Magic Corps," a special unit of Maston. Compared to nations like Sainz or the Glerus Federation that rapidly developed in magitech technology, Maston belonged to the traditional Western powers category. They had a leading traditional Magic research institution and a well-established system for training Magic users, from which they fostered a Magic unit for warfare.
A large group of nearly dozens of gray-robed mages operating in unison, dressed uniformly and riding flying vehicles made of walnut wood that resembled motorcycles without wheels, showcased Maston's elite Magic user unit. Perhaps intimidated by the might of the dragon, they didn't act rashly. Even today, where dragons were used to measure the power of various weapons, it was still preferred to avoid engaging with them.
However, as they drew closer to Maston's royal capital, Lapon, the Magic Corps behind started looking more anxious.
"Shouldn't we shake them off?" Aya extended her psychic tentacles, scanning the expansive and obstacle-free sky, where the range of her psychic detection spanned up to five kilometers. Apart from the Magic Corps gradually assuming an attack stance in her field of vision, there were at least three ground defense lines forming a semi-circular arrangement ahead, indicating the presence of heavy equipment like magitech cannons.
"Stay calm, our goal is to draw their fire. Besides, with their abilities, they can't really pose a serious threat to you." Tiran nonchalantly remarked.
"Well, I guess..." Aya flapped her wings a bit, increasing her speed slightly. "But do we really have to go through with this? I'm starting to get nervous."
"Hey, slow down a bit, don't shake them off too quickly, or there won't be any show." Tiran reminded, tapping on Aya's scales.
Suddenly, the concentration of elements behind increased. Aya instinctively rolled to dodge a bright purple light arrow, which exploded into electric sparks not far ahead after skimming past the massive body of the golden dragon.
It seemed they were closing in on Lapon, necessitating action even if the Magic Corps was reluctant to engage in battle with the dragon.
As dozens of Magic users, now arrayed in a fan-shaped attack formation, raised their staves, a variety of elemental lights gleamed before converging into a barrage of intense Magic projectiles aimed at Aya.
"Watch out, they're launching from the front too." Tiran noted, pointing out the Maston artillery forces on the ground below. Standing on Aya's back, he rose and lifted his longsword to his chest. "But it doesn't matter. We're already quite close, and what comes next is pretty straightforward."
The blade frosted over, and the silver-haired figure descended from the sky.
...
Thirty kilometers away from the ambush position, Maston's capital, Lapon, stood proudly.
For the ordinary residents of the city, it was just another ordinary day after the war had broken out. Since the war hadn't affected the local lands and the frontline losses were not severe enough to impact civilian life, most people didn't have many special thoughts about the conflict. Moreover, following the defeat under Granzon's hands eighteen years ago, Maston's public sentiment towards neighboring countries had been less than favorable. Under the influence of national propaganda, some were even excited about gaining control of Milanía's land.
For them, perhaps the war was merely a series of reports on the bulletin board.
—And even for the current King of Maston before this day.
"What in the world is going on?!" Beneath the high dome of the hall, King Maston kicked over the table in front of him, angrily questioning the senior military officer of the royal guard who had rushed to report the urgent situation.
"Unforeseen is probably the best way to describe it. From the discovery of the dragon's low-altitude approach around Lapon to the swift organization of three defense lines by the royal guard and then the loss of contact with those defense lines alongside the nearby Magic Corps within less than five minutes and all within less than an hour since the reports were sent back from the Magic Corps patrolling around Lapon's perimeter. This is, after all, our nation's capital; how can events of such magnitude nearby not be worrisome," the King remarked, calming slightly before resuming his seat.
"Dispatch a team immediately to investigate; we must find out what's happening," he ordered, the urgency evident in his tone. "The national Magic users stationed within the city have already hastened to the location at top speed, but for precaution, I hope Your Highness would consider momentarily relocating outside the city walls."
The senior officer maintained a formal salute with his right hand over his chest, nervously putting forth his suggestion.
"This is my nation's capital, and I am its ruler. Must I flee in haste just because a dragon has appeared outside the city walls?" King Maston shot him a cold glance. "The arms and equipment you lot boast about, supposedly capable of matching a dragon daily after being exaggerated, are you now afraid when faced with the real thing?"
"N-no, that's not what I meant," the officer stammered, his forehead breaking into sweat. "I just thought it might be safer, considering... the Silver War Maiden of Milanía... she's said to be a dragon knight."
"...," King Maston paused for a moment, remembering a recent intelligence report.
He had actually forgotten about it, as the Silver War Maiden's last celebrated feat had been months ago in the battle with Hermes at the magitech capital. Following that, she had only been seen in the Academy City, showing signs of declining strength, causing him to almost forget about the Silver War Maiden entirely.
However, in the recent Grleuis Federation landing battle on the western coast, she had once again displayed her Holy Rank prowess and formidable combat abilities alongside dragons.
"Are you saying she might come calling?" he inquired.
"Yes."
"Let's move."
When it came to personal safety, matters of prestige seemed to take a backseat. Knowing he wasn't one to risk his life for mere royal honor, King Maston acted decisively.
After discreetly departing from the palace, the King couldn't help but have reservations about the two Holy Ranks on his side. The new addition was understandable, considering her unexpected appearance. However, the other Holy Rank, whom Maston had spent a hefty sum to retain, could call upon most of Maston's resources and hold a revered status; even when facing the King, he didn't require any formalities. Despite this treatment, he often disregarded orders at his whim. Even when specifically requested by the King for this war, he merely agreed to accompany the troops on the promise of being called up but never made an effort to carry out actions like solo infiltrations.
"Acting so recklessly just because you have a Holy Rank daughter, damn that Granzon."
Leaving the palace via a side door, King Maston muttered silently before boarding the carriage.
"Y-Your Majesty!"
Suddenly, the attendants and guards beside him exclaimed in alarm.
Turning back at their cries, King Maston's gaze was met by the outstretched wings in the sky—along with the suspended, deep blue giant sword. Like flawless crystal, the translucent blade gleamed in the sunlight, radiating an intimidating aura.
