Chapter 77:The beginning of the end

With the first light of morning, the camp began to stir. When Ethan woke up, he put on his leather armor and strapped on his sword. There was no need for his real armor just yet; first, he needed to have breakfast. He washed his face with the water-filled bowl inside his tent and then stepped outside. He entered another large tent and sat down at an enormous table. This table was reserved for important individuals, and it was already full. Richard, along with the other important figures, was there.

Before long, a hearty meal was served, and everyone began to eat. The stress and tension were visible in the eyes of those at the table. After all, they were about to enter a battle that would change their lives. If they won, they would become legends, but if they lost, their lives would end. In the end, there was high risk but also high reward.

"With your permission, I have a request " Arkion said.

Everyone stopped their thoughts and looked at Arkion. Today was the day of the battle, and he had audaciously come to ask for something else.

"Go on" Richard said. His voice indicated that he had just woken up.

"I want myself and my soldiers to be at the on the front line" Arkion said.

When Ethan heard this, he paid attention and looked at Arkion as if he were a fool. Maybe he was indeed a fool, but even fools valued their lives. Ethan quickly guessed Arkion's intention. Arkion wanted to win the battle and thus earn great fame. If he were at the On the front line, when he returned to his country, internal rebellions would cease, and his reputation would increase. Also, being at the front, he could demand more spoils. All of this seemed to have whetted his appetite and revealed his greedy nature.

"If Arkion and his soldiers are at the front, we will gain a significant advantage. Merdonbia has the best armor and swords in the world. With their power, we can win the battle. You are indeed quite clever, Sir Arkion" said Ethan

Everyone looked at Ethan in astonishment, and even Richard couldn't believe what his son had just said. Ethan had always had a tough and moderate nature since childhood was and unlike his other brothers, he didn't even suck up to someone like Richard. Contrary to his character, behaving in such a way was certainly a surprising situation. Despite the others at the table being surprised, Arkion's smile widened, and he began to sit more comfortably in his chair. It was clear that Ethan's praises had worked. Finally, Richard, who understood the meaning behind his son's words, began to speak.

"Then I accept your request. You and your soldiers will be at the front line" Richard said.

"We won't disappoint you'' Arkion said, and with a nasty grin, he left the tent.

"Why did we give him the front line? That was supposed to be my place," Henry said.

Although Ethan wanted to reply, he controlled himself and remained silent, but the reason for this was quite simple: creatures. Alpshar always used his creatures at the beginning of the battle, and the front line would be in a desperate situation. The creatures were beings that destroyed and tore apart everything in their path.

Barricades or long spears would be useless against these creatures. Therefore, Ethan could neutralize the power of the creatures through Arkion's soldiers, and when the creatures became ineffective, they would win the battle thanks to their numerical superiority. At least, that was the plan.

"I give the orders here. If you understand, eat and keep quiet" Richard said.

Henry, of course, lowered his head in fear and started to eat his meal. Ethan understood Henry's reaction, but he decided that it wasn't the right time to explain his plans. In his view, sharing the details that would determine the outcome of the battle would only lead to confusion.

After the meal, Ethan set out to make the final preparations outside the camp. He reviewed the positions of the army and went over his strategy one last time. There was nothing left to do but wait for the battle to begin. As the sun slowly rose in the sky, the shadow of the battle began to loom over the camp.

Alpshar's army had taken battle positions, and at the same time, the army of the Asina Kingdom had also assumed battle formation. Ethan entered his tent and opened the chest. Inside the chest was a suit of armor, a perfect example of craftsmanship. The armor bore eagle motifs, the symbol of the Asina Kingdom, and had golden patterns on the metal. The armor was perfectly adjusted to Ethan's tall frame and fit him perfectly. Without wasting any time, Ethan put on his armor and strapped on his sword.

Although he had planned to use his demon sword in this battle, it wouldn't hurt to have another sword with him, and he wouldn't draw the Demon Sword suddenly, anyway. After all, anyone who looked at the sword might think it carried dark power, and that would damage Ethan's reputation.

Moreover, the troops Ethan would command were reserve units and were planned to be involved in the battle towards the end. Additionally, Ethan was given the task of capturing Alpshar, who was most likely a formidable warrior. After all, no southern leader followed a weak leader, and Ethan expected a duel at the end of the day.

After completing his preparations, Ethan left the tent and went to the troop with his horse Faith. It didn't take long for him to reach the rear where the second cavalry unit was stationed, and he took his place. As planned earlier, the first cavalry unit was assigned to General Roland. Richard controlled the mixed forces in the center and Isabella the archers on the left flank.

While Henry commanded the infantry on the left flank, General Gideon controlled the archers on the right flank. Duchess Theodora commanded the infantry on the right flank, while Duke Eddart commanded the infantry protecting the wizards. And finally, Mary, Ethan's former teacher, led the wizards.

After everyone had taken their positions, they waited for the battle with bated breath. The silence was like the harbinger of the storm, and finally, the trumpets of war began to sound. On Alpshar's side, the catapults began to move, hurling creature eggs. The creature Eggs targeted the front lines with violence, but the Merdonbia army stationed in the front held their ground.

Soon, the ground shook, and the creatures began to run wild with their eyes crazed. Their disgusting cries could deafen one's ears, and because of their immense mass, they could destroy a house. After a few minutes, the creatures finally reached the Merdonbia soldiers, And soon, the flying bodies of some soldiers could be seen in the air.

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