Boom boom boom--

It was the sound of drums before the start of war, as the band members struck their instruments with long sticks.

These oddly shaped instruments were not ordinary. With each strike, the power of magic gradually took shape, increasing the abilities of all the soldiers on the field.

"Princess Ariel, the entire army is ready."

At the end of the formation stood the royal army. Unlike regular soldiers, their primary task was to protect the safety of the princess.

Princess Ariel frowned, gazing at the spread-out map on the stone table, deep in thought.

The main objective of this campaign was to reclaim the lost territory, "The Lost Swamp", which belonged to the Ace Federation.

For the invaders of the Onti Empire, the Lost Swamp was merely a piece of land they had casually taken on their journey. But for the Ace Federation, it was an inseparable territory.

The lizard people living in the Lost Swamp were allies of the Ace Federation, and at any cost, the Ace Federation wanted to take back the swamp.

This was a long-planned war. The Ace Federation had invested too much and must win this battle.

Otherwise, the Ace Federation would eventually become a prey of the empire, with no chance of redemption.

Ariel's long golden hair hung around her ears. Sweat dripped from her due to nervousness, moistening her bangs against her forehead.

Ariel bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before making up her mind.

"Soldiers of the Ace Federation, march!"

Her voice was somewhat inexperienced. Ariel raised her arm and commanded the thousands of troops beneath her feet.

The bugle sounded, giving the command to start the war.

The Knight Order, mounted on flying dragons, led the charge, followed closely by the defensive forces.

The unicorn clad in armor, carrying a shield and spear, was ridden by knights. Behind them were the heavy infantry, mages, and archers.

The formation of the Ace Federation was flawless, making it extremely difficult to break through their front lines.

On the other hand, the Onti Empire's counterattack appeared very irregular.

At the forefront of the Leon Army were some poorly equipped swordsmen, who seemed to be nothing more than cannon fodder. The strength of the Onti Empire shouldn't be like this.

While everyone was filled with doubts.

Bang--

Something was hurled towards the Ace Army.

A giant boulder landed, creating a crater. Blood flowed out from the cracks. In an instant, the once living soldiers were smashed into a pile of flesh.

The soldiers panicked, and the flawless formation was instantly broken.

"It's... the giant's thrower!"

"Why did the Onti Empire send giants!"

"In the end, how did they transport the giants from the north!"

Unquestionably, only giants could throw stones of this size as weapons.

"Quick, send the dragon knights to stop them!"

"No! The dragon knights we sent are specializing in speed and their size is not enough to contend with them!"

Ariel stood still.

From the heights, more and more giant stones were launched. Faced with the soldiers being smashed one after another, she was powerless.

Her army, her people, were sacrificing themselves without any results under her command.

"It's over..." Ariel collapsed to the ground. "I'm sorry, Father... Mother..."

She had made the wrong bet. She had thought that the Onti Empire would not pay attention to the Lost Swamp, and the resistance of the Ace Federation would be seen as a mere child's play.

Unexpectedly, those guys sent giants to deal with them...

Tears silently rolled down her cheeks. Ariel's azure eyes became blurred.

The situation was reversed in an instant, and Ariel had realized her own failure.

As if accepting her fate, Ariel closed her eyes.

Facing defeat, she couldn't face her parents anymore, nor could she go back.

A fiery giant stone had already aimed at the last throne, and the group of royal army dressed in luxurious robes was the most conspicuous target at the moment.

Based on its trajectory, it seemed that Ariel was going to be hit.

"Princess Ariel!" The mage standing beside Ariel reacted immediately, grabbing the princess's wrist. "Quick, escape!""No, Zera, there's no escaping," Ariel shook her head. Her exquisite face was wet with tears.

The speed of the aerial army in the Onti Kingdom was not just a name. To completely eliminate enemy deserters, they only needed less than a day's time.

Instead of being hunted down with no dignity on the escape route, it was better to face death and die on their terms.

Ariel drew her sword, a delicate rapier engraved with the crest of the Ace Federation. A faint magical glow emanated from the blade as she raised it towards the sky. Ariel proclaimed in a commanding voice, "All members of the Ace Federation, magicians activate protective shields for the swordsmen, vanguard unit charge at full speed. Killing one Lyonian will count as one victory. Ten gold coins per severed head, triumphant return rewards!"

Motivated by the princess's words, the wavering soldiers regained their composure. They adjusted their formations, and a resounding cry echoed from within the crowd.

"Charge!"