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The sun had barely risen, casting long shadows across the battlefield. Caelum Aurelius stood at the head of his army, his silver armor gleaming in the morning light. Behind him, the Holy Order's forces stretched across the horizon, their banners fluttering in the wind.
"Advance."
With that single command, the army marched forward.
Aetheris the Celestial Griffin soared above them, its radiant wings parting the clouds. It let out a powerful screech, signaling their approach. The soldiers raised their weapons, their eyes filled with faith in their new Hero.
Caelum's grip on his sword tightened. This time, the gods will not allow failure.
But then—
BOOM!
The ground beneath them exploded.
Chaos erupted. The first ranks of soldiers were torn apart by the blast, their screams swallowed by fire and debris. The sky darkened as countless arrows rained down, their tips coated in black poison.
"AMBUSH!!" a knight screamed.
But it was already too late.
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Leonhardt Valtara watched from the cliffs, his arms crossed. A wicked smirk played on his lips as he observed Caelum's forces stumbling in disarray.
"So predictable."
By his side, Celestia Nightshade laughed. "Ahh~ Look at them scatter~ It's beautiful~"
Duke Alaric Valtara stood behind them, his expression unreadable. "This was only the first strike. The Hero won't fall that easily."
Leonhardt's crimson eyes gleamed with amusement. "Of course not. I would be disappointed if he did."
He turned his gaze toward his Ironhorn the Indomitable Rhino, which stood at the frontlines below. The beast let out a deafening roar, charging through the battlefield like a living battering ram. Any knight in its path was crushed beyond recognition.
And at the center of the carnage—
Leonhardt descended.
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Caelum Aurelius barely had time to react before a blur of black and crimson appeared before him.
"Welcome to the real war, Hero."
Leonhardt's blade clashed against Caelum's, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Sparks flew as their weapons locked, raw power surging through the air.
Caelum gritted his teeth. "Leonhardt Valtara."
Leonhardt grinned. "The one and only."
Their blades met again. And again. Each strike heavier than the last.
Caelum's instincts screamed at him—this was different from Rael.
Leonhardt was not just stronger—he was a predator.
With a single, devastating kick, Leonhardt sent Caelum flying backward. The Hero barely managed to land on his feet, skidding across the dirt.
Leonhardt rolled his shoulders. "Disappointing. You were supposed to be stronger than Rael."
Caelum's eyes burned with fury. "I am."
FWOOOOOSH!!
Suddenly, Aetheris dove from the sky, its divine aura blazing as it unleashed a torrent of golden flames.
Leonhardt smirked. "Not bad."
But before the flames could touch him—
A massive shadow emerged.
Ironhorn charged forward, its armored body shielding Leonhardt from the divine fire. The flames washed over its thick hide, leaving only faint scorch marks.
Celestia cackled from the cliffs. "Ohoho~ You'll need more than that to kill my husband~"
Caelum's grip on his sword tightened. This is just the beginning.