When Christopher arrived in the lower city, chaos had already taken hold.
Civilians were screaming, running in panic.
Houses lay in ruins, flames rising from shattered buildings.
Still—
To think that a mere force of around two hundred would dare challenge the Kingdom of Twaizaran…
Foolish.
This was the largest kingdom in the world.
It held over one hundred thousand knights.
The Order of Ice alone numbered twenty-five thousand.
If needed, knight trainees, court mages—even civilians could be conscripted.
There would be over three hundred thousand capable fighters.
Of course, not all of them were stationed here.
Twaizaran’s vast territory stretched across countless towns and fortresses.
At present, only about 2,500 members of the Order of Ice were at the capital.
The Orders of Flame and Earth likely had similar numbers present.
That still meant over five thousand soldiers.
Against two hundred?
This would be over quickly.
They would learn the price of underestimating Twaizaran.
Christopher gathered his forces at a section of the city and began issuing orders.
“This will be our base. Operate in teams of three—same as training. Our top priority is civilian safety. Escort anyone you rescue back here.”
He continued:
“Units One through Eight—1,200 men—will remain here. Focus on protecting civilians and treating the wounded.”
The knights moved immediately.
“Commander Christopher,” his vice-captain, Chiria, spoke up. “Isn’t that a bit too cautious? We’re assigning many to defense, and focusing more on protection than elimination.”
“Chiria,” he replied calmly. “This is sufficient. The enemy numbers only around two hundred—they’ll be suppressed quickly.”
He glanced toward the battlefield.
“And the Order of Earth is already engaged. Knowing Levin, they’ll focus solely on attacking the enemy—ignoring defense or civilians. We need to balance that.”
Chiria nodded in understanding.
That’s right.
This was a battle already decided.
There was no need to rush.
About thirty minutes later—
A massive explosion erupted a few hundred meters away.
A house was blown apart, debris flying through the air.
“What was that?!”
Looking toward the source—
A massive dragon’s head rose above the rooftops.
“Even dragons… under the Dragonkin’s control?!”
At that moment, several knights returned from the front lines.
“Commander Christopher! Report!”
“They have multiple large dragons—and the enemy soldiers themselves are far from ordinary! We’re unable to suppress them!”
His breath trembled.
“The Order of Earth has lost half its forces. Most of our own who advanced… have also been defeated!”
“What?!”
This was beyond anything he had expected.
Christopher’s composure shattered.
He tried to think—anything—but panic clouded his mind.
“Tch… no choice. I’m going in.”
He turned sharply.
“Chiria—you’re in command here.”
Without waiting, he rushed toward the battlefield.
Two hundred…
He had underestimated them.
To think each one was this strong…
The front lines must be in disarray.
I need to stabilize the situation.
As he ran—
A dark killing intent fell from above.
He twisted his body just in time.
A man in a black cloak crashed down, driving his sword into the ground.
The impact cracked the earth in a five-meter radius.
Without a word, Christopher drew his blade and struck.
Steel met steel.
Attack—blocked.
Counter—blocked.
Back and forth, neither giving ground.
…This can’t be happening.
For me to struggle like this—
If enemies of this level number two hundred…
This is bad.
After several exchanges, Christopher leapt back, creating distance.
“…Are there more like you?”
He didn’t want the answer.
But he had to ask.
The cloaked man grinned.
“I’m near the bottom among this assault force.”
Then, in one swift motion, he closed the distance.
“Let me ask you something—how many stronger than you are there in this kingdom?!”
Too fast.
I can’t react—
A slash tore across Christopher’s left shoulder.
“Ghh… worst possible answer…”
The man tilted his head, laughing eerily.
“Heh… what? Don’t tell me there’s no one stronger than you. If that’s the case… this kingdom’s already finished.”
…
This is the worst day of my life.
At seventeen, I became the youngest knight commander in the greatest kingdom in the world.
I believed no one could surpass me.
That only Saran and Levin stood above me—
And even they were over ten years older.
In ten years… I would surpass them.
I was certain of it.
And yet—
The Hero.
The Demon King.
And now these Dragonkin forces…
So many… stronger than me.
Everything I believed in—
Shattered in a single day.
I was nothing more than a frog in a well.
“This ends now!”
The cloaked man lunged again.
This wound…
I can’t keep up with his speed.
With one arm—I’ll be overpowered.
So this is it…
Christopher lowered his head, his gaze falling to the ground.
Accepting the end.
“Then someone stronger than him… is right here.”
A flash of light streaked past his face—
Striking the cloaked man and erupting in a small explosion.
“Ghah—! Who the hell are you?!”
Christopher turned.
Standing behind him—
Were Zeke… and the Demon King.
“Looks like the lost Hero and Demon King have arrived.”
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