New World - A New Beginning

Chapter 98: The Endgame Approaches

AMELIA LALA'S POV:

The horns of war blasted throughout the valley as thousands of human soldiers prepared to march. Three divisions had been created, each one led by a different commanding officer, and were all preparing to head in their designated direction.

I would be leading the first Division Westward towards Thorria, ignoring the plea for help of the Dragons and attempting to take down the capital city as swiftly as possible. Jean was tasked with a similar goal: march Eastwards and eliminate the Fei capital.

The final Division, led by the Royal Princess, would be heading South to assist the Dragon defense and attempt to halt the oncoming armies. That being said, I doubted Lares had much time before it fell to the Dominion forces. They simply lacked the numbers.

King Roy stepped forth from his balcony, addressing the entirety of humanity's armed forces as he projected his voice using wind bind.

"My soldiers! Today marks the day that the Alliance fights back, the day we step up and defend our friends to protect the future of this continent! Give your hearts, for the survival of humanity in a better tomorrow!" he roared, a speech that inspired awe in every soldier as a cheer erupted across Eloria.

I simply looked away, focusing my attention elsewhere. I knew his words were fake, a show that had to be put up, an act he had to play out as the ruler of Imania. If it were up to him, Imania would have never entered the war in the first place, and yet most people saw him as the ruler who sacrificed everything to save a people that was in need.

Thousands of heads turned towards me, awaiting my command. I looked up, raising my hand and gazing at the horizon.

"Forward!" I ordered, a thundering roar of enthusiasm ensuing as metal boots clanked on the ground towards the Dwarven kingdom.

Even if the King's words weren't representative of his true feelings, what he had said was true. The tide of battle was going to shift. The Allies, who had been on the defensive for so long, were finally launching their counter-attack, with two of the strongest S-ranks leading the charge.

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

"What's the current situation, Ryo?" I asked, entering the cave and removing my cloak. My eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the darkness of the hideout, the entire area illuminated by a few lanterns running on fire bind.

"Welcome back, sir. It seems the Western Front is being pushed back tremendously. The Dominion forces are only a few hundred kilomels away from Lares. The East is still resisting, but are slowly being forced back by the overwhelming power of the Vye siblings." responded Ryo, the second in command moving aside as I looked down at the giant map sprawled out on the table molded from the mountain's rock.

"And the Dwarven armies located in Thorria?"

"We've been keeping them there, sir. Two attacks have been launched on the capital to ensure they remain as a defensive force."

"It seems like they're beginning to understand that we're simply here to apply pressure, though. I wouldn't be surprised if they start mobilizing soon to reinforce the South," I muttered, piecing together the state of the war.

I closed my eyes, peaking through the link as I checked on Asthia's health. I frowned, emotions that I was all too familiar with seeping through the connection. I understood the girl's rage and sorrow, but the fact that she was experiencing these kinds of emotions disturbed me.

"Recall the scouts, we're moving out," I ordered suddenly, making up my mind on the next course of action. If we were to wait too long and give the Dwarves that were stationed near Thorria an opportunity to mobilize before we could join the frontlines, we'd be dooming the remaining Dragons still defending Lares.

If we wanted to make an impact, we had to bolster our defenses beforehand.

"We're leaving Thorria?" asked Ryo, slightly surprised.

"Yes. We're heading to the frontlines."

ASTHIA DARCK'S POV:

I could feel my manipulation of bind soaring to uncontrollable heights, the emotions of hatred and despair still lingering within my soul. I gritted my teeth, recalling the terrified faces of the Dwarven soldiers that had suffered the full extent of my power as they vanished from Auroria.

My body rose, exiting the tent and glancing at the soldiers that were preparing for yet another engagement with the enemy.

"How are you feeling?" asked Mia as she approached from behind, the girl clearly relieved that I was up and walking again.

"Fine," I lied, looking back and noticing the small shadows of houses. We were already on the outskirts of the newly-expanded Lares, and if we weren't able to defend against the Dwarves here, then I wasn't sure if we'd live to fight another battle.

The vast plain that surrounded us was perfect for massive armies to trample smaller ones, a position that I feared could lead to our downfall. The area had previously been part of the massive forest just north of Lares, but due to the plans for expansion, the entire area of vegetation had been cut down years ago.

The soft grass and natural hills made it seem like the forest had never existed in the first place, a peaceful breeze caressing my hair as it fluttered in the wind. I let out a deep sigh, trying to erase the feelings that still tore my heart into pieces.

"Princess, they're here," said one of the soldiers.

My eyes looked up, noticing the small heads that began to surface behind the hill. The entire horizon was quickly taken over by soldiers clad in armor, a single individual at the forefront of the army.

Even after suffering a terrible blow and losing thousands of soldiers, the Dwarves continued onwards relentlessly. Their morale seemed unaffected by my attack as they roared victoriously, awaiting the order of their leading officer.

"Let's finish this, Princess of the Dragons," echoed Ares, the man staring directly at me with fury swirling in his eyes.

I drew a steel sword, preparing myself. Mia had informed me that my weapon had been left behind, a setback that wasn't going to prevent me from beating the living crap out of that S-rank.

I rose my arm, the metal sword gleaming in the sunlight. A moment of silence followed, thousands of eyes focused solely on the single weapon in the air. I tipped the sword forward, pointing it directly at Ares.

We were no longer going to stay and wait, defending powerlessly against the unforgiving numbers of the Dwarves. This time, we'd lead the attack, and strike head-on with everything we had.

"Charge!"