After a night of rest, the grand coalition of nobles, under the leadership of Duchess Veronica, began their long march toward Hild Fortress. The Moonlight Mushroom Family, along with several other smaller noble houses, had already set off the day before to prepare the fortress for the upcoming arrival of the main force. Their mission was to establish a defensive perimeter and scout the area ahead. Now, it was time for the Duchess and her army to meet them at the fortress.
Hild Fortress was located at the far western edge of the duchy, perched like a brilliant jewel on the borderlands. Its ancient, weathered walls bore the scars of history, and it had survived two brutal wars of expansion. The fortress was a relic of those times, a monument to the fierce battles fought and the hardships endured. Initially, the fortress had been constructed as a safe haven for adventurers exploring the Moiy Forest, offering them a reliable and secure resting place before venturing deeper into the wilderness.
However, as more adventurers arrived, Hild Fortress gradually became an economic hub. Merchants from across the region would travel there to purchase Moiy Forest's unique products, including rare magical beasts and other valuable materials, bringing in substantial revenue for the Golden Rose family. Over time, the fortress became an important trade center, contributing to the prosperity of the duchy.
Yet, as the number of adventurers increased, the number of magical beasts near the forest's border began to dwindle. With fewer beasts in the area, the threat of a large-scale beast siege had largely disappeared. The only remaining threat to the duchy came from the Steel Dragon that roamed the depths of Moiy Forest. If the dragon chose to strike, it could easily attack any of the western territories of the duchy. After all, dragons flew far faster than horses could ever run.
But, of course, if such an event were to occur, it would not be Duchess Veronica and the Golden Giant Dragon Vivian who would lead the charge against it. Instead, it would be a team of Dragon Knights from the Emerald Kingdom, the dominant power of the southern continent. The Emerald Kingdom boasted nearly twenty dragons, which helped solidify its position as the undisputed ruler of the southern territories. However, despite the impressive number of dragons, the kingdom had only eight Dragon Knights, with the remaining dragons being kept in the royal dragon pens in the capital, Emerald Valley.
If Duchess Veronica had successfully established a country, it was largely thanks to her royal lineage, tied to the Emerald Kingdom. Without her noble status, it would have been nearly impossible for a single Dragon Knight to establish a new kingdom along the kingdom's borders—such an act would have been a slap in the face to the Emerald Kingdom.
From what Clobber had observed, he suspected that Veronica's decision to face the Steel Dragon alone was partly driven by her desire to prove herself to the kingdom. She could have easily called for reinforcements from the Emerald Kingdom, but instead, she chose to confront the dragon on her own. Typically, the protocol was for two or more Dragon Knights to join forces when hunting a wild dragon, not because it was impossible for a single knight to defeat it, but to prevent the dragon from escaping and causing even more destruction. Additionally, it was a matter of maintaining a sense of caution. After all, Dragon Knights were too rare and valuable—having them involved in such dangerous operations was a matter of great importance.
For such tasks, the Emerald Kingdom usually sent a pair of Dragon Knights or one Dragon Knight and a dragon to ensure the mission's success. The success rate for these operations was nearly 100%.
The march to Hild Fortress was long and monotonous, stretching over vast expanses of barren land. The soldiers trudged forward with heavy steps, their bodies casting long shadows in the early morning sun. The road ahead seemed endless, a desolate expanse of earth that stretched beyond the horizon. The dense forests that lined the path appeared like a sea of green, but they did little to lift the somber mood that hung over the army.
Clobber kept a tight pace, staying just behind the Duchess, his every nerve on edge. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment. His senses were on high alert, his eyes scanning the surroundings with the precision of a hawk. Every rustle in the underbrush, every whisper of the wind, could signal danger, and he wasn't about to miss a thing.
He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready for any sudden turn of events. The other soldiers might be able to relax and ease into their march, but not him. He was right by the Duchess's side, and that meant he couldn't afford even the slightest hint of complacency. One slip-up could tarnish her impression of him, and Clobber knew all too well that leaders preferred diligent, reliable subordinates—anything less would be unacceptable.
The weight of his responsibility was not lost on him. His every move was scrutinized, not just by the Duchess, but by all who followed her. Any weakness, any sign of hesitation, could send the wrong message. He had to stay sharp, stay focused.
As the army continued its march, Clobber's mind wandered back to the task at hand. The fortress, the Steel Dragon, and the Moiy Forest were all parts of a larger puzzle. He knew that this battle—this campaign—wasn't just about defeating a dragon or securing a single fortress. It was about laying the groundwork for something far bigger: the survival and prosperity of the Golden Rose family, and the future of the duchy.
Though the fortress was a symbol of the past, it also represented the future. The coalition of nobles who accompanied the Duchess weren't just there to fight—they were there to stake their claim in the new world that would emerge once the war was won. This was a struggle for dominance, for control over the lands and resources that had long been fought over. Every soldier, every noble, every dragon—everyone had their part to play in the shaping of that future.
Clobber's thoughts were interrupted as the column reached a small ridge. From the top of the hill, he could see the distant outline of Hild Fortress rising against the horizon. The fortress loomed large, a testament to the enduring strength of the Golden Rose family. It had withstood countless assaults and would stand tall against whatever threats lay ahead. But Clobber knew the true test was yet to come.
He focused on the task ahead, reminding himself that the real battle was still a long way off. As the Duchess and her army prepared to encircle the fortress and set up camp, the weight of the coming conflict hung over them all. The Steel Dragon, the beasts of Moiy Forest, and the forces of the Emerald Kingdom were all part of the equation. The decisions made in the coming days would determine the future of the duchy—and Clobber was determined to play his part in ensuring that future was secure.
With a final glance at the fortress in the distance, Clobber set his gaze firmly on the road ahead. There was no turning back now. The march had begun, and the war was about to unfold in ways none of them could predict. But one thing was certain—whatever came next, they would face it together, as a united force under the banner of the Golden Rose family.
The army marched forward at a steady pace, the sound of armored boots hitting the ground echoing across the vast, empty plains. The journey had been long and exhausting, but the destination was now within reach. As they approached the final stretch, scouts from the front lines reported back with good news. The outline of Hild Fortress was visible on the horizon, and it wouldn't be long before they reached their goal.
The tension in the air was palpable. Soldiers, nobles, and even the dragons—all were preparing for what was to come. The stakes were high, and there was no room for error. Duchess Veronica's face remained calm, but Clobber could sense the weight of responsibility she carried. They had all come this far, and now the time for strategy and plans was over. It was time for action.
Soon, the long, weary march came to an end. The fortress loomed in the distance, its towering walls standing strong against the backdrop of the setting sun.
The fortifications of Hild Fortress were as imposing as they were ancient. Constructed from massive blocks of gray stone, the fortress rose high above the surrounding landscape. The walls themselves were thick and sturdy, designed to withstand the ravages of time and battle alike. At over thirty meters high, the walls were topped with numerous watchtowers and cannon platforms, making it a formidable structure to breach.
The main gate, forged from ironwood, stood as the first line of defense. A massive drawbridge crossed a deep, dark moat that surrounded the fortress. It was a natural barrier, one that would take a formidable force to overcome. Beyond the gate, the interior of the fortress was a hive of activity, with bustling streets and carefully arranged buildings. The atmosphere was a blend of military efficiency and civilian hustle, a reminder of the fortress's dual purpose: a stronghold and a hub of commerce.
As the army drew closer, Clobber scanned the surroundings with a practiced eye. The soldiers on the walls were heavily armed, each one adorned with the emblem of their respective noble houses. These were no ordinary guards—these were the elite soldiers of the duchy, trained to respond to any threat that might arise. Their armor was a blend of plate and chain, with sharp, gleaming weapons at the ready. They moved with the practiced precision of veterans, alert and prepared for anything.
Standing atop the fortress walls, the soldiers kept a vigilant watch, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. The Moiy Forest stretched out beyond the walls, its dense canopy hiding countless mysteries. The forest was both a source of wonder and a potential threat. It was the lifeblood of the duchy, providing valuable resources, but it was also home to countless magical beasts, some of which could pose a deadly challenge to anyone who dared venture too close.
The soldiers spotted the approaching army from afar. The scouts had done their job well, and once the identity of the advancing force was confirmed, they wasted no time in opening the gates. The massive doors groaned as they were pulled open, revealing the fortified interior of the fortress.
"Welcome, Duchess Veronica," one of the senior officers called from the gate. He bowed deeply as the main army approached, his voice filled with respect and admiration. "We've been expecting you."
Veronica nodded politely, her eyes scanning the fortress and the soldiers as they moved to allow her forces inside. There was no time to waste; the war was just beginning.
Clobber's senses were on high alert. He kept his gaze steady, watching for any signs of hostility or hidden threats. He knew the importance of this moment—everything they had fought for, every decision made, had led them here. And now, in the shadow of Hild Fortress, the next phase of the campaign would begin.
Once inside, the army quickly made their way to the designated barracks. The hustle and bustle of soldiers moving through the streets was almost overwhelming. The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the acrid scent of iron and sweat. It was a stark reminder of the dual nature of this fortress—part military stronghold, part commercial hub.
As they made their way deeper into the fortress, Clobber couldn't help but admire the careful planning that had gone into the fortress's design. Every corner, every wall, seemed to serve a purpose, from the watchtowers that provided a clear view of the surrounding landscape, to the narrow, winding alleys that would make it difficult for any enemy to navigate through the fortress quickly. This place had been built to withstand sieges, and it had done so for centuries.
Inside the fortress, the troops set up camp. Veronica addressed her commanders, giving them instructions for the coming days. They were to secure the perimeter and prepare for any potential threats that might arise from the Moiy Forest. It was clear that the duchy's enemies were numerous, and the battle ahead would not be an easy one.
"The enemy is near," Veronica said, her voice steady and commanding. "The Steel Dragon will not wait long to strike. We need to be prepared for anything."
Clobber could see the determination in her eyes. She was no stranger to war, and the challenges ahead only seemed to fuel her resolve. She had always been a strategic thinker, and now, more than ever, her leadership would be tested. The coalition of nobles she led was diverse and powerful, but unity would be their greatest weapon.
For Clobber, the battle was personal. He had seen the devastation that wild dragons could cause, and the Steel Dragon was no exception. It was an ancient creature, far more powerful than any ordinary dragon, and it would take all of their strength to defeat it. But Clobber had no doubts about the outcome. With Veronica leading them, and with the support of their allies, victory was within reach.
As night fell, the soldiers of the duchy settled into their makeshift camp within the fortress walls. The sound of clanking armor and murmurs of conversation filled the air. Everyone knew that tomorrow would be the day that would change everything.
The war was no longer a distant threat. It was here, on their doorstep. And in the darkness of the night, as the moon cast its pale light over the fortress, Clobber found himself reflecting on the journey that had brought them all to this point. They had come a long way, but the real fight was just beginning.
The Steel Dragon. The beasts of Moiy Forest. The forces of the Emerald Kingdom. They were all waiting, and Clobber knew that the battle for the future of the duchy would begin in earnest at dawn.
But as the wind picked up and the first light of morning broke over the horizon, one thing was certain: they would face it together, united under the banner of the Golden Rose family.
And that unity would be their greatest strength.
The next morning, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. The soldiers stood at attention, their armor gleaming in the early light. The dragons, their scales shimmering like molten gold and silver, were ready for battle. Veronica paced in front of her commanders, her face set in determination.
"We're ready," Clobber whispered to himself, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The war had begun, and now they had to prove their strength. It was time to take the fight to the enemy.
And so, with the roar of dragons in the air and the soldiers at the ready, the Golden Rose family's army prepared for the battle that would decide the fate of the duchy.