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The border between Yuz Grand Duchy and the Graviol Empire was marked by a series of rigid mountain peaks, forming a natural fortress. At this moment, this fortress was being demolished like a house of cards by a massive monster bulldozing straight through it, completely disregarding its presence.

Hiyuki, the ‘Princess’ of Imperial Crimson, stood with the half-translucent blade of her jet-black, double-edged sword, ‘Gilles de Rais’, thrust into the ground. Both hands gripped the rose-pattern engraved pommel. She gazed sternly at the colossal silhouette emerging on the distant, faintly lightening horizon.

“I would have preferred to settle the battle on more even ground, but it seems not everything can go our way.”

Hiyuki was clad in her battle-ready gear—her battle dress ‘Anne of Geierstein’, black battle wings ‘La Vie en Rose’, and right-hand shield ‘Eiserne Jungfrau’ among others.

She glanced at the 10,000 soldiers of the Holy Kingdom of Aeon, who had set up camp on a relatively open plain just before the mountain range.

Initially, the Holy Kingdom faction planned to confront Nidhogg with 100,000 troops—comprising volunteers and loyal soldiers—transformed into ferocious warriors through ‘Jihad’. However, under the thinly veiled threat of persuasion from Graviol Empire’s Princess Oliana, who fully supported Hiyuki’s claim that ‘such foolish actions would only serve as fodder for Nidhogg’, the plan changed to deploying only 10,000 regular soldiers centered around Holy Knights and Priests skilled in offensive and healing magic (termed ‘God’s Miracle’ in sacred teachings).

The Holy Kingdom’s current strategy involved encircling the advancing Nidhogg with 2,000 Holy Knights for direct engagement. An additional 4,000 Holy Knights would be positioned behind for rotation, while priests in the rear would provide healing support. Backup personnel were also in place for any unexpected developments.

The frontline Holy Knights were instructed to unleash Holy Light at maximum range until they exhausted their mana—with no restraint. The healers were tasked with continuous healing and maintaining Mind Resist against the Magic Eye. Once the frontline knights depleted their mana, they would switch with the soldiers behind them. The core of this strategy was to inflict more damage than the enemy could regenerate.

“Actually, the strategy isn’t too bad. It resembles the ‘Chain Heal’ tactic in MMORPGs when facing a boss-class monster. Naturally, preparing healing methods to surpass the enemy’s attack power is logical.”

While her words seemed to reflect a hint of optimism, the complexity in her expression told a different story.

“Do you have any concerns, Princess?”

Tengai’s question from behind prompted Hiyuki to continue in a solemn tone.

“I wonder if these soldiers can sustain themselves till the end. According to Susa’s analysis, focusing on accumulating damage with holy light is the best strategy since Nidhogg lacks long-range attacks. However, we need to maintain this for at least 8 hours straight to completely eradicate Nidhogg. They’ve arranged backup soldiers and rotation forces, but I question whether mere humans can endure such prolonged frontline combat, especially under constant stress. Plus, Nidhogg might not have long-range attacks now, but what if it develops them later? There’s also the concern of Shima intervening. If he joins the battle, it could completely disrupt the Holy Knights. Can they withstand a combined assault?”

After a brief pause, Hiyuki decisively shook her head.

“It’s a lost cause.”

“Impossible, then?” Revan, standing in the back, groaned in agreement.

“In simple terms, we lack the firepower. If we could finish it within an hour, perhaps there’d be a chance, but it’s futile for humans to confront it head-on.”

Only a player could effectively oppose another player. Common folk like Revan, despite his warrior status, understood his limitations starkly after interacting with Hiyuki. However, this realization brought a profound sense of disappointment, as the overwhelming reality became apparent.

Hiyuki continued in her solemn tone, seemingly unaware of the whirlwind of emotions stirring in Revan’s heart.

“As I’ve mentioned before, let’s use them as a temporary measure to slow it down and then follow up with a preemptive strike at daybreak. Ideally, I’d like to overwhelm it with large-scale firepower, but after our previous battle, we’re restricted from using light, thunder, and gravity attacks. It’s going to be tough to eradicate that mass all at once. We have other means of attack, but I’d rather not give Nidhogg the chance to learn them. It’s more strategic to target Vampire Shima, the brains of the operation, rather than focusing on Nidhogg. I want to target him specifically, but…”

Hiyuki paused, then sighed, “He’s aware of this too and has taken refuge inside that snail-like shell. I doubt he will emerge easily.”

“How are we going to lure him out, then? Does the Princess have a plan?” Revan asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

Hiyuki turned to Revan with a reassuring nod. Gracefully, she gathered her long, ebony hair with one hand, revealing her delicate nape, while casually lifting the hem of her skirt with the other, exposing her thighs.

“Well, this is it. I’ll position myself in a visible spot and start undressing. I bet Shima won’t be able to resist and will come out faster than the speed of sound.”

” “I object!!!” ” Tengai and Mikoto immediately protested her plan.

“Ahaha, just kidding,” Hiyuki chuckled, clearly not being truthful. Revan internally noted her brazen lie. She then turned to Ikaruga, a handsome black youth with white hair standing at the forefront of her attendants, the leader of the Thirteen Demon Generals.

“Now that Tengai and Izumo’s attacks are ineffective, our best option is Ikaruga’s ‘Yog Sothoth’ Dimensional Slash. We’ll focus it on Arumamis, Shima’s base on Nidhogg’s back. Ideally, it’ll also take down Shima, but that might be asking too much. Our goal is to strip away that protective shell and attack swiftly, while I look for an opening to seal him.”

“I understand. The success of our initial strike is crucial,” Ikaruga nodded, comprehending Hiyuki’s strategy.

“Exactly. We need to execute the Dimensional Slash swiftly before Shima catches on. If we can pull this off, we can end the battle much quicker. Ikaruga, give it everything you’ve got. Don’t worry about the consequences.”

“I’ll use every bit of my strength to meet the Princess’ expectations. Better this than becoming a laughingstock for the enemy.”

Ikaruga knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully while casting a mocking glance at Tengai beside Hiyuki.

Tengai bristled at Ikaruga’s sarcasm but was calmed by Mikoto’s reprimand. Mikoto then stepped forward, pointing eastward to where the sun was beginning to rise.

“Princess, the sun is rising. Isn’t it about time to start?”

“No, the real battle begins when the sun is fully up. According to Susa’s analysis, Nidhogg still has some vulnerability to sunlight. But yes, we should start preparing for the battle.”

Hiyuki nodded, then turned to her confidants.

“Ikaruga, take position in the sky. The Anti-Evil Eye smokescreen squad—Tanabata, Hazumi, and Gamon—move to your designated positions.”

” ” “Right away!” ” ” The named individuals immediately dispersed to their assigned locations, using various methods—one teleporting, another mounting a war beast, a third sprinting with impressive speed, and the last ascending into the sky on wings.

“Tengai, oversee the entire formation from above. Mikoto, let’s perform ‘pet unison’. Susa, spread your alter egos across the battlefield as much as you can. Take command if the situation turns unfavorable. Everyone else, wait here. If our first plan fails, we’ll resort to wave tactics to exterminate Nidhogg. But keep your distance and retreat if Nidhogg adapts to your attacks or feeds off them. Wait for Susa’s or the Imperial Guards’ signal to engage. Beastkin unit, support the Empire’s army and fill gaps if the Holy Kingdom’s troops falter. If things go south, head towards the border; that’s our last line of defense.”

“Yes, Your Highness!!!” Everyone responded with a bow.

Hiyuki, after issuing her commands, performed ‘pet unison’ with Mikoto and mounted Tengai, who had transformed into a dragon.

“Let’s move, Tengai!”

“Yes!”

The joint forces of the three nations, assembled at that location, gazed upwards at the magnificent, colossal golden dragon as it swiftly soared into the sky.

Thunderous cheers erupted from the battlefield, sparked by the unexpected arrival of Her Highness (to the aid of the Holy Knights of the Holy Kingdom Army).

For Hiyuki, this was a first since her awakening in this world; she couldn’t predict the outcome of this battle. Internally, she was beset with anxiety and trepidation. However, the roaring voices of the assembled troops became a motivating force, coaxing a faint smile onto her face despite the uncertainty.