Ancient Imperial Calendar Year 1831
The year 1830 of the Ancient Imperial Calendar had been a year full of victories for the Kislavein Dynasty, which had started the Second Great Lands War.
They had achieved six major victories in the Center, the North, and the South, and conquered many cities and fortresses.
40% of the Northern, Southern, and Central Lands had come under Kislavein control.
Looting and massacres were carried out in resisting regions, while mercy was shown to those who surrendered.
The three million two hundred thousand soldiers under Ricardo's command continued their conquests.
One hundred fifty thousand of Ricardo's soldiers had died in battles and conquests; an equal number had been left behind to protect the conquered lands.
The Costin Dynasty Council had elected a new Dynasty Lord after the death of Dynasty Lord Kerem Costin.
Normally, the Dynasty Lord is elected by the people, but in emergencies, the Council appoints a temporary Dynasty Lord.
After the crisis is resolved, elections are held. If the people choose, the Dynasty Lord appointed by the Council during the crisis period remains in power until death.
The new Costin Dynasty Lord elected by the Council, Ozan Costin, had gathered and reorganized the scattered armies.
In the battle where Kerem Costin was also killed, a full one and a half million soldiers had lost their lives.
Although the surviving two million soldiers had lost their will to fight, they answered the call of their new Dynasty Lord and gathered at the Costin capital, Costinapolis.
This army, mobilized under the leadership of Ozan Costin, set out on a campaign against Ricardo.
In his tent, Ricardo was reading documents from his spies, but he hadn't taken any report seriously.
"Foolish, yet I'm impressed. Even though it's clear they will lose, they are willing to fight."
Eduardo Kislavein, Ricardo's Master and father-in-law, was beside him, listening to Ricardo.
"You're right, Dynasty Lord. Their courage is admirable, but they cannot change the inevitable outcome."
After finishing reading the spy reports, Ricardo reviewed the battle and conquest reports.
"There has been no significant loss of commanders and soldiers in my army, but the same cannot be said for the other armies. We have lost too many soldiers and commanders."
"This was expected. Unlike you, my children Marilin and Marco do not possess infinite power and potential. They cannot slaughter hundreds of thousands of soldiers and commanders with a single spell attack, Dynasty Lord," said Eduardo.
Ricardo took a deep breath and stood up.
"Enough talking and resting. Let's go destroy those Costin armies, Master."
Eduardo bowed his head in obedience.
"As you command, Dynasty Lord."
When Ricardo and Eduardo exited the tent, all the soldiers and commanders wandering and resting around the tent snapped to attention.
Ricardo strengthened his voice with mana and spoke to the entire army.
"REST IS OVER. CONTINUE CONQUERING."
The Kislavein soldiers mobilized eagerly, as if going to a wedding rather than a battle.
Because they all knew that with Ricardo Kislavein at their head, their chances of dying or losing were almost nonexistent.
A few weeks later
The Kislavein and Costin armies once again faced each other.
"What is your command, Dynasty Lord?" asked Tyrel Kislavein.
Ricardo drew his sword, filled it with aura, and gave his order.
"KILL THEM ALL."
The Kislavein soldiers roared like beasts.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
The Kislavein armies attacked the Costin army like a nightmare incarnate.
Ricardo, using his Aura and Spells single-handedly, slaughtered one million soldiers.
The three million Kislavein soldiers savagely massacred the Costin soldiers without giving them even a chance to flee.
The Kislavein army's loss was around one hundred thousand, while in return, the entire Costin army was annihilated.
"NO STOPPING! CONTINUE ADVANCING! WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL WE CONQUER EVERY CITY OF THE CENTRAL LANDS!" Ricardo commanded.
The entire Kislavein army responded in unison.
"AS YOU COMMAND, DYNASTY LORD!"
As Ricardo's armies continued their conquests, the armies under Marco Ashterah's command were nearing their encounter with the last Costin armies.