The fierce sounds of battle continued to echo across Kokuyou Hills.
Although the Zhao right wing had suffered a devastating blow, the battlefield itself had become increasingly chaotic as countless units maneuvered through the dense forests that covered the hills.
On the Qin right battlefield...
The combined armies of Raido and Zenou had finally smashed through the Zhao defensive lines.
Bodies littered the forest floor while broken spears and shattered shields marked the path of destruction left behind by Kanki's most brutal commanders.
A scout pointed toward the central hill.
"Lord Raido!! The Zhao central army has begun climbing the hill!!"
Raido narrowed his eyes before a savage grin spread across his face.
"So that's what they're trying to do..."
He turned toward the towering giant beside him.
"Zenou!!"
The monstrous warrior slowly lifted his blood-soaked mace
Raido laughed.
"We'll advance straight to the base of the hill!!"
His grin became even more sinister.
"And then..."
"We'll chew right through the soft spots of those Zhao dumbasses while they're spread out climbing!"
The bandits erupted with savage cheers.
"OHHHHHH!!"
Zenou slowly looked toward the hill.
"That..."
"...is..."
"...your..."
"...job..."
He tightened his grip on the enormous weapon.
"Direct..."
"...our..."
"...strength..."
"...Raido."
Raido burst into laughter.
"That's exactly what I planned to do!"
"Move out!!"
The two fearsome armies immediately surged toward the central hill.
Like starving wolves charging after wounded prey, thousands of Qin soldiers raced through the thick forest.
The Zhao soldiers positioned ahead began retreating in apparent panic.
"They're running!"
"Don't let them escape!!"
"Kill every last one of them!!"
The Qin forces continued their relentless pursuit.
Then…
CRAAAACK!!
A deafening sound echoed throughout the forest.
Raido's eyes widened.
"What?"
BOOOOOM!!
Massive trees suddenly crashed onto the path before them.
One after another.
Entire sections of forest collapsed.
The advancing Qin army came to an abrupt halt as gigantic trunks blocked every route forward.
Dust rose into the air.
Silence followed.
Then...
Thousands of footsteps.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
Rows upon rows of Zhao soldiers slowly emerged from behind the fallen trees.
Fresh banners rose above the forest.
The characters upon them became unmistakably clear.
GAKUEI.
From the center of the formation rode General Gakuei himself.
His spear rested calmly upon his shoulder as he looked down upon the halted Qin force.
A confident smile slowly appeared across his face.
"Raido..."
"Zenou..."
"I have finally found you."
Raido clicked his tongue.
"Tch..."
"So that's your game."
Gakuei calmly surveyed the battlefield before speaking.
"There is nothing more terrifying in a battle..."
"...than believing you stand upon the side that holds every advantage."
His horse slowly advanced several paces.
"Only..."
"...to be awakened by a splash of freezing water."
His sharp eyes locked onto Raido.
"And by the time your senses return..."
"...the advantage you believed was yours..."
"...has already transformed into your grave."
He lowered his spear.
"Without you ever noticing."
A cold smile spread across his face.
"Do you understand what I am trying to say..."
"...you stupid Qin apes?"
The Zhao soldiers erupted with thunderous cheers.
"OOOOHHHHHH!!"
Raido simply scratched his head.
Then...
He began laughing.
"Hahahahahaha!!"
He pointed his glaive directly at Gakuei.
"That's one long speech."
"I stopped listening halfway through."
His smile became savage.
"All I heard..."
"...was another Zhao idiot volunteering to die."
The bandits behind him roared with laughter.
Zenou slowly stepped forward.
The earth itself seemed to tremble beneath his feet.
His crimson eyes stared directly at Gakuei.
The Zhao soldiers unconsciously tightened their grips on their weapons.
Even from a distance...
The pressure emitted by the giant was overwhelming.
Far behind the battlefield...
The main Zhao force continued advancing toward the central hill.
Leading them were Lord Kisui and Kinmou.
As they marched through the forest, distant sounds of battle echoed from behind.
Kisui glanced toward the direction of the noise.
"So..."
"Gakuei has begun clashing with the Kanki Army."
He remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Will he be alright?"
Kinmou smiled confidently.
"He will be fine."
"The Qin strike force is certainly no ordinary army..."
"...but neither is General Gakuei."
He looked ahead toward the summit of the hill.
"Not to mention..."
"...Lord Keisha himself has already taken the field."
A confident grin appeared.
"Once Lord Keisha begins moving..."
"...the Qin soldiers are finished."
The Zhao army continued climbing the hill with unwavering confidence.
Meanwhile...
Hidden deep within another section of Kokuyou's forest...
A lone figure silently observed every movement unfolding across the battlefield.
Without making a sound...
He slowly opened his eyes.
The time had finally come.