In the midst of the battle, Javier rode out along with another knight as Justinian commanded, immediately heading to the unguarded roads heading to Vesuvian's city.
"I can't believe that worked!"
Javier laughed out loud, marvelling at such a successful operation.
"It could even be written into a book about strategies!"
The knight beside him yelled out in agreement, riding fast and quick through the open plains that were now open to them.
Leaving the cold and snowy Snowkeep and into Vesuvian's more temperate and warm lands.
***
SLASH!
"Take them all! Show the efforts of your training!"
SLASH!
Dozens were killed in seconds, the bodies piling up more and more as the one-sided massacre continued, with all of Justinian's army now bloodied and tired.
SPLAT!
The final enemy finally fell with Justinian's own hands, now trembling from the sheer physical burden of swinging around your arm while wearing heavy steel plate.
Only an hour had passed since the battle, leaving the time up to 3 am in the morning.
The amount of death and fatigue did not match the time that had passed at all.
"Huff... huff..."
Justinian clenched his fist, taking deep breaths as his adrenaline finally ran out, his breathing now relentless and burdened.
"Fucking... checkmate, Rhyne."
Justinian laughed, raising his sword high as he yelled out louder than he wanted it, having everyone in his army hear the crude words.
But instead of reprimands or negative reactions, they all respected it, seeing it as a sign of humanity despite his legendary skill.
"I didn't expect you to lose control like that."
Cassia chuckled as she approached beside him on horseback, hand placed on his back as she helped her calm down his breathing.
She stared at the moon that still covered the sky, slowly descending in favor of the sun.
"I'm only human after all."
Justinian replied with a dazed look as he raised his visor to get better access to fresh air.
"After this... it would mean outright war."
"I am aware of that."
"Then you already know I expect you to continue fighting by my side?"
"You don't even need to ask, I would fight for you even if you no longer needed me."
Justinian grinned at her answer, not expecting it.
"What will your father think of that answer?"
"I have an excuse prepared."
Justinian only smiled before riding out once more to perform a headcount and gather his men, preparing them for an end-of-battle speech and plans to come.
***
"Crap!"
Javier yelled out, along with his companion, as the two desperately rode.
They had a cavalry force chasing behind them, clearly Rhyne's men, patrolling beyond the encirclement for any stragglers.
"How many are they?"
"Twelve of them at least!"
His companion yelled out the answer, already using his bow to take them out in the distance while they moved.
SPLAT!
One arrow hit a horse's leg, causing it to trip and taking out the three that were behind it, reducing their pursuers' numbers to nine.
"When'd you learn to use a bow like that!?"
Javier looked behind, seeing the absolutely beautiful shot he just performed despite the situation they were in.
"I don't know! It felt like I just always knew how to use a bow like this!"
The knight spoke out, already drawing another arrow as he prepared to take out more with as few shots as possible.
FWOOSH!
SPLAT!
Another arrow flew and hit another one straight through the head, causing his body to fall off the horse and causing the rider's horse behind it to slip on the dead body.
Taking out two with one arrow.
"At this rate, we'll wipe them out!"
Javier shouted, before returning to focus on the path ahead to ensure no one else sneaks up on them.
"Just let me handle the rear!"
"Got it!"
***
Palace Vesuvian - Throne Room
***
"My count!"
A voice entered the count's room immediately, not even bothering to knock, as his face was filled with concern.
"Huh...?"
The count sat up in his bed, beside him his wife.
The two were Bjorn Vesuvian and Viola Vesuvian, the count and countess who ruled Vesuvian city, named after their family, as it had been ruled by their bloodline for generations.
"What's the meaning of this sudden awakening!?"
The count yelled out in annoyance, rubbing his eyes as he stood up from his bed.
"It's Justinian's personal knights! The scouts reported them being chased by Rhyne's men!"
Bjorn's jaw immediately dropped, as if a dragon had just appeared right in front of his eyes. The news of Justinian's personal knights managing to bypass the encirclement was staggering news.
"W-what!?"