Chapter 5: Who Can Compete?

For the first time, Komer felt the sheer power he possessed.
The massive Rock Legion and Storm Tide Legion stood motionless on the right wing of the parade ground, like two square blocks of cast iron. Their formidable presence needed no pretense to be displayed—their icy atmosphere was enough to bring frost to the wilderness, while their gleaming weapons reflected a chill under the weak morning light.
Unshakable as mountains! That was Komer’s requirement for them. The lazy and irritable half-orcs, as well as the angry yet fierce barbarians, all became malleable iron under his iron fist, just like iron ore in a furnace. Once the heat subsided, what remained were weapons ready to shed blood at any moment!
Their thick leather armor, enhanced by simple magic, combined with a layer of resilient kapok inside, not only provided excellent warmth but also superior protection. It could withstand ordinary arrow attacks without hindering the warriors’ agility. Even heavy beast-face shields and iron spears over three meters long seemed light in their hands, while heavy swords and relatively flexible round shields were even easier to wield for them.
These were his two hammers—capable of blocking enemy slashes and strikes while also delivering devastating blows. Their powerful striking force could inflict immense pain on any armed force. These were his unique ace infantry. Komer believed that perhaps only the elite infantry of the orc royal family—the Variegated Armors—had such formidable strength on the continent. In the world of mortals, there was no force that could rival these two armies.
Perhaps it was time for the Northern Alliance to experience the “surprises” brought by these races they called barbarians. Komer believed their performance would broaden their horizons.
Perhaps only the knights on the left wing could truly match the momentum of these warriors from the remote wilderness and forests.
Unlike the uniform appearance and demeanor of the half-orcs and barbarian warriors, the knights’ attire and decorations were much more elaborate and personalized. Anti-magic composite armor had almost become standard equipment for the knights of the three major knight orders. Exquisite magical symbols and incantations covered every piece of the armor, not only enhancing its resilience but also granting the knights basic resistance to magical attacks.

For knights, the honor of their family and the glory of knighthood always come first. On their helmets, shoulder guards, armor, and even on their horse’s heads, one can find inscriptions and emblems carved to showcase their family’s long history. Red shoulder straps, purple scarves, green cuffs, golden linings, brown leather boots, and special branded marks—knights constantly seek to highlight their uniqueness through these accessories.

On their weapons as well, they must express their individuality. The massive knightly lances stand in their hands, the tips pointing skyward, their shiny blades radiating a fierce killing intent. Made of wrought iron, silver-iron alloys, imbued with magic, or mixed with demon metal, these weapons are solemn and powerful, reflecting the knights’ strength and distinction.

Perhaps the only thing they share is the pride and unyielding spirit evident on their faces. Honor and self-respect accompany a knight throughout his life, and only an unyielding pride is true to a knight’s nature. With their chins held high, Komer even believes that even under threat of execution, they would never bow their heads.

Some impatient horses kept snorting, but under the knights’ control, both knights and horses stood in perfect harmony. Exquisite bridles and ornate saddles, along with uniquely marked reins of varying conditions, all testified to the knights’ skill and experience.

Faced with the immense pressure from the orcs and barbarians on the right flank, the knight leaders longed even more to prove and comfort themselves through a proper battle—only true warfare could yield real lessons.

If the orc and barbarian armies were like two tightly clenched iron fists, brimming with unstoppable force, then the three knightly orders were like three sharp iron thorns, each emitting its own piercing edge.

Komer watched satisfactorily these two groups of forces with vastly different styles—one as mighty as a hammer, the other as sharp as a knife. When both armies clashed, who could stand against them?

Komer was convinced that any army dreaming of gaining the upper hand against these two forces under his command was delusional, not to mention that he still possessed another, even more threatening force.

Subconsciously, Komer turned his gaze to another group standing silently between the two factions. They had no uniform attire; aside from similar robes, there was little in common between them. Each seemed utterly proud and independent, standing out like a crane among chickens.

But if you observe carefully, you’ll find that although they are independent of one another, they are by no means incompatible. Each maintains its own dignity, yet there is a sense of harmony flowing between them—a mutual respect and understanding. The magicians have evolved from individual forces into a collective power, capable of exerting greater strength through unity and even determining the outcome of a major battle. Such a group stands apart from the two surrounding forces, ever-changing like clouds and water, as unpredictable as wind and fire—this is the supreme magical power! No one should underestimate this force, especially under certain circumstances, when it can even turn the tide of a war. Komer has never underestimated this force. From just a few members at first to dozens of magicians and spellcasters today, the increase in numbers means a greater pool of power at their disposal. Even after sending a group of magicians to Livonia, Komer still retains a substantial force of magicians. Together with the infantry regiments and knightly orders, they will witness this battle that will decide the fate of Nicosia.