”Which faction is it?”

Jean asked the operator about the army that had appeared. After quickly analyzing the detailed information, the operator replied.

”It seems to be the army of the Raddle Neutral Zone. Many of the units bear the emblem of the Valkia Empire, so it’s likely a unit affiliated with the Valkia Empire.”

”Good, if it’s the Neutral Zone, there’s no issue. Crush them before reinforcements start pouring in!”

I didn’t understand why there wasn’t an issue if it was the Neutral Zone, but I didn’t ask. I’d just get scolded again.

”Everyone, deploy! This battle prioritizes speed. Strike swiftly and neutralize them all at once!”

Responding to that command, the first to rush out was the old man. The members of his squad followed a bit frantically after him.

The old man’s squad was composed of quite the elite forces, but there wasn’t a single person who could completely keep up with him. As a result, the old man ended up charging solo into the enemy army.

What was amazing was that, even in such a situation, no one was worried about the old man. Instead, they pitied the enemy army being charged at by him.

The True Excalibur that the old man piloted was a Magicraft specialized for close combat. It wasn’t equipped with flashy cannons like Arleo II or Victulf, but its ferocious attack capabilities made such weapons unnecessary.

With each swing of the old man’s rapid sword techniques, crescent-shaped sword strikes expanded outward, striking down enemies with power equal to that of the blade itself.

The range of his sword strikes was vast, and with the enemy tightly clustered together, nearly a hundred units were pulverized with a single swing. The relentless succession of these attacks threw the enemy into complete chaos.

However, even among the enemy, there were powerful individuals. A warrior appeared who deflected the old man’s sword strikes with a great sword. That Magicraft, resembling a gray knight, leaped high and landed in front of the True Excalibur.

”I am Episdata, one of the Sixteen Generals of Raddle! Your valor has impressed me. I wish to decide this through single combat!”

”Very well, I’ll oblige.”

”Before we begin, may I know your name?”

”Would you recognize me if I said Sword Saint?”

”What… No way, the Sword Saint Vefft!”

‘That’s me. Is there a problem with that?’

”Not at all. A duel with the renowned Sword Saint—there’s no greater honor!”

”I’ll let you take the first move. Come at me anytime.”

With the old man’s generous offer, the so-called Episdata prepared himself, taking a large stance to ready his first attack.

After a brief silence, Episdata moved. His attack was minimal and precise, like a thrust, but executed with impressive speed. However, it likely felt insufficient for the old man. Effortlessly dodging the attack, the old man swung his sword at a speed too fast to see, slicing off the head of the gray Magicraft.

The gray Magicraft toppled forward, landing face-down as it fell.

Though Episdata had been quite strong, it seemed his opponent was simply out of his league.