The First Magic World War

In the moments of national survival, some choose to play it safe, some are left angry and helpless, others decide to stand aside, or even defect to the enemy, but there are those who will step forward and attempt to turn the tide.

Georgiadi Hadrian had lived his life unknown to fame, never making any headlines or performing any extraordinary feats. Across the Old Continent, it was likely that no celebrated masters would remember his name.

Much like Charles would always forget Vigo!

Yet it was this obscure Georgiadi Hadrian, Count of Georgeadi, who emerged composed in the face of the Allied Army of four nations. When everyone was in despair and many deflected the responsibility, refusing to take the role of commander, he stepped up and devised a strategy that was simple, bold, insane, yet incredibly effective.

Taking advantage of the Allied Army fighting separately and not yet converging, he gathered all Sacred level fighters of the Army of the Black Phoenix and first launched an assault on the distant forces of Inglima. Count Ranmalock misjudged the situation, believing the Army of the Black Phoenix sought to break through and flee, thus he did not deploy his full military strength.

Furthermore, he did not wish for Inglima to engage in a desperate battle with the main forces of the Black Phoenix, potentially allowing the armies of other nations to reap great benefits. It was this strategic misstep that Count Georgiadi Hadrian seized, crushing the Inglima forces and then immediately turning to attack Fars.

Although His Majesty Brittany himself had joined the fray, he was not on the front lines that day, and neither was Antonio. Georgiadi Hadrian toppled seven Knighthoods of Fars within half an hour and then turned all his efforts towards Byron.

This was a tough battle; Juno Arthur was not present with the forces, but Constantine was. What followed was a fierce fight between the two, and the outcome was the defeat of the once first and foremost champion of the Black Phoenix. The hitherto obscure Georgiadi Hadrian emerged triumphantly and proceeded to defeat Byron's army.

Faced with the Black Phoenix Army, pulsing with momentum and desperately fighting back after having consecutively vanquished three armies, Baldwin Asa, the Lionheart King, heaved a long sigh and chose to make a complete retreat with his forces.

This battle was Georgiadi Hadrian's first time leading troops.

But it was this war that made the count known far and wide, leaving no one on the Old Continent unaware of his name.

Indeed, an old Earth saying was apt: "A silent one is of no concern, but his sudden outburst astounds; one unseen is of no worry, but his sudden ascent reaches the skies."

Even the Emperor of Brittany could not help but sigh afterward and said, "From this day forth, Georgiadi Hadrian is the greatest War God of the Old Continent."

Charles dared to launch a surprise attack on Black Phoenix City, largely because he assumed that the Allied Army could firmly engage the Black Phoenix's main forces, leaving their rear exposed. But what he could never have imagined was that the battle situation could change thus? With Georgiadi Hadrian capable of defeating the Allied Army and potentially returning to reinforce Black Phoenix City at any moment, what could he use to withstand such a fierce military deity?

After reading the complete battle report, Charles took a deep breath and issued more than a dozen orders in one go.

The first order was to send the old lizardman to Machu Picchu and bring Yannis Hadrian back once more.

He also dispatched dozens of reconnaissance teams continuously to probe the front lines, although he knew that this would likely barely help.

Though Georgiadi Hadrian had only fought one battle, he had become famous across the continent for his tactic of assembling Sacred level fighters into a strike force. If he continued this strategy, it was possible that a Sacred level combat team would appear at Black Phoenix City within a few days. Even if ordinary reconnaissance teams discovered Count Georgeadi's forces, they would stand no chance of delivering the information back.

Charles's breach of the Black Phoenix Dynasty's capital was, in terms of battlefield renown, not far behind Georgiadi Hadrian's. However, Charles truly had no interest in comparing himself with the number one commander of the Old Continent. At this moment, all he wished for was that Count Georgiadi Hadrian would continue to engage in a major battle with the Allied Army and not return to the capital, Black Phoenix City.

Charles, despite commanding dozens of Sacred-level warriors, faced certain defeat against the formidable foe who had vanquished Constantine; no other outcome was possible.

As for leaving Black Phoenix City...

Yes, that was an option.

Over the following days, Charles received dozens of battle reports. Having taken Black Phoenix City, he now had dozens of Magic Alchemy Communication Devices at his disposal. The Westwind Knights had not possessed such magic equipment before, but now they could communicate over long distances.

He quickly discarded any hope. After Georgeadi Hadrian, Earl of Hadrian, had crushed the Allied Army of four nations without allowing them time to regroup, he executed a stunning escape, abandoning the frontline at Saharan Lamagan and leading his army back to aid the capital, Black Phoenix City.

The day after Charles received this report, he activated the miraculous defense structures of Black Phoenix City. Merely two hours after their activation, he saw dozens of streaks of light sweep across the city.

Charles hurriedly climbed to the highest point of the Imperial Palace. Even though he was surrounded by over thirty Sacred-level warriors, upon seeing the plain-faced, utterly unremarkable middle-aged man's gaze through the defense shield constructed by the miracle edifice, he couldn't suppress a slight shiver.

With a wave of his hand, Charles had Emperor Yannis Hadrian hoisted up slowly, having been made to return urgently.

He shouted loudly, "Emperor Yannis Hadrian, please have Earl Georgeadi Hadrian surrender at once."

"You are his Emperor; he shouldn't fight anymore for the sake of your life."

Emperor Yannis Hadrian looked disheveled as he screamed out, "Georgeadi! Cease fighting, surrender to Earl Mecklen!"

The Emperor's words inflamed all the Sacred-level warriors who had returned to rescue him, painting their faces with rage. They could never have imagined that, after arduously fighting at the front, enduring life-threatening battles against the vast armies of four nations where almost all were injured and some had fallen in surprise attacks, it was all for the sake of rescuing an Emperor who would implore them to surrender.

Tears suddenly streamed down Earl Georgeadi Hadrian's face. He waved his hand and spoke softly, "I am willing to surrender!"

"Earl Mecklen, please lower the Defense Shield so that I may see His Majesty the Emperor once again!"

Charles took a deep breath; he dared not take risks, but he had long been prepared for such a situation and commanded, "Lower the Defense Shield, prepare to throw spears!"

Dozens of Sacred-level warriors each held a Knight's Spear, aiming at Emperor Yannis Hadrian.

As the Defensive Light Shield slowly lowered, Emperor Yannis Hadrian, hoisted onto a flagpole, came into view. Seeing Earl Georgeadi Hadrian appearing before him as the shield lowered, he whispered, "Give it your all to activate Fighting Spirit and protect my escape!"

Earl Georgeadi Hadrian whispered back, "Dozens of Sacred-level warriors throwing Knight's Spears with all their strength—I could die as well!"

Emperor Yannis Hadrian roared quietly, "Then let them die! Isn't protecting the Emperor to the death their duty?"

Earl Georgeadi Hadrian took a long moment before finally replying, "Yes, Your Majesty."