When Kaelan Drago and Lyna Kynn arrived at the Central Division tent, the meeting had already begun. Lady Lyra Phenix shot Lyna Kynn a meaningful glance. Startled, Lyna Kynn feared she hadn't properly composed herself, revealing some flaw to Lady Lyra Phenix. She instinctively checked her attire but found nothing amiss.

  Then, Lady Lyra Phenix offered Lyna Kynn a peculiar smile that made Lyna Kynn's face flush crimson. She hurriedly took the seat beside Lady Lyra Phenix.

  Lady Lyra Phenix publicly announced the appointment of Kaelan Drago, who had distinguished himself in battle yesterday, as Chiliarch. Naturally, Lady Lyra Phenix would not disclose the romantic details, and no one would ask.Within the Fastian army, a Chiliarch held the authority to appoint officers below the rank of Myriarch. As the supreme commander of the front lines, Lady Lyra Phenix appointing a Chiliarch was perfectly standard procedure. Even though this particular individual had previously faced her punishment, no one raised objections. Yet, someone within The Western Host detected something unusual. What followed only deepened the sense of strangeness among more people.

  Lady Lyra Phenix unexpectedly ordered the newly appointed Chiliarch Kaelan Drago to lead two armies as a guerrilla force. This command sent shockwaves through the ranks.It must be understood that a single legion in Fastia comprised twelve thousand five hundred men, commanded by a Myriarch appointed by the King, who in turn oversaw twelve Chiliarchs. A corps consisted of twelve legions, one of which served as a logistics legion, with each corps having a full complement of one hundred and fifty thousand men.

  For a Chiliarch to command two armies was exceedingly rare in Fastian military history. Unless the commander possessed exceptional strategic prowess, gaining the troops' allegiance would be nearly impossible. Even Kaelan Drago himself was stunned by Lady Lyra Phenix's decision—wasn't this a death sentence?

  Commanders within the Phenix Legion were more accepting. They held absolute trust in General Phenix, Lady Lyra Phenix—a confidence forged over years of service. Lord General Lady Lyra Phenix never erred. Thus, though they harbored some unease, they accepted the order.

  But the Western Host saw things differently. Witnessing their former subordinate being so highly valued by Lady Lyra Phenix, Commander Aldric Han led the dissent. Yet Lady Lyra Phenix's decision stood firm: "Kaelan Drago's one thousand Cavalry know the enemy's secrets inside out. He is the most suitable choice."Lady Lyra Phenix swept her imposing phoenix-like gaze across the assembly hall. The sheer force of her presence instantly silenced the murmuring generals. The crowd gradually quieted, accepting Lady Lyra Phenix's arrangement.

  Kaelan Drago finally witnessed Lady Lyra Phenix's formidable presence firsthand. He inwardly marveled, "What an imposing woman. A timid man might not even stand firm in her presence."A powerful desire surged within him—to witness Lady Lyra Phenix in bed. Such a breathtaking beauty, whose allure left even men in awe, what manner would she display when stripped bare and lying there? A faint smile touched Kaelan Drago's lips.

  Everyone noticed Kaelan Drago's smile and couldn't help but admire his audacity. For if he lacked confidence, he could have declined the challenge. Otherwise, defeat would mean execution. Conversely, victory would be a remarkable achievement, likely earning him immediate promotion to Myriarch. This would make him the fastest person ever to rise from Centurion to Myriarch.

  Lady Lyra Phenix nodded silently to herself. This man truly possessed an extraordinary quality. Her proposal had also been a test of his courage. Had she known Kaelan Drago's mind was filled with visions of her naked form, and that his smile stemmed from this very thought, she would have been furious.

  After Lady Lyra Phenix finalized the army's deployment, the generals filed out of the Central Division tent one by one to make their preparations.

  Lady Lyra Phenix called out to Kaelan Drago as he was the last to leave the main tent. "Do you have confidence?"

  Kaelan Drago laughed heartily and replied, "The Lord General has entrusted me with this mission. I can only strive to fulfill it and live up to the Lord General's trust." A faint smile touched Lady Lyra Phenix's lips. Lyna Kynn, standing nearby, hurriedly added, "Sister Phoenix surely has a brilliant plan to ensure your success! Right, Sister Phoenix?" Her last words were directed at Lady Lyra Phenix.

  Kaelan Drago's eyes lit up as he gazed eagerly at Lady Lyra Phenix's lovely face. Flushed slightly by his intense stare, she gathered her composure and gave him detailed instructions. He nodded repeatedly, deeply impressed.Finally, Lady Lyra Phenix concluded, "Remember: fully leverage the cavalry's mobility—strike and withdraw. And above all, never linger for glory." Kaelan Drago expressed profound gratitude, replying respectfully, "Thank you, Lord General!"

  At that moment, Lyna Kynn interjected from the side, "Celestial Dragon, see how much effort Sister Phoenix has put into you? You must thank her properly!"Kaelan Drago froze, glancing at Lyna Kynn before turning his gaze to Lady Lyra Phenix, whose cheeks were flushed crimson. His heart stirred involuntarily. Lyna Kynn shot him a knowing look, and the experienced Kaelan Drago understood perfectly. He took a long stride forward, his body nearly brushing against Lady Lyra Phenix.Lady Lyra Phenix gasped, attempting to step back. But Lyna Kynn blocked her retreat from behind, her arm circling Lady Lyra Phenix's waist. Kaelan Drago's intense breath sent shivers through Lady Lyra Phenix, making her heart race. She murmured with feigned anger, "Lyna, what are you doing?"

  At that moment, Kaelan Drago was intoxicated by the delicate fragrance emanating from Lady Lyra Phenix and the sweet breath escaping her rosy-red lips. Nothing brought him greater joy than knowing a beauty had surrendered her heart to him. Gazing deeply into her dreamlike, beautiful eyes, he murmured tenderly, "Let me thank you properly.My little phoenix." Hearing Kaelan Drago's affectionate nickname, Lady Lyra Phenix felt her heart melt.

  Kaelan Drago lowered his head and pressed a deep kiss upon Lady Lyra Phenix's slightly parted, moist lips.

  "Mmm..." A tantalizingly seductive moan escaped from Lady Lyra Phenix's delicate nose. As Kaelan Drago's tongue slipped into her warm mouth, Lady Lyra Phenix felt the world spin around her. The sensation was sweeter and more intoxicating than his first forceful kiss. Her entire body went limp, as if her bones had been removed, melting against Lyna Kynn's embrace.

  Kaelan Drago wrapped his arms tightly around Lady Lyra Phenix and the figure behind her, pressing her soft, exquisite form flush against his own. Employing his mastery of The Ardor's Artifice, he kissed her until she was utterly lost, unaware of her surroundings.He felt Lady Lyra Phenix's body grow hotter by the moment, while Lyna Kynn, well-versed in such pleasures, burned with feverish heat.

  Just as their kiss grew passionate, the footsteps of guards outside the tent startled the three within. Lady Lyra Phenix hurriedly pushed Kaelan Drago away, panting softly as she smoothed the wrinkles he'd left in her clothes, her cheeks flushed crimson like blooming peach blossoms.

  The guard entered and reported, "Orc forces from Asu have been spotted thirty miles away. Their numbers are estimated at over a hundred thousand."

  Kaelan Drago saluted, "Lord General, I take my leave." Lady Lyra Phenix stepped before him, gazing at him with deep affection. "Be careful!" The beauty's profound devotion intoxicated Kaelan Drago's heart and mind. He left the tent with eager steps.

  The Golden Phoenix Guard, who had served Lady Lyra Phenix for years, stood by her side, utterly dumbfounded by this unprecedented display. Yet Lady Lyra Phenix's gaze was fixed solely on Kaelan Drago's retreating figure, oblivious to the peculiar stares from her own Golden Phoenix Guard.

  Beside her, Lyna Kynn murmured softly, "Sister Phoenix, do you think he'll succeed?"Lady Lyra Phenix knew her concern was causing Lyna Kynn to overthink. She smiled reassuringly. "Rest assured. We've sent our elite forces. You should trust the Claws' prowess. Besides, haven't you ever trusted me before?" This made Lyna Kynn smile sheepishly. She knew that within the Phenix Legion, the two armies known as the "Claws" were cavalry units of exceptional combat strength.

  The sun rose, dispelling the mist that had shrouded the plains. The Fastian army had long since formed their battle lines, deploying in orderly, solid formations. Lady Lyra Phenix, clad in her iridescent armor, stood at the center of her own ranks, watching as Kaelan Drago and his troops swiftly departed from the Fastian formation. A complex expression flickered across her clear, large eyes.

  Lady Lyra Phenix silently cursed herself for becoming so weak in the presence of this man notorious for his lecherous and dissolute reputation. She found herself caring deeply about him, craving his embrace in his presence—a stark contrast to the strong, decisive woman she once was. Fleeting yet profound memories of childhood joy flowed through her heart, yet the innocent youth she remembered no longer existed. The magnitude of his transformation was beyond her comprehension.While it was true that men of this generation were generally self-indulgent and hedonistic, to earn such a far-reaching reputation for debauchery was truly remarkable.

  "What good is he?" Lady Lyra Phenix found herself asking. "What makes him worthy of such devotion from me and my Lyna?"At this thought, Lady Lyra Phenix glanced sideways. Lyna Kynn, clad in black armor, gazed with infinite tenderness at Kaelan Drago's receding figure. A pang of pain pierced Lady Lyra Phenix's heart. She murmured inwardly, "Lyna, it's not that I'm heartless. It's simply that this man stirs my heart too deeply. I only wish to be myself again. Don't blame me!"

  Lady Lyra Phenix knew that Asu, having just emerged from civil war, would mobilize its entire force now that it had extended its claws toward The Great Lake Region.As the Lion King with a glorious military record, he would likely lead the charge personally. Thus, Kaelan Drago, who had flanked around to the rear of the Asu forces, risked being attacked from both sides. For Kaelan Drago, commanding a mere twenty thousand troops, defeat was inevitable—perhaps even total annihilation.

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  Lady Lyra Phenix stared blankly at Kaelan Drago's figure fading into the vast expanse of land. Her heart surged with turbulent emotions. She felt her heart no longer belonged to her, as if it too had departed alongside Kaelan Drago."Have I already lost all control?" A void began to expand within Lady Lyra Phenix. The ache in her heart intensified, and a powerful urge nearly made her cry out. Perhaps this journey meant he would vanish forever from her life, and Lyna Kynn would never see him again.

  "Is this right?" Lady Lyra Phenix felt her resolve wavering. Memories buried deep within her mind grew clearer, flashing through her thoughts. Without realizing it, her heart had already filled to overflowing with longing for this man.Though she had once been unaware of his existence, at least there had been a chance for them to meet. But now, by sending him away, she was pushing him to the edge of a cliff with her own hands. If they truly could never meet again, it would be as if she were extinguishing the fire within her own heart.

  Lady Lyra Phenix, her emotions in constant flux, no longer possessed her former decisiveness. Thoughts churned like a whirlwind in her mind. Yet, true to her resolute nature, she swiftly found a solution and steeled her resolve.

  Lady Lyra Phenix clenched her silver teeth. "Perhaps this is divine will—bringing him back into my life only to make me fall hopelessly in love with him. If he is destined to be the man of my life, then he will return safely to me once more!" With this thought, she began to feel lighter.

  "What splendid weather today!" Lady Lyra Phenix murmured, casting aside her troubles as she gazed skyward. She seemed to sense the air thick with the promise of battle. Reaching out, she stroked her beloved dragon steed, Flying Cloud, beneath her. Flying Cloud, ever attentive, lifted his head and let out a clear, resonant whinny.

  Hearing this familiar cry, every soldier of the Phenix Legion perked up. For years, accompanied by this sound, the Phenix Legion had swept through countless armies. Each soldier had developed a god-like reverence for General Lady Lyra Phenix. Whenever they saw the fluttering Phoenix banner, they were certain victory was theirs. The title "Beautiful Goddess of War" was first coined by them.

  Lady Lyra Phenix turned her gaze toward the hazy outline of the distant Karthos encampment. A profound stillness enveloped the camp; the Karthos forces seemed unwilling to engage. "May the old man across the field remain safe too!" Though adversaries, Lady Lyra Phenix held deep respect for General Korth.

  "Enemy forces behind us!" a scout galloped in to report. An advance unit of Asur troops had appeared eight li ahead. Lady Lyra Phenix calmly commanded, "Turn the formation around!" Her order was relayed through layers of galloping messengers. The vast Fastian army began undulating like flowing water.

  The timing was precise. As the massed orc forces came into view, the Fastian army's front line aligned directly against the surging bearmen. Simultaneously, chaos erupted in the distant Karthos encampment—faint flames flickered amidst deafening battle cries.

  The bear-kin soldiers among the orcs were almost entirely infantry. Each was burly and ferocious, towering half a head taller than the Fastia troops. With thick skin, immense strength, and lightning-fast strides, their charging cries were utterly terrifying. Without prior preparation, one would be thrown into chaotic panic. Moreover, their speed was astonishing; in the blink of an eye, they had surged to the front of the Fastia army.

  The Fastia army, already prepared, remained composed. Archers positioned at the front unleashed a fierce volley of arrows upon the advancing Asu forces. After firing, the archers withdrew, while the heavily-armed infantry, already arrayed in formation behind them, advanced in perfect step. Their massive shields, gleaming in the rising sun, reflected dazzling light.

  The bear soldiers at the vanguard were mowed down by the hail of arrows, falling with agonized screams. Yet the bears behind them charged forward with unyielding ferocity. Even those lightly wounded, arrows still lodged in their bodies, continued their assault. The sheer brutality of the beastmen forces was plain to see.Every one of them wildly swung their weapons, roaring as they strained to close the distance to Fastia's positions. For in their minds, they held this conviction: once they reached the enemy's front, they would be crushed.

  Watching the orcs charge forward without fear of death, Lady Lyra Phenix gave a cold laugh and sneered, "A bunch of brainless fools!" Despite commanding such formidable soldiers, their commander's blunders would lead them to defeat. She calmly maneuvered her forces, continuing to deliver crushing blows to the enemy.The mage corps, already assembled and protected by heavy infantry, launched magical assaults upon the orcs. This was a pioneering strategy by Lady Lyra Phenix: gathering mages previously scattered across various units. The more mages chanted together, the greater the magical power unleashed, inflicting heavier damage upon the enemy.

  Countless terrifying fireballs and bolts of lightning danced overhead, striking the orcs where they feared most. With each incantation from Fastia's mages, waves of orcs collapsed.

  Lady Lyra Phenix knew she must prevent the orcs from closing in on her forces, for their combat prowess far surpassed that of the Fastia army. In hand-to-hand combat, several Fastia soldiers might struggle to match a single bear soldier. Yet under such sustained ranged assault, few bear soldiers could reach the Fastia lines. Even those who managed to breach the defenses were swiftly cut down by the overwhelming numbers of Fastia troops closing in.

  An hour later, General Brog finally grasped the truth: the Fastian army was not the easily frightened, collapsing foe he had imagined. His reckless charge had been nothing short of suicide. Now, his entire formation lay in disarray, and effective commands could no longer be relayed. He realized he must regroup and ordered the retreat signal sounded.

  The shrill, bone-piercing sound of the bone flute echoing through the orc ranks sent the already demoralized bear soldiers scattering like a receding tide.

  Unexpectedly, Lady Lyra Phenix had been waiting for this moment. At her command, the heavy infantry in front parted, and the cavalry behind charged forward. They struck the Orcs from behind, slaughtering the demoralized bear soldiers until they were in disarray, abandoning armor and weapons. They retreated ten miles before finally stabilizing.

  General Brog was furious, frantically ordering his troops to hold their ground and begin organizing a counterattack. An hour into the battle, both sides entered a stalemate. Yet under Lady Lyra Phenix's skillful command, the Fastian army's formations flexed and shifted with agility, gradually gaining the upper hand.Hours later, the orc forces suffered heavy casualties, their formation steadily collapsing. At this rate, their rout seemed inevitable.

  Yet Lady Lyra Phenix felt no satisfaction. She had anticipated that after raiding the orc encampment, Kaelan Drago would appear behind General Brog, pincering the enemy from both sides. But by now, Kaelan Drago had yet to materialize, indicating something had gone wrong. Lady Lyra Phenix thought to herself: Could my calculations truly be correct?Her heart was torn with conflicting emotions—she both hoped her judgment was correct and dreaded the success of her own scheming.

  As Lady Lyra Phenix stood in anxious anticipation, dust billowed from behind the orc camp, where a golden lion banner fluttered in the wind.Amidst the blaring horns, the Orc reinforcements finally arrived. Lady Lyra Phenix's face drained of color, her heart sinking in despair. The very thing she had feared had come to pass. Only now did she realize how deeply Kaelan Drago had taken root in her heart, and how immense the pain of losing him truly was.

  With no other choice, Lady Lyra Phenix steeled herself, shifting her forces into a defensive formation as they slowly retreated. Seizing this moment to regroup, General Brog swiftly reorganized his troops. The arriving lion soldiers swiftly outpaced the bear soldiers, launching a fierce assault against the Fastian army.Simultaneously, the leopard soldiers who had utterly crushed the Karthos army, along with the supporting Asura wolf tribes, began converging on this sector.

  Here, Lady Lyra Phenix fully demonstrated her defensive prowess, organizing an exceptionally effective defense. The Fastian army fought their way back, gradually withdrawing from the battlefield. Only one division of The Western Host, caught up in the heat of battle, found itself surrounded by the main horde and was swiftly slaughtered by the orcs.

  The Fastian army retreated five leagues. Seeing the orc forces withdraw to establish camp, they too halted to rest and regroup. Lady Lyra Phenix knew she would have to hold this position for several days, awaiting reinforcements. Facing an orc army nearing half a million strong, she understood she must devise a careful strategy to secure the defense.

  Within the orc encampment, General Brog was berated by Lion King Leo, ordered to lead the remaining seventy thousand defeated bear warriors to the rear. Covered in dust and disheveled, General Brog exited the main tent only to encounter General Grayfang, the wolf commander who had always been at odds with him. He was met with another round of scornful taunts.

  "That woman is indeed formidable," General Brog fumed. "You'd fare no better."

  General Grayfang sneered coldly, "Would I end up like you, you big dumb bear?"

  "Why don't you try it then?" General Brog sneered back. "Stop talking big. Didn't you boast about how formidable the wolf soldiers are in night combat?"

  Provoked by General Brog's words, General Grayfang immediately retorted, "Perfect timing! I've just been ordered to raid the Fastian army. I'll capture that woman and bring her to you!" With that, General Grayfang stormed off. Left behind, General Brog sneered coldly, cursing inwardly: "Damn fool. Hope the Fastians kill him."

  General Grayfang led his elite eighty thousand Wolf Soldiers under cover of night, stealthily approaching the outer perimeter of the Fastia army's encampment. Seeing the silent camp, he felt elation surge within. Little did he know that the moment he charged into the camp, a gong sounded, flames erupted all around, and the Fastia army had them completely surrounded.Amid the flames, the radiant Lady Lyra Phenix stepped forward, her voice sharp and commanding: "I anticipated this trick. Surrender now, or face death without mercy!" A deafening roar erupted from the surrounding Fastian troops, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

  General Grayfang, his savage nature unleashed, roared, "Charge!" The wolf soldiers, already itching for battle, surged forward. Lady Lyra Phenix swept her porcelain hand, and flames shot skyward, engulfing the wolf soldiers in a sea of fire.She had secretly laid this trap, waiting for the orcs to fall into it. Fire was the orcs' greatest fear. The blaze shattered the wolf soldiers' ranks, sending them fleeing in disarray. Fastia's forces struck them from behind with fierce intensity. General Grayfang could only lead his scorched and scattered troops in a desperate retreat, their former glory and ambition utterly extinguished.

  The Fastian army halted their pursuit only when lion soldiers arrived midway to provide backup.

  Seeing the wolf soldiers charred black and clad in rags, General Brog found no laughter in his heart. Lion King Leo offered General Grayfang a few words of comfort, then blamed himself: "I never imagined Lady Lyra Phenix to be so formidable. It was my miscalculation. General, do not dwell on it."After a pause, Lion King Leo added, "But Lady Lyra Phenix won't have much time left. Once that device is operational, we'll annihilate the enemy forces."

  All the generals present lit up with hope. Lady Shireen asked, "Your Majesty, is that contraption already developed?" Lion King Leo nodded. "Indeed, it was just completed. It will be transported here within the next couple of days." The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement.

  General Brog rubbed his bear paw. "Once we catch that bitch, I'll fuck her to death." General Grayfang nodded vigorously. "Exactly. Exactly. Nothing less will satisfy my hatred." Lady Shireen left the tent in displeasure, leaving the lecherous men behind to discuss how they would deal with Lady Lyra Phenix once captured.

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