"The bad news is, the scouts informed us that Kemler resurrected the entire previous Duke of Atuo’s Wild Boar Knight Brotherhood, greatly supplementing his troops. Moreover, he spent a fortune hiring a group of robbers from the Gray Mountain Range, around six hundred of them," Jerald continued. "The robbers are mainly composed of crossbowmen and archers, which compensates somewhat for the lack of long-range firepower in Kemler’s army... at least a little bit~"

"Hahaha~ Let them come!" said Pierre the Saint, the Holy Grail Knight stationed at La-Mesnil Abbey. He was over a hundred years old and no longer concerned with life or death: "I will slay every undead scum I see, I swear."

"The monastery’s defense is entrusted to the La-Mesnil Holy Watcher and the dwarf artillery in Laine’s army," Francois began to arrange the battle formation. "They will deploy all artillery, muskets, and catapults along the monastery walls. That will be our final line of defense."

"The left flank is yours, Laine. You and your men must withstand the fierce assault of the undead army. I will dispatch five thousand men to you," Francois said to Laine. "If possible, crush them."

"Understood," Laine nodded.

"Okay! Leave it to the dwarves!" Belgar poked his head out from under the long table, raising the Hammer of Angland in his hand to signify receipt.

"The right wing goes to Antelme and most of the knights from the Duchy of Winford and the Pegasus Knights of the Swift Celestial Spear Association. Your priority is to deal with those robbers hired by Kemler; also, be cautious not to fall out of formation," Francois continued the arrangements. "Kaled, Jerald, follow Antelme."

"Yes!" Antelme and Jerald both nodded.

"I will lead most of the infantry corps and archers, waiting in the central army to attract enemy’s main force. Kemler will certainly spare no expense to charge the central army. If he does, Laine, Antelme, you immediately close in to flank Kemler and his army," Francois ordered next. "The artillery on the walls will provide cover and fire support for us. Knowing Kemler as I do, he’ll definitely come after me, just as I want to grind him to dust!"

"Yes!"

The military council concluded, it was already afternoon, the sky gradually turning dark. The Knightly Army began distributing rations, checking equipment, and preparing weapons in earnest.

This battle will determine whether Laine and Francois can free the Knight Kingdom from Kemler’s shadow, as well as Brittania’s southern fate. If they fail here, the entire Winford Duchy and the south will be engulfed by the undead tide until completely submerged.

Most knights bore solemn expressions, knowing all too well the importance of this victory.

Prayers filled the camp.

Lake God Witch Mogiana unleashed a powerful Great Curse Technique, a magnificent Divine Art, her spell channeling the divine power from the Lake Fairy. Now, a statue of the Lake Fairy at the monastery held a cup, a golden chalice filled with crystal-clear, sparkling sacred water. The Champion Knights of the Quenalis Champion Knight Brotherhood will anoint their weapons with the sacred water to break the protection on undead Chaos Chosen Warriors.

After casting the Great Curse Technique, Mogiana sat pale on the side, her strength yet to fully recover, the Great Curse Technique nearly exhausting all her mana.

Fully dressed, Laine initially intended to say a word to Mogiana, but with the Champion Knights of the Quenalis Brotherhood present, it was inconvenient, so he gave up.

Donning his spiritual power armor, Laine bowed his head, contemplating how to defeat Guer and Kemler, as well as that Duke of Musillon, Mathew Bade.

After a while, his Mjolnir appeared before him. Raising his head, he saw Kaled’s face, the Expedition Knight sporting a neat goatee, smiling: "Your Warhammer is truly heavy."

"No, it’s your Warhammer." Laine laughed, reaching for his Mjolnir, he picked up the Divine Sword Durandal with the other hand, handing it to Kaled: "Your sword is my sword, Kaled, in this war, we’re inseparable, fighting together for home and country."

"For the land the Lady bestowed upon us, for Brittania!" Kaled took the sword from Laine, hesitated a moment, then began: "Laine, can I have a serious word with you?"

"Please speak," said Laine. He and Kaled had met many times, but their exchanges were indeed few.

"I once had some thoughts about you, finding it somewhat... absurd for the Lady to choose you as the champion. Brittania doesn’t need such an outsider as the Lady’s Divine Chosen Champion, we have plenty of strong young knights." Kaled extended his hand to Laine: "But your actions have earned my admiration; without you, who knows what crisis this kingdom would endure, Laine brother, I won’t utter those insincere praises, nor do I like saying them, I’ll show you with my actions."

"Thank you..." Laine also extended his hand to shake with Kaled: "Let’s guard the land the Lady has given us together."

"Mm!" Laine was about to speak further when suddenly a horn sounded outside.

"Dee~woo, dee~woo~"

"That isn’t the horn of the undead!" Laine and Kaled exchanged a glance, the light in the eyes of the Lake Fairy’s Divine Chosen Champion shining brightly: "That seems more like..."

With that said, Laine quickly ran outside.

"Dee~woo, dee~woo~"

The screech of a giant eagle sliced through the sky, a agile figure descending from its back, wearing an antlered helmet, clad in scale armor forged by the Power of Starfire. Behind him, a Wood Elf army of about two thousand appeared before the Brittania Knights.

Comprising Woodland Guards, Eternal Guards, and Deep Forest Scouts, they were an elite force, cloaked each in robes, each carrying a recurve bow. Riders held high banners bearing the King’s Forest domain, gradually approaching La-Mesnil Abbey in several absolutely orderly formations.

Francois, astonished, ran down the steps, "This... how is this possible?"

The proud Forest Lord Alaros approached the steps, facing the numerous knights, he lifted his chin, standing proudly: "Brittania people, I bring greetings from the King of the Forest Olein and Queen Airel."

"A thousand years ago, when your Knight King Arthur founded the nation, we formed an alliance to fight evil together."

"A thousand years later, Eslelin will not stand by as undead wreak havoc outside the forest, you helped us when Kemler and his undead legion attacked the forest, now we shall extend our support in this war."

"Eslelin will fight alongside you!"