Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 203

[Vol. 5] Chapter 203: The Three Armies Move in Unison

“Throughout history, in our wars against demons, apart from small-scale skirmishes, we’ve mostly been on the defensive in the early stages of conflict. Especially now, with the Redemption Saintess and the Saintess Healing Order still on their way to provide support, charging head-on into battle with the demon army isn’t a wise choice.”

“So, about this Sacchino City…”

As she spoke, the Saintess glanced meaningfully at Miss Holy Knight beside her, who was clad in snow-white armor and fully armed. The latter nodded in response without hesitation.

“Understood. I will lead a unit to scout the city first, to assess the situation… How are things progressing on the other fronts?”

“The vanguard forces have already engaged the demons, who recently occupied Kaidos City, 75 kilometers away on the left flank, at the Lak Hills.”

“Of course, they won’t fight the enemy to the bitter end. Their goal is merely to buy us time. If they engage in a strategic retreat, they should withdraw to this area by tomorrow evening at the latest.”

“As for the demons on the right wing, according to intel from the Arbiter’s spies, they encountered trouble crossing the Star River, harassed by the river creatures and intercepted by the remnants of the Angel City’s army retreating to the western bank. It is expected that they will arrive half a day later than the left wing, so there’s no immediate need to worry.”

Miss Holy Knight glanced at the morning sun, which had just risen into the clear sky, and pondered aloud, “So, we have about 30 hours to act… Considering the changing battlefield conditions and the possibility of the demons reinforcing their troops, we should complete the construction of our defensive lines within the day. Your Highness Yuna, I’ll leave command of the central army to you.”

“Hmm, how many troops do you need?”

“Sacchino City hasn’t completely fallen yet. With 3,000 elite soldiers of the ?Scales of Judgment? under my command, it should be enough. I’ll have a report back within half a day.”

“Alright, be careful, and don’t forget… how the Sarnos and Keller provinces fell.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. And Miss Dawn… Miss Dawn?”

After wrapping up the brief yet intense discussion, Edwina turned around, intending to call Miss White Fox to set off with her as planned. However, she noticed that Violet was simply staring in their direction, seemingly lost in thought.

Hearing Edwina’s call, Violet snapped out of it and smiled wistfully, shaking her head.

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking… You two really work well together. Despite only a few weeks of cooperation, and that big argument you had over differences in opinion, now you divide tasks so smoothly when it comes to important matters. I guess that’s what compatibility is all about…”

“……?” x2

“Haha, sorry, sorry. That was a strange thing to say all of a sudden. Let’s get going!”

…………………………….

The army mobilized swiftly. Less than an hour after the decision was made, Edwina led her 3,000 elite Holy Knights of the ?Scales of Judgment? over the hillside, arriving near the gates of Sacchino City. Violet naturally accompanied her.

Apart from her curiosity, another reason Violet came along was to address the potential spread of the plague within Sacchino City. If the infection was indeed spreading, she needed to use the ?Seal of Mountains and Rivers? to open a rift in space and temporarily isolate those carrying the ?Defilement?.

Although it was a simple task, Violet was the only one who could accomplish it with just a wave of her hand.

In addition, Violet brought along the angel sisters, Leila and Rene, leaving the less combat-ready Theresa and Eudora at the central army camp on the hillside, protected by the young dragoness.

This arrangement made sense given the situation. Leila and Rene were both angels of transcendent power, and while they hadn’t yet fully matured, they were already a force capable of overpowering entire armies on a mortal battlefield.

Among the Holy Empire’s army, the only one likely to surpass the two angel sisters in strength is the Bright Light Saintess herself, who has reached the pinnacle of transcendence.

Even Edwina, who recently broke through to transcendent power with Violet’s ?God’s Blood Elixir?, is still far compared to them. Leila and Rene’s presence in the army as a safeguard not only provides security but also allows Violet to avoid the trouble of getting involved.

“Strange… it’s a bit too quiet.”

Standing at the front of the army, Leila, who was always meticulous, voiced her confusion in a low murmur as she gazed at the low city walls of Sacchino, only a dozen meters away.

On the other hand, her more impulsive sister, Rene, was already raring to go. She waved her staff in front of her, as if eager to rush in and start a fight with whatever was inside.

“Silly sister, haven’t you heard? This city hasn’t communicated with the army for nearly twelve hours. It’s very likely it’s already fallen and turned into a trap set by the demons. Why else do you think Miss Edwina brought so many of these tin cans?”

“What tin cans… You need to be serious. This is a real war, completely different from those little skirmishes we had before. Stop joking around.”

“Hmm, fine, fine… I know, sister, you’re always worrying~”

Meanwhile, Miss Holy Knight, who had also reached the city gates, didn’t mind Rene’s playful nickname for the ?Scales of Judgment? Holy Knights. After all, during their travels, they had all grown quite close, and she knew Rene’s comments had no ill intentions, simply an attempt to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Miss Holy Knight exchanged a glance with the white fox girl and nodded in agreement.

“It is indeed unusually quiet, and there are no Knight Templars or auxiliary troops from Sacchino City guarding the walls. Even though this side is closer to the western interior, we cannot rule out the possibility of small, mobile demon forces launching raids from here. How can there be no defenses?”

Considering the points made by the three girls, Violet offered her final conclusion.

“In any case, let’s try knocking first. Though it’s not obvious, when we looked from the hillside earlier, there were still signs of activity within the city.”

“Agreed.”

Edwina drew the holy sword from her waist, pointing its tip downward. In an instant, golden-red flames erupted from the blade, shooting skyward and forming a massive light sword, taller than the city walls of Sacchino!

The surging, divine aura lifted her golden hair like a wave. Although no spectral figures appeared behind her this time, the majestic and holy presence, as if a divine apostle had descended upon the world, remained undiminished.

“I am Edwina Cecilia of the Holy Empire, acting leader of the ?Scales of Judgment? and deputy commander of the Holy War! I have come to personally lead the army in support. Where are the leaders of Sacchino City?”

Her bold and righteous shout, amplified by holy magic, rippled outward like a sound wave. Within a radius of nearly ten kilometers, her powerful voice could be heard clearly.

This was a signal that Edwina had prearranged with Yuna, letting her, who was watching from the hillside with the main forces, know that they had reached the city gates and were about to enter, so she should be prepared to respond as needed.

It was also to inform the residents within Sacchino City that the army of the Holy Empire had arrived.

If Sacchino City had not yet fallen, such an action would undoubtedly boost the morale of its troops and citizens. But if it had already fallen into the hands of demons…

Then it was both a warning and a threat.