Chapter 1435 - 610: Battle of the Blood Pine Forest

Chapter 1435: Chapter 610: Battle of the Blood Pine Forest

PS: Today there’s a 50% chance of another update, depending on everyone’s sincerity. Whether it happens or not is a matter of a single thought.

"Odo! Are you trying to incite a civil war?!" Outside the Blood Pine Forest, two armies began their confrontation. The face of Great Alchemist Gailte was hidden behind a metal mask, making it impossible to discern his expression. However, there was no doubt that there was a hint of anger in his voice: "Can you bear this responsibility?"

"I did not incite a civil war." The Supreme Dean of Bright Academy, Odo, also said seriously: "I told you, Gailte, no passage is allowed here. If you insist on passing, then I can only say I’m sorry."

The two Imperial Armies thus confronted each other, with ammunition loaded and artillery prepared. At this time, the army led by Gailte, though exhausted after the expedition, was high in morale due to a series of victories. In contrast, the army led by Odo, despite being well-rested and having elite equipment as well as the blessings of the Justice Church’s Divine Art, seemed somewhat lacking in confidence. These troops found it difficult to aim weapons at their compatriots but had no choice, which dampened their spirits.

Thus, both sides appeared evenly matched.

"On whose orders?" Gailte looked at the Imperial Army blocking the road, the Great Alchemist gripping the Golden Staff in his hand tightly, his words sharp: "I don’t believe His Majesty the Emperor would give such an order! We are all human compatriots, even armies of the Rick Territory, and you are making us kill each other!"

"I said, I did not incite a civil war." Odo repeated: "I am only stationed here, not allowing anyone or anything beyond people to pass! Gailte, you and your men cannot pass here. If you want to return to Brunswick, fine, please take a detour through the Drakwald Forest or around Stier and Avey Territories!"

The Great Alchemist’s metallic gloves gripped his Golden Staff tighter. Odo’s plan was certainly vicious. If Gailte took a detour, he would surely miss the Royal Chief Grand Wizard’s contest. If he chose not to detour, he would have to clash with Odo, who could seize the opportunity to accuse him of instigating a battle, making the Great Alchemist the scapegoat for inciting civil war.

So the question arises, how did Odo know he would take this route? How did a Light Mage gather such an army?

At this moment, both armies were on the brink, Odo’s troops having already taken advantageous positions. Gailte immediately assessed that if he launched a frontal attack, even with the aid of the Wind of Piety, it would certainly be a hard-fought battle.

Thinking of this, Gailte continued to shout loudly: "I asked you a question! Odo! Tell me, on whose orders are you acting? Who instructed you to do this? By what right do you block an Imperial Army and the Great Alchemist of the Empire?!"

"That’s right! Who? Who has deceived our Emperor?!"

"We fought and bled on the front lines to defend the Empire, sacrificing so much, and now we can’t even return home. Why is this?!"

"What are you people really trying to do?!"

Gailte’s troops shouted in anger, Imperial soldiers who had fought thousands of miles, shedding blood and sweat, achieving numerous victories, finally returning alive, only to be blocked at the Blood Pine Forest, unable to return home. Not only were they not rewarded, they couldn’t even go home. Is this how the Empire treats soldiers who fought for the nation?

From disappointment, to sadness, to grief and rage, finally, becoming utter fury.

The soldiers under Odo’s command looked guilty and somewhat wavering. The Supreme Dean of the Bright Academy felt uncomfortable and was forced to speak loudly: "This is the decree of Archbishop Vicma. Recently, the Goblin Tribe and Beastman Tribe in the Blood Pine Forest have been active, and the Empire is at a crucial moment, so this road is temporarily closed!"

"His Grace the Archbishop should deal with the Green Skin and Chaos, not us!" An Imperial Captain shouted loudly, his words stirring the soldiers: "Why block us?"

"Why?!"

"Because you’ve been exposed to Chaos!" To this, Odo had already prepared a response. The Supreme Dean of Light solemnly said, "I do not doubt your loyalty! But the world knows how terrifying Chaos can be. While your campaign in Kislev against Chaos was indeed great, who can guarantee that none among you have been corrupted? So I cannot let you pass, at least not now!"

So that’s it, the Bright Academy had the support of Vicma.

The Great Alchemist quickly connected the dots. Despite his extensive wisdom, Gailte felt powerless against Odo, who had the support of the entire Justice Church. He had no choice but to opt for battle.

Odo was a formidable competitor and a highly skilled mage. Gailte knew that he and his army should take the initiative to attack, then lure Odo and his forces out of their defensive positions to switch from offense to defense, which would be the only way to stand a chance of winning. At the same time, Gailte knew he must be cautious, as Odo’s preparations were surely more than they seemed, and no one knew what schemes lay hidden beneath that white robe.

"Soldiers, Imperial soldiers!" Gailte finally decided to speak up, shouting loudly to his soldiers: "By now, you all know why Odo is blocking us here!"