The Corruption Dragon God: Lust System Chapter 413 - Betrayal of humanity

"What do you think of them?" David Valemont questioned while strolling beside Qingyi.

The king was dressed in simple, airy robes as if he had only just risen from bed, clutching a small metal flask of rum in his right hand.

The two stood atop a high platform overlooking the capital's massive central barracks.

Spread out before them were tens of thousands of gathered troops.

Nearly fifty thousand soldiers stood there, the absolute elite provided by southern allies who remained steadfast in their loyalty to David.

This force was a mere shadow of the kingdom's military at its zenith, back when the army boasted over four hundred thousand men.

Nevertheless, it remained a formidable power, owing to both the individual strength of the soldiers and their extensive combat experience.

To be honest, Qingyi doubted these men would be of significant assistance to him.

Ultimately, the fate of the war would be settled in a clash between himself and Lord Belgrath. Those of lower rank would be little more than ants waiting to be crushed.

However, matters were rarely that straightforward.

While Qingyi was capable of winning the fight alone, a military presence was still required to seize and hold the territory. In the conflicts of this world, that was their primary function.

Qingyi’s gaze swept over the ranks, noting the quality of every steel plate protecting them and every finely crafted blade at their sides.

This was a disciplined, professional force, not some ragtag feudal militia. "They're good," Qingyi finally remarked, offering a wide grin as he noticed the respectful looks coming even from the grizzled veterans.

It was a satisfying feeling.

"Come, I will introduce you to the officers. They will handle the army's mobilization; Belgrath’s patience is surely wearing thin," David noted.

The king took a swig of rum before passing the container to Qingyi, who followed suit with a sip of his own.

Before they could depart, however, a voice from the distance shouted to stop them.

"My King! My King!"

A servant scrambled onto the platform, clutching a missive. His voice was ragged and out of breath.

He rushed toward David and dropped to his knees, presenting the message.

"Steady yourself, lad." David turned, snatched the letter, and scanned its contents. His expression instantly darkened into a heavy scowl.

"Orcs... those green-skinned bastards!" David snarled, his grip tightening until the paper crumpled in his hand.

"Son-in-law, are you familiar with Orcs?" David asked through gritted teeth, gesturing for the servant to withdraw.

"I've picked up a few rumors. They are said to be massive and powerful, driven by violence and lacking much intellect," Qingyi answered.

"Good," David said with a grim smile, placing his hands on Qingyi’s shoulders. "Ready your blade; that green blood is foul and corrosive."

Before Qingyi could say a word, David spun around to face the officers leading the vanguard.

"Belgrath is heading our way! He has turned his back on humanity and made a pact with those orc swine! We shall slay him and spill his entrails across the capital! We will purge this disgrace from our people!"

David’s roar was met by a thunderous, unified battle cry from the troops.

"Prepare the march," David commanded his officers, then signaled for Qingyi to come along.

"Ugh... that sounds absolutely foul," the smooth, mature voice of Ruxue vibrated within Qingyi’s mind.

"It truly is," Qingyi agreed with a shake of his head.

In truth, he had always harbored a desire to hunt orcs.

Back on Earth, orcs didn't exist, and even if they had, he lacked the strength to face them back then.

Luckily, the situation was different in this world. With a quiet sigh, he followed behind David.

The remaining logistics were handled swiftly. Soon, he was departing with the host, soaring several hundred meters in the air. He felt a hint of worry about leaving Isabel behind in the capital, yet she deserved some time with her mother.

Furthermore, she wasn't truly in jeopardy; Qingyi had gifted her a pendant engraved with defensive arrays, designed to whisk her away to the world of the mind should she face any real threat.

Accompanying Qingyi and managing the moving ranks were about fifty of David Valemont’s most reliable officers.

Only one among them flew at Qingyi's side.

He was a general who had recently attained the ninth ring, stepping in to replace the kingdom's previous guardian who had fallen in a Belgrath-led ambush.

The man was tall, stoic, and appeared honorable, possessing fair skin, blue eyes, and short dark hair.

"What is the distance to Belgrath’s position?" Qingyi inquired, glancing toward the general.

"Two weeks at most, Your Highness. Belgrath began his move many days ago, and orcs cover ground quickly."

"I see... I assume they aren't the type to favor stealthy ambushes?"

"Correct, Your Highness. Orcs don't hide; they simply charge head-on," the general replied with a shake of his head.

"Excellent..." Qingyi let out a broad smile.

The trek continued in this manner.

They traveled across vast woodlands and vibrant groves teeming with mana beasts.

These creatures differed from those Qingyi had encountered on the eastern continent, though they shared certain traits.

It was only after twelve days of marching that the army finally halted.

They had reached the rim of a massive canyon located in a desert region at the kingdom's heart.

This was the swiftest route Belgrath could take to reach the capital.

Given that he was leading an orcish horde, the officers were certain Belgrath would choose this path.

Consequently, the army began to dig in.

They took up positions around the two-kilometer-wide pass, erecting defensive walls and establishing their camp.

Qingyi occupied the main command tent, seated at the head of a massive wooden table surrounded by his officers.

To be honest, occupying this role still felt somewhat peculiar to him.

He had watched the third prince and the current king of the Blue Sea Kingdom play this part. He had seen his wife, Tang Biyue, do it as well.

But now, he was the one at the center, with skilled officers treating his every word as an absolute decree.

A giant map of the kingdom lay spread out in the middle of the table.

It was already marked with data from the scouts Qingyi had dispatched to the north.

Rising to his feet, Qingyi studied the markers intently.

Belgrath’s forces were likely less than a hundred kilometers away.

Considering how fast orcs could march, they would arrive in less than a day.

Qingyi opened his mouth to speak, but his entire frame suddenly locked up.

A staggering wave of murderous intent washed over the entire army. Qingyi’s face broke into a wide, eager grin. The enemy had arrived.