Chapter 172 - Blood Plain

The days turned into weeks as food in the other parts of the country became scarce, the Von Hoga Dukedom locked down its borders, only those that swore their loyalty to His Grace Duke Tatsuo Von Hoga would be permitted to enter if they are peasants or receive aid if noble.

The Emperor soon realized he underestimated the Duke's influence as no major country would assist him, instead, he issued a War Quest to adventures to storm the north from Copper to Adamantite all were permitted and the rewards for a successful siege of the Duchy brought about rather lucrative rewards even a Noble title.

Like true Gentlement the decided on a place for their armies to clash so there would be no major impact on civilians. The Emperor collected an Impressive 400,000+ Adventures yet of course as they weren't a formal military they looked like a disorganized mob next to the Emperor's army.

The Place of battle was a plain on the Eastern border of the Von Hoga Duchy and the Empire. The Duke's army stood 500,000 strong a far cry from the Emperor's 1 million however the Duke's Army screamed discipline as they stood in formation radiating an unholy bloodthirst. The Duke wasn't present on the battlefield but the Duchess sat on her throne overlooking the entire battlefield. As long as she said nothing her army continued to stand in silence as they looked at the Emperor's side.

From across the way, the Emperor spotted the Duchess and sneered "The Duke is so cowardly he sent a woman to the Battlefield in his place."

Nel looked at the Emperor and smiled, was this smile a warm one? Not at all, it was as if he was plunged into the waters of the Antarctic n.a.k.e.d like the day he was born. The Duchess clutched the armrest of her Throne shattering it to dust.

"Unohanna."

With a flash Unohanna, the former Captain of the 4th Division appeared before the Duchess. Contrasting the Duchess elegant charcoal-colored dress and exquisite jewelry Unohanna was dressed for Battle. She wore a Modified kimono with her Katana held in her left hand, her long black hair flowed down her face and back. This wasn't the sweet healing Unohanna but the First Kenpachi, her mana was rough and murderous and even some of the soldiers in formation below felt it and shuddered.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"It would seem this child believes that women are inferior beings at first I thought he had some value however it would seem he needs firm re-education. Show him the power of the Night."

Unohanna looked up at the Duchess and saw the fury in her eyes, His Eminence is still just having fun with the citizens of this world. He's living as a lowly Duke when he is the High-Emperor that is the Sky above the Heavens, but Unohanno understood that there were few things that truly angered either the High-Emperor or the Empress yet today she wanted to make an example to all.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Standing up Unohanna walked towards the Battlefield and stood in front of the Emperor's army.

"Her Grace says this farce has gone on long enough and it is time to end it. She says come attack and we shall show you the power of the Von Hoga Duchy."

The Emperor looked up at the Duchess who now was much calmer yet wore an expression that was frosty as she drank her wine.

"Since it is like that, CHARGE!"

Like a Wave, the Emperor's army Stormed towards the Duchess. Yet despite this, the Duchess's Soldiers never moved. Only one person did, Unohanna placed her right hand onto the hilt of her sword and drew it faster than the speed of sound, the force from the draw sent out a shockwave that sliced through the incoming army.

Following that she dashed forward into the fray, everywhere she went soldiers died by the thousands and her blade sliced through them like a hot knife through butter. The Emperor's army was like cotton being thrown at a rock, no impact, no idea.

Limbs, heads, torsos, and Blood flew through the air as if they were thrown into a blender, chunks of flesh and blood littered the battlefield as the scarlet demon ran through the enemy ranks.

*Random Onlooker POV*

Our Superior told us to observe the outcome of the battle between the Duke of Oblivion and his own Emperor. It was obvious the Duke had the advantage whether it's military or economically, however, our Superior wants to know exactly how powerful this duke truly is as he may be our enemy one day.

As we looked on at the two opposing militaries we noticed that the duke wasn't present yet there was a woman sitting upon a Throne on the Duke's side. We heard about the duke given women equal rights however none of us thought it was to the extent that he would entrust his entire military to a woman.

Yet the women looked graceful with her crown with was not ostentatious nor niggardly with the jewelry. She looked out at the Emperor as if she was looking at a Bug as she called upon a subordinate.

The Subordinate was also a woman that we watched rip through the entire Imperial military, 1 vs 1 Million it was nothing more than a One-Sided annihilation. although she clearly could have done it in a more civilized way yet it seems like the Duchess wanted to make an example of the Emperor for all the Nations to see as we aren't the only spectators. The iron-like smell of blood permeated the air as body parts were scattered all about as the Subordinate now covered completely in blood continued to rip the military apart.

The sight was so grotesque I vomited as never have I seen a more inhumane sight, removing my eyes from the carbage I look back at the Duchess. Holding a glass of wine that she brings to her lips she watches as her order gets executed without so much of a blink as she drinks wine the same color as the blood on the field. I look at her for a long time burning her face into memory, before long I noticed that she was looking at me, a smile appeared on he face that made me empty my bowels. Then she looked back at the field that was now devoid of enemy life, then back to me and mouthed 'You're Next.'