The imperial army's procession stretched out long. The sight of the army moving across the vast plains of the empire was magnificent. At the forefront was an old general with graying hair.0

As most knights did, the old general Carnius looked at least ten years older than his actual age. He had aged even more in the last year so that just looking at his face, one would think he was well over seventy. However, his broad shoulders and back still carried the sharpness of a man in his prime.0

Clip-clop, clip-clop.1

The combat troops belonging to the army under Carnius' command numbered twenty thousand. Including the supply units, the total exceeded forty thousand. It was an excessive number for a single general to command alone. If he gained the soldiers' trust, he could even consider a rebellion with such a force.0

Such a force was given to Carnius, who belonged to the anti-imperial faction. This showed how invested the emperor was in this war.0

"General, the plunderers have reached the border of Porcana. It would be best to increase our marching speed," the adjutant reported after receiving the message.1

Carnius shook his head and responded, "Do not rush. The barbarians are already cornered. We just need to tighten the noose...1