The Noctein Kingdom had suffered massive losses in their eastern territories, but they continued to match the Adenburg forces on the Istein Plains.

Both sides expected a close battle, as both armies had troops of similar quality and quantity. However, the battle soon became a one-sided domination by the Adenburg forces.

It was all due to a difference in morale.

Until the start of the duel between Drachen and Lafayette of the Burning Flame, there had been minimal differences in morale. It was true the Nocteins had a deep fear of Drachen, but they did not feel the need to worry about him so long as the Knights of the Azure Sky were around.

They were wrong.

The second of the Knights of the Azure Sky, the griffin rider they had put their faith in, had become tied up by the Adenburg mages’ spell before even having the chance to fight properly, and only the third-ranking griffin rider remained.

It was at this moment that the Noctein soldiers realized that the heavens would become the source of their nightmare once again. They could not realistically expect Roland to properly check Drachen, considering his crushing defeat in their first duel.

And as they anticipated, Roland was not a match for Drachen. He was pushed back immediately...