Following the infantry and mage corps, the cavalry and chariot legions were next to be reviewed.
In this era, before the invention of stirrups and horseshoes, cavalry was still merely an auxiliary force on the battlefield.
The inability of knights to free both hands greatly limited their effectiveness, preventing them from playing a decisive role in war.
Most of the time, they were used for scouting and harassment.
Chariots, however, were the true kings of warfare in this age.
Though less flexible than cavalry and notoriously poor at turning, chariots reigned supreme on the battlefield with their formidable defense and devastating impact.
Heavy chariots of this era were akin to tanks on ancient battlefields, no infantry formation, no matter how disciplined, could withstand their charge.
In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of the Celestial Empire, a nation's strength was judged by the number of chariots it possessed.
And now, before Alaric and Nitocris, stood precisely such chariots.
Each majestic chariot was drawn by four warhorses.
The horses wore leather barding, with metal armor protecting their vital areas. Armed to the teeth, they exuded an awe-inspiring presence.
Three soldiers stood upon every chariot.
One controlled the reins, one wielded a long-handled duckbill axe, and the third carried a bow and arrows.
At the rear fluttered the military banner of Egypt.
There were over a hundred such chariots before them, more than enough to demonstrate the current strength of Nitocris' faction.
Many weaker nomes did not even possess a single chariot.
That Memphis could field so many chariots today was thanks in no small part to the aid of magic. In production, magical techniques provided tremendous assistance.
Spells could make hands more dexterous, aid in manufacturing through transfiguration, and directly reshape materials, spells akin to "Stone Shaping" or "Molding" could alter an object's form outright.
Others, such as "Divine Craftsmanship," could even transform raw materials directly into finished products, though only physical changes were involved.
In short, as magical power became integrated into the state, Nitocris' influence expanded far faster than anyone had imagined.
Behind the battlefield formations stood the siege engines.
Catapults, battering rams, siege towers, and more.
In this regard, ancient Egypt's technology was far from lacking. One need only look at their magnificent architectural achievements.
If they could use levers to construct transportation machinery, they could just as easily use levers to build catapults.
The siege engines were the final item in the review. Once inspection concluded, slaves stepped forward to dismantle them in preparation for transport.
With the military review complete, Nitocris' chariot returned to the city gate, where officials approached to report on logistical arrangements.
She nodded, then rose to her feet and looked out at the soldiers before her.
Every one of them gazed at her with blazing eyes, hearts surging, awaiting their Pharaoh's command.
They had been waiting for this day for a very long time.
"Soldiers of Egypt!" Nitocris' voice, amplified by magic, resounded across the army. "I am your Pharaoh, your supreme commander, Nitocris!"
"Four years have passed since the Great Judgment.
Four years ago, Egypt was mired in chaos.
The rulers of the nation, those officials, were steeped in corruption. Governors in every region acted independently, and the people suffered without end.
The glory of Ra, the radiance of the sun, was setting into decline. That Egypt became like that was my shame as Pharaoh, and your shame as well!"
Hearing her words, the soldiers were reminded of those days, of that chaotic Egypt. Anger welled up within them.
Egypt, the great nation descended from the Ennead, should never have fallen so low.
"Four years ago, I purged the parasites of this nation. And today, four years later, at least in Memphis, our country has begun to flourish once more.
I can proudly declare that the people of Memphis now stand equal before the law and can live happy lives through their own efforts! The sun's brilliance has risen again!"
Her words stirred their memories. Over these four years, the improvement in living standards around Memphis was visible to the naked eye.
Though certain goods were still scarce, that was due to fractured governance and obstructed trade among the regions.
At the very least, there had been no more shortages of grain or military pay.
"But is this enough?" Nitocris demanded loudly. "Is it enough that only the people of Memphis enjoy the empire's glory and splendor?"
Not enough!
The soldiers shouted in their hearts. They longed desperately for glory.
"No, this is not enough!"
Nitocris gave voice to their unspoken cry.
"I am the Child of Horus, the living god upon this earth, the incarnation of Ra and Horus, Queen of the Sky, sovereign of Upper and Lower Egypt.
I am the radiance of the sun itself! This world is destined to be ruled by me. The glory of the Pharaoh, the glory of the sun, shall shine upon all of Egypt!"
"Indeed! Indeed!" the soldiers roared in jubilation.
"Then you, warriors of the gods, are you willing to follow me and spread the Pharaoh's glory across this land?"
"We are willing! We are willing!"
Another wave of thunderous cheers erupted.
"Then from this very moment, let the radiance of the sun illuminate the four corners of the earth. Legion of the gods, march!"
"March! March!"
Amid the resounding cries, Nitocris led the tens of thousands strong legion onto their campaign.
Her chariot took the lead.
Gazing at the woman beside him, clad in golden armor from head to toe, valiant and peerless, and recalling her proud, domineering declaration moments ago, Alaric was filled with emotion.
That shy and adorable girl from before had truly grown.
The once-green and inexperienced girl had now become a genuine Pharaoh. Compared to her original fate, she would surely leave behind an even more brilliant legacy in history.
As if sensing his gaze, Nitocris turned to look at the man beside her.
"Were you stunned by me just now?"
Her eyes curved into crescents as she spoke, like a child proudly showing off a treasure.
At this moment, none of her earlier dominance remained. The empress had vanished, replaced once more by the cute girl she used to be.
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty my Pharaoh is the best."
Alaric reached out as if soothing a child, patting her head, and casually scratching her jackal ears.
Yet for such "blasphemous" behavior, the Pharaoh not only failed to grow angry, she instead narrowed her eyes happily.
Like… a husky.
Sure enough, Nitocris was the type of dog-like girl who appeared mighty and domineering on the outside but had a goofy side beneath it.
"Right? Right? I told you! I worked on that speech for days. So? What did you feel after hearing it?"
She grinned smugly.
You don't think it's a bit chuuni? Alaric very much wanted to say, but he swallowed the words. Instead, something else slipped out.
"Seeing you so domineering just now… it's a little embarrassing to admit, but I suddenly got Boki. I really want to… press you down beneath me."
"You're awful!"
Hearing the two great figures chatting behind her, the female guard responsible for driving the chariot suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to plug her ears.