"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
"Get up! We are under attack!"
"Damn those Hylians!"
"Glory to Kylia!"
Half-awake Kylian soldiers poured from the city barracks, shouting in alarm as Lavovies clashed with Rito just beyond the walls
Meanwhile, high above Viskov's northern wall, General Komada of the Kylian Air Force along with hundreds of Lavovies faced off the Rito in air to air combat.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
The cracks of rifles firing and bomb arrows exploding reverberated as each side attempted to shoot each other out of the sky. The Kylians were at a disadvantage.
Rito are aerodynamically superior to Lavovies. Also the Rito were equipped with bows, which can fire 50% more than Kylian rifles in the same period of time.
Lastly, under the cover of darkness Kylian Lavovies were forced to shoot blindly at the shadows of the Rito. Rito just needed to aim at the general direction of the Lavovies, relying on the bomb arrows AOE to knock the Lavovies out of the sky.
"Flares!" Komada roared, drawing a flare pistol and firing into the sky. All around him, other Lavovies followed suit.
"Thoooooo!" The night sky that was only being briefly illuminated by the blasts of bomb arrows now was bathed in the red light of dozens of flare rounds.
"Get them!" A Kylian Lavovy roared with adrenaline at the startled Rito.
Now able to see their targets, the Kylians Lavovies shot down the Rito with frightening accuracy.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
"ARG! My wing! It's gone!"
"HELP! NO! NO! N-!" "SPLAT!"
"RETREAT!" The Rito commander, observing the staggering losses, decisively ordered.
"BOOM! BOOM!" "Not so fast!" Viskov and Sovi, side by side, cut off the Rito commander's head as they flew towards the group of Ritos at mach speed.
"Damn those Valors…" The rito commander thought as he saw his perspective roll upside down, watching his now headless body spiral down to the ground.
Keeping their momentum, Viskov and Sovi tore through the Rito ranks beneath the crimson glow of the flares. Sovi's blade flashed with deadly precision—each second, another Rito fell. In just 20 seconds, she had taken down 20. Viskov was getting more kills, his plasma slash carving through clusters of enemies with terrifying efficiency. With each swing, 3 to 5 Rito dropped from the sky. By the time the flares began to fade, he had cut down 80. Together, the two Valors had claimed 100 kills in a third of a minute.
As the last flare fizzled out, the battlefield plunged once again into darkness. But the damage was done. The Rito formation had shattered, their morale broken by the sudden reversal. Screams and feathers filled the air as the survivors scattered in every direction, desperate to escape the wrath of the Valors.
General Komada, bloodied but unbowed, soared above the chaos, scanning the retreating enemy with an ugly face.
500 Rito had attacked the city, far too many to just be a Rito squad from several thousand kilometers away. Likely the Hylians had already made camp only dozens of kilometers away, attempting to weaken the city forces first before going in for the kill.
Luckily, the Hylians had again severely underestimated the Kylians. Out of the 500 attacking Rito, only 200 made it out alive. The Kylian airforce was not left unscathed though, 200 of the 600 Kylian Lavovies now dead.
Both sides suffered catastrophic losses. By military standards, anything above 10% is considered heavy; 50% can cripple a unit. The Kylians lost a third of their aerial force. The Rito lost more than half.
Such brutal attrition was inevitable in aerial combat. A single injury—just a fractured wing—meant plummeting from 800 meters. In the sky, even a glancing wound could be a death sentence.
Komada descended toward the city wall, draconic wings trembling from exhaustion, his uniform scorched and torn. Medics rushed to assist the wounded Lavovies landing behind him, some limping, others carried by comrades. The air that reeked of smoke and blood slowly cleared from the western winds.
He glanced at General Odin, who had rushed from the city barracks to meet him and responded with a respectful nod.
Odin returned the nod, then stated. "It'll be impolite to ask what just happened after such a battle. Clean up and meet me at command in twenty minutes," Odin said, his voice firm but not unkind. "We need to decide our plan of action."
Komada gave a weary smirk, blood crusting the edge of his jaw. "With Viskov and Sovi, I presume."
"Oh yes! Bring Viskov and Sovi with you. How could I forget about them!" Odin said with a sly smile.
Viskov and Sovi are smart individuals who would recognize that the Kylians are their only lifeline to defeating the Hylians. However, unlike the command structure in New Rosa City where the Kylians and Rosians had a commander subordinate relationship with the defeat of Rosa nearly eight years ago in the Kylian/Rosian war, the small forces of the Rosian defenders compared to the Kylians and the suppression of Queen Kylia onto Valord Rosa, Viskov City's central command was more conflicted.
Though Odin bore the title of General of the Kylian Army, his influence was dwarfed by the prestige of Viskov and Sovi. Their noble lineage, combined with the fact that Viskov's forces made up nearly a third of the city's defenders, meant that Odin's orders needed approval from both of them. If either Valor opposed the Kylians' strategy, Odin would be forced to bend or risk fracturing the alliance between the Kingdom of Kylia and the State of Viskov.
The alliance between Viskov and Kylia was actually some-what fragile. Viskov, fighting in his home territory, with his 1,400 troops, paired with Sovi, does have some level of confidence as the eldest Valor and former strongest state. The Hylians, despite attacking with 4,000, have no strongmen comparable to Viskov and Sovi to constrain the two.
Of course this is also short-term thinking as without Kylia, Viskov plus all other Valor states combined, would be ruthlessly crushed by the full might of the Hylian Army. Only with the even more terrifying Kylian Military could Viskov have hope of retaking Sovi and Pavo lands.
Still, Odin had a reason to worry. Ever since the battle against the monsters a few months ago, Viskov had been far more reluctant to agree to Odin's requests. In that battle, the Viskovians were not treated like the cannon fodder of the Rosians, who sacrificed half of their forces in the defence of New Rosa. However, they did suffer twice the fatalities than the Kylians despite being less than half the size of the Kylian forces.
Again, that was also because the combat effectiveness of the Kylians were much larger than that of the Viskovians, the Kylians were really carrying that battle, killing most of the monsters. The Rosians in the defence of New Rosa are lucky to be alive. Without the Kylians, the Rosians would have been thoroughly screwed with all of them not making it out alive, including their families for that matter.
Still, at least Viskov had the power to complain to the Kylians. Rosa was thoroughly suppressed by Kylia and forced to become the Kingdom of Kylia's lackey.
Odin could only hope the two would be reasonable over at the war room.
…
"Until the Kingdom of Kylia respects my State's interests, the Viskovian Army will not cooperate with the Blue Army besides passive defence against the Hylians." Viskov stated plainly as he leaned back in his chair. The candle light had brightened the lower portion of his face, making him appear extra aloof.
Odin, Komada and Sovi exchanged glances as frowns formed on the faces of the three of them. The four of them just arrived at the war room and Viskov had already started raising complications.
Sovi face was even showing faint signs of becoming a scowl as she thought to herself. "Old man Viskov, you're already jumping into getting benefits? My state is still occupied, your State is in danger and we are all plausibly going to die! Can't you just restrain your interests and wait till the war is over to state your claims? Don't put the future liberation of my state at the expense of your greedy grubby hands!"
Mindful of the seething Sovi and demanding Viskov, Odin forced a polite smile. "Would you mind sharing what these interests are? We Kylians are very understanding and can compromise on some agreeable terms."
Viskov folded his hands over his chest, clearly pleased to finally be asked. "Since you're offering, General Odin, I'll be direct. We Viskovians only have one humble request"
He leaned forward, elbows on the polished war table. "We simply wish to have a larger influence in leadership. I believe it would be very beneficial to the Alliance at large if our Viskovian Veterans were to be able to display a century of combat experience in the command center."
"Who's battle experience are we talking about here!" Komada's voice raised an octave as he got out of his chair. Looking past Viskov's wording, it was clear he was questioning General Odin's position as leader of the defence of Viskov City. How dare anyone question the top General of the Kylian Military!
Sovi's hand shot out instantly, grabbing Komada's arm before he could fully rise. "Komada calm down!"
"Apologies for my subordinates' childish behavior, it seemed he must have misunderstood your words. Your request must have meant to better integrate Kylian and Viskovian officers into the command of the Viskov City's defence more seamlessly, correct? What a childish idea my subordinate had to even think you might take such an implausible action." Odin explained as he chuckled and crossed his arms.
Viskov's eyebrow twitched. The way Odin phrased it left him with two choices:
Accept Odin's interpretation and back down gracefully or double down and admit outright that he was challenging Kylian authority of Viskov City's defence.
Viskov had to admit, Kylia had chosen a great talent to lead the Kylian Military. Despite Odin's short military career, he had already proven himself adept at war. Never had he lost a battle in the Coalition war. Apparently Viskov had also underestimated Odin's political acumen, which was just as sharp as his military skills.
"After Hyrule's defeat, we Viskovians would happily give you the position of top general of the Viskovian Army! Our State of Viskov can give you the resources to truly shine! So, what do you say?" Viskov offered, also subtly hinting that he was now content with Odin as head of the defence of Viskov City.
Komada's eyes boogled at Viskov's turn of stance and Sovi at Viskov's shamelessness. His proposal was indeed the right move. If Viskov accepted Odin's interpretation outright, he would look weak. If he fought Odin's interpretation, it would make Viskov look stupid. Both options sucked.
By offering Odin a promotion, It reframes Viskov's original request as just a respectful, ambitious partnership. It also saved Viskov's face and gave Odin respect.
Viskov went from implying 'I want authority now' to 'I admire you, I want you in my army, and your authority is my authority'.
But still, poaching Kylia's top General at this time? If Kylia heard of the tactics Viskov used in this room, Sovi wouldn't be surprised if Kylia chased Viskov to Hyrule's east coast and beat all the Hylians along the way.
"Although I am delighted at such a request, I'm afraid I have to refuse for the time being." Odin regretfully declined.
"I understand! No problems! We Viskovians are very understanding and will welcome you greatly if you ever change your mind!" Viskov exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Its refreshing to see everyone acting so amicable." Commented Sovi, with a calm demeanor.
"I couldn't even follow half of the conversation!" The ever straight forward Komada grumbled.
Viskov leaned back. "Then I suppose we can continue with the matter at hand: the Hylians. This attack was just a precursor of what's yet to come. No need to state the obvious but the Hylians are off to something sketchy" His voice hardened slightly.
Komada pounded his fist. "Even the greatest schemes have to yield to absolute force. We have both superior numbers, superior combat effectiveness and a home advantage. Our forces hold so many advantages against our enemy that it would be a shame not to attack."
Sovi agreed with Komada. "To wait for the enemy is to wait for death. Being passive in this situation would only result in the enemy's favor. They have too many ways to sap our strength. They may use bombings, water poisoning, mining under our walls, psychological warfare and many more to try and kill us with one thousand cuts."
"Then we must end this stand off as quickly as possible." Odin's voice became cold.
"I wonder what Hairiahito's face would look like when our forces come marching into his camp!"
[Hey, hey, hey! It's been a while. As for why? Well… it started when I had to calculate how much ammo Kylia really had, and ever since it's been a slippery slope of calculating numbers. Those decimal places don't show up for nothing!
Anyways, I also looked back and realised many plot holes with the story like can a Golden Lynel really defeat Kylia? Creating a real Villain, secretly keeping King Atari alive and where the hell are the Shiekah?
Can a Golden Lynel really defeat Kylia? Tell that to the 10 million degree celsius, supersonic speed plasma slash coming your way. The answer is a resounding NO! Kylia can easily one-shot a Golden Lynel, so I have to make another stronger figure become the villain instead…
And keeping Atari alive? Well that's a must! If Atari dies would the Hylians be eager to attack the Western States? Maybe, but most likely not! Atari must LIVE!
What about the Shiekah, where were they? Surely King Atari can't be so stupid as to leave the Shiekah out in the battle of new Rosa? Well…to tell the truth I completely forgot about the Shiekah. That's It.
Now for a Royal Road reader this comment may sound confusing because all these edits were made in the first Volume of the Kylian Empire. As for you WebNovel readers, you guys can easily stroll down and see all the edits I made.
Well, I'm planning to release this version on Royal Road anyways so HAHAHAHAHA!]