In August, during the height of summer, the scorching summer wind swept across the plains, tormenting the army advancing through the fields.

The soldiers were soon drenched in sweat, and the armor of the knights and their squires became unbearably hot, prompting the army to halt frequently for rest.

Laine also paused; with his Spiritual Armor, he didn't feel the heat.

Looking up at the blazing sun hanging in the sky, the Ranger Knight Olivier wiped the sweat off his brow: "My Baron, isn't this weather just too hot?"

"Not used to fighting in this weather, Olivier?" Laine gestured to indicate he didn't need his Knight's Squire's assistance. The baron was leading his horse on foot, donning armor enhanced by spiritual energy, crossing the plains with ease. In contrast, Hex and Olivier had more challenges, needing help from their Knight's Squires both to mount and dismount, as even with assistance, donning their armor took significant effort.

"It's manageable. As knights, we must overcome all sorts of weather; such minor inconveniences won't hinder me." The young knight, with a beard and determined eyes, laughed optimistically: "What's a little hardship?"

Olivier's natural optimism and unyielding spirit were qualities Laine greatly admired in the young man, so he patted the Ranger Knight on the shoulder: "Keep it up, I look forward to your performance!"

"Of course, my Baron." Olivier took out his water bag and drank heartily; with a river nearby, the soldiers didn't have to worry about water.

The soldiers also stopped to rest, heading to the nearby river to gather water, which created a bit of chaos. However, Hex quickly ordered them to fetch water in batches and arranged for sentries.

The new recruits, though not as skilled, were more obedient than many veterans, especially with the Holy Grail Knight Laine in their midst, which boosted their morale significantly.

A Holy Grail Knight's presence greatly encourages the peasants, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

As Laine's army rested, dust rose on the distant road, heralding the arrival of a large army.

A pure white pegasus soared majestically on the high-raised banners.

The Duke of Winford's army had arrived.

Marquis Connelly-Ascot, riding a Pure-blooded Elf Warhorse, wore full plate armor and a splendid beaked helm, holding the reins. Riding alongside him was the Duke's daughter, Surya Kumanie Antiri. The valiant female knight also wore a set of enchanted exquisite silver plate armor adorned with beautiful patterns, balancing aesthetics and practicality.

Behind them rode dozens of knights, followed by hundreds of Knight's Squires, officers, and Rangers, and finally a mass of infantry.

The Duchy of Winford dispatched nearly two thousand troops for this campaign.

"Good afternoon, Lord Ascot, Miss Surya." Laine, standing before his horse, greeted the two.

"Good afternoon, Lord Laine." The female knight's eyes lit up upon seeing Laine and the family crest of the Holy Grail in his possession. She waved to Laine, while Marquis Connelly stroked his goatee: "Lord Laine, you arrived quite early."

"Naturally, arriving early avoids keeping everyone waiting," Laine replied sincerely.

Thus, the two armies joined forces and headed towards the Valerim Camp.

Valerim Camp was several hundred kilometers from their starting point; they would bypass the Charon Forest, traverse the Boldro Duchy northward, and then reach Valerim Camp at the northern edge of the Arden Forest, the last line of defense against the Beastmen.

The Knightly Army would convene here before advancing to Yulsen Castle within the Arden Forest, Britannia's primary defense in the forest and its largest stronghold.

Surya took out a shield badge from her body; it was a token given by Duke Winford, granting her command of this army heading to Valerim Camp.

Many of Winford's knights were familiar with Laine, greeting him warmly, with many having joined Laine in past bandit suppression efforts, easing his takeover of command. The army reorganized and then marched towards Valerim Camp, a journey estimated to take six or seven days.

That night, they camped in a village within the Boldro Duchy.

After dinner, as the temperature gradually dropped, the comfortable climate of Britannia in the Old World meant that even during the hottest summer days, the nights were relatively cool.

After dinner, Laine and his two knights took a walk in the open field.

Ordinarily, the field was a dangerous place, but for Laine, it was merely a place to stroll.

"Hex?"

"My Baron?"

"You've seen Winford's army; what are your thoughts?" Laine inquired of Hex, an expert in training, as dusk fell.

"They're well-trained and ruthless; I can see the burning spirit of battle in their eyes, unusual among infantry." Hex, gripping his longsword, replied somberly.

"Is it because of the Baron's presence?" Olivier, walking on Laine's other side, chimed in: "The appearance of a Holy Grail Knight always invigorates the troops."

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