Although the Frost Rose army was large in number, due to supply, preparation, and road issues, they did not all rush to the front line at once, but advanced in batches and directions.

The main vanguard force was naturally on the New Wilga side. The 200,000-strong army, together with the Golem Legion, led by the experienced veteran Jenkins, passed through the jungle-covered Huangnan County and advanced towards Hopeland.

Another 50,000-man force sailed north, heading north again along the Black Pine River. This force consisted primarily of infantry adapted to mountain warfare, and its golems were small and agile.

The final fleet consisted primarily of newly constructed ironclads, supplemented by a few airships. This fleet comprised approximately 30,000 naval personnel, encompassing over 60 ironclads and 20 airships. These carried numerous high-ranking mages (Sequence 5-6), a gathering of elites tasked with intercepting any possible reinforcements from the Southern Islands.

Compared to the weak New Vilgar, Frost Rose was actually more worried about the Young Moon Council of the Southern Islands. Both mages came from the same lineage, and they were well aware of each other's strength, so they naturally didn't dare to underestimate them.

Huangnan County, former military camp.

A black, gray barrier was cleared near the jungle, and the soldiers cut down trees to create a simple wooden fence surrounding the camp. As night fell, hundreds of bonfires, large and small, were lit in the camp. The soldiers ate around them and rested to relieve the day's fatigue.

It is early autumn now and the weather is no longer so hot. Most of these soldiers are wearing black and blue uniforms with a layer of steel armor on the outside.

After a long journey, many people were tired and exhausted, so they took off their armor, put it aside, and enjoyed the rare relaxation in the evening breeze.

As the night deepened, snoring sounds began to be heard from tents large and small, and the camp became quiet.

In the large tent in the center, Jenkins was still looking at the map under the light. The map marked the terrain around Hopeland, and there were some chess pieces placed next to it.

The dim candlelight stretched the shadows of the cups, pens, paper rolls, and other miscellaneous items on the low table, and occasionally swayed with the light.

The curtain of the tent was suddenly pulled open, letting the cool air from outside rush in, and a female knight who had taken off her helmet walked in.

Jenkins raised his head and took a look, then continued to focus on the map in front of him, occasionally calculating and drawing on the paper with the pen in his hand.

"Are you still awake, Ada? We have to travel tomorrow. Things are different now than back home. It's wartime, and military law takes precedence. I can't be partial to you."

"Well, I'll go to bed soon and come see you later."

"What's there to see? Are you afraid something might happen to an old man like me? There are not only guards around here, but also a warning barrier set up by those mages. If anyone else gets close, we'll know."

The female knight in her 20s shook her head and said nothing more. Instead, she found a cushion and sat down at the low table.

"It's my first time going on an expedition, so I'm still a little excited and a little nervous," she said, looking at the map.

"Why are you so nervous, my daughter? You are not usually such a sentimental person." Jenkins put down his pen. He was tired now and stopped thinking.

"I don't know if I can bear to kill the enemy. Those people on the opposite side were actually raised by their parents just like me. We don't have any deep hatred towards each other." Ada rested her head on her old father's knees.

"Wow, it's a good thing that you have such a kind heart. You probably inherited your mother's character." Jenkins touched his daughter's crimson hair.

"But it's not a good idea to dwell on these things too much."

"Don't put yourself in too high a position. We can't cater to everyone's wishes and satisfy everyone. That's impossible."

"So, for our own benefit, we sometimes have to destroy the interests or lives of others."

"Just like wolves eating sheep, there is no good or evil, it is just a part of life."

"Compassion can be shown to one's own people, and that is a virtue. But being kind to one's enemies is foolishness," Jenkins explained carefully to his daughter.

“I understand these principles, but I still can’t fully implement them…”

Ada closed her eyes, and her beautiful face reflected a faint light under the lamp. The young knight looked very beautiful when he took off his helmet.

"Then just get used to it slowly. There's always a first time for many things."

Jenkins sighed. He had served in the military for many years and had seen veterans who hadn't died on the battlefield but still found peace after retirement. Not everyone was so cold-blooded; some hated fighting. However, the nature of the world wouldn't change because of a single act of ruthlessness.

No matter how kind a person is, when faced with the enemy's blade and the threat of death, he will still take up arms and fight, because he understands that if he does not kill the enemy, the enemy will take his life.

That's all.

Many ordinary soldiers went to the battlefield without much thought about the honor of their country and family. They probably just wanted to make a living. They wanted money to support their families and to change their circumstances.

But once on the battlefield, there's no retreat. Unlike the peaceful order of everyday life, the slaughter in war goes unnoticed. In the past, it took months to see a single execution, but on the battlefield, it's so common, and people gradually become numb to it.

Jenkins reflected on his military career over the years and sometimes questioned whether he was a just soldier. But the final results and facts told him that his role as a soldier was not about justice, but about loyalty. This was his answer.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!