The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 683 War (2)

"Send Aldrian to the battlefield?" Ragan felt stunned. "Why do you desire that?"

Vanessa appeared to anticipate his response and merely grinned.

"Aldrian serves as the First Prince, with prior military service. In such circumstances, isn't it fitting for him to take the lead?"

She approached Ragan closely and softly rested her hand on his shoulder, her face brimming with warmth.

"Thus, I wish for him to aid this empire. Your thoughts?"

Anyone unfamiliar with her would undoubtedly feel touched by those words.

As the queen, Vanessa's regal aura alone could enchant common folk.

Yet… was it truly so?

Ragan understood her far too deeply. This woman, appearing so tender and benevolent, could never harbor such innocent motives.

She hailed from the Malvain family, among the empire's mightiest clans.

Her sly, scheming disposition and unyielding resolve were infamous among those who knew her well.

Nevertheless, provided she stayed within bounds, Ragan lacked authority—as emperor or spouse—to meddle.

"Very well, I get it. Come tomorrow, I'll decree Aldrian's dispatch to the northern region. But remember, Freya commands there already as the primary general overseeing it. Ensure Aldrian follows her orders completely. Clear?"

Vanessa's brow furrowed. Actually, dispatching Aldrian to battle wasn't her notion—it stemmed from Aldrian himself.

He'd requested she approach Ragan for approval to participate in the northern war.

Vanessa grasped why her son avoided confronting Ragan directly. It traced back to his antics on last year's New Year's Eve, when he intentionally harassed Nolan and Seira.

Motherly instinct prevented her from watching Aldrian suffer, forcing her to confront Ragan and beg as she just had.

Luckily, success came, granting Aldrian clearance for the northern region.

"Fine, I'll inform him," Vanessa replied softly. "Thank you."

…

Clang!

Clang!

"Argh!"

Metal clashes and agonized cries resounded over the battlefield.

Nolan and Elina's forces clashed fiercely against Erkan's arriving troops.

Each faction boasted power, refusing to yield an inch.

"Hyaa!"

A pair of soldiers lifted their blades and lunged at Nolan.

Against their joint assault, Nolan effortlessly deflected.

Instantly hurled back, the duo struggled to steady themselves before Nolan's blade sliced through their torsos.

Their thick armor tore open like soft bean curd, tumbling both warriors from their mounts.

Undeterred, Nolan spurred his steed ahead, barreling into the enemy ranks.

Chaos reigned on the field. Icy night gusts whipped up dirt and grit, clouding sight and hindering clear views.

Slash!

Slash!

Erkan felled two oncoming soldiers, then spun to cleave a sneaky attacker from the rear.

"Hahahaha!" His booming laughter rang out. "Approach! Every one of you!"

Eastern region troops wavered. Erkan's fearsome prowess shone evident.

Handling a mere trio felt trivial to him. No one wished to squander life pointlessly.

"Your opponent is me!"

An icy voice sounded from his back.

Erkan stiffened briefly. Swiftly wheeling his horse, he hoisted his sword.

Clang!

Steel rang out across the area.

Glancing upward, Erkan spotted Elina suspended mid-air, bearing down with raw power.

"Hahaha! At last, Princess, you're here!" he remarked icily.

Elina offered a subtle smile. Silently, she adjusted her stance, pivoted, and slammed her foot into Erkan's right cheek.

Unprepared, Erkan soared through the air and crashed from his saddle.

Elina touched down elegantly on the dunes. Her sword whipped forward, aimed directly at him.

"I know you're far mightier than you let on. Come on!"

"Ugh…" Erkan rose gradually, massaging his struck jaw.

"Impressive indeed. Your power packs a punch," he teased lightheartedly, betraying no agony or dread.

Eyes sharpening, Elina assumed a combat pose.

"Then witness how much superior I am to your expectations!"

Whoosh!

Blazing forth at blinding velocity, Elina vaulted skyward and hammered her sword down in a devastating overhead chop.

Erkan refused to underestimate her. Though female, her princess rank elevated her beyond typical warriors.

He lifted his blade promptly to parry.

Clang!

Erkan's legs gave way beneath him, causing him to collapse into the sand at his feet.

"Ugh…" Erkan clenched his teeth, struggling to shove himself upright, but he was unable.

'How can this be!? How powerful is this woman?' he screamed silently in terror.

Yet there was no moment to ponder it. Elina let go of her sword, seized Erkan's head, and smashed her knee right into his face.

Thud!

"Argh!" Erkan cried out in agony and tumbled backward.

Blood trickled from his nostrils, while light bruises bloomed across his forehead and nose.

"Didn't I tell you not to underestimate me? You're truly an idiot," she mocked with icy disdain.

She snatched up her sword and leveled it at him.

"Ahem!" Erkan hacked a cough, wiping the blood from his nose. Arrogance drained from his face, overtaken by fury and venom.

"Elina Lorian…" he snarled. "I'll kill you!"

He staggered to his feet and barreled toward Elina.

Elina felt no fear whatsoever. Rather than fall back, she surged forward to meet him.

Clang!

Swords crashed together as the pair locked eyes, seething with intense loathing.

***

Boom!

A tremendous blast rocked the heavens. Two silhouettes smashed into each other, hurling devastating spells.

Their strengths were dead even, leaving the victor impossible to predict.

Still, any astute watcher could see the masked white-haired fighter was dictating the battle's pace.

"Is this all you've got? How pathetic," Malverna taunted while flicking her right hand.

"You…" Thousand Faces snarled. Fury twisted his eerie, horrifying features. "How dare you underestimate me!? Fine, I'll show you the true meaning of despair!"

He hurled the staff from his right hand skyward, then slapped his palms together.

"Dragonfire Sovereignty!"

Buzz!

Immediately, blistering heat scorched the air, and the once-peaceful dark sky churned violently.

Dark clouds materialized from thin air, swirling together into a creeping, ghostly maelstrom.

Boom!

Thunder boomed relentlessly, trailed by a distant dragon's growl.

Before long, a crimson light pulsed amid the clouds.

In the instant that followed, a blazing dragon dozens of meters in height erupted forth and plunged directly at Malverna.

"Hahaha!" Thousand Faces cackled maniacally. "Tonight will be your death!"

Malverna regarded the charging fire dragon with serene composure, then murmured inwardly, 'Such weak magic won't scare me. That man is truly… foolish…'