Clack!

Sylvia chambers another fifty caliber round—this time, a divine-powered explosive one.

''Phew...''

Balancing on Sariel's glowing scales as she breathes fire, the elven girl takes a good look around the battlefield.

Here, the air itself is corrosive, which means she can't let the battle go on for too long. The operation demands a swift takeover and assault... and given the potential loss her side would take if she ever hesitates, it's only just that the big guns are brought out first.

Her energy is temporarily depleted anyway. Although it is indeed painful to see her accumulated stock of bullets decrease, if not now, then never.

With such determination, Sylvia narrows her eyes and begins to fire off into the distance. Her aim has always been phenomenal, and the rhythmic motions of her slender hands cycling through magazines one after another add chimes to the inferno.

Each of the tiny bullets hitting the ground explodes several blocks worth of land directly, blasting immense shockwaves to the surroundings. In no time, dozens of demon settlements are razed to the ground, leaving behind only mountains of ashes. The lingering divinity even spreads across the land, 'infecting' as though the roles are reversed.

Sylvia estimates that the first military town will be completely under control in a dozen minutes—a lightning-fast speed. With the ICBMs' successful hits on the other two major targets, her side should be able to close in on the main castle sooner or later.

And how does she track the progress? By witnessing the decay rate of the giant barrier, of course. Structurally speaking, the dome absorbs energy from all over the territory that it encases to maintain itself, so the more damage Sylvia can cause, the weaker it will be.

''That guy is coming.''

But of course, there are obstacles that cannot be avoided, namely, the inevitable resistance of the dwellers here.

That tall, slender demon with gills seems particularly dangerous. He's a commander, after all, and two more are probably rushing toward her at the moment.

''...!''

And right then, Sylvia senses something at the corner of her vision. A flashing purple, as light as air, as fleeting as a passing snowflake, yet the danger it emanates can't be more real. Instinctively, she ducks to the side, just barely avoiding having her head blown to shreds by that same 'something.'

Clearly, someone is targeting her. The only one who can bypass Sariel's natural defense is a commander. Peering down, the slender figure earlier is already nowhere to be seen.

'It seems I've gotten the aggro.'

Noxus is on his way to assassinate Sylvia.

As any rational person would, the elven girl chooses to stay by her lover's side for protection. Sariel is always a reliable dragon in situations like these. 

''I'll turn up the defense.'' The dragoness's voice rings in Sylvia's head.

''Thanks.''

Afterward, the two continue to cruise around in the sky while being extra cautious about any ambush the other party might have arranged. As minutes pass, Sylvia can't help but feel somewhat unsettled by the lack of... retaliation she receives. Of course, the immense firepower pressing the enemies proves difficult to escape, let alone counter, but the biggest variables have not yet resurfaced.

Noxus.

Not just Noxus, but the other two commanders, too.

Why are they allowing this kind of advancement? Is she and her army walking into a trap? If they are preparing for a counterattack, it would be within expectations. After all, Sylvia needs to devour at least a dozen elite demons or a commander's energy to replenish her full strength. If they ran away... facing Eve will be challenging.

''Sariel, let's go down for now. I need to talk to the captain.''

The dragon's silvery eyes glance at the burning inferno briefly. Seeing that everything has been spectacularly set ablaze, she nods gently and begins to descend.

The raid's captain is Ariel Camila, Duke of Camila and Adele's father. He is a seasoned general with decades of experience on the battlefield and one of the most trusted personnel in Louis Everwood's cabinet. Just one look is enough for anyone to realize where Adele's cold gaze comes from.

''Greetings, Your Holiness.'' Ariel salutes. ''How may I help you?''

''Captain, have you received their commanders' positions? Their lack of movement is suspicious.'' Sylvia asks and ponders deeply, but she soon notices something strange with Ariel's demeanor.

''Captain... did something happen?''

Ariel clenches his fists and honestly replies, ''...Adele is missing.''

''...!''

'No wonder...!'

Something was off right from the start. It might have been her instinct, but Sylvia sensed something was wrong with Adele Camila ever since she arrived at the frontlines. At that point, she attributed it to time, but given the current situation... that 'Adele' must have been Eve in disguise.

''Pardon me, Your Holiness.'' Ariel quickly calms down, nonetheless. ''All three identified commanders currently remain undetected. You must proceed with caution.''

''Got it. Is there anything else I need to be wary of?''

''Our reconnaissance aircraft have found increased activities across the inner sections of the barrier. We can be sure they are preparing for some sort of retalia—''

Before Ariel can finish his sentence, a blast so powerful it blows a deafening sound hits. Their conversation takes place deep in the center of the convoy, which means no mere attacks can reach this most secure location.

Shielding herself and the captain from the ripping wind, Sylvia peeks at the distant explosion.

''...This strategy, huh?''

Beyond the billowing smoke and sparkling electricity of a crushed vehicle, three ominous figures stand—one slender, tall man with a lance, one that seems like a giant with bulging purple muscles, and one small female demon covering half her face with a fan.

The three commanders.

They must have been waiting for Sylvia to reveal the command center's location. 

'As expected, they're trying to win this quickly.'

It also means that the other side truly is struggling to turn the tide around. If not, they wouldn't need to execute such a risky plan. Being in the heart of the enemy also means you're exposing yourself to the most danger.

''You'll regret this,'' Sylvia mutters.

Beside her, Sariel, still in her dragon form, puts the people who were almost hit by the sudden attack down, and turns to the three figures. In no time, the surrounding soldiers have already turned their firearms, big or small, at the targets.

''Suppress the enemies and slowly create distance. Let the saint and her companions take care of them.'' Ariel passes down the order through the talkie walkie, fully understanding the realm of this battle. 

Even the elite soldiers won't have a chance against those powerful opponents.

''Sylvia!''

Not long after, Christina and Anastasia arrive, perhaps having sensed the disturbance.

Chambering a new armor-piercing round, Sylvia stares cautiously ahead as the three commanders take on their fighting stances. It's effectively a three versus three at this point. Christina and Anastasia can't perform at their best when they have to maintain their buffs, but that can be compensated for by Sylvia herself. Sariel, on the other hand, has sufficient energy left.

It is, perhaps, the first real battle.