Summoned by the Time Dragon, running around for final confirmations regarding the war and operations—before I knew it, only two days remained until the start of the Dragon Slayer War.

The commotion had already spread within Chronostaria and to the surrounding nations, drawing attention and tension both domestically and internationally. The capital, usually bustling with life, had turned into a place filled with oppressive silence, with not a single commoner seen walking the streets. It was only natural—many who resided in the capital, unwilling to be caught in the war’s influence, had fled abroad.

Even though the center of the conflict was the Zaraam Plains at the empire’s border, one couldn’t say with absolute certainty that the flames of war wouldn’t spread. In fact, the impact was already being felt, affecting trade routes and logistics. Mid-ranked nobles, wealthy merchants, and relatively affluent citizens, sensing the danger, had fled to the interior of the kingdom early on.

I couldn’t say I didn’t understand their decision. In the end, one’s own life is the most important thing. Criticizing them as heartless would be unfair. But because of all this, the atmosphere in the capital had worsened significantly—to put it bluntly, it had become downright gloomy.

Amidst this, today at the gates of the capital’s walls, a large number of knights were preparing to march out. Countless wagons were lined up, and wooden crates filled with supplies still waiting to be loaded were stacked nearby. The knights worked tirelessly to load the supplies onto the wagons, steadily preparing for departure.

As I mentioned, there was still time before the Dragon Slayer War officially began, but that didn’t mean war would start the moment the day arrived. Outposts, supply lines, reconnaissance—all these preparations had to be in place. Charging into battle without any of these was simply unthinkable.

Today, we would leave the capital and head for the high hills just before the Zaraam Plains, where we would rendezvous with the vanguard troops who had already established a base.

“Attention! Each unit, depart as soon as loading is complete! We’re on a tight schedule!”

“““Understood!!”””

Gilflare, one of the Seven Peerless Swords, called out in a commanding voice that carried well across the area. Knights and soldiers responded loudly, quickening their movements. I, too, picked up my pace.

“Moving out such a massive force… Just loading the supplies alone is a challenge.”

I muttered, watching the soldiers bustle past.

The main force departing today exceeded fifteen thousand troops. After the rendezvous, the total number would reach twenty thousand. On the day of the war, the army would be divided into seven units, each led by members of the Seven Peerless Swords and the First Prince, Tim Chronostaria.

──Lightning Speed. In my past life, Prince Chronos' elder brother was known for his unparalleled valor.

As I recalled my past memories, the loading of supplies finished.

“We’re ready whenever you are, Clay!”

“Alright, let’s go. As Gilflare said, we can’t afford to delay.”

At the driver’s seat, holding the reins, Weiss called out. We boarded the wagon, and within seconds, we were moving.

Citizens had gathered at the capital’s gates, sending off the soldiers with cheers and encouragement. I even spotted a few familiar faces.

“Did you get to say your goodbyes?”

Seated across from me, His Highness asked casually. I nodded without hesitation.

“Yes. I bid farewell to everyone at the mansion… and also to my master, who’s staying behind.”

“Lord Feid, huh… I can easily imagine him throwing a tantrum up until the last moment.”

“As you’d expect, he kept insisting, ‘I’m going too!’ until the end. The mansion’s servants had to hold him down.”

For the record, even when multiple servants restrained him, the old man still struggled. Honestly, it was like dealing with a grandparent who forgot they just had breakfast.

His Highness smirked, and I smiled in return. Our role this time was stealth and skirmishing. Until the war officially started, we would travel with the main force before splitting off from the base.

The march to our encampment would take roughly twelve hours. While traveling by wagon wasn’t an issue for us, the lower-ranking soldiers were essentially about to start an unavoidable endurance run.

Well, considering their rigorous training, they probably saw this as little more than a stroll. But still, knowing what awaited them, there was a certain tension in their expressions.

The high hill overlooking the Zaraam Plains.

The Kingdom’s army had already set up camp here, with the vanguard securing the outpost and conducting reconnaissance. A few hours ago, the main force had joined them.

The sun was setting. The golden light of the horizon was beginning to fade, slowly but surely swallowed by the encroaching darkness. The scent of campfires and cooking drifted from all around.

Our own tent was likely under His Highness’ command, being set up in an orderly fashion just like the others.

──Leaving the Kingdom’s First Prince in charge of setting up camp… If you think about it, that’s kind of absurd, isn’t it?

At present, I had been summoned away from that tent, now standing inside the strategy meeting tent where the First Prince, Tim, resided.

Why?

The reason wasn’t complicated. Alongside me, high-ranking knights and strategists had all been called here.

“Time’s up. Let’s begin the strategy meeting.”

With those words from Tim, a tense air filled the tent. As expected, the reason I was here was to participate in the war council.

Given our unit’s role in this war, it was only natural that I was summoned to a meeting full of top brass. That didn’t mean I wasn’t nervous, though. Being surrounded by high-ranking officials made it impossible not to be on edge.

As Tim finished speaking, a senior knight began leading the meeting, reviewing the current situation and outlining the next steps. The Seven Peerless Swords reported on the camp’s progress and intelligence gathered on the plains and the Imperial Army’s movements.

“Currently, the Empire has also set up camp on the plains and is making preparations. At this rate, the battle will commence as scheduled in two days.”

“Indeed. If this weren’t a war bound by the world’s covenant, there would have been ways to interfere earlier. It’s rather absurd, isn’t it? A war that must follow regulations…”

Tim let out a heavy sigh after hearing the report. Even though our enemy was right in front of us, we were just waiting for the predetermined time, doing nothing. For soldiers, this was an unnatural and absurd situation. Yet, it was also unsettling in its own way—this was not a normal war.

The heavy atmosphere remained as the discussion turned to my unit, which had a unique role in the operation.

“I’m sorry, Bradley. If possible, I’d have ensured a safe passage to the Imperial Capital for you and your unit…”

Even though this was our first real conversation, Tim showed genuine remorse for my situation. The surrounding knights and strategists seemed to feel the same.

“I appreciate your concern, Your Highness. But your thoughts alone are more than enough.”

I didn’t want them to dwell on it too much. From an outsider’s perspective, it might look like a mere student was being forced to shoulder the burden of ‘slaying a dragon.’ But that wasn’t it at all.

I had wavered, made mistakes, and yet—this was the path Claym Bradley had chosen for himself. It was the duty of the one who had gained the strength and been given the right.

──“So there’s no need to worry.”

Firmly, without hesitation, I stood by my own decision.

There was nothing wrong with that.