Blood and Dragons

Amid the thunderous roar of artillery, the defenders of Battery Number Two gritted their teeth, vowing to fight to the very last moment and inflict the greatest possible casualties on the enemy.

Ulm had a natural talent for shooting. Perhaps it was because he had often used weapons like bows and slings while working as a shepherd, honing his eyesight. After only a few days of training, he had already become a competent marksman.

But on a battlefield like this, mere marksmanship was meaningless. Besides, his shooting was only barely passable—far from worthy of being called good.

Those "giants," carrying shields like walls of steel, walked over the rugged mountain paths as though on level ground.

They even leaped directly over shell craters and obstacles the defenders had set up in advance. Ulm saw that this was because of the strange devices on their backs, which could spew flames.

Every bullet, even the premium kind mixed with White Crystal powder that could blast a person's torso into fragments, created only ripples when it struck their shields. Trying to attack the ordinary soldiers behind them was impossible, as their line of fire was blocked.

The squad leader was struck in the shoulder by a stray bullet and rolled back into the trench. He shouted, "No good! The enemy's defenses are too strong! Knight Ulm, bring the secret weapon I told you about!"

Without hesitation, Ulm darted into the cave behind him and raced down the deep, shadowy passage.

Suddenly, he saw a little bat hanging upside down in the darkness, staring at him with crimson eyes that sent a chill through him.

He instinctively removed his hat and cautiously asked, "Miss Fringilla?"

The little bat stared at him as though he were an idiot.

With an awkward laugh, he put his