Pursuing Victory

The Guardian Army carried out Webster's order and retreated from the battlefield at Hestia.

Because they were retreating in haste after suffering defeat, the already chaotic withdrawal quickly turned into a disaster.

The soldiers who fled in a panic first charged into the supply camp in the rear and looted it. Those who arrived later got into fierce fights with those who had arrived earlier. These people, who usually claimed to fight for the gods, completely ignored the teachings of the Holy Book, grappling miserably with one another over a few valuables and even turning their swords against each other.

Those who prioritized saving their lives chose to flee along the smaller paths, only to find themselves packed so tightly together that they could not move.

The New Sect Army naturally refused to give up this perfect opportunity. Under Andrew's orders, they pursued the Guardian Army relentlessly, giving chase right on their heels.

Even the scattered forces of the Horn Bay Alliance reorganized and began shouting as they pursued the Guardian Army officers and soldiers who had previously been so arrogant.

The New Sect Alliance had achieved a complete victory in the Battle of Hestia.

According to the count made after the battlefield had been cleared, the New Sect Army had killed more than eight thousand and captured more than fifteen thousand. The Guardian Army had suffered a total of more than twenty-three thousand casualties—a truly devastating loss.

The New Sect Army, meanwhile, had lost fewer than three thousand men, and that figure included the losses suffered by the useless forces of the Horn Bay Alliance.

Having witnessed the entire battle with her own eyes, the Crimson Flame Witch Mariana once again raised her assessment of the army under her eldest son's command.

There was no doubt that the Arda