Scarlet Keep stood on a plain.
Apart from a few hills nearby, there wasn't much mountainous terrain. This boundless stretch of flat land had once made Transia its most prosperous region, but one disaster after another had left it increasingly desolate.
On the other hand, fighting over land that had already been ravaged time and again had its advantages. It meant neither side had to worry about anything else. They could simply fight to their hearts' content.
In the distance, the Serenade Barrier around Scarlet Keep was restoring itself. Beneath the purple glow of the Astral Scar overhead, the crimson barrier had already drawn together by two-thirds, covering most of the city's ruins. The flood of gnoll vanguard troops could no longer cross so easily into the lands defended by the loyal and brave.
But the remaining third, facing west, was still locked in a fierce battle. The chaotic, frenzied gnoll tide was smashing against its last hope of breaching the city.
Once the Serenade Barrier closed again, they would lose the chance to set foot here forever.
But they were like waves crashing against a reef.
No matter how madly they surged, they couldn't advance another step. There was only so much room on the battlefield, and with the Serenade Barrier gradually closing, the gnolls' numerical advantage was useless.
"The vampires have already won."
The Griffin Knight Valand lowered his binoculars. The crude but valiant knight stared at the battlefield in the distance with displeasure, then complained to his companions, who stood ready beside him:
"We came too late. I'd wanted to do Murphy a favor, but even without us, they can still hold on to their ruined city."
"Look on the bright side, my lord."
A Winged Cavalry captain beside Valand, just as tall and burly as he