Chapter Summaries

Hubble’s Militia Group held off the New Divine United Kingdom’s army for days before its defenses broke and the survivors fled. With only a few hundred exhausted men gathered again, Hubble decided to form a volunteer force to harass the enemy and pursue his ambition of becoming a noble.

• Hubble prepared for a night raid, and his men drove back the New Divine United Kingdom’s attackers.
• After two days of intense fighting, the enemy regiment commander ordered a final charge and forbade his soldiers from retreating.
• The New Divine United Kingdom’s army broke through Hubble’s defensive line, forcing the Militia Group to rout.
• Hubble’s guards pulled him from the fighting, and he later rallied two or three hundred scattered soldiers.
• Hubble proposed abandoning the main force and recruiting men willing to risk their lives to harass the enemy, promising them futures as Imperial officers.

Hubble recruited more than a hundred volunteers with promises of generous rewards and repeatedly harassed the New Divine United Kingdom's army, delaying its advance for three days. As List and Qin planned a counteroffensive and learned of Hubble's sacrifice, Hubble watched the enemy destroy a mine after realizing their mission had failed.

• Hubble convinced soldiers to risk their lives by promising rewards and support for their families, recruiting more than a hundred men.
• Hubble's force attacked the New Divine United Kingdom's army from behind and continued harassing it, slowing its advance for three days despite heavy losses.
• Qin and the others received reports of widespread infiltration and damage, while reserve forces gradually brought the unrest under control.
• List learned that the Emerald Militia, led by Hubble, had held off the enemy for two days and inflicted hundreds of casualties, and he hoped Hubble had survived.
• List and Qin discussed using the militia's actions for propaganda after the crisis passed.
• Hubble followed the enemy as it destroyed machinery at a mine, while the troops recognized their mission had failed and focused on getting home alive.

After regrouping the battered Militia Group, Hubble decided to launch a night assault on the retreating New Divine United Kingdom army. The enemy commander dismissed the Militia Group as harmless and ordered a retreat, leaving his troops vulnerable to Hubble’s attack.

• Hubble met the Militia Group after it gathered four to five hundred troops, though their weapons and morale were poor.
• Hubble proposed a hard assault on the retreating New Divine United Kingdom army, and his veteran comrades supported the plan.
• Hubble ordered the Militia Group to rest during the first half of the night and move together in the second half.
• The New Divine United Kingdom infantry commander ordered a retreat after concluding that the raid had failed and his regiment had lost too many troops.
• The infantry commander dismissed the Militia Group as too weak to pose a threat and ordered his officers to maintain wartime vigilance during the retreat.

Hubble led a surprise night attack on the New Divine United Kingdom army and won a decisive victory, turning the tide after days of setbacks. Two days later, Franz arrived and praised Hubble, promising him a bright future.

• Hubble led his soldiers toward the New Divine United Kingdom camp and ordered an assault when they could not approach unnoticed.
• Hubble’s forces fired their remaining cannon and charged, catching the enemy off guard as soldiers struggled to regroup from separate houses.
• Hubble ordered his men to set fires, and the resulting chaos turned the New Divine United Kingdom army’s retreat into a rout.
• The Militia Group pursued the fleeing enemy until dawn, and Hubble sent men to report the victory to headquarters.
• Two days later, Franz arrived, congratulated Hubble, and promised him a bright future.

Franz helped Hubble secure a regular regiment command but warned him that his lack of military training would limit his advancement in the imperial army. He advised Hubble to hold the post steadily and leave the military for local administration after the war.

• Franz told Hubble that his future looked bright and arranged for reporters to photograph and interview him about the war.
• Hubble distributed his personal savings to the Emerald Militia, including payments sent to the families of the dead, and the militia's morale rose.
• Hubble received an appointment as commander of a regular regiment, a position Franz had worked to secure for him.
• Franz warned Hubble that he would struggle to advance further in the army without an extraordinary feat.
• Hubble asked Franz for guidance, and Franz advised him to do his job, rely on staff officers, and seek a local administrative post after the war.

Hubble accepted Franz’s advice to pursue a steady career in local administration, while Qin, List, and the Great Xia Empire Expeditionary Army prepared a counterattack. Fernandez I, facing mounting losses, completed a letter meant to wound Derek and arranged a gamble that would send his opponents to the front lines; his son then offered the Booker Tribe’s support.

• Franz persuaded Hubble that a local administrative post was his realistic path, and Hubble agreed to prioritize steadiness and avoid mistakes.
• Qin, List, and the command headquarters drafted a cautious counterattack plan as Great Xia’s strategic advantage grew.
• Fernandez I assessed his army’s losses, rotated troops, and anticipated a Great Xia counterattack while secretly sending family members away.
• Fernandez I finished a carefully worded draft intended to hurt Derek and prepared to use the war to sideline his opponents.
• Fernandez I’s son reported that the new troop deployment was complete and offered the Booker Tribe’s loyalty and support at the front.

Fernandez I reassured Antoine about the Booker Tribe’s troops while concealing his true intentions. Meanwhile, the Great Xia Expeditionary Army began a major counteroffensive, and the 51st Division advanced toward the New Holy Cross Kingdom’s 10th Division at Pine Mountain.

• Fernandez I told Antoine that the concentration of Booker Tribe troops near the Holy City proved his trust, and Antoine believed him.
• After Antoine left, Fernandez I cursed in private and told himself that his moment would come soon.
• Hubble’s regiment received orders to advance as Great Xia’s frontline forces drove the New Divine United Kingdom’s troops back and launched a planned counteroffensive.
• Hubble’s regiment followed the main force, clearing scattered enemy troops while the New Divine United Kingdom assembled reserves to block the advance.
• At Pine Mountain, Great Xia’s 51st Division began engaging the New Holy Cross Kingdom’s 10th Division, with orders to defeat it within three days.

The Great Xia Expeditionary Army began its full-scale counterattack, with the 51st Division capturing Pine Mountain and Hubble’s regiment preparing to attack a former Great Xia colony. The chapter ended after an air reconnaissance mission revealed enemy positions and rattled the defenders.

• Qin approved the 51st Division’s request for air support, and fifty sorties flew toward Pine Mountain.
• Bulldog Fighter Jets bombed the New Divine United Kingdom’s 10th Division before the 51st Division launched an artillery barrage and infantry charge, taking Pine Mountain’s outer perimeter on the first day.
• The 51st Division broke the enemy defensive line on the second day, accepted mass surrenders, and established a new defensive position at Pine Mountain.
• Hubble arrived at Pine Mountain, saw captured soldiers forced to labor, and concluded that his own military career had no future if he kept muddling along.
• Hubble received orders to attack a former Great Xia colony, and his regiment requested an air reconnaissance mission to scout the enemy.
• A reconnaissance plane drew anti-aircraft fire, dropped two bombs, and exposed enemy positions from above.

Hubble watched his officers execute a battle plan and began to appreciate the Empire’s disciplined warfare, though he sensed something was wrong with the enemy’s resistance. Meanwhile, List argued that Fernandez I might have lost power to the Tool Mutes, a possibility Qin found absurd but increasingly plausible.

• Hubble praised the chief of staff’s battle plan, signed the meeting minutes, and let him issue combat orders.
• Hubble observed the Great Xia Empire expeditionary force fight for two days and admired its disciplined tactics.
• Hubble sensed that the New Divine United Kingdom’s fierce resistance concealed something unusual.
• List showed Qin that many frontline forces were Great Xia remnants and pointed to irregularities in supplies and troop movements.
• List suggested Fernandez I might have been stripped of power, and Qin noted that Booker Tribe legions were gathering near the New Holy City.
• Qin compared the possibility to apes occupying the United States, but List insisted they should not reject an explanation merely because it seemed absurd.

Qin learned that the Augusta Knight Order had set out and, newly confident, decided to attack the enemy defenses instead of advancing cautiously. He brought List and Elf to Knight Burdett, who revealed that divine blood had granted him transcendent power.

• Qin received a telegram announcing that the Augusta Knight Order had set out, and his confidence surged.
• Qin told List he would attack the enemy defenses with all his strength, despite List's warnings about the risks.
• Qin brought List and Elf to meet Knight Burdett, who had been sparring with Elf.
• Burdett explained that divine blood had granted him transcendent Divine Power and agreed to show them what a Transcendent Knight could do.

Old Knight Burdett demonstrated Transcendent Power to List, Michel, Elf, and Hans, explaining his faith-based understanding of how it worked. Qin then urged the group to proceed into Fernandez I’s trap, determined to fight for the Augusta Family’s rule despite the new power’s implications.

• Burdett hurled a Knight's Training Sword through a target and into a wall, leaving List and Michel stunned by his Transcendent strength.
• Elf inspected the damage and asked Burdett to teach her cultivation, but he said Transcendent Power came from the Lord after devotion and physical training.
• List struggled to reconcile Transcendent Power with science, then accepted Burdett’s explanation as Elf and Hans questioned the knight about his abilities.
• Burdett described how Transcendent Knights could enhance their weapons and armor, while warning that artillery and the weakness of people’s hearts could still threaten them.
• Qin encouraged List to enter Fernandez I’s trap and declared that the Augusta Family would remain the Empire’s ruler.

Hubble’s regiment broke through exhausted New Divine United Kingdom forces and helped Great Xia’s advance, while Fernandez I secretly sabotaged his own army’s supplies and combat strength. The kingdom’s troops still appeared united and determined, but their defeat was unfolding according to Fernandez I’s plan.

• Hubble led his reinforced regiment on a detour to attack the enemy from behind and quickly broke through its exhausted defenses.
• Hubble’s regiment repeatedly became the final blow against faltering enemy positions as Great Xia’s forces advanced.
• Fernandez I gained public acclaim for committing his direct forces and coordinating the kingdom’s defense.
• Fernandez I quietly weakened his army by introducing defective ammunition and wasting transport capacity.
• Fernandez I accepted the sacrifices caused by his sabotage and continued carrying out his plan.

As Great Xia advanced through the New Divine United Kingdom, Good brought his brother Olyck to the occupied territories to secure business opportunities and political favor without risking their lives. Good began teaching Olyck how merchants could profit from reconstruction and build influence through cooperation with officials.

• Good refused Olyck’s request to join a Militia Group and told him they would seek rewards through their contributions instead.
• Good donated supplies to the local government, then accepted the governor’s offer to discuss acquiring confiscated properties.
• Good told the governor he planned to develop transportation in the Empire’s new territories, and the governor promised to report his contributions to His Highness.
• Good explained to Olyck that money, official relationships, and family support were safer paths to influence than battlefield heroics.
• Good and Olyck traveled through the occupied lands, supplying resources and claiming early business opportunities as officials rebuilt the region.

While regrouping near Pine Mountain, Hubble reunited with Olyck and Good, who told him that Your Highness would soon visit the New Occupied Territories. Hubble agreed to prepare for possible unrest, but new military orders arrived before the gathering ended.

• Hubble met Olyck, who congratulated him on his military success and invited him to catch up with Good.
• Good personally welcomed Hubble, and they discussed the battlefield and their changed circumstances.
• Good told Hubble that Your Highness would soon arrive in the New Occupied Territories to reassure officials and civilians.
• Hubble agreed to prepare troop drills and contingency plans in case black slaves staged an uprising.
• A soldier arrived with new military orders, and Hubble hurried back to the camp while Good speculated that they might bring good news.

Franz arranged for Hubble and his men to secure the New Occupied Territories ahead of Qin’s arrival, while Great Xia tightened its control and began resettling immigrants. Qin entered the territory amid public cheers, with the Augusta Knight Order making its first public appearance on the New Continent.

• Franz told Hubble that he had been removed from the front lines and reassigned him to guard Qin and prepare routes through the New Occupied Territories.
• Hubble reported that his men had captured routed soldiers and were suppressing resistance among the enslaved Booker Tribe.
• Franz inspected the planned routes, and Qin entered the New Occupied Territories after security preparations were completed.
• Great Xia immigrants took over local homes and land as Booker Tribe residents were imprisoned and sold into slavery, while Franz quietly sought to buy businesses.
• The Augusta Knight Order accompanied Qin into the territory and received cheers from the Great Xia crowds.

Man Niu reunited with Burdett and learned that both had received Baptism and become Transcendent Knights, while Burdett proposed reconsidering their doctrine around His Majesty. In New Holy City, Fernandez I prepared to face the advancing Great Xia Expeditionary Army, sent Bruno away, and dismissed Antoine’s warning about unrest in the troops.

• Man Niu returned to the Augusta Knight Order, received Burdett’s news that he was the Empire’s second Transcendent Knight, and revealed that he too had received Baptism.
• Burdett told Man Niu that he now considered himself God’s Knight and suggested they discuss a new doctrine centered on His Majesty.
• Fernandez I studied a newspaper photograph of the Augusta Knight Order and looked forward to taking revenge on the knights by defeating the Great Xia Expeditionary Army.
• Bruno urged Fernandez I to flee New Holy City with him, but Fernandez I refused and promised he would be crowned there again.
• Antoine warned Fernandez I that the troops near New Holy City were unsettled and the Booker Tribe brothers might turn against them, but Fernandez I said it was not yet time to act.

Antoine went to the military camp to stop Booker Tribe generals from using their support to force a change in the royal succession. He rejected their call to elevate him, warning that Fernandez I knew exactly who had gathered, but his own ambitions remained unresolved.

• Fernandez I calmed Antoine and told him that the situation in the army remained under control.
• Antoine went to the military camp and found Booker Tribe generals from across the kingdom gathered there to support him.
• The generals urged Antoine to claim the throne or demand a higher title and recognition as Fernandez I's heir.
• Antoine rebuked the generals and told them to return to their posts, saying he would obtain his rightful position openly.
• Antoine warned the generals that Fernandez I had a detailed list of everyone present, and they fell silent.

Antoine quelled the Booker Tribe commanders’ fears while Qin’s advance and appeal to Great Xia descendants weakened the New Divine United Kingdom. As the decisive battle approached, Fernandez I began summoning loyal officers and preparing a hidden declaration, leaving Antoine uncertain about the King’s plans.

• Antoine ordered the gathered nobles to return, then kept the army commanders to prepare for the coming battle.
• Qin traveled through the New Occupied Territories, encouraging immigration and drawing Great Xia descendants toward the Empire.
• Fernandez I summoned senior officers to the royal palace and brought out a declaration he had prepared in secret.
• Antoine grew uneasy when he saw Fernandez I’s loyal commanders gathering, then reassured the anxious Booker Tribe commanders and escorted them to the palace.

Fernandez I abolished the Citizen Hierarchy System and freed enslaved people in territories still resisting the Great Xia Empire, while reorganizing the army to promote Booker Tribe officers. The New Divine United Kingdom rallied behind him against Great Xia, and Qin received newspapers publicizing the emancipation and resistance.

• Fernandez I persuaded the military aristocrats that they had no choice but to unite against the Great Xia Empire.
• Antoine led the Booker Tribe generals into the palace, where Fernandez I announced the abolition of the Citizen Hierarchy System and freedom for enslaved people in resisting territories.
• Fernandez I reorganized the army, promoting Booker Tribe officers to command divisions and brigades.
• Fernandez I called on God's people to unite against Great Xia, and the United Kingdom's factions rallied to defend their power and territory.
• Qin received newspapers featuring a Booker Tribe mixed-blood's call for freedom and victory over the slaveholding Great Xia Empire.

Hans dismissed a newspaper arguing that civilization could bring victory, while Qin said Fernandez I had already made his move. Fernandez I rallied the Booker Tribe and prepared to defeat Qin, but the Great Xia Expeditionary Force advanced toward New Holy City, where the two armies finally faced each other.

• Hans read the newspaper, rejected its arguments, and asked Qin when they would deal with the New Divine United Kingdom.
• Qin told Hans that Fernandez I had already acted and that they would soon settle the conflict.
• Fernandez I used the Emancipation Declaration to rally Booker Tribe generals, reorganize his forces, and prepare to spread revolt in Great Xia's colonies.
• Fernandez I learned that Qin's forces had left Antonio and were advancing toward New Holy City, and he welcomed the chance to fight them.
• The Great Xia Expeditionary Force and Fernandez I's army assembled near New Holy City, where Qin appeared beneath the Two-Headed Dragon Banner among black-armored knights.