I Hate Systems

Boom!

Magical abilities scattered around as two races were currently broiled in war. On one side were the humans while on the other were Giants.

"Haap!" A lady with cyan hair lashed out with a great sword, condensing a long fiery sword that cleaved through a Giant, killing it.

But immediately after, her body turned lithe, leaping away from the attack of another Giant that had targeted her, quickly escaping back to her base as she gasped for breath, exhausted.

"Princess! It's dangerous to head deep into enemy lines like that!" A caretaker rushed in a hurry, opening a potion bottle that she poured over the lady's wounds, treating them in a hurry.

"I took down a couple of their captains. That ought to slow them down for now." The lady with cyan hair said, watching her injuries heal in response.

Her base camp was situated atop a mountain range, overlooking the entire battlefield. This mountain range—The Aira—formed the northern border of the Xetuka Kingdom, a natural stronghold that allowed them to exercise control over the region.

And of course, it was a heavily disputed area due to the Giants also vying for control over the place. After all, by gaining control of The Aira, they would have a clear path towards Xetuka Kingdom's Capitol, Forkuna.

In a similar vein, the Capitol of the Giants too was a straight path from The Aira. Hence, the reason for this dispute that had raged for more than a century now.

The lady with cyan hair took in deep breaths, drinking potions from time to time as she recovered her mana, gradually regaining her strength as she observed the battlefield from their vantage point.

The Xetuka Kingdom had maintained its hold over The Aira until now, having only lost control over it for short durations in history, with the longest spanning three kilometres.

Presently acting as the Commander of the Northern Fort, overseeing The Aira was the cyan-haired lady, 1st Princess of the Xetuka Kingdom, heir to the throne, and a Pseudo-Saint Warrior of the Wind and Fire Elements, Lelumi Xetuka.

Without a Pseudo-Saint, it was impossibly to maintain control over The Aira, especially since this mountain range pretty much formed the northern border of the Xetuka Kingdom.

The Giant Race was formidable due to their naturally robust bodies. They on average ranged around a height of four metres, possessing hulking bodies.

It wasn't possible to go against them in a contest of strength. Their primary profession consisted of Tanks and Manipulators.

As the name dictated, Tanks were similar to Warriors but more built toward defence. They were basically walking forts and even though they weren't geared for attacks, a casual wave from their bodies was enough to kill anyone that was hit.

And thanks to their robust defence, it was hard to even wound them.

Above this was the rarer profession of a Manipulator where they could manipulate nature itself. And the stronger they were, the greater their degree of nature manipulation.

The Manipulators among the Giants typically manipulated Earth and Wind, with rare few exceptions being able to manipulate water.

Individually, the Giants were stronger than humans at the same level of magic values due to the sheer difference in physical strength.

But, humans had the advantage of numbers, being one of the races that could propagate the fastest.

As the Giants were lower in number, they were unable to push back the human army. But despite that, they wished to do so. After all, their border defence was lacking in many ways.

But by gaining control over The Aira, their southern border would be pretty much impregnable. By gaining full control of the region, they would be able to relocate their troops to the other borders.

"How're our casualties?" Lelumi Xetuka asked once she recovered to full health, adjusting her armour as she inspected the condition of her sword, determining that it could last through another battle.

"We've lost two Grandmasters and five Masters. The casualties among the Experts are in the thousands…" The aide nearby commented, habitually tallying their troops, their casualties, their injured, and the reserve they still had.

"But at this rate, we'll soon face a shortage of food and medical supplies, especially potions." He spoke, unable to help but glance at the princess, for she was one of those that used up too many potions, causing a shortage.

Lelumi mentally snorted in response, understanding the meaning behind his gaze. But, she didn't plan to change her ways. After all, skimping on some potions was tantamount to foolishness in her opinion.

She was the sole Pseudo-Saint here. And this meant that no matter the situation, she must be in an optimal state. Otherwise, if the Giants were to take advantage of the situation to press forth stronger, the casualties would simply spike in numbers.

Saving those few potions would end up resulting in the loss of their fort.

That was why she spent them like water, ensuring she always looked strong and imposing to both her allies and enemies, forming an iron wall that wouldn't waver in the face of danger. This was how she had been protecting the northern border for the past three years without a single instance of the Giants setting foot on The Aira.

Of course, the aide wasn't aware of the intricacies involved in her actions, only making a mathematical tally of things.

Ignoring him, she got up, riling up her Wind Element as she focused on the strongest Giant on the battlefield, one that had already killed three of their Masters.

But just as she was about to launch herself towards the enemy, the sound of a bird's cry resounded in the air as an eagle appeared in her sight, continuing to circle in the air.

Lelumi raised her hand as the eagle perched on her hand. She then took out the message it had brought, reading it as she frowned, 'Horan will arrive at the capital in a week?'

'Why is he coming now?' She thought before her eyes gradually curled up into a smile, 'So, he's after the treasure too.'

"How cute."