(Third Person POV)
In the Northern Front, the defenses were successfully destroyed by The Alvarez forces. They managed to push through.
The forces that were defending the Northern Front, consisting of the magic council, Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, Sabertooth, and Gajeel's group were successfully pushed back by the sheer pressure that was Alvarez's firepower.
They had managed to blow up the majority of Jason's defenses using their airships and their manpower. Their army was able to force itself through and march through the snowy region of the northern border.
The Magic Council had set up camps near a small town that was evacuated even occupying it as well, several hundred miles from the advancing army that had managed to breach through. Even with the help of The Nemesis, they were unable to keep them at bay any further.
Inside the town hall, the prominent members of the northern defenses sat in a table to discuss any further strategies. The majority of them had suffered minor injuries as they didn't fully engage in a prolonged battle. They were prompted to retreat due to the high risk of staying in their positions.
At the head of the table sat the Rank 4 Wizard Saint, Warrod. He had a serious look on his face as he looked down at the map of the northern region.
"This is not good..." He said, "An army of that size that managed to breach through, it's only a matter of time that they advance further in..."
Next to him, was Jura, another Wizard Saint.
"Warrod-dono..." He said, "What should our next move be?"
Warrod sighed, "I am not sure..." He said, "We should wait for further instructions. I was never good at war tactics..."
Minerva, Sabertooth's Master, sat across from Warrod, "It'll be foolish to meet them head on." She said, "The Shield of Spriggan has magic-bane particles, it is suicide to fight them while that's the issue."
Gajeel, who sat next to Minerva, nodded, "Agreed." He said, "But we can't let them get past so easily. We're going to have to fight."
Minerva looked at him, "You're not wrong." She said, "I'm merely saying that they have a powerful weapon alongside their artillery. We're at a disadvantage."
As she said this, Levy walked up, "Guys!" She said, "I just got off with Jason. He said that he'll send some support but we'll have to wait a couple of hours."
Gajeel frowned, "We don't have that long." He said
Levy looked at him, "We do, actually." She said, "He told me that the army hasn't moved ever since breaching the border. They're locked down in their current positions."
Warrod looked at her, "There must be a reason for this." He said, "There's no way they're not carefully planning this...."
Minerva nodded, "I agree with Warrod-san." She said, "There's something else at play...."
Levy looked at Minerva, "But still..." She said, "That's what Jason said. He made it sound like he was aware of the Shield's magic-bane particles...He told me he'll give us something to handle it."
Gajeel looked at Levy, "What could he possibly have to counteract that?" He asked
Levy shrugged, "I don't know, Gajeel." She said, "But he's telling us to wait. Master Mavis also said the same."
"Then it is decided." Warrod said, "If Mavis said so, then we must wait."
"She's the Tactician after all."
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Miles away from the town where the defensive forces were camped, deep in the mountains and the snowy forest, the Alvarez forces were stationed.
Atop a hill, a massive cloaked figure stood, overlooking the camps that the forces had put up. He emitted a thick and dark grey misty aura while he stood there. The snow beneath him was slowly melting away as it corroded and the grass beneath the snow was shriveling up completely. It's as if his presence alone was capable of killing anything
This was Bloodman, one of the Spriggan 12.
"Hm...." Bloodman said, "Mine forces hath stationed themselves. Just as His Majesty ordered."
Behind him, several footsteps could be heard. Blood merely smiled, through his mask as he felt the presence behind him. These were his direct subordinates, loyal to him and the empire.
Bloodman didn't look back at them, he kept looking down the hill. It's as if he didn't need to see who was behind him, he knew exactly who it was.
"Tell Larcade that we await His Majesty's orders..." Bloodman said, "The time to spread death and destruction is upon us...."
"Yes sir." a feminine voice said
Bloodman then began to chuckle, "To think you two would fight against him, after what he did..." He said turning around, "Do you not feel anything about the matter."
He looked at the two he was speaking to. Standing several feet away from him, Seilah and Kyoka stood with their arms in front of them. They had their original forms, the same ones they had when they were in Tartaros. Kyoka had a sly smile on her face while Seilah had the usual serene and calm expression.
Kyoka closed her eyes, "I have no recollection of what you speak of, Bloodman-dono." She said, "This Jason person, he's only the enemy and I promise you that I'll kill him if I encounter him."
Bloodman nodded, "You are indeed capable of doing so." He said, "You were enhanced greatly in order to be strong enough to serve both me and Zeref-sama."
Seilah nodded, "Indeed." She said, "For the sake of Zeref-sama...."
"We shall kill the man known as Jason...."