In the Ulvar Canyon, morning mist lingered, the air heavy with the unburnt scent of gunpowder.
The Silver Oath Shield had already silently broken through enemy lines, stealthily raiding three granaries under cover of night and incinerating the Holy Army's rear supply lines.
Aveline's Royal Flame Army advanced quietly through the canyon's main route, with five hundred fire cavalry as the vanguard piercing the weakest southern pass of the Holy Army's defenses.
The Holy Army reacted sluggishly. They had not expected Snowrest forces to launch an offensive, much less that the "Flame Queen" could grasp the tactical moment with such precision.
General Renault led troops to sever the Holy Army's right flank, while Kalia commanded mountain infantry to block their reinforcement trails.
On the battlefield, Aveline stood with a flaming sword, her fire-colored battle robe flapping in the wind, her gaze as cold as frost: "Send the signal."
A heavenly fire banner rose from the peak.
In that instant, the entire Royal Flame Army charged in formation, flame wheels launching in unison.
The Holy Army's main camp descended into chaos.
Just then, a pure white cavalry unit burst from the Holy Knights, charging straight for the high ground where Aveline stood. Their commander was Sevier, the Holy Army's vice-marshal, known as the "Hand of the Divine Shield."
Lucian had already awaited the charge, sneering as he spurred forward: "I won't let her soil her hands with the likes of you."
The two armies clashed at the canyon's peak. Lucian and Sevier crossed blades for thirty rounds, fighting until flames rose and lances broke, shields shattering.
Finally, using the terrain to his advantage, Lucian forced Sevier back with a sword strike, sending him plummeting into the valley.
Meanwhile, Eirya led the Silver Oath Shield back to the battlefield, piercing the Holy Army's flank and destroying their central camp in one fell swoop.
"Bring down their banners!" Eirya shouted. "While the holy emblems stand, they will not retreat!"
Three cavalry charged together, breaking the enemy flags in the wind.
Aveline raised her sword and cried: "Under the banner of the Burning God, there is no shelter left!"
The Royal Flame Army's morale surged like fire, routing the enemy.
By dusk, the Ulvar Canyon fell entirely under Snowflame control. The Holy Army suffered a crushing defeat in their first battle, leaving the churches speechless.
Standing on the battlefield's peak, the Snowflame Queen looked down at the broken flags littering the ground.
She whispered: "The sound of faith collapsing... it's beautiful."