Princess Genie's troops and Ju Tak's forces faced each other at the foot of the mountain, where the first round of the competition was set to take place.
The rain, which had poured through the night, had finally ceased, though the ground remained slick and treacherous underfoot, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the challenge ahead.
Supreme Judge Hwan stood between the two armies, his piercing gaze moving from Princess Genie to Ju Tak, both of them seated firmly on horseback. His presence, calm yet authoritative, commanded the attention of every soldier present.
"We will begin the first round of the competition," he announced, his voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the troops. "You are to refrain from causing any harm to one another. Only the mock arrows we've designated are to be used in this trial of skill. The side that first occupies the opponent's position shall be declared the victor."
The judge's eyes swept across the assembled forces, assessing both sides with a look of quiet anticipation. "Now, move to your respective positions."
Princess Genie spurred her horse forward, leading her troops to the right flank with a steady hand and determined gaze. At her side, Jade, ever watchful, rode closely behind, his sharp eyes ensuring that the Princess remained steady despite the earlier toll on her health.
On the opposite side, Ju Tak urged his horse forward with a harsh command, the sound of hooves echoing on the muddy ground. His subordinate, Oh Gun, mounted his own steed without hesitation and followed closely behind.
"Sir, victory is already ours!" Oh Gun said, his voice dripping with confidence as he looked at Ju Tak.
Ju Tak's lips curled into a self-assured grin as he pushed his horse onward. "A princess who knows nothing of military strategy cannot defeat us. Her troops are nothing compared to our strength."
"Not to mention," Oh Gun added with a smirk, "we have a special weapon at our disposal. It'll be over before she even realizes what's happening."
Ju Tak laughed under his breath, his eyes narrowing in focus. "Even with Jade by her side, Princess Genie will fall. If she's truly injured, she should be resting. But instead, she's pushing herself foolishly. It's only a matter of time before she's out of her depth."
Unbeknownst to Princess Genie's side, Ju Tak's men had quietly hidden the rapid-fire arrowheads in their pockets, ready to use them once they reached their designated positions.
The battle was about to begin, and both sides were preparing for the first test of strength, strategy, and wit.
Princess Genie and her troops soon arrived at the right flank, their horses skidding slightly on the wet ground as they took their positions. She stopped in her mount, halting at the head of her more than three hundred soldiers. The sound of horses' hooves on the mud faded, replaced by the steady murmurs of her troops as they awaited their orders.
"The ground is very slippery due to the rain," Genie announced, her voice clear and firm. "Be cautious, and do not let anyone get injured."
Her soldiers nodded, their expressions serious.
"Remember, no matter how much we face the enemy, we must only use the mock arrows. Do not engage in any other attacks," she continued, her eyes sweeping across the gathered soldiers. "And know this. The opposing army is also a valuable force of our kingdom. They deserve our respect, even in competition."
Her words were met with a unified cry of loyalty. "Yes, Your Highness!"
Princess Genie's gaze softened, but only for a moment, before she added, "Lastly, follow the strategy we discussed before departure. We cannot afford to be reckless."
She turned to face Jade, who stood beside her. Her eyes conveyed a deep trust as she said, "I'm counting on you, Captain Jade."
Jade gave a sharp nod, the weight of her confidence in him settling firmly on his shoulders. "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, his voice steady and focused. He wasted no time in spurring his horse up a nearby hill that offered a clear view of the advancing enemy.
From his vantage point atop the hill, Jade scanned the terrain below. He could see Princess Genie's troops hard at work, constructing field fortifications with swift precision.
His gaze shifted back to her, noting the long, torn wound just beneath the blue headband she wore—an injury from the night before. Genie was just continuing to issue commands with unwavering determination.
'Her strength is greater than I imagined,' Jade thought, his respect for her deepening. Yet, there was no time to dwell on that now. His eyes returned to Ju Tak's advancing forces, growing larger by the moment.
Jade's voice rang out as he spotted Ju Tak's troops moving through the marshlands in the distance. "Ju Tak's army is crossing the second marsh!"
Princess Genie's voice rang out immediately after. "Ju Tak's army is crossing the second marsh! Load the mock arrows and prepare the ambush!"
Her soldiers scrambled into action, the sounds of clattering armor and the swift preparation of arrows filling the air. Over three hundred soldiers moved with practiced efficiency, following their princess's commands without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Ju Tak's forces pressed forward, cutting through the marsh toward their target. The ground was rough and uneven, but they moved with purpose.
Behind Ju Tak, Oh Gun, his most trusted subordinate, laughed confidently. "How is it that the Princess's army is so slow? This competition will end too easily, my lord."
Ju Tak, however, furrowed his brow as he observed the enemy's position. His horse picked up speed, but his thoughts were clouded with suspicion. The Princess's forces should not be this slow. Something wasn't right.
"Stay alert," he muttered under his breath, urging his horse onward. The game was far from over, and he knew better than to underestimate the enemy—especially a princess who had proven herself capable in ways he had not expected.
As Ju Tak spurred his horse forward, a sudden thought struck him like a bolt of lightning. He froze for a moment, his eyes widening in realization.
"Could it be... that the Princess knows about this tactic and is using it against us?" he muttered to himself, dread creeping into his chest.
He quickly urged his horse to a halt, then shouted orders to his troops with an urgency that pierced the air. "Everyone stop! Immediately aim the rapid-fire arrowheads in a parabola..."
But just as he was finishing his command, a barrage of mock arrows soared through the air, whistling as they flew toward his army.
Chaos erupted.
The once-steadfast lines of Ju Tak's troops were thrown into disarray as the mock arrows struck their targets with precision. His soldiers, unprepared for the sudden onslaught, fell to the ground, groaning in pain as they were hit.
"The Princess is advancing toward our position!!!" Oh Gun shouted in alarm, his voice rising above the clamor.
Ju Tak's eyes snapped to the battlefield, and there, cutting through the chaos like a blade, was Princess Genie herself—her horse galloping past their position with terrifying speed.
His heart sank.
With growing panic, Ju Tak turned to his men, shouting for them to regroup, but it was already too late. His soldiers, disoriented and scattered, struggled to retaliate, but their formations were shattered.
In an instant, Captain Jade, leading over a hundred of Princess Genie's most skilled soldiers, appeared on the scene, shooting arrows with deadly precision. The air seemed thick with tension as mock arrows rained down upon Ju Tak's troops.
One by one, his men fell to the ground, unable to defend themselves.
Desperation surged through Ju Tak as he dodged the incoming arrows, trying to keep up with the Princess's advance. He could not afford to lose face here. Gritting his teeth, he chased after Princess Genie, determined to close the gap.
But Jade was right behind him, not letting him escape.
Ju Tak, his heart pounding in his chest, reached for his rapid-fire arrowheads, desperately loading them as he urged his horse forward. His fingers were trembling, but he had no choice.
As he drew his bow to aim at Princess Genie, ready to launch a counterattack...
Boom!
The sound of a hard thud echoed through the air. Ju Tak was thrown from his horse, crashing to the ground in an unceremonious heap.
Jade had moved faster than he could react. In one swift motion, he grabbed the back of Ju Tak's neck and tossed him aside like a ragdoll.
Ju Tak groaned, disoriented, as he lay on the cold ground. Jade towered over him, his expression stern.
"Aren't rapid-fire arrowheads against the rules?" Jade's voice was sharp, his gaze unwavering.
Ju Tak, his pride shattered, sat up slowly. He looked around at the battlefield, his eyes scanning the fallen soldiers, his breath ragged. His defeat was undeniable, and a bitter laugh escaped him.
At that moment, Princess Genie rode into his camp, her presence commanding attention. She raised the flag planted at the center of his position high above her head, the fabric fluttering proudly in the air.
A cheer erupted from her troops, their voices filling the air with triumph.
Princess Genie turned toward her soldiers, the flag raised high. Her eyes gleamed with victory as she declared, "We have won!!!"