April 20, 1734, according to the Human Common Calendar. On the frozen tundra, the Valeria Empire's Expeditionary Army, having secured initial control of Coldwind City, faced off from a distance against the Church's knightly order, which was reinforced by the formidable field magic of the City of Holy Light.
On the surface, the Empire's expeditionary offensive appeared to have been temporarily halted by the Light Knights' intervention.
Unable to advance for an extended period, the army seemed incapable of carrying out its intended strategy of descending from the high ground to strike directly at the royal capital.
But the reality was not so.
Setting aside the main forces facing each other head-on, along the flanks of the front line, due to last year's failure in external wars, the Church knights' living strength had failed to receive effective replenishment over the next half year.
