Chapter 129: Arrive At The Border City (part 1)

Words : 1032 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

As the echoes of battle fade and the adventurers retreat into the dense forest, General Varkas surveys the aftermath. Five adventurers lie motionless on the ground, their lifeless forms a testament to the ferocity of the skirmish. Nearby, three human soldiers nurse wounds, their faces contorted in pain. Varkas raises his hand, signaling the army to halt. His deep voice resonates through the ranks. "Hold position! Tend to your wounds and assist the injured." The soldiers and monstrous allies move swiftly, some retrieving medical supplies, others helping the wounded to a more secure area. The camaraderie between the diverse forces is evident as they support one another. Varkas's piercing gaze then falls upon Sorin, who stands nearby, wiping blood from her daggers. "Sorin," Varkas commands, his tone firm yet measured, "take a team of scouts and advance ahead. Ensure we aren't led into another ambush." Sorin sheathes her daggers and nods, her expression resolute. "Understood, General. I'll select our best and depart immediately." Varkas places a hand on her shoulder, his eyes conveying both trust and urgency. "Be thorough but swift. We can't afford delays, but neither can we risk another surprise attack." "I'll make sure of it," Sorin assures him. "We'll cover the terrain meticulously and report back with any findings." "Good," Varkas replies, releasing his grip. "May the shadows guide your steps." Sorin turns on her heel, scanning the assembled troops. She quickly identifies a group of seasoned scouts—both human and monster—and signals them to gather. "We're moving out," she informs them. "Stay alert and silent. Our objective is to secure the path ahead and prevent further surprises." The selected scouts nod in unison, their faces set with determination. Without further ado, they melt into the underbrush, their movements swift and stealthy. As the army progresses through the dense forest, Sorin leads her team of scouts ahead, her twin daggers gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Her sharp eyes scan every shadow, every rustling leaf, attuned to the slightest hint of danger. On several occasions, would-be ambushers barely have time to react before Sorin's blades find their mark, eliminating the threat swiftly and silently. Those who manage to escape her assault flee. After days of careful navigation and preemptive strikes, the army emerges from the forest unscathed. In the evening, as campfires flicker and soldiers tend to their gear, Sorin approaches the central command tent where Nyssara, Thurn, and Veltha are gathered around a map with General Varkas. Varkas looks up as Sorin enters. "Thanks to your efforts, we've avoided further ambushes." His tone carries both gratitude and respect. Sorin inclines her head modestly. "The scouts performed admirably. We encountered several groups lying in wait, but they were dealt with before they could pose a threat." Nyssara smirks. "Word of our exploits is spreading. The five of us are becoming quite the legends across the three kingdoms. So some probably fleed after seeing Sorin." Thurn said. "After our clash with the Valgros Kingdom's Black Knight, it's no surprise. Defeating such a formidable foe has only added to our renown." Veltha nods thoughtfully. "I guess it's a good thing the adventurers are hesitating. If they weren't, we'd be having a hard time." As the army settles into the evening camp, General Varkas stands before a large map spread across a makeshift table, illuminated by the flickering light of nearby torches. He addresses the assembled commanders—Sorin, Nyssara, Thurn, and Veltha—his tone resolute. "According to this map," Varkas begins, tracing a path with his finger, "we're approaching the border city of Ordeya. Once we secure it, we'll divide our forces to expedite the conquest of the remaining cities." Nyssara, arms crossed, leans in to examine the map. "Splitting up will allow us to cover more ground," she acknowledges, "but it also means we'll be more vulnerable individually." Thurn nods in agreement. "True, but our recent victories have dwindled their forces. If we maintain our momentum, they'll struggle to mount significant resistance." Veltha, his eyes scanning the map, adds, "We should coordinate our movements carefully. Establishing communication lines between our divided forces will be crucial to respond to any unforeseen challenges." Sorin, her fingers lightly tapping the hilt of one of her daggers, speaks up. "Speed and precision will be our allies. If we strike swiftly and decisively, we can prevent them from regrouping or organizing counterattacks." Varkas nods, a determined glint in his eyes. "Exactly. We'll finalize the details of our division after the border city fall. For now, rest and prepare. Tomorrow, we march at dawn." The commanders exchange affirming glances, understanding the weight of the tasks ahead. As the meeting concludes, they disperse to oversee their respective units, ensuring readiness for the battles to come. After several days of relentless marching, the army finally reaches the outskirts of Ordeya. The city looms ahead, its formidable walls bristling with defenders. Banners of both Ordeya and Valgros flutter atop the ramparts, and a vast assembly of soldiers and adventurers—numbering around 30,000—stand ready for battle. General Varkas surveys the imposing scene, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well," he remarks dryly, "it appears they've rolled out the welcome mat for us." Nyssara, standing beside him, lets out a low whistle. "Quite the gathering. They must be feeling the pressure to muster such a force." Thurn adjusts his grip on his weapon, eyes narrowing. "They know what's at stake. Ordeya is their shield; if it falls, the path into their heartland lies open." Veltha nods thoughtfully. "Their unity suggests they've set aside differences to confront our advance. This won't be a simple siege." Sorin, her twin daggers gleaming in the sunlight, steps forward. "Then we should strike decisively, general. A prolonged siege favors them, not us." Varkas's gaze lingers on the city's defenses. "Agreed. We'll convene tonight to devise our strategy. For now, ensure the troops are rested and ready. Tomorrow, we make our move." The commanders exchange resolute nods before dispersing to prepare their respective units for the impending assault.

Chapter 129: Arrive At The Border City (part 1)

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