Chapter 38: Was the Sixth Army Scattered by a Small Territory? |
...
In Tars City's meeting room, the atmosphere was tense.
"What did you say? The Destiny Army has retreated?" Kodaga Joson abruptly stood up from his seat, his voice filled with disbelief and excitement.
As the City Lord of Tars City, Kodaga Joson had been deeply worried about the Destiny Army's offensive. When he learned the Destiny Army planned to attack Tars City, he fell into complete panic, even neglecting to process his own son's death notice. But now, this news came as an incredible relief.
"Yes, Lord City Lord, this information is absolutely true!"
Kodaga Joson pressed with suspicion: "How could this happen? Did something change on the main battlefield?"
Based on his previous intelligence, the Destiny Army's strategy was clear - their Sixth Army would attack remote small territories and counties like Tars City while their main forces concentrated on major cities. This was undoubtedly a winning strategy for the Destiny Army, as small territories were relatively weak, easy to conquer, and could provide abundant resources and population. Under these circumstances, the sudden retreat was truly baffling.
Kodaga Joson couldn't help but speculate - had something major happened on the main battlefield that forced the Destiny Army to change plans?
His trusted aide shook his head: "They truly retreated. Lord City Lord, you might not believe this, but they were repelled by a small territory."
The aide shook his head: "It really was a small territory that repelled them. It was Thunderkeep - the entire Destiny Sixth Army was scattered by them."
"What? Scattered? How is that possible? Do you realize what you're saying?"
The aide replied: "I'm not lying to you. The news has already spread - the area is filled with scenes of Destiny Army soldiers abandoning their armor and weapons. I heard it was because Young Master Jonas of Thunderkeep captured their leader Evelos amidst the army. That's how they won this battle. This news has made countless people rush to Thunderkeep seeking shelter. Many have even joined Thunderkeep's army."
"Wait, Jonas? Huh? Why haven't I heard of this person before?"
The aide said: "I hadn't heard of him either before this. But this war was truly won because of him. They say he was previously considered a useless young master, but now it seems the Regin Family has been hiding their strength all along."
"Even if the Destiny Sixth Army is newly formed, being able to scatter an army of tens of thousands shows Thunderkeep's formidable strength."
Kodaga Joson still looked incredulous: "A territory of a few thousand defeating an army of tens of thousands..."
"Yes."
"Without this battle, we wouldn't have known Thunderkeep was so powerful. Send people to notify these territories to come to Tars City for a meeting. The war has reached our side, and the higher-ups are forcing us to choose sides."
"Understood, Lord City Lord."
....
Meanwhile, Deswen was heading to Tars City, still conversing with his subordinates.
"I wonder how Evelos will welcome us."
"I bet Tars City already belongs to our Destiny Army."
"Hahaha..."
No sooner had Deswen finished speaking than a trusted aide came rushing over with urgent news.
"My lord, terrible news! Something disastrous has happened!"
"What could possibly be so disastrous? Look at you, panicking like this, can't even speak properly. If everyone acted as flustered as you, who would deliver my orders?" Deswen said discontentedly.
The aide flushed at the rebuke but quickly continued: "No, my lord. The... the Sixth Army has been scattered, Lord Evelos has been captured. Now... he's probably already met his end."
Deswen's smiling face instantly froze. "What did you say? Say that again! The Sixth Army scattered? How is that possible?"
"My lord, it's true. We've already captured several Sixth Army deserters in the surrounding area."
Deswen gritted his teeth: "How could this happen? How could a backwater like Tars City have such strength? Could my brother have miscalculated?"
The aide couldn't help but whisper: "It wasn't Tars City. They were scattered by a small territory, some place called Thunderkeep."
Deswen: "What?! No? What are you saying?! What the hell is Thunderkeep?"
...
Because the governor of Postaya Province was assassinated, his two sons had gone to war, forcing various factions to choose sides between the brothers. Remote small territories like Thunderkeep would normally follow their superior's choice - that of Tars City's county chief. Thus, leaders of various small territories were being summoned this time.
However, because Thunderkeep had repelled the Destiny Army's attack, this summons made many lords reconsider their positions.
...
At Thunderkeep, Holdo was about to depart when Jonas stopped him.
"Father, don't rush. Let me go in your place."
"You?"
"Perfect timing - I need to search for the talents I want while also seeing if I can solve Thunderkeep's funding issues to accelerate our construction."
Holdo didn't refuse, saying directly: "Should you take some men with you?"
Given Jonas's current prestige and strength, he was indeed more suitable than Holdo to attend this summons meeting. And Holdo believed he would excel.
Jonas: "That won't be necessary. You know my capabilities, father. If danger arises, it's easier for me to escape alone. If you went, you'd be more vulnerable to threats."
Holdo nodded in agreement - this was indeed true. During wartime, the warring brothers wouldn't hesitate to seize any advantage. If Holdo went, he might be detained and coerced.
"Be careful on your journey."
"Don't worry, father."
.....
Soon, Jonas arrived at Tars City by carriage and proceeded directly to the central meeting hall, where guards stopped him.
At first, the guards couldn't believe someone so young was attending the summons meeting. Most other territories sent older or middle-aged men - Jonas was the only youth present. Only after Jonas produced the proper documents did the guards escort him into the meeting hall.
In the meeting hall, Kodaga Joson's retainer handled the reception. Through his system, Jonas could see this person possessed well-rounded, exceptional abilities - no wonder he was valued by Kodaga Joson.
Kodaga Joson hadn't arrived yet, but many lords were already deep in discussion.
"Thunderkeep scattered the Sixth Army? How exaggerated!"
"An army of tens of thousands just dispersed like that."
"I still can't quite believe a small territory could defeat an army that size."
"I heard Young Master Jonas fought his way straight to their leader!"
"That terrifying?"
"Absolutely!"
"I wonder what he looks like!"
"Must be incredibly imposing. With the Regin Family's strength, I'm considering defecting to their side."
"Defect? The Regins have angered the Destiny Army. When their main force arrives, defectors might become cannon fodder."
...
This region contained over a dozen small territories. Several had already been swallowed by the Destiny Sixth Army, making these leaders profoundly grateful Thunderkeep had stopped this attack.
Jonas casually took a seat. His handsome features and golden hair made him stand out in this setting.
"Hmm - haven't seen you before?"
A seductive, alluring voice made Jonas's heart race as he turned to look.
Behind him leaned a voluptuous golden-haired woman against a table, her sun-bright locks cascading over her partially exposed shoulders. Playful strands fell across her chest, which dipped slightly from leaning, adding to her charm. Her golden dress exuded nobility while revealing glimpses of fair skin that drew the eye.
Jonas stared dumbfounded at the woman before him, his golden eyes showing surprise.
[Liliana]
[Management Talent: S]
[Ability: Eyes of Desire (Automatically blocked by host's system)]
[Hobbies: **(m) (Undiscovered) Due to her lofty status and insight abilities, craves unknown experiences and sensations.]
[Identity: President of the Golden Cloud Chamber of Commerce.]