Chapter 68: Sand Savages |
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After Atticus sent the information to Kuroth,
Kuroth quickly established contact with Jonas.
"Lord Jonas, Atticus has agreed to launch the attack.
A full-scale assault from multiple directions on Giant Spirit City.
They want us to attack from the rear and cut off the city's supply lines."
Jonas couldn't help but laugh.
"This legitimate heir is quite clever, trying to use Tars City as cannon fodder?"
"Young master, what should our next move be?"
"But what if Atticus discovers this and changes plans?"
"The ones who should be anxious are them, not us.
The Destiny Army's supplies will be cut off from Thunderkeep.
Of course, we'll maintain appearances - you know what to do."
"Understood, my lord."
Jonas stroked his chin and smiled.
"Now things get interesting. The Imperial Army is launching an attack.
I wonder if the Destiny Army will attack us or defend their city?"
If they choose to defend,
their supplies will eventually run out, weakening them until they're forced to desperate measures.
And their base of operations would be in trouble.
I certainly won't go easy on them.
If they attack us instead, how will Atticus's forces respond?
Especially with Retifus watching like a tiger eyeing its prey.
Thinking of Retifus, Jonas pulled over the battle map.
His gaze naturally fell upon the three cities controlled by this second son.
He said to Kuroth:
"Did you gather the intelligence I asked about Retifus?"
Kuroth nodded:
"Yes.
This second son was timid since childhood, often bullied by his elder brother, with no notable talents.
During the Empire's turmoil, he did something unexpected.
He voluntarily went to cities far from the capital.
Everyone thought he'd live out an ordinary life.
But when the Governor fell ill, he suddenly rose to power.
Turning three city lords to his side simultaneously.
Then forming an opposing force against his brother Atticus.
..."
Jonas stroked his chin.
Then allied with Destiny, assassinated the Governor, helped Destiny capture Giant Spirit City.
Used his army to pressure the capital.
Besieging without attacking, forcing the Destiny Army and Atticus to fight and weaken each other.
Finally reaping the spoils.
...
Kuroth continued: "This second son has never attacked cities directly, instead slowly consuming remote areas and small territories."
Jonas nodded: "His approach is correct.
The capital has Arcane Projectile Arrays.
Extremely powerful war machines - besieging without attacking, cutting supplies is the optimal strategy."
Surrounding the cities from the countryside, seizing power through armed struggle.
"Achieving this situation without wasting troops.
This second son is far more dangerous."
Logically, how could someone timid since childhood show such determination?
Either he hid his true nature extremely well.
Or... he's been replaced, or controlled.
Jonas examined the map, looking beyond those three cities.
Endless yellow sands - when Bostaya was established, the Imperial Army drove what they considered inferior races there.
Most perished, except one tribe that grew powerful.
The Sand Tribe.
Who established numerous Sand Savage tribes there.
Even during stable times, Sand Savage raids plagued Postana City.
Countless raids on Bostaya's resources.
The Empire tried to eradicate them, but the sandstorms and terrain made every attempt fail.
With the Empire in turmoil, the Sand Savages should be making major moves.
Yet strangely, they've been quiet for two years without any raids.
And this second son, a privileged noble.
Of all places,
why choose cities troubled by Sand Savages?
Unless he seeks something there despite the danger.
Jonas smiled: "Sand Savages?
It seems many races are stirring during the Empire's chaos."
Is Retifus still the same second son?
By now, the pledge of allegiance he sent Retifus should have arrived.
"Chaos is good~"
"Nothing urgent today, let's play with Yaoluo~"
...
Saltwo City.
Bostaya's most resource-abundant city.
Once the largest magic crystal producer, now one of Retifus's strongholds.
Central meeting room.
Retifus examined intercepted intelligence.
Tucking golden hair behind an ear with slender fingers.
Stroking a flawless chin, smiling: "My dear Atticus finally dares to make his move!"
"Sast, take the First Army, disguised as the First, Second and Third Armies to Giant Spirit City.
Make it seem we're determined to take it.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Army will secretly head to Spandel to cut Atticus's supply lines."
While Atticus attacks Giant Spirit City, if his full army can't take the capital, surely they can capture another city?
"Heh... handing power to that fool Atticus was the Governor's stupidest decision."
...
An aide entered with news: "We've received word from Tars City.
They wish to pledge allegiance to us."
Retifus: "Allegiance to us?"
Examining the map.
"Hmm, Tars City's lord is quite clever.
Knowing we're their only hope for survival.
I believe this attack on Giant Spirit City was partly due to Tars City's situation."
"Correct."
Retifus: "But do we simply accept their pledge?"
The aide produced several magic cards.
"The new lord is Kuroth, former retainer of the previous lord.
This is his pledge."
The cards showed slain nobles and city lords - all Atticus's allies.
Eliminated completely.
"Oh?
This Kuroth knows how to read the situation.
Using Tars City's position to provoke Atticus into attacking, distracting the Destiny Army, buying time.
Realizing he can't survive between Destiny and the Imperial Army, so pledging to us.
Interesting!
Tsk... Atticus probably doesn't know all his men are dead."
Aide: "Could this be a trick?"
"Heh... what trick could a city deep behind enemy lines play?
Just desperate measures for survival.
Kuroth is smart enough to know only we can save him."
"Then..."
"Prepare forces to support Tars City when the battle begins, seizing Giant Spirit City if possible.
That city's tough for others, but for us?
Nothing simpler."
"My lord is wise."
The aide dissolved into flowing sand that vanished into the floor.
Retifus gazed at Giant Spirit City: "Calling themselves Destiny?
Tsk tsk..."
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