Chapter 210: Chapter 106: This Holy Light Angel Isn’t All That Great
A flicker of surprise was evident in Catherine’s ice-blue eyes.
She had spent enough time in the army to know the critical importance of scout reconnaissance in military operations. High-risk missions deep behind enemy lines were typically reserved for only the most trusted confidants or officers.
’Does Lynch giving me this mission mean he acknowledges my professional abilities... and my reliability?’
She was silent for two seconds, then slowly nodded, her voice cool and clear. "I can do it."
"Senior Conrad." Lynch looked toward the accompanying apprentice Priest. "The inventory of medical supplies, preparations for a temporary aid station, and assisting Avril with Divine Art healing—I’m leaving it all to you."
"Yes, my lord!" Conrad quickly replied.
"Avril." Lynch’s gaze fell last on the silver-haired girl. "Healing and logistical support are your strong suits. Coordinate with Aus on this."
"I understand, senior," Avril nodded obediently.
"Move out," Lynch said, his tone calm.
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone replied in unison.
At Lynch’s command, all of Lakefront Town sprang into action.
Everyone got busy.
Lynch wasn’t idle, either.
He went directly into the garrison’s basement and began the final pre-war strengthening and preparations for his core Undead Units.
「Three days passed in a flash.」
After several days of nurturing, his two Purple Zombie generals, Corpse Demon and Blood Fang, were at their peak.
Corpse Demon’s baleful aura had grown even deeper. Meanwhile, thanks to Lynch sparing no expense on materials, Blood Fang had reached the upper stage of Tier Three.
The Netherworld Contract Skeletons, such as Bone Jade and Bone Shield, were also steadily improving under a continuous supply of resources.
Bone Jade, the first veteran to follow Lynch, had finally reached Tier Three thanks to his unstinting use of enhancement materials.
The young Vampire, Esther, was also worth mentioning.
After devouring a portion of the Scarlet Harvester’s essence blood, she had been asleep for the past few days. She was likely on the verge of advancing to Tier Four.
Lynch also screened and reorganized his conventional Skeleton Corps, culling some of the old and weak units with severely damaged bones and slow movements, keeping the total force at around six hundred.
「On this day.」
Catherine returned to the garrison, bringing with her the heavy, damp air of the mountain forests.
Two of the scouts who accompanied her were missing, and her bright silver armor bore fresh scars, but she had returned with vital intelligence.
"My lord, reconnaissance is complete," she reported, her voice as calm as ever.
「In the temporary command room.」
Around the sand table, everyone held their breath in concentration.
Catherine reported grimly, "The Blue Scarf forces from Gray Claw Gorge number around five hundred in total. They’re led by a Tier Three Warrior named ’Scarface’ Craig. Craig has already reached Rock Fortress and joined the defenders there."
"Inside Rock Fortress, their total strength is now over twelve hundred, more than a full battle battalion."
At this point, Catherine’s expression grew even more grim. "Furthermore, there are about fifty Beastman warriors from the Black Rock Clan mixed in with their forces. They’re armored, well-armed, and maintain a disciplined formation. Their captain is estimated to be Tier Three in strength. These Beastmen have been formed into their own unit, likely intended as shock troops."
Black Rock Clan Beastmen!
Everyone’s expression changed.
"What’s their heading?" Lynch asked in a low voice, his gaze fixed on the sand table.
"They set out at dawn today." Catherine’s finger traced a route on the sand table, pointing directly at Lakefront Town. "Their route of march follows the trade road next to Mirror Lake. They will reach Lakefront Town in two days at most."
Instantly, the temporary meeting room fell silent.
No one had expected the enemy to be so strong. Over twelve hundred troops—that was the equivalent of two and a half battle battalions.
As for the current state of Lynch’s Ninth Battalion...
Due to his high standards for recruits, the Ninth Battle Battalion proper only had two hundred Soldiers. Their equipment was good, and their training was adequate.
The Third Grand Company was little more than a hastily assembled squad of semi-militia.
It was possible to organize several hundred more from the remaining militia. These men had some training and could be provided with decent equipment, but it was clear that while they could handle a fight where they had the advantage, it was a huge question whether their morale would hold in the face of a brutal, meat-grinder war.
The only real advantage they had was the Undead Army commanded by Lynch and Senior Amadis.
It was a good thing Amadis had come along to gain experience. Otherwise, Lynch’s headache would be even worse.
However, as if to prove the saying "when it rains, it pours," Lynch received a Magic Letter in his Magic Mailbox from his senior, Raymond, at the Radiant Battle Group’s headquarters.
In the letter, Senior Raymond explained that the entire Red Ridge Mountain front was under heavy pressure. The Blue Scarves were launching fierce, multi-pronged attacks, and every stronghold in the region was embroiled in battle. Friendly forces would be unable to provide support for the time being.
Likely aware of how grim the situation was, he had also granted Lynch permission, as a last resort, to abandon Lakefront Town and retreat toward Red Ridge Castle. Raymond promised he would do his best to cover their withdrawal.
After Lynch read the letter’s contents aloud, the meeting room fell silent once again.
Isolated and helpless, with a powerful enemy at their gates.
Everyone’s eyes turned to Lynch.
Lynch’s gaze remained on the sand table. After a moment, he smiled faintly. "The enemy force is large, is it? Then let’s start by neutering them a bit."
Suddenly, his voice turned sharp. "Catherine!"
Catherine straightened her back instinctively. "Present."
Lynch asked casually, "Do you remember what your Uncle Andis said? That if you annihilate the Blue Scarves at Rock Fortress, you can return to the Radiant Battle Group?"
Catherine’s heart pounded.
This was what she dreamed of day and night: to wash away her shame and return to the Radiant Battle Group.
"...I remember."
Her voice came out a little hoarse.
"Good." Lynch nodded, his finger sliding over a point on the enemy’s route of march. "In that case, I’ll give you an opportunity."
"I’ll give you a horse. Go charge their lines."
Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
Catherine’s face was a mask of sheer disbelief. She slowly pointed a finger at herself.
’Me!?’
...
Comments