Wendy’s speech about “fairness” exploded in the hearts of over ten thousand soldiers in the Sunset Fortress like a barrel of gunpowder.
The surge of fighting spirit and murderous intent stirred the wind through the canyon, even tinting the air with the scent of iron.
The army finally set out.
A steel flood slowly flowed out of the Sunset Fortress, advancing toward the heart of the kingdom—Steelze City.
Night fell.
Inside the hastily assembled command tent, the glow of a lantern cast long, slanted shadows of several figures.
General Sera’s fingers moved across a massive military map, finally stopping at a winding red line.
“Following the standard route, we need to pass through the Black Forest, then three fortress cities guarded by the Veid Family’s trusted followers. Even if all goes smoothly, it will take at least ten days to reach the Capital.”
Her single eye swept over Wendy, her tone carrying the unique pragmatism of a soldier.
“Those three cities are like nails.
If we don’t pull them out, our retreat could be cut off at any moment.”
Astreia stared at the map, brows tightly knit.
Ten days—too long.
The situation in the Royal Capital was ever-changing, and the Veid Family wouldn’t just wait to be destroyed.
The longer the delay, the greater the uncertainty.
Wendy knew this all too well.
But he also understood that these three fortress cities were traps, bait deliberately set by the Veid Family.
Once the army was drawn into the quagmire of siege warfare, the Royal Capital would have enough time to mobilize reinforcements—even seek help from neighboring countries.
By then, their isolated force would be completely surrounded.
They had to reach the gates of the Capital at the fastest possible speed, seizing control before anyone could react.
That was the essence of a surprise attack.
Moreover, unless absolutely necessary, he didn’t want Astreia to enter the Fallen State before the battle for the Capital.
Once the Witch Queen appeared in public, the attention of the Mage Association and the Church would inevitably be drawn.
More importantly, it would easily scare everyone off.
This time, they had to wipe out the Veid Family and its followers in the Capital in one fell swoop!
Just as Wendy was about to speak and propose the secret route he had planned, a crisp, sweet voice sounded at an untimely moment.
“Ten days? Too slow.”
Laxana had slipped over at some point, her slender finger tapping a gray-marked unknown area on the map.
“If we cut through here, we can bypass those three fortress cities and reach the outskirts of the Capital in at most five days.”
“Absurd!”
General Sera’s single eye narrowed, her voice cold as steel.
“That’s the Crying Ruins, a forbidden zone left from the ancient magic wars! The chaotic magic flows inside can tear apart any living thing that comes near! If there’s no road on the map, it means it’s a dead end!”
“This military map is made for ordinary people.”
Laxana flipped her striking golden hair, her eyes shining with the arrogance unique to geniuses.
“For me, the magic turbulence there just needs a bit of tidying up.”
Astreia’s eyes clearly showed a flicker of temptation.
Five days—that was dangerously alluring.
She looked at Wendy, her star-like gaze seeking his opinion.
The atmosphere in the command tent instantly became delicate.
Everyone’s gaze focused on Wendy.
This was his first true military decision as “Advisor.”
Sera represented steadiness and experience.
Laxana stood for aggression and risk.
And he would decide the fate of the army.
Wendy looked at Laxana’s smiling face, his heart as clear as ice.
This “rival in love” was clearly making a power grab with her military suggestion.
She wanted to challenge his authority as an “outsider” in front of all the commanders.
If he opposed her, he’d seem timid and indecisive—not only dampening the newly kindled morale, but also disappointing Astreia.
If he agreed, and something went wrong, he’d bear the full blame for miscommand.
It was a dilemma either way.
“Laxana’s proposal is excellent.”
To everyone’s surprise, Wendy pondered for a moment—not only refusing to object, but even showing an approving smile.
At his words, General Sera’s brows furrowed, Astreia breathed a sigh of relief, and the pride in Laxana’s eyes nearly overflowed.
As if oblivious to their reactions, Wendy continued calmly.
“Speed is the essence of war. Since this is a surprise attack, extraordinary methods must be used. Though the Crying Ruins are dangerous, with the Chief of the Mage Academy present, this strategy is feasible.”
He turned to Laxana, his gaze sincere.
“However, clearing the magic traps and Elemental Beasts within the ruins will depend on your professional skills. Therefore, I propose that Laxana personally lead a mage squad from Sunset Fortress as the vanguard, scouting and clearing a safe path for the main force. The main army will follow afterward.”
“This—”
General Sera wanted to object.
But Laxana had already raised her snowy chin, answering confidently.
“No problem!
Just a ruined place—watch me sweep it clean overnight!
The rest of you can follow behind and eat my dust!”
She thought Wendy was afraid—backing down and trying to please her by letting her take the lead in her best field.
This so-called man was nothing more than a decorative pillow.
Laxana, leading a squad of ten low-ranking mages, set out immediately, vanishing into the boundless night.
Inside the command tent, Astreia looked relieved.
“Thank goodness. I was worried you two would argue…”
Wendy simply smiled, then turned to General Sera, his smile instantly fading.
“Order the main army to stand by in place.”
“What?”
Sera and Astreia were both stunned.
“I and the Crown Princess need to go out alone for a while.”
***
Two hours later.
At the edge of the Crying Ruins, Laxana’s situation was far less pleasant than she’d imagined.
The magic here was even more violent and chaotic than expected.
Ancient Golems crawled from the ground like specters, and the air was thick with acidic mist capable of corroding protective shields.
Nearly half the mage squad she brought had already lost their combat effectiveness, and the rest were pale and exhausted.
“Damn it!”
Laxana blasted apart a charging Fire Elemental with a beam of light, gritting her teeth at the sight of her stalled, struggling team.
She’d been tricked.
That man wasn’t afraid at all—he just wanted to watch her make a fool of herself!
But now, going forward was certain death, and retreating…
Where would her dignity as Chief go?
As she stood at an impasse, unable to advance or retreat, the sound of hoofbeats rose from behind.
Laxana turned warily—her pupils narrowing.
From among the shattered stones of the ruins, Astreia and Wendy walked out unscathed.
Their clothes were spotless, as if they hadn’t crossed a forbidden zone but strolled through a garden.
Impossible?!
How did they get here?!