Chapter 512 - Paphield Battle (5)
The Southern Legion was aggressive with their approach. As everyone was getting into position, another soldier reported that two more outposts were raided and they sought reinforcements from the Fortress.
Two raids within a day showed how critical the current situation was. However, Rhode wasn’t caught off guard at all. Even though Lydia’s acting was impressive, there would always be two sides to a story. She didn’t mobilize the military army on purpose and had also created a facade of the border defense. To the Reformist Party, this was the best opportunity for them to strike. But this would also cause them problems. The emptiness of the Northern defensive line had exceeded their expectations and due to this reason, they were as though facing a huge cake which they didn’t know where to start biting from.
But even so, the Reformist Party didn’t choose to let this opportunity slip because they knew that speed was a crucial asset in times of war. If they delayed for too long, it wouldn’t be that easy for them to invade Paphield if Royal Highness Lydia had gathered the noble private armies and military troops. Fortunately for them, the forces in the Northern defensive line were weaker and furthermore, their military power was distributed and it was impossible for them to come up with effective defensive means.
The Reformist Party was tempted to take advantage of the enemies’ precarious position. With such an enormous cake before them, the Reformist Party would rather grab chunks and force them down their throats like barbarians than to prepare their dining table and chairs before slicing them meticulously. If that had happened, the cake would have been taken back by the enemies… Even though they would have bad table manners, at least the cake would be in their stomachs, right?
Due to this reason, although the Reformist Party didn’t have enough military forces to occupy the region, they would have no problems dealing with the fatigued soldiers with their current strength. If they delayed any further… No one could guarantee their success.
Rhode gazed at Garcia who was listening to the report attentively, unlike his previous slipshod self. It seemed like the Southern Legion’s aggression had exceeded his expectations. However, Rhode wasn’t too surprised about it because, after all, his men had resisted their attack once and the Southern Legion must have realized that they didn’t belong to the military through their attire. This surely signaled to the Southern Legion that reinforcements were gathering towards the Paphield defensive line.
In turn, the Southern Legion would surely feel nervous because since they had faced a team of reinforcements here, it might mean that there would be even more reinforcements joining in.
Currently, both sides lacked manpower. The Southern Legion held a ‘slight’ advantage and they wouldn’t want to hand this advantage over to the enemies. Therefore, they might as well launch another attack before their enemies managed to establish a stable footing and devour as much as they could. This was one of the options open for the Southern Legion.
“I’m still grateful towards you for your help earlier, Mr. Rhode. But it seems like it would have been better if you and your men had arrived a little later.” Garcia shrugged and the sloppy expression revealed itself once again. He stared at Rhode with a mocking smile. “I understand the situation, but I shouldn’t be the one bearing this responsibility. Besides, I can only say that the enemies are too foolish.”
It seemed like even though this future hero wasn’t famous yet, his commanding standards were as great as ever.
Rhode felt uncomfortable whenever he thought of Garcia’s ‘fiery’ eyes. Although Garcia didn’t tease Rhode in words, his overly passionate and creepy gaze had revealed his true thoughts. Rhode would have killed him if it was possible. But now… He was glad that he didn’t need to battle alongside him at least.
“Sir, they’ve left.” Randolf deep voice sounded along with the cold breeze. Rhode gazed at the last soldier who vanished from his view. At this moment, the sky had darkened completely as the final rays of sun disappeared into the horizon. Almost immediately after, the five-colored aurora from the Light Dragon Soul emerged and brought beautiful colors to the earth.
“Good.” Rhode gestured to Joey and in response, Joey let out a few deep hoots by placing his fingers on his lips. Shortly after, the shadows behind Rhode wavered and they emerged one after another.
Rhode waved his hand and they blended into the shadows once again.
Under the night sky, the woods returned to its usual serenity and at the same moment, thin fog emerged gradually.