The power fragmentation was not based on territorial division but on class division. The real power was not held by the city lord of Obscura but by those major aristocratic families like the Chocrans and Jacksons. They were both well-known major families within the city, and the warriors under their command were their family's private troops.As for the royal family of Obscura, the Kesters, were just the largest aristocratic family in the city. They wielded the greatest power and could rule over the entire city. However, the privileges of the aristocracy were not something Sid could simply strip off. The nobles even had the right to disobey his orders.This way of life contributed to the current situation in Leafall. The fragmentation among the aristocratic families had left Sid unaware of what was happening with the troops in front. Not only did he not know what Adrian had been doing in Leafall these days, but he was also unaware that Jed was dead, and even Illya and Rufus had decid
Sid frowned as he observed the situation unfold. He then ordered the front army to change formation and adopt a defensive strategy. After a full hour had passed, the 200,000-strong army endured nearly 20,000 casualties before managing to stabilize their position.Rufus appeared ferocious as his inner ferocity was unleashed on the actual battlefield.Ilyas on the sidelines continued to fuel the fire, declaring, “You’ve accomplished a great feat, Mr. Rufus!"This made Rufus restless. He knew the army ahead as being led by their Great Commander, Sid. In fact, due to Sid's persistent efforts to reclaim noble privileges over the years, he had a strained relationship with many nobles, including Rufus. Rufus felt a sense of satisfaction in seeing Sid, who was almost like an enemy to him, being defeated.But before he could revel for long, Sid's forces began to counterattack. Over a hundred thousand troops surged forward. Sid's title as a Great Commander was well-deserved. Under normal cir
"It appears that the people from Obscura City are not as naive as we thought," he mumbled.Adrian’s recent actions had borne no fruit. While facing Jed and others previously, although he encountered some challenges with his assassination attempt, he ultimately succeeded. But this time was different. He hadn't even caught sight of the enemy's commander.Over two hours ago, he had infiltrated the enemy's central camp. According to his plan, this was the perfect opportunity to assassinate the enemy commander. However, the final outcome revealed that he had encountered someone who could barely be considered his match.In the central camp, he failed to spot the figure of the enemy commander. Or rather, he did see the person, but the one he spotted was a decoy. Two hours ago, Adrian had blended in among the army caravans, clad in the attire of a low-level warrior from Obscura. With his appearance and posture, he appeared indistinguishable from a low-ranking warrior of Obscura.Then he us
Simultaneously, Alfie felt a pang of shame as he realized that regardless of his actions, his focus remained solely on the present. Adrian, on the other hand, possessed the foresight to anticipate everything that would unfold afterward."I'll go open the gate," Alfie said, departing.Less than two minutes later, the defensive formation opened, revealing an entrance toward the city tower. Rufus and his fleeing companions were ecstatic, racing into Leafall with fervor. Alfie, managing the defensive formation, observed their entry and promptly closed it again, thwarting any pursuers from following.After Rufus, Ilyas, and their dozens of elite Grandmaster guards entered the city, they gasped for breath at the city gate. Upon looking up, they beheld a young man standing before them. With the exception of Ilyas, none of them recognized Adrian.Rufus, upon seeing Adrian, surmised that the latter was likely one of the individuals from Silverboa now occupying Leafall. He perceived Adrian a
"Jed is dead, and you used his identity to deceive me?" Rufus released his grip on Ilyas, stumbling backward in disbelief. The few guards standing nearby also realized they had been duped by Ilyas."Sir! Allow me to execute this traitor for you!" one of the guards said."Leave!" Rufus bellowed in anger.Rufus, renowned for his wisdom and valor, discovered himself deceived by Ilyas at this crucial moment.‘Jed’s dead?’ Disappointment crossed Rufus’s face. He and Jed had competed fiercely for decades, harboring mutual hatred. He had long wished for Jed's demise. Yet, upon learning of Jed's death, a twinge of sadness washed over him."He's gone..." Rufus muttered to himself."Sir, this isn't a setback! With Jed's demise, you'll be the first to surrender to Silverboa. You'll surely earn their favor!" Ilyas said.Bang!Rufus, consumed by his emotions, erupted in rage, “The first to surrender? Yes, it may bring benefits, but it will also brand me with the mark of shame!"After being
"You truly are an exceptional individual. Rest assured, now that we've chosen this path, I will treat you with respect," Rufus declared earnestly.This time, Rufus meant it. Despite his previous deep suspicions of Ilyas, he now placed full trust in the latter.Once Ilyas had been attended to and bandaged, Rufus asked softly, "So, what's our next move?"Ilyas's eyes gleamed, but he said calmly, "Do you know who that man was just now?""No. Do you?" Rufus asked, his curiosity over Adrian's identity piqued."I can't say for certain, but I have some suspicions," Ilyas replied. Gazing up at the city tower, he continued softly, "Do you know why Silverboa unexpectedly clashed with Obscura?"Rufus appeared puzzled."It's because of recent events in the capital of Silverboa. There was a shift in power dynamics between the pro-peace and pro-war factions...""You're referring to the replacement of the crown prince of Silverboa?""Exactly. After the crown prince was replaced, the pro-war
However, before Quintin could lead his two hundred thousand troops to catch up from the horizon, Sid had already consolidated his over one hundred thousand troops and advanced toward Leafall from hundreds of meters outside the city. Thus, Adrian still needed to hold out for a while until Quintin's reinforcements arrived."Just one more hour," Adrian murmured, glancing toward the other end of the horizon and shaking his head. The enemy commander would undoubtedly take notice, so the next wave of attacks would be exceedingly fierce.And Adrian's foresight proved accurate. Sid, concealed within his camp, had indeed spotted the ominous black cloud on the distant horizon."That's the direction of the coastline," Jeremiah remarked, staring at the shifting smoke and clouds in the distant sky, his voice tinged with disbelief."Could he have orchestrated all of this?" Jeremiah pondered with suspicion.That man named Adrian, his arrival on that specific day, his seizure of Leafall on that v
Ilyas and Rufus exchanged glances."What was that?" Rufus, not very fluent in Silverboa City's language, thought he might have misheard."He's disrespecting us, my lord," Ilyas shrugged."No, I meant the sentence before that.""He said that Sir Adrian will halt the advancing army.""I heard correctly..." After Rufus surrendered, he had already anticipated what he might face, so he didn't care about Alfie's insult. What truly concerned him was Adrian. He had leaped down from the city tower and was going to confront the army. There were 180,000 people there! Was this guy crazy?The two stood on the city tower, silently observing the man walking toward the front of the army."Is he really going to do this?" Rufus muttered to himself."My lord, you haven't witnessed his true abilities...""Is he the one who killed Jed?""Yes. He dispatched Sir Jed with a single strike of his sword. No one can stop him!" Ilyas said in shock.Rufus shook his head. How could just one person possibl