While everyone was busy preparing, Ismile watched the situation outside. The coalition’s advance was being reported to him every couple of minutes, and he was on full alert, monitoring for any signs of enemy’s movements. Internally, everyone was probably still hoping in the back of their minds that their enemies might suddenly begin fighting with each other or change course, but that didn’t happen, of course, and what they feared finally arrived.

When it became certain that the coalition was advancing towards Shalyh, Ismile gathered everyone. “An hour ago, news arrived that the enemy coalition attacked the front gate at the forefront of Shalyh.” Ismile marked a spot on the map and continued, “According to the reports, they aren’t merely subjugating it, but completely destroying it and burning it to the ground.”

“I wonder what’s the reason? There aren’t even troops stationed at the gate…” Apoline tilted her head. As she said, there were many gates surrounding Shalyh, but Ismile hadn’t dispatched troops to guard them. To protect all the gates, they would have to divide their forces, but in a situation where their numbers were already greatly lacking compared to their enemies, they’d only become easy targets for picking if they divide their numbers.

“They must be looking for blood,” Ismile answered clearly. “They were probably sharpening their swords this whole time, waiting for an opportunity to get rid of us completely.” He tapped the spot marked on the map as Shalyh and continued, “Their intentions are clear. They don’t want to leave anything here that might bother...