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Chapter 106: War (I)
"Master, this is what I’ve observed." Alje knelt on the ground, his voice low and solemn.
"Not bad. I see." Kai Xiusu lounged atop the highest perch, calmly combing through his scales, utterly unbothered by the imminent threat of war.
Within Dragon Vale, all the chieftains of Ashen Hollow had assembled. Cannibal Magician Lanpu, Earth Giant Commander Dolo, Two-Headed Dragon Chieftain Shimao Ge, the Chimera, Lizardfolk Chieftain Ake and Shaman Keda, Goblinoid Sorcerer Jinya—along with representatives from various newly reclaimed races: orcs, semi-goatfolk, and pure-blooded serpentfolk. Nearly every influential figure in Ashen Hollow stood united in this valley, prepared for battle.
"Anzeta hasn’t seen a war this large in ages," Dailenna added. "The last time was the Lion Alliance Campaign thirty years ago."
She currently served as a temporary strategist, lacking real decision-making power, but she had done her best.
"Based on Alje’s intelligence, the Allied Forces have already reached the edge of Storm Ridge—specifically, the Talafa Hills. That’s the only terrain suitable for large-scale troop movement."
She unfurled a parchment map, her slender finger pointing to a specific location: a wide, open valley. To the north, towering mountain ranges blocked passage—only a narrow pass led to Storm Ridge. To the south, undulating hills formed a natural barrier.
"Tiriel Valley," she said. "It’s the only route they can take to reach Dragon Vale."
"All we need to do is hold this defensible chokepoint—the Tiriel Throat—and we can secure Storm Ridge, blocking the Allied Forces’ advance."
Kai Xiusu said nothing. He simply scanned the crowd below with calm, unreadable eyes.
Lanpu adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles and spoke gravely: "I think this plan is excellent. We can set up spell traps in advance—throw their ranks into chaos, sap their morale before they even strike."
Kai Xiusu remained silent, continuing to gaze down upon his followers.
A heavy silence fell. Most were hesitant, uncertain.
Dolo narrowed his eyes, then let out a puff of white smoke through his nostrils. He turned on Lanpu with a sneer.
"Lanpu, you’ve been buried in Human spellbooks so long you’ve turned as soft and cowardly as a Mage! Are we, the followers of the mighty Red Dragon, supposed to cower like turtles at the sight of a few Humans?"
The Great Goblin brandished his spear, roaring, "We are heirs of destruction and conquest, bloodline forged in fire and fury! We should strike first—burn them with flame, crush them with strength! Break their pathetic courage, drown them in blood and death!"
His words found eager approval. Most of his fellow followers were not particularly bright, and they adored raw power—Dolo’s rhetoric struck exactly the right chord.
Lanpu snorted contemptuously. "Wasting a natural fortress just to charge headfirst into the enemy? Your mind must be filled with Goblin dung."
"Pathetic."
"Exactly," chimed in Goblinoid Sorcerer Jinya, "Lanpu, those Goblins are greedy, cowardly, and utterly foolish..."
Though he spoke of Goblins, each word sent the Troll Chieftain into a fit of rage. His already grotesquely red face turned even darker.
Dolo stepped forward, towering over Jinya, snarling, "Jinya! Get out of my sight!"
"You don’t have the right to speak here!"
But Jinya stood firm—backed by the towering presence of Lanpu. Having already crossed swords with Dolo, he wasn’t about to back down. With a triumphant smirk, he spread his wings, his aura flaring.
"Look," he taunted, "who truly carries the purest bloodline in the Master’s eyes? Who is the true Dragonborn?"
Dolo’s face twisted into a furious grin. "You—"
"Enough."
The voice of the Red Dragon echoed through the valley—deep, resonant, and utterly commanding. An invisible wave of draconic dominance swept over the gathering, pressing down upon every creature with overwhelming oppression.
Silence. Utter silence. Ogres, Great Goblins, Goblins, and all others stood rigid, breaths held, not daring to move.
"We will strike first," Kai Xiusu declared.
Dolo’s eyes lit up with delight. He shot a smug glance at Lanpu.
But Kai Xiusu paused—just for a breath.
"However…"
He slowly rose, his massive frame stretching beneath the weight of his wings. The Red Dragon stood tall, his wings unfurling like a storm-wracked banner.
"Woo—!"
A deep, thunderous horn blast rang out across Dragon Vale. The serpent horn crafted from Manah’s remains roared like distant thunder.
Great Goblins drove forward the colossal Earth-Crawling Dragonbeast, its steps shaking the very ground. Tieflings and Lizardfolk warriors marched in perfect formation, armor gleaming. From every mine shaft and nest atop Storm Ridge, Goblins and Goblinoids poured forth like a rising tide.
Ashen Hollow—the slumbering beast long buried in shadow—had finally revealed its fangs.
…
In the Northern Coalition’s camp, a white-gloved hand slammed down onto a scroll map.
"Here. Tiriel Valley."
"Our ideal encampment. Advance to Storm Ridge at will, retreat to defend the Tiriel Throat—perfect for both offense and defense. Everything aligns."
The man speaking was in his forties, clad in ornate Knight Armor. A neatly trimmed mustache framed his stern face. He was Robert Dudley, the youngest earl of the Duchy of Lakanman, Brad Lakanman’s trusted son-in-law, and commander-in-chief of the three-nation Allied Forces. A seasoned noble knight, battle-hardened and resolute.
Inside the tent, a young man in his early twenties—golden-haired, eager-eyed—spoke up: "What if they attack from behind? Trap us in the valley?"
"Hahahaha!"
The noble lords burst into laughter.
Andrea Bosk, third son of the "Northland Lion" Bosk family, a young and honorable Paladin, grinned. Though skilled in combat, his innocence and impulsiveness often drew amusement—earning him the nickname "Little Lion" behind his back.
Robert smoothed his mustache and chuckled. "Andrea, war isn’t a game. In a conflict of this scale—tens of thousands—it’s not as simple as moving pieces on a war chessboard."
He pointed at the map.
"See here? The Leket Mountains guard the edge of Storm Ridge. They can’t appear behind us without warning."
After a moment of silence, Andrea nodded slowly.
"I understand, Lord Dudley."
(End of Chapter)
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