Capital of the Chaos Empire — Averlion…
Aeth was having a final discussion with Fredrin and Ferdinand regarding the war preparations and plans.
Aeth:
"Ferdinand, you will set up camp with a forty-thousand-strong army around the northeastern territories. After I lay siege to Eryndor Fortress, I will have two weeks. During that time, the news reaching Caelmor Fortress—the closest location to Eryndor—and the arrival of reinforcements will take approximately three weeks.
Your crucial task is this: the moment the support forces leave Caelmor Fortress, you will attack and capture the city. Afterward, leave behind a small unit there, then follow the reinforcement forces and ambush them. Only when they approach Eryndor Fortress will you strike, upon the given signal, ensuring the enemy cannot retreat. At that moment, I will launch an attack with the cavalry to annihilate them.
Your greatest responsibility is to resolve this as quietly and cleanly as possible—so that when you capture Caelmor, the reinforcement forces remain unaware, do not realize they are being followed, and most importantly, that no one notices your presence around Caelmor Fortress."
Ferdinand:
"Rest assured, my Emperor. Not even the enemy's spirit will sense our presence. We will move only at night."
Aeth:
"Excellent. According to our intelligence, there are fifty thousand armored soldiers in Eryndor Fortress. In Caelmor, there are twenty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry."
Fredrin:
"Winning this war would mean breaking Kravendorn's spine. Five thousand of the armored units in Eryndor possess Warrior Aura. This means Kravendorn has poured nearly all of its defenses into this fortress."
Aeth:
"Whether they possess aura or armor, infantry remains infantry. Against thirty thousand cavalry, with proper tactics, they stand no chance. The only difficulty is forcing them out of their shell."
Fredrin:
"That is precisely the hardest part. The fortress gates of Eryndor are the strongest among all kingdoms. Long ago, during a time of good relations with the Dwarven King, your great ancestor had these gates built using dwarven technology and craftsmanship.
In the last war, Gerald's objective was to exploit the chaos. The noble Eldrin—whom your father had appointed as ruler of Eryndor—betrayed you and sided with Gerald. Thus, the supposedly unconquerable Eryndor Fortress fell through betrayal. At present, Eldrin is recognized as the ruler of that fortress and is respected in Kravendorn as a high noble."
Aeth:
"As I said, traitors will always remain traitors—regardless of who respects them or how much power they possess. This gives me the perfect opportunity to punish Eldrin as traitors deserve. It is time to reclaim what is ours. If the turtle refuses to leave its shell, then I will break the shell."
Aeth (thinking):
Dwarves, huh… Why do I feel like I'm inside some kind of fantasy film? Let's wait and see what comes next.
Aeth:
"Fredrin, can you tell me the total number of people currently working in the mines?"
Fredrin:
"Since the registration process is fully complete, I can give you precise numbers. At present, there are thirty thousand workers in the mines."
Aeth:
"Very good. Select ten thousand of the strongest and most physically capable among them. Inform them that they will be paid generously. I want them ready immediately before I depart."
Fredrin:
"I will carry out your order at once, my Emperor!"
Fredrin (thinking):
It is very curious what he intends to do with ten thousand workers during a war. We can only wait and see.
Aeth:
"Now, immediately get to work and prepare everyone for war. We depart tomorrow. Long live the Chaos Empire!"
Fredrin, Ferdinand:
"Long live the Chaos Emperor!"
Fredrin and Ferdinand left the room and immediately set out to carry out their assignments.
At that time, in the Kingdom of Elarion, where Aeth's former beloved Emily resided…
Before Kravendorn occupied the territories of the Chaos Empire, Chaos and Elarion had been neighboring nations. Kravendorn was considered the smallest and weakest among them. The majority of Kravendorn's current lands once belonged to the Chaos Empire.
The reason for Kravendorn's present strength lies in the support of the temple and its cunning use of traitors. Seeing the weakening of the Chaos Empire, the Demon King's declaration of war, and the perceived incompetence of the new Emperor, King Henry of Elarion canceled the wedding meant to unite the two nations. Instead, he decided to strengthen relations with the newly rising Kingdom of Kravendorn.
After all, once the Chaos Empire fell, these kingdoms would become the next border states against the demons. It was essential to reinforce ties between them as much as possible to withstand the coming demonic invasion.
Capital of the Kingdom of Elarion — Nythoria
King Henry was seated in his chambers when a knock sounded at the door. Princess Emily requested permission to enter.
Henry (King of Elarion):
"Come in, my beloved and beautiful daughter."
Emily (Princess of Elarion):
"You wished to see me, Father. Is there an important matter you wished to discuss?"
Henry:
"Today, a letter arrived from King Gerald of Kravendorn. The Chaos Empire is already engaged in war with the demons. How long they can endure is uncertain. The main issue is that the next targets will be Kravendorn and our kingdom. Therefore, we must unite our strength with Gerald. Otherwise, the demons' next target will be us.
To prove this alliance, we must strengthen our ties with Kravendorn."
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