Chapter 284 Panic To Composure

After that unsettling conversation, we returned to camp in silence. The weight of my dark secrets had finally been lifted, but at the cost of burdening my companion with the same darkness. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with guilt.

As we approached the camp, the warmth of the fire and the smell of the cooking food was a welcome distraction. Despite our lack of conversation, the familiarity of the surroundings provided some comfort.

Once inside my tent, I lay down on my bedroll and closed my eyes. The relief of finally sharing my innermost thoughts with someone was overwhelming. I felt vulnerable but strangely at ease.

As I lay there, lost in my thoughts, I heard a knock on the canvas. It was one of my trusted bodyguards. "Dinner is ready, your highness," he said.

I got up and made my way to the fire where the food was being served. The aroma of roasted meat and vegetables filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After eating, I returned to my tent and opened the advanced control menu on my tablet. I scrolled through the lists of minions, checking their stats and their positions in my army. The battle from the previous day had taken its toll, but thankfully there were no deaths on my side.

I continued to review the numbers and strategize for the upcoming battles. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on my shoulders, but I knew that I couldn't let my guard down.

The night grew darker, and the silence inside my tent was only broken by the occasional rustling of the canvas. I lay there, lost in thought, until sleep finally took hold.

The next day, we prepared to take back the cities that had been stolen from us. With my army at my back, I rode out into the battlefield. The sun beat down on us as we charged forward, our determination strong.

After a long and hard-fought battle, we emerged victorious. The cities were once again under our control, and the people cheered as we rode through the streets.

As I looked out over the people, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The weight of my secrets was still there, but for now, I could focus on leading my people to a better future.

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<Advanced System Controls>

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Army

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[Combat Division - Standard] ( 7850 Minions)

-5480x Advance Warrior Minion

.. 110x Intelligence Variant [ Stage 1]

…. 15x Intelligence Variant [ Stage 2]

.. 2900x Brute Strength Variant [ Stage 1]

…. 1200x Brute Strength Variant [ Stage 2]

.. 950x Technique Variant [ Stage 1]

…. 155x Technique Variant [ Stage 2]

- 1000x Warrior Minion

- 80x Scout Minion (Swordplay)

.. 140x Silent Killer (Swordplay)

- 1300x Scout Minion (Archery)

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[Combat Division - Magic] (82 Minions)

- 0x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Residential Heater)

- 10x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Projectile Controller)

- 15x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Flamethrower)

- 15x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Ice Warrior)

- 10x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Arctic Wind)

- 10x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Water Manipulator)

- 10x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Defensive Wind)

- 0x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Visceral Turbine)

- 5x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Projectile Enhancer)

- 10x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Brute)

- 5x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Solid Control)

- 2x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Land Scaler)

~

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As I lay on my bed, I couldn't help but think about the consequences of losing 150 of my soldiers during a supposedly easy attack on the enemy. It was clear to me that the last fight with the enemy wasn't as brutal as this one. Now, as I watched them fight, I realized they had learned from their mistakes and were now fighting better than before. We had to wait a day to see if our plan of tricking them into believing that we were their army would work and if they would open their gates for us.

As I contemplated our next moves, I suddenly remembered the intelligence agent I had sent inside the city to bring out the enemy soldiers. It was time to call him to my camp.

The agent arrived quickly, and as he reached near the camp, he asked for permission to enter. I allowed him in, and my loyal companion Chloe followed him, sitting beside me.

I turned my attention to Chloe and asked if she was all right. Her response was reassuring, and I felt relieved that my companion was in good spirits. Then I turned to the agent and asked him about the cities.

"Do you know the total strength of their army and how many soldiers they sent with you?" I inquired.

The agent replied, "Yes, my lord. They have a total of 8,000 men in their army, and this number was before they sent a part of it with me. So now they only have 4,500 men inside."

I pondered over his words, trying to make sense of the situation. "So, they sent 3,500 people with you. Am I right?" I asked.

As the agent confirmed my suspicion, I couldn't help but feel anxious. We were outnumbered, and our enemy was fighting better than before. It was time to come up with a plan, and fast.

"Yes, my lord," replied the messenger, bowing his head in deference. "They sent 3,500 soldiers with me. When I met with their leader, he asked about the condition of our army, and I told him that it was very bad. Holding up against the enemy had become difficult. That's when they decided to send 500 more soldiers to assist us."

"How did he believe you when these people know their messengers?" inquired the leader, studying the messenger closely.

"I explained to him the story you told me," the messenger explained. "I told him that the army had suffered huge damage, and then I was sent. I presented myself as a hitman, someone who does these kinds of jobs for money. To gain their trust, I showed him my gold piece, which they accepted as proof of my loyalty. I then asked for a substantial amount of gold, which they provided me. Now it's with the resources collected during battle."

"Excellent work," said the leader, nodding in approval. "But now we must devise a plan to enter the castle. If we try to enter pretending to be their own army, would we be able to enter the cities?"

"It would be impossible," replied the messenger with a shake of his head. "They all know about their king, and their kings enter the cities before anyone else. So, if we don't have a king, why would they let us enter the cities?"

"So, what can we do then?" asked the leader, furrowing his brow. "If we cannot go like that, what should we do?"

"You could send a small group of soldiers inside," suggested the messenger. "And you can follow them with your people. The enemy will panic, and they will open the gates for their people. Once that small group is inside, they can open the gates for you, and then you can capture the cities."

Chloe, who had been listening to the conversation, spoke up. "I didn't understand what you were saying," she admitted.

"Allow me to elaborate," said the messenger, stepping forward. He then explained his plan in greater detail, using gestures and illustrations to make his meaning clear. "With this strategy, we can take the castle and achieve victory."