Chapter 257 Sharpshooter's Task



With the terms agreed upon, Victor and the emissary finalized the details of the alliance. Messages were sent back to Marquess Hector, informing him of Barlia's decision to join forces and the city that would be granted to Inverloch.

The emissary departed with the signed agreement. A sense of hope rekindled in his heart.

As they watched him ride away, Sarika couldn't contain her thoughts any longer. "If we could get Blande to join in, our unified army would exceed one hundred thousand. It would be a force, unlike anything this continent has ever seen."

Victor nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Indeed. Blande's support would significantly strengthen our position. Send a messenger to Braun, urgently requesting his presence here."

Sarika acknowledged the order with a nod and swiftly departed to carry out her task.

....

Swoosh—

Swoosh—

The sound of crashing waves filled the air as the ships sliced through the ocean. The salty mist sprayed across the decks, carried by the strong sea breeze. The fleet sailed in a formation, their sails billowing against the vast blue canvas of the open waters.

Admiral Kellan Stormrider stood tall on the deck of his flagship, his eyes fixed on the horizon. As the ships advanced, Napuna and its port, gradually emerged in the distance. And as the ships drew closer to the shore, the true scale of the city became evident. 

"Boys, we are here!" Admiral Stromrider's voice boomed across the deck. The crew, clad in their naval uniforms, braced themselves, ready for the eventual docking.

While Bain led the reinforcement army towards Manfura on land, Admiral Stormrider commanded the first fleet, entrusted with the crucial task of neutralizing the Blande encampment near Napuna.

The ships glide smoothly into the port of Napuna one after another. As the gangplanks descended, Ryntum soldiers disembarked onto the solid ground.

The sailors were met with a tumultuous reception from the grateful citizens of Napuna. A chorus of cheers and applause echoed through the air, mingling with heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The city had suffered numerous attacks from the relentless Blande forces, leaving the residents weary. The arrival of the Ryntum fleet was a beacon of hope in a city besieged by uncertainty and fear.

Admiral Stormrider wasted no time in convening a council of war. The task at hand was to devise a strategy to effectively deal with General Braun and his formidable forces.

As the officers gathered around the table, maps were unfurled, and intelligence reports were shared.

"We cannot engage General Braun's forces head-on," Admiral Stromrider began, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "They are a trained army and we have no chance fighting them in that matter. Moreover, their camp is located far inland, outside of our cannon range."

The officers nodded in agreement, fully aware of the nature of the impending battle. 

"And so, I suggest we send a small team of sharpshooters to fight them under the cloak of darkness" Admiral Stormrider declared, his eyes gleaming with determination. 

"Sharpshooters? How can sharpshooters fight against the whole army?" asked one of them.

"I never said the sharpshooters need to fight an army. Their goal is to assassinate the top brass of the army. Without leaders or effective command chain, the rest are as good as dead."

"Ah!" A realization settles on them. If the admiral is talking about sharpshooters, they are probably the Rogvor people. 

Ever since the king made contact with the Rogvor people, a people with elven-like characteristics that reside deep within the forest in the south began venturing out into the world beyond.

While they maintained a certain level of reservation, they are still curious about the world beyond their forest. Coinciding with their emergence, Ryntum had witnessed the birth of numerous new professions, making it all the more enticing to the Rogvor people to explore the world.

Moreover, the king himself had taken it upon himself to guarantee their safety as long as they remained within the kingdom's territory.

After all, the Rogvor were forced to withdraw into seclusion centuries ago due to the relentless pursuit of normal humans who sought to unravel the secrets behind their slow ageing, longevity, and ethereal beauty.

There are still, however, a few Rogvor at that time who were overly curious and decided to live among humans. However, they often had to hide their distinctive pointy ears and sometimes even their enchanting physical beauty when they are outside their residence. 

When ordinary people first encountered the Rogvor, their reactions varied greatly. Surprises spread across their faces as they beheld these unique beings with their elven features.

Curiosity tugged at their hearts, urging them to learn more about this elusive race. Some scholars decided to approach the Rogvor cautiously. Their eyes brimming with intrigue as if they found a new toy.

Others observed from a safe distance, captivated by the gracefulness of their movements and the radiant aura that surrounded them. Whispers of wonder and awe mingled with hushed murmurs of unease and uncertainty.

However, as time passed and more interactions occurred, all those thoughts disappeared. Now, you can see Rogvor people walk on the streets just like any normal human.

The presence of Rogvor sharpshooters in the military however was a rare case.

Although Riz is very interested in their innate ability that far exceeds human capability, not many Rogvor people have the bravery to join. 

Due to the military's frequent operations beyond the kingdom's borders, there is concern that the king's protection may not extend to these risky situations.

The officers turned their gaze to a man standing among them, his presence exuding a sense of quiet strength. He had a lean physique, sharp features, a bit of pointy ears and an air of mystique about him. It was evident that he was no ordinary sailor.

"What do you think, Al?" asked the admiral, "You are going to lead the sharpshooters and operate this time. Can't you lead them?"

The man, named Alaric nodded in response to the admiral's question.

His keen eyes scanned the faces of the officers, his voice steady and assured as he replied, "Of course, I am more than willing to lead them, Admiral."

Admiral Stormrider's gaze held a mixture of trust and confidence as he placed a hand on Alaric's shoulder. "I have faith in your abilities, Al. As a Rogvor person, your innate skill in stealth and archery makes you a perfect candidate for this job. May your aim be true and your movements unseen."

Alaric's lips curled into a small smile, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I shall not disappoint you, Admiral."