With the dust settled in Lonsbak, Marquess Hector shifted his gaze towards the neighbouring town of Szazki.


    Since Szazki is smaller in size and poption, he saw an opportunity to extend the reach of imperial rule without spreading his forces too thin.


    Confident in the capability he has, Hector determined to exin further. Before he set out, he ensured that the affairs in Lonsbak were stabilized.


    Understanding the importance of maintaining control and order, he left a portion of his troops behind to guard the city. They would serve as a symbol of authority and security, instilling confidence in the inhabitants and deterring any potential uprisings.


    Once the necessary arrangements were made, Hector set out for Szazki with a select group of trusted advisors and a contingent of troops.


    ....


    At the Mezorin Front,


    "Retreat! Retreat!" Reacting to the sudden danger, General Victor called out orders, urging his troops to move away and take cover from the iing wave of fire.


    As the order to retreat echoed through the battlefield, Barlia''s soldiers hurriedly disengaged from the frontlines, seeking cover and regrouping at a safer distance. Their hearts pounding in their chests as they move with a sense of urgency, aware of the imminent danger posed by the iing wave of fire.


    Dirt and dust kicked up into the air as boots pounded against the ground. Each step was fueled by adrenaline while their eyes scanned their surroundings for other potential threats.


    With the soldiers having sessfully retreated to a safer distance, Sarika turned to General Victor, her eyes reflecting curiosity. "So, what''s next, Victor?"


    General Victor, his face etched with annoyance. Clearly, the presence of a magic user has thwarted his n.


    Nevertheless, it''s not the end of the world.


    Although they suffered a substantial amount of casualties, they are not defeated yet.


    "Hmm...," He pondered her question for a moment. "We shall split our troops into two groups andunch a coordinated attack on two ces simultaneously," he dered. "If we can capture Szazki, we will be able to route the enemy byunching simultaneous assaults from two sides."


    Sarika''s gaze sharpened as she grasped General Victor''s n. The seemingly unimportant town turns out to be strategically important.


    From her perspective, the town not only allows them tounch a two-side attack but also to go straight for Manfura if they want to.


    "Go and inform the troops, Sarika." ordered her superior.


    Nodding, she ryed the general''s orders to the troops.


    Barlia soldiers, upon receiving the order, regrouped and prepared themselves to attack another city. Seventy-six thousand soldiers were split into two units, forty-six thousand and thirty thousand led by Victor and Sarika respectively.


    With the troops organized and the n in motion, the soldiers, under Sarika''smand swiftly advanced toward the town.


    Marching for an hour or so, they finally arrived at the outskirts of Szazki town. Their arrival was marked by a collective pause when they noticed another army approaching from the south.


    Sarika immediately dispatched a group of scouts to gather information about the approaching force.


    The scouts moved swiftly and silently as they navigated the terrain, utilizing cover and camouge to remain undetected.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Meanwhile, the main force under Sarika''smand held their ground, maintaining a defensive posture to ensure their readiness for any potential engagement. The soldiers remained vignt, their eyes scanning the horizon as they awaited the return of the scouts.


    Minutes felt like hours as the tension thickened in the air. Finally, the scouts returned, bringing their findings to Sarika.


    "The approaching army is not affiliated with Ryntum-Naharog," reported the scouts. "However, their banners indicated that they are from Inverloch Empire. As the lieutenant probably can guess, they too want to capture this town."


    "Inverloch...," Sarika''s expression turn for the worse. To think that she would meet with the imperial force here of all ces. Inwardly, she began to question her luck.


    With this newfound knowledge, she ordered the scouts to go and establish contact with them. "Tell them that I wish to hold a discussion with whoever is in charge."


    The scouts swiftly conveyed Sarika''s message to the approaching Inverloch Empire forces, rying her request for a discussion with theirmanding officer.


    The imperial force agreed and arrangements were made for a meeting between Sarika and the Inverloch.


    As the appointed time arrived, Sarika, apanied by a small delegation of trusted officers, stepped forward to meet the Inverlochmander.


    To her surprise, the one who was in charge of leading the attack on Inverloch''s behalf was Hector Hajdu.


    "Count Hajdu?" words unintentionally came out of her mouth.


    "Youngdy, I go by Marquess Hajdu of Inverloch now." Hector corrected her. "I assume you are Lieutenant General Sarika Klover?"


    With aposed demeanour, Sarika give a confirming nod. "Yes, I am Lieutenant General Sarika Klover."


    Hector, now Marquess Hajdu, regarded Sarika with a measured gaze. "It seems Barlia has a lot of young talent in their country," he remarked.


    Sarika gave a small, acknowledging smile.


    Aware of the pressing matters at hand, Sarika swiftly shifted the conversation. "Marquess Hajdu, I presume we share the same goal of capturing this town."


    "It appears to be so," replied a marquess. His voice tinged with sternness. "Let me rify something first. The empire wishes for this town and we won''t back off."


    Sarika listened attentively to Marquess Hajdu''s words, acknowledging the Inverloch Empire''s im to the town.


    She understood that Inverloch''s objective was far different from Barlia''s. While they wish to secure control over the city, Barlia sought to use it as a strategic base for their operations against Ryntum-Naharog.


    "I understand the Inverloch Empire''s desire to im this town," Sarika responded, her tone measured and diplomatic. "Our intention is not to dispute your ownership, but rather to request permission to utilize the city as a staging ground for our operations against Ryntum-Naharog."


    Marquess Hajdu, his expression serious, contemted Sarika''s request.


    After a moment of consideration, he nodded in agreement. "Very well, Lieutenant General Sarika. We grant you permission to use the town. In exchange for that, we want your help to capture it."


    Sarika''s face twitched. The marquess basic asked her to use Barlia''s manpower for Inverloch''s purposes.


    Despite her displeasure, she chooses toply with his request. "Thank you for the permission, Marquess Hajdu. Rest assured, Barlia''s forces will work in close coordination with the Inverloch army to capture this town."