Chapter 310: Breaking Down Arthur’s Strategy

There was no sense of fatigue or physical strain as the LionArk march finally reached the outskirts of the Eastern Alliance encampment.

Despite hours of continuous movement across sand and stone, the soldiers remained disciplined, their formation intact, their weapons steady in their hands.

The desert night air was cool, carrying with it the faint scent of dry earth and distant smoke.

From the crest of a tall sand dune, Ethan surveyed the scene ahead. A vast encampment stretched across the plain, illuminated by countless torchlights.

Large tents stood in orderly rows, reinforced with wooden frames and marked by banners fluttering softly in the night wind.

Each banner bore the insignia of a different guild, symbols of allegiance woven together into a single force. The sight alone was enough to communicate the scale of what had been assembled.

From a watchtower near the perimeter, one of the city soldiers shouted a report.

His voice echoed across the camp as he informed the commander that LionArk’s march had appeared on the horizon.

The message spread quickly, carried by runners and shouted relays.

Almost immediately, movement surged through the encampment. Team members from other cities gathered near the eastern gate of the camp complex, their earlier fatigue forgotten.

Cheers rose into the air as they recognized the banner of LionArk at the head of the approaching force.

Some waved enthusiastically, others raised weapons or fists in salute. For many of them, Ethan’s presence symbolized reassurance and momentum.

Ethan raised a hand, signaling his troops to halt. The march came to a controlled stop, ranks steady even after hours of movement.

He issued orders without raising his voice, commanding his soldiers to set up camp and rest for the night.

Fires were lit, tents unfolded, and supply crates unloaded with practiced efficiency.

He and Yuna deactivated their mount horses, the spectral glow fading as the mounts disappeared.

Both of them stepped forward, heading toward the man assigned to oversee the alliance camp complex.

The man waiting for them stood tall, wearing the armor of Avalon. He was not from LionArk, nor was he Kevin, but his bearing made it clear that he was someone Kevin trusted implicitly.

“Nice to meet you, Sir Ethan,” the man said, extending his hand.

Ethan accepted the handshake firmly. “Thank you, Gerrard.”

Gerrard inclined his head slightly and gestured for them to follow. As they entered the camp proper, Ethan took in the scale of it more clearly.

The alliance encampment was nearly as large as the starter cities from the early days of the event.

Supply lines ran through its center, guarded depots stood at every intersection, and patrols moved in regular patterns.

The camp’s location was uncomfortably close to the ruins of Lotus City. Broken stone walls and collapsed towers loomed in the distance, their silhouettes stark against the starlit sky.

Many LionArk members had spoken about Lotus City’s destruction, recounting it as a warning of what happened to those who underestimated coordinated aggression.

“The other twenty two thousand soldiers have already arrived,” Gerrard said as they walked. “They came in waves, at different times, to avoid detection.”

They entered a massive command tent reinforced with thick canvas and wooden supports.

Inside, twelve men sat around a large table, cups in hand, engaged in quiet discussion.

When Ethan stepped inside, conversation stopped instantly. Every man stood, setting his drink aside.

“Thank you all for coming,” Ethan said calmly.

At the center of the tent was a detailed map of the Valor continent.

Carved markers and tokens were arranged across its surface, some gray, others red.

Small flags marked known cities, choke points, and contested regions.

“We’ve completed reconnaissance of the tropical region,” Gerrard explained, picking up a slender wooden pointer. “The main concentration of Redemption Sword Alliance cities is located here, near the center.”

He traced the surrounding hills and mountain ranges. “We scouted these areas extensively. There are no viable routes through the mountains. The canyon ahead is the only way in or out of the tropical region.”

Ethan studied the map closely. “What’s the situation at the canyon?”

“Our forces secured it earlier. Patrols are stationed along the cliffs and the floor. You and the combined army can pass through safely.”

Ethan nodded and shifted his focus to the cluster of red markers gathered near the center of the tropical region.

Two of them stood out immediately, larger than the rest.

Gerrard anticipated the question. “This marker represents Redemption Sword City. This one is Scavenger City.”

“They’re spaced apart,” Ethan observed.

“Yes. Based on positioning, we believe they control the western and eastern halves of the tropical region.”

Ethan grew quiet, his fingers resting against his chin.

If their forces are still committed to the island invasion, then their cities may be largely empty.

“That’s our conclusion as well,” Gerrard said.

“Our scouts attempted to observe cities not directly controlled by Redemption Sword or Scavenger. The results were unexpected. Only city soldiers were present. There were no team members.”

A low murmur spread through the tent. Gerrard exhaled slowly.

“There’s no strategic value in attacking those cities,” Ethan said. “Our targets are the team leaders holding the core crystals.”

Without the destruction of core crystals, cities could always be rebuilt. Eliminating infrastructure alone would only delay the inevitable.

Ethan turned back to Gerrard. “Were you able to scout the battlefield in the north?”

Gerrard shook his head. “Every attempt was blocked. Enemy servants intercepted ours before they could gather information. We’re blind to what’s happening in the island region.”

“There’s a chance they already detected our reconnaissance,” Gerrard added.

“When was the attempt made?” Ethan asked.

“Three days ago.”

“That’s odd.”

The commanders exchanged glances. Yuna stiffened slightly as realization dawned on her.

“If they blocked reconnaissance,” Ethan said slowly, “then they reported it to Arthur.”

“They would have,” Gerrard agreed.

“But they didn’t respond. They continued the invasion.”

Silence settled heavily over the tent.

“Could it be,” Yuna said carefully, “that they intentionally abandoned their cities in the tropical region?”

Ethan turned toward her and nodded. “Arthur isn’t reckless. Especially not with Xeno advising him.”

“There’s a strong possibility that something dangerous is waiting for us there.”

The first invasion had been intended as a test of strength and coordination.

Instead, it now faced a strategic puzzle layered with misdirection.

Ethan felt unease settle in his chest. Advancing blindly could cost thousands of soldiers their lives.

“What should we do?” one of the commanders asked.

Ethan took a long moment before responding, weighing every possibility. Traps. Poisoned terrain. Hidden mechanisms. Arthur’s history made none of those unlikely.

“I’ll look for a solution,” Ethan said at last. “I’ll conduct reconnaissance using my own servant. For now, all of you should rest.”

The commanders nodded in unison.

“Yes, Sir Ethan.”

Ethan exited the tent, the cool night air doing little to clear his thoughts.

If ordinary servants can’t penetrate the northern battlefield, then I’ll send one they can’t ignore.

“Where are you going?” Yuna asked as she followed him.

“To the canyon. I’ll begin reconnaissance from there.”

“Let me come with you.”

Ethan nodded. They summoned their mount horses and rode out through the northern gate.

Torches marked the path, their flames flickering as they passed.

Alliance soldiers stood guard at the canyon, some stationed below, others positioned along the cliffs.

One of them recognized Ethan immediately and guided them upward.

From the edge of the northern cliff, the tropical region stretched out before them, dark and silent.

No torches. No movement. No signs of life.

“Is it always this quiet?” Ethan asked.

The soldier shook his head. “No movement at all.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes, the stillness unsettling.

“All right,” he said quietly. “I’ll begin reconnaissance tonight.”

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