The plan to encircle Xayne was swiftly set into motion. Troops were strategically positioned along his projected path."We have him surrounded, the target has no escape," one team reported, crouched at the street's end with their radios at the ready.As they advanced through the last alleyway, they heard gunfire and immediately tensed."We've reached the target location but haven’t sighted the target," another team relayed through the radio."We're here too, but no suspicious figures in sight," a third team reported.Henry issued the order, "Countdown from three, then strike together.""Three, two, one!"Both teams burst out of the alleyways simultaneously, only to see a stray cat darting through."There's no one."Confusion set in as one soldier grabbed the cat and noticed a tracker attached to it."So, Xayne isn't here. I knew he wouldn't be running around aimlessly." Henry clenched his fist.Although he anticipated that capturing Xayne wouldn't be straightforward, he rema
Xayne hadn't anticipated that other nations' military forces would join the action. He realized something was off when he noticed that the five soldiers who had been slain were all from the Tri-Lion Empire.The place Xayne observed was the nearest area to Newcroa, a well-guarded line. They had set up fences and dug a massive trench around the entire region, encircling the outskirts of the town. Since the area was suburban, it had few inhabitants, mostly impoverished people. These lives were insignificant to the commanders leading the encirclement compared to the King of the North.Xayne was closest to the southwestern front, manned by the Seventh Division of the Fran Empire. This line was to halt any advance. The division commander, Matt, sat in the command room, discussing strategy with other international leaders. Having all the leaders together reassured Henry. They were allies but also had leverage over each other’s armies. Eight nations participated, and eight military for
Glen didn't care much about the success or failure of this mission. For them, even a failure had its advantages. This was their afternoon tea time, and as people of the Fran Empire, they had a ritualistic commitment to this tradition.Meanwhile, Xayne and his two companions stealthily approached the defensive line, carefully observing the setup. "It's quite a crowd," Xayne murmured, using a sniper scope to survey the scene from a distance. The soldiers, who were all ready to shoot, would immediately detect any movement or approach.Historically, attacking a fortified position had always been more challenging than defending one. The attacking side often required several times the manpower to breach the defense. Xayne, Dragos, and Ace knew that breaking through the enemy line seemed nearly impossible. Any attempt to approach would likely result in being swarmed and attacked by the soldiers, who had heavy firepower, including armored vehicles, as evidenced by tracks seen earlier.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" One sentry shouted, only to have his head pierced by a bullet the next second. The soldiers couldn't determine the direction of the shots but knew they were facing a highly skilled sniper or perhaps multiple snipers, given the precision and speed of the shots.Ordinarily, a sniper needed to recalibrate between shots, causing a delay. However, these shots were rapid and deadly accurate, leaving no time for reaction. Even those who found cover behind trees were shot through, their heads exploding as bullets penetrated the thick wood.A soldier quickly reported the situation to Glen. "What?! They dare kill my men? What a bold move. Everyone, take your riot shields and charge. I refuse to believe they can withstand our iron will," Glen ordered, slamming the table.Glen also informed Matt about the situation. Matt, receiving the report, abruptly stood up. The other commanders looked at him questioningly."I'm going to the restroom," he excused himself. On
Fortunately, the Fran Empire squad leader and the Newcroan patrol leader managed to retain some composure, preventing the argument from escalating further."They're not fighting? I'm impressed by their restrain. Let's add some fuel to the fire and make their relationship even more 'intimate'," Xayne muttered as he observed the scene from a distance. He raised his sniper rifle, aiming at the Fran Empire squad leader.With a gub firing sound, the squad leader collapsed instantly, and panic spread among the soldiers. Fear was evident on their faces."Enemy attack. They've killed our leader. We can't let them go!" The Fran Empire soldiers, now leaderless and desperate, shouted.The Newcroan patrol leader was equally stunned, frozen as the realization hit him. The next moment, his head exploded, and he, too, fell lifeless into a pool of blood.With both leaders down, the already strained relations between the two forces reached a boiling point. The Fran Empire soldiers, equipped with r
Beastio roared, trying to mediate the situation. However, Matt pointed at Henry and accused, "You conspired with the people from Drakonia to gather our troops here, deliberately weakening our military strength. You are truly despicable."Henry suddenly realized. "No wonder the Silver Snake Squad's surprise attack failed. We fell into your meticulously laid trap. Matt, I understand now. You plan to exhaust our military forces first and then hold us hostage."The analysis from Henry made sense, intensifying the already existing mistrust. Tensions rose higher."We must fight them now. If we don't, they will wipe us out!" Matt's furious shout instantly disintegrated the Eight-Nation Alliance.Half an hour later, gunshots rang out in the conference room. Soon, only Henry and Beastio remained standing while everyone else lay dead in pools of blood.Meanwhile, a fierce battle among the eight armies ensued at the border. Many foreign troops had come only to capture Xayne and were poorly
The six elders nodded slightly, each in their unique posture, but all wore expressions of solemnity and gravity. Their eyes were filled with a chaotic sharpness.Among them, a slightly taller elder, exuding an aura of authority, looked at the Emperor and asked, "Has the country reached its most critical moment that requires our intervention?"The Emperor replied, "Great Elder, Hanwan has returned.""Hanwan?"Upon hearing this, all six elders frowned, their expressions turning particularly grim.The Great Elder's face darkened significantly as he took a deep breath and said, "Hanwan is a talented individual. Unfortunately, his ambitions are too grand and conflict with the will of the nation. If it weren't for this, I would have considered helping him become the next Emperor."At these words, the other five elders nodded slightly, seemingly in agreement with the Great Elder.However, Hanwan was blinded by his ambition. He had taken a path contrary to the nation's will, betraying b
The Emperor fell silent for a moment before replying, "Great Elder, I haven't informed the KB Kings Circle yet.""You haven't informed them?"The Great Elder tensed at the news, then relaxed as he seemed to understand something. "Your Majesty, I understand your reasoning. However, the survival of the nation is at stake. The KB Kings Circle must also shoulder the responsibility. If they make excessive demands after the war, I will negotiate with them."Hearing this, the Emperor nodded. "In that case, I will follow the Great Elder's guidance."The Great Elder nodded, then looked up at the sky and asked, "Who is attending the external warriors' meeting this time?""Xayne, the supreme commander of the 300,000-strong Dragonbreakers Legion, has reached the level of a Senior Divine Commander," the Emperor said, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement and pride."Xayne? A Senior Divine Commander? How old is he? Why haven't we heard of him before our seclusion?"The Great Elder'