Chapter 160: The New War
Upon receiving Prince Galo's letter, which lacked detailed information and merely invited Zhang Fan for a meeting outside the city shrouded in secrecy, Zhang Fan couldn't help but be slightly bemused. Nevertheless, he followed Joanne out of Filiano City to find Galo waiting on a path at the edge of the forest.
"Ah, the hero arrives," Galo greeted him warmly as Zhang Fan approached.
"Prince Galo, what prompts this unexpected visit?" Zhang Fan returned the greeting with a smile.
"Do I really need to spell it out? It concerns this bewildering war. To be frank, I am opposed to it. The whole affair is too much for anyone to stomach," Galo confided with a serious tone in response to Zhang Fan's inquiry.
"Regarding that, I believe Leong Miuxi has her own reasons, which Prince Galo should try to understand," Zhang Fan sighed, suspecting the reasons behind Leong Miuxi's actions. His focus wasn't on preventing the war but on how to use it to fulfill his mission and ensure the princess's safety.
"Her own reasons? My sister's reasons? How could you possibly know?" Galo looked shocked, questioning how the hero could know things even he was unaware of.
"It's merely speculation. Many things remain unsaid for now, but rest assured, Leong Miuxi harbors no true malice towards Biscode. Once the war concludes, the relationship between the princess and Leong Miuxi will return to normal," Zhang Fan assured, confident that with their combined strength, they could easily eliminate any demon threat.
"Really?" Galo's disbelief was evident, wondering if there was any hope for repairing his sister's relationship with Princess Mishiore.
"Absolutely," Zhang Fan replied with a reassuring smile.
"Regardless, I implore you to give it your all in defeating us. Regardless of what my sister intends or what you know, I hold a fondness for Biscode. So, I entrust everything to you," Galo expressed his wishes despite Zhang Fan's explanation.
"To defeat Galatea? Rest assured, I will do my utmost," Zhang Fan promised, nodding in agreement. The war must go on, but its execution required careful consideration.
After their meeting, Galo and Joanne departed, leaving Zhang Fan to prepare for the imminent conflict. On the eve of battle, Princess Mishiore rallied her troops with a declaration, not with grand rhetoric, but with her unique charisma that unified the people's morale.
Biscode's forces, numbering over twenty thousand, were a sight to behold. The assembly of such a massive army, unseen in recent years, filled the city's square to the brim. The atmosphere was not of impending battle but of a festive outing, with some families even joining the fray together. Yet, for Zhang Fan, relaxation was not an option; the true enemy had yet to reveal itself.
Under Princess Mishiore's command, the army mobilized. The battleground was set near the border, with Biscode's command post at the Street Fortress. Zhang Fan's special unit, crucial to the war's outcome, was tasked with a daring assault on Galatea's command at the Grana Floating Fortress.
As the war's strategist, Zhang Fan's plan was pivotal, necessitating the involvement of Darlkion and Yukikaze in his squad. Princess Mishiore's intention to confront Leong Miuxi personally, to uncover the truth, was integral to their strategy, especially given the connection between the demonic incursion and the sacred swords she wielded.
The battle, involving nearly forty-five thousand soldiers from both nations, was about to commence. With the countdown ending, the charge was led by Roland for Biscode and General Bernard for Galatea, marking the start of a grand military showdown.