Wasted Hours of Vigilance

Once the conclusion of the short but fierce battle against the Timberwolf Mercenary group had been decided, majestic flags bearing an emblem of a shield in the middle, two crossed spears, and a black wing attached to the sides of the shield stood proud on the walls of Gonad City.

Naturally, the flags bore the insignia of the Rougenfort Kingdom. The shield and crossed spears represent love and protection while the black wings represent death.

To put it simply, the meaning of Rougenfort Kingdom's emblem was: love and protection to the citizens and death to the enemy.

Helena smiled happily as she observed the waving flags of the Rougenfort Kingdom after another successful operation.

She didn't have time to observe too much though as a disheveled Rashid wildly swung his sword, still struggling to take one down with him.

Unfortunately, it wasn't gonna happen as Helena decided to deal with the struggling man herself.

In one swift motion, Helena disarmed Rashid by fiercely kicking the wrist of his sword hand, forcing him to let go of his sword before she suddenly grabbed the guy by the neck.

"Now, if you tell me the plans of your group, I will let you live. However, if you don't…" Helena said in a stern voice

*PTOOI*

Sadly, her serious question was met with nothing but a filthy spit from Rashid. Fortunately, Helena had fast reflexes allowing her to avoid the spit as she tightened her grip around Rashid's neck.

*CRACK*

After a nauseating snapping sound coming from Rashid's broken neck, foam soon formed around the corners of Rashid's mouth as his lifeless body limped and fell to the ground.

Helena determined that the bastard wasn't a wuss and wouldn't tell them anything so it was better to kill him and take his enchanted weapon.

Seeing the ruthlessness of their Grand Marshal sent chills down the spines of the newly enlisted soldiers.

However, they knew that they must learn to be this ruthless or they would perish on the battlefield.

"Everyone, we shall have a 6-hour rest here then we will march towards Unclave City!"

Helena ordered.

Naturally, everyone, including the generals immediately complied.

They knew that they would immediately attack Unclave City after 6 hours of rest so before then, they had to recover as much energy as possible

Thus, after a quick meal, everyone immediately slept.

***

Six hours later, in Unclave City, a Kairuku soldier stationed in the city walls saw the thick dust cloud kicked up by horses and retreating men.

"C-Captain! It's the Timberwolf Mercenary Group! They seem to be in quite a bad state!" The soldier said, panic evident on his face.

After hearing the report of his subordinate, the captain's eyes opened wide due to utter shock and disbelief.

It hasn't even been a day and one of the toughest mercenary groups of the Paseah Region has already been beaten back? Things aren't looking good for them at all.

It was still unsure whether the entire army of the Kairuku Kingdom could defeat the Terravalleans on the eastern borders in three days but it seemed that the Timberwolf Mercenary group wouldn't even last three days.

Naturally, this lowly captain didn't have the experience or capabilities to deal with such troublesome manners.

Naib was truly their last card here so they had no choice but to trust in him.

"Open the gates!"

Hearing the orders of their captain, the soldiers stationed at the gates immediately complied as two large iron gates opened with a loud creaking sound.

"Everyone, enter the city! The Rougenfortians might be in pursuit!"

Clouds of dust whirled violently as the remaining 15,000 soldiers along with three officers including Naib entered the city.

Naib wanted to order his men to rest after a tiring and depressing first battle.

However, he didn't know if the Rougenfortians were right behind them so he ordered his men to position themselves for battle as seconds turned into minutes and minutes into hours, yet, there were still no Rougenfortians in pursuit.

Thus, after four hours of wasted vigilance, Naib finally dared to order his men to rest since it was nighttime anyway so he doubted that the Rougenfortians would attack them.

He knew there were some crafty generals among the ranks of the Rougenfortians so he didn't let his men rest too early.

Unfortunately for him, not ordering his men to rest immediately was a huge mistake.

Just when his men began falling asleep, a sudden loud horn blew from the city walls.

"M-Mercenary Leader Naib! T-T-The Rougenfortians! They're here!"