Third Stage [2]

It was like a game of chess, at least at the start.

Both teams moved their pawns into position along with stronger pieces that would control the game.

The three border cities were immediately occupied by roughly the same amount of troops. Raphael was there, as were Valerie, Melania, and Gio from the Aurora Clan.

Meanwhile, August, Cera, Bianca, and Iridia stayed back.

The nobles on their side were placed in the three inner cities and made to survey them before the troops arrived, and Seryius had mysteriously disappeared, off to accomplish a task of his own.

There were three geniuses in the border cities mainly for the sake of appearances. To make sure that the other side couldn't move rashly, they had to present a sufficient threat.

If it was anyone else, perhaps that goal couldn't be achieved, but with Valerie and Melania taking those support roles, everything changed.