Chapter 1102 - The Demons Blade (I) (1/2)

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“Based on the current information, the General Staff concludes…” Edith broke off as she tapped the desk. “The fire is very likely a diversion.”

“A diversion?” Iron Axe echoed thoughtfully. “Are you saying that the enemy wasn’t intending to sabotage our supply?”

“They wanted to but couldn’t.” Edith pointed to the map and explained, “The distance between the Taquila ruins and the north of the terminus station is over 500 miles, which is even longer than the railway on the plain. How much Red Mist do you think they would have to carry if they planned to walk to the forest, set the fire and set up an ambush? I think the Taquila witches should know that answer better than anyone else.”

“They can’t have such a long expedition without a continuous supply of Red Mist or outposts,” Phyllis, the representative of the Taquila witches, replied. “Based on my past experience, 500 is their maximum.”

“The terminus station is also a well-equipped fortress, a small stronghold, so to speak,” Edith continued. “His Majesty foresaw this kind of situation a long time ago. If the demons set the forest aflame, Miss Leaf would create a fire belt to stop the fire from spreading to the station. This fire belt forms a perfect gun range, with a clear view. It would be almost suicidal if the demons attempt to pass the fortress against crossfire.”

“Even if they do manage to send their army to the Misty Forest, the fire would expose their tracks,” Morning Light put in. “It would be better for them to launch an attack at midnight when they can better hide their traces in the forest uncontrolled by Ms. Leaf.”

“Fair enough…” Iron Axe said, nodding. “But for Sylvie, Lightning and Maggie, none of them found signs of the demons. If they have decided to attack Tower Station No. 1 again, it would probably be too late to take actions now.”

“That’s another mystery we’re yet to solve. Perhaps, the demons have developed a new strategy or a new weapon we’ve never seen to counter our scouts,” Edith said flatly. “Having said that, there isn’t just Tower Station No. 1. They can totally attack somewhere else as a diversion.”

“Do you mean… they’ll attack Tower Station No.0?”

“We’re currently focused solely on the front end of the railway, so that’s a possibility.”

“But Station No. 0 is very far from the front. I don’t think the demons have enough forces to go that far.”

“Exactly,” Edith affirmed.

“I see.” The commander-in-chief delivered his order after a moment of contemplation. “Once the queen comes back safe and sound, the ‘Blackwater River I” will travel to Tower Station No. 0, whereas the ‘Blackwater River II” shall patrol the area between the Station No. 0 and the forest. The other units stay put while raising the state of alert to Alert Level 1 until the alarm is disabled. Although we reckon the demons aren’t likely to attack the northern forest, it would be better to extinguish the fire as soon as possible.” He then turned to Agatha and said, “Can I entrust this task to you?”

“No problem. We’ll do our best,” the Ice Witch replied.

“Very well. Keep patrolling the front and watching out for the Taquila front. Miss Sylvie…”

“I’ll take care of it,” Sylvie said with a nod.

Iron Axe clapped his hands and said, “Based on how fast the fire is currently spreading, it will reach the edge of the forest around nightfall. If the demons didn’t know that Miss Leaf could actually block the fire, they should be launching an attack at sunset. We have an hour or so to remedy the situation. Let’s do it!”

…

A chilly breeze played around Sylvie’s cheek as she stood on the top of the watchtower at the campsite.

A swollen red sun hung low against the western mountains, diffusing a perpetual splendor. The vast meadow below was basking in a slanting beam of sunshine, gold at the far end, red interspersed with green in the middle, which actually looked like a dusky purple color under the sky, and a deep navy, the color of night, at the near end.

This was probably a scene that she could only see on the boundless Barbarian Land.

It was also a final countdown to the war.

The demons were approaching them at this very moment as the sun gradually sank behind the forest.

The beautiful scene thus appeared to be a little bleak and desolate.