Chapter 193

Chapter 193. The Infiltration Plan

“My ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍lords, forgive the interruption. I have an important matter that must be reported to Marquess Marcus and all of you immediately.”

Marquess ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Marcus, who was seated in the main position, nodded slightly. His gaze turned to the capable-looking middle-aged man beside him, and he introduced,

“Mm. ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Roland, this is Viscount Eli Pendragon, whom I mentioned to you before.”

Hearing ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍this, the man called Roland looked at Eli with great interest, sizing him up from head to toe. Then a hearty smile appeared on his face.

“Haha, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍you truly are talented and promising. Greetings, Viscount Eli. I am Roland La Roche.”

He ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍paused, and his tone carried a hint of friendly teasing.

“Speaking of which, we will soon be family. Haha.”

La Roche? Eli’s heart stirred, and he could not help raising his head in surprise to examine this man who claimed the La Roche surname.

His appearance did not share much resemblance with Sir Lucius, but the confidence between his brows and the faintly powerful aura he exuded showed that his identity was anything but ordinary.

At the side, Marquess Mellon Winterbourne smiled and added,

“Eli, you still do not know, do you? Lord Roland here is one of the only two titled knights currently in our Western Frontier.

“If you have time later, you may as well ask him for some guidance on training.”

A titled knight! And one from the La Roche Family! Eli was even more surprised.

A titled knight was an existence beyond Gold Tier, standing at the peak of individual martial power. Every one of them was a precious strategic force of the kingdom.

Hearing this, Roland could not help laughing and waving his hand. His attitude was quite approachable.

“Old Marquess, you still like flattering me as much as ever. Eli, there is no need to call it guidance. If you have any questions about training, you may come to me for a chat at any time.”

Clearly, he had a rather favorable impression of Eli, this young talent who was about to form a marriage alliance with his family.

Eli suppressed the ripples in his heart and nodded respectfully in thanks. “Thank you, Lord Roland.”

Marquess Marcus brought the topic back on track. Looking at Eli, he asked in a deep voice,

“Eli, what is the important matter you mentioned just now?”

Eli gathered his thoughts and replied, “It is like this, Lord Marcus.

“I previously captured an army priest named John, who once served Paul Botticelli, the former Wanliu lord of Storm City.

“He is quite familiar with Storm City’s internal structure. After interrogation, he revealed an important piece of intelligence: the remains of an ancient drainage channel leading into Storm City.

“I have already sent my most trusted subordinate, Captain Buck, to confirm the exact location with him. Based on our preliminary judgment, this information is very likely true.”

Upon hearing Eli’s intelligence, all five important figures inside the tent revealed expressions of surprise and seriousness.

A hidden passage leading into the city? Naturally, they instantly understood the immense strategic value behind this intelligence.

Marquess Marcus could not help standing. He paced two steps inside the tent, thinking quickly.

“A passage that can lead into the city... If we can send an elite force inside, then when the main force launches the siege, we can coordinate from inside and outside, or even create chaos within.

“Or... directly help us open the city gate! If so, the casualties of the siege will be greatly reduced!”

He suddenly looked at Eli, his tone full of approval. “Eli! This intelligence of yours is extremely timely. Its value is worth a thousand gold!”

Immediately afterward, his gaze unconsciously fell on Roland La Roche, who had just arrived, and his eyes grew heated.

A titled knight!

If this powerhouse could be sent into the city to deal with the Federation defenders, it would likely be as easy as cutting melons and chopping vegetables.

Naturally, Roland noticed Marquess Marcus’s undisguised gaze. He smiled faintly and spoke openly.

“Lord Marcus, if there are any orders, please give them directly.

“Before I departed, Sir Lucius had already instructed me to obey your command in all matters concerning this war.”

Hearing this, Marquess Marcus felt greatly reassured and nodded heavily.

“Good! Haha, with a titled knight like you here, we must naturally make full use of you!”

He turned his gaze to Eli and swiftly made arrangements. “Eli, since your people discovered the passage, this matter will be led by you.

“Once the subordinate you sent to confirm it returns and reports that the passage is usable, you will act together with Roland. Roland, your first priority is to ensure Eli’s safety.”

His tone was grave. “Eli, it is night now, which is the right time to act.

“Go find Baron Ron immediately and have him bring the most elite squad of Golden Lion Knights to follow your commands.

“As for the specific number of men to infiltrate afterward, you may decide according to the situation of the passage and the needs of the mission.

“After entering the city, you must conceal yourselves carefully and wait for the signal of our main force’s siege.

“When the time comes, seize the opportunity to create chaos from within. Ideally... find a way to open the city gate from inside!”

Eli nodded solemnly.

With a titled knight accompanying him, along with Ron and the Golden Lion Knights, the success rate and safety of this infiltration mission had both greatly increased.

“Yes, Lord Marcus!”

At the side, Marquess Mellon Winterbourne looked at Eli’s bandaged right hand, and worry appeared on his face. He could not help speaking.

“Lord Marcus, Eli injured his hand during today’s siege battle. For such a dangerous mission, should we consider having another commander lead it?”

Only then did Marquess Marcus notice the injury on Eli’s hand. He patted his own forehead, somewhat vexed.

“Ah, look at my memory! I was too focused on being pleased... Eli, your hand...”

Warmth rose in Eli’s heart. He lifted his injured right hand and moved his fingers, then said firmly,

“Lord Marcus, Lord Mellon, thank you for your concern. But with such a critical mission and such great merit at stake, I do not wish to let it slip away so easily.

“Besides, with Lord Roland and Baron Ron present, what I need to do is mainly coordinate and guide them. I believe there will be no problems. This small injury will not affect the operation.”

Marquess Mellon looked at his determined eyes and knew that persuasion would be useless. He could only smile bitterly and shake his head.

Roland, meanwhile, looked at Eli with interest and quite admired his courage and sense of responsibility. He laughed heartily.

“Do not worry, do not worry! Old Marquess, Lord Marcus, I will certainly protect Viscount Eli well!

“Otherwise, if even a single hair on his head is lost, Sir Lucius will skin me alive when I return!”

Seeing Eli insist so firmly, and with Roland giving his guarantee, Marquess Marcus no longer hesitated and made the decision.

“Good! Eli, your resolve and courage have moved me! This infiltration mission will be entrusted entirely to you!

“Time is short. Go prepare for the operation immediately. Eli, have the Golden Lion Knight outside the tent take you to find Ron, then set out at once!

“Tomorrow, I will summon all army commanders and hold a military council. Our preliminary plan is to launch another full-scale assault on Storm City the day after tomorrow!

“After you infiltrate, the only thing you need to do is conceal yourselves and wait quietly for our siege signal!”

“Yes!” Eli and Roland accepted the order in unison.

The two did not delay any longer and swiftly left the large tent.

Eli explained the situation to the Golden Lion Knight guarding outside. The knight immediately led them respectfully toward Baron Ron’s camp.

On the road, Eli and Roland briefly exchanged a few words.

Only then did Eli learn that Roland had previously gone alone to the harsh environment of the Northern Frontier’s Yabfendo Snow Mountains for bitter training.

Through great perseverance and opportunity, he had finally broken through his bottleneck and advanced to become a titled knight.

He had only recently ended his training and returned to the Western Frontier. As soon as he came back, Sir Lucius sent him to the front line.

On one hand, he escorted important logistics supplies. On the other, he was also here to strengthen the allied army’s high-end combat power.

The two soon arrived outside Ron’s tent.

Eli lifted the tent flap and saw Ron sitting beneath an oil lamp, focused on polishing his beloved mithril spear. The spearhead flashed with cold light beneath the lamp.

Hearing movement, Ron raised his head. “Eli? Why are you here... hm?”

His gaze moved past Eli and saw Roland behind him. Surprise and disbelief instantly appeared on his face.

“Teacher?! When did you return?”

“Hahaha! Ron, long time no see! Looks like you have not been slacking off!”

Roland laughed loudly and stepped forward, clapping Ron hard on the shoulder. The two seemed extremely familiar.

Ron explained from the side that Roland had once been invited by Marquess Marcus to serve as his training mentor for a period of time.

Only then did Eli suddenly understand. No wonder the two were so close.

“Ron,” Eli interrupted their greetings, his tone turning serious. “Time is short.

“Marquess Marcus has given an order. You are to immediately assemble a squad of the most elite Golden Lion Knights and prepare to carry out a secret mission.

“Once they are assembled, come to my tent at once and meet with me. I will tell you the details of the mission then.”

Seeing Eli and his teacher arrive together, and hearing that it was Marquess Marcus’s direct order, Ron immediately realized the importance of the matter.

Without any hesitation, he stood and answered in a deep voice, “Good! I understand! I will gather the men at once!”

With that, he swiftly put on his coat, picked up his spear, and strode out of the tent.

Eli and Roland then went directly to Eli’s tent.

As soon as they entered, they saw that Buck was already waiting anxiously inside.

Seeing Eli enter, Buck immediately stepped forward and reported, his tone carrying suppressed excitement.

“My lord! We found it! Behind that small earthen slope at the northeastern corner, there is indeed a drainage channel entrance hidden by shrubs!

“Although the entrance is narrow and needs some loose earth and rubble cleared away, the passage inside seems fairly well preserved. It should lead into the city!”

Eli let out a long breath and nodded. “Excellent! Tell me the details on the way.

“Buck, immediately gather all the Black Crow Knights. In addition, select one hundred fifty of the most elite Obsidian Territory soldiers. Have them carry two days’ rations and necessary equipment, and prepare to set out at any moment!”

“Yes, my lord!”

Buck accepted the order, turned, and quickly left, his figure swiftly merging into the night of the camp.

Before long, Ron arrived with fifty Golden Lion Knights whose auras were sharp and capable.

Buck had also finished assembling the troops. Fifty Black Crow Knights and one hundred fifty Obsidian Territory elites stood silently in the night, like a wolf pack ready to strike.

Without any unnecessary words, the force followed John’s guidance and, under the dim moonlight, silently left the allied camp, sneaking toward the northeastern corner of Storm City.

They carefully moved through the wild grass and earthen slopes, eventually reaching the back of a slope concealed by dense shrubs.

After the tangled thorns were pushed aside, a pitch-black entrance, barely wide enough for two people to pass side by side, was revealed.

“This is the place, my lord,” John whispered.

Eli carefully examined the marks around the entrance, confirming that there were no signs of recent activity.

He turned and lowered his voice to give orders to the soldiers standing behind him.

“The Black Crow Knights will go first. Use your short blades and daggers to carefully clear the obstruction ahead, and pay attention to noise.

“The soldiers behind will pass the excavated earth and debris out in turn. Keep quiet, and move quickly!”

The order was silently passed down. Two Black Crow Knights who were best at stealth and scouting immediately ducked into the dark entrance, followed by more soldiers.

Soon, faint and continuous digging sounds came from inside the passage. Handfuls of damp earth, rubble, and rotten tree roots were passed out by the soldiers behind and piled beside the entrance.

The entire process was orderly. Aside from heavy breathing and the soft rustle of earth falling to the ground, there were no other noises.

Time passed little by little, and the moon moved slowly among the clouds.

No one knew how long had passed before a suppressed low cry came from deep inside the passage.

Immediately after, a soldier covered in mud poked his head out from the entrance. While trying to suppress the excitement flashing in his eyes, he whispered to Eli, who was waiting outside,

“My lord! It is open! We can see faint light ahead, and... wind! The passage has been cleared!”

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