Few minutes earlier when Noah struck down Cyra into submission the whole army agasp seeing him do the impossible. It's not like they had never seen a sorcerer in action before. They were largely utilized in the army especially when a Noble family's interest was concerned.
The three sorcerer that they brought with them this time were the best of the bunch. Although, they were the only ones with Battle oriented powers, they had successfully defeated other sorcerers much more powerful than them.
Especially the young duo who were starting to earn a lot of reputation when the war started. The only reason the enemy forces refused to attack their town was because of their presence. So when they saw a young easily take one of them down came as quite a shock to them.
They still had some hope when Bijan jumped into action. Though, Miss Cyra is capable in her own right, she failed to anticipate the enemy was able to counterattack her fast attacks. Bijan on the other hand was a more defence oriented more importantly his punches packed explosive strength.
The enemy could dodge but at some point Bijan would be able to land a punch right? At least that what they were thinking about when they saw them fighting.
Chaucer, the merchant on the other hand had a different perspective. He was still feeling the pain through his severed hand but that didn't stop him from making calculating decisions. At first, he thought it was pure luck and he would be quickly dealt with the help of the sorcerers but after the first one got defeated he started thinking about the worst case scenario.
Beside, he knew more about the flame emperor as he had heard a lot about them before they were even contracted by Sablethorn. No matter how horrible his personality was, he was a excellent merchant.
" Lord! Lord!" He came running toward Commander Sablethorn trying to get his attention. Sablethorn was fully focused on the fight feeling the weight on his shoulders. He already forgotten about the weasley merchant advisor.
"Chaucer, are you doing alright? It seems they have stopped the bleeding temporarily. Don't worry, once we break through and capture Esmeralda, I will ask her to heal your hand." he had seen her work miracles before, a severed hand was nothing for her.
" I am grateful for your thought but I have a suggestion. I am afraid that we don't act right now, it would only get worse." Chaucer added. He dawned on his serious expression to let him know how serious he was.
Sablethorn decided to hear what he had to say. Chaucer was an integral part to the plan that they were following up until now. He could also see that if he would have send the troops earlier instead of sorcerer, it would have resulted in a bloodbath. They have definitely underestimated the enemy but they still had a upper hand in the fight.
" What is it?"
" Lord, we should send few people to attack the enemy after this fight."
" Are you asking me to sneak attack?" Sablethorn was angry. It was unbecoming as a noble to resort to those measure. It's not like there was never a case of it in war before but they have the number advantage as well as someone like Flame Emperor still in the fight.
What would people say if they found out he burned down the village in a disgraceful manner? It was the only reason why he waited till sunrise and proclaimed his presence before doing anything. He even gave them a chance to surrender as it was only proper to give helpless enemy a chance and not resort to barbaric means.
Him bullying a girl into submission was shady too but that's the scrutiny he was willing to endure if it meant getting Mera.
" Forgive me my lord but I think in worse case scenario of Master Bijan losing, we should end this farce. It would be most effective way beside war stories are bound to be told by it's victors. No one could discredit you if you ask everyone to keep their mouth shut."
" But the flame emperor-"
" I don't think we will see him in action." Chaucer interrupted Commander Sablethorn which was a major sin but he knew the dumb leader wouldn't prosecute him. He just wanted to make him agree to his plan.
" Why?"
" I have seen how much he cherish his pupils. Imagine them losing to that bastard, what do you think he would do if he was threaten with that choice? They are hired mercenaries, although they care about money the master-apprentice bond is still stronger. You have seen him treat them like his own children." Chaucer bowed down, acting as a scared servant.
Sablethorn understood where he was coming from, if presented that choice he could see how Flame Emperor would chose to surrender just to save their life. The fight was still on going but if the previous fight had taught him anything that was not to be overly confident.
" What about Mera?" Chaucer face lit up hearing him ask him that.
" We have skilled archers. I am sure they could disable her without any fatal wounds. Her power also makes it almost impossible for us to kill her instantly." Chaucer added.
" You! Gather our best men and ask them to surround the wall. As soon as this fight ends, tell them to barrage the wall with arrows. Try to kill that man, I don't care how just bring him down!"
Although he gave his order, something inside his heart still felt that it was a wrong choice. He didn't dwell on it after seeing Bijan loosing the upper hand. The fight was progressively gearing more toward that mysterious man's favour which somewhat strengthen his resolve.