Chereads / The rebirth of the abyssal empire / Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: The Fortress in Danger

Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: The Fortress in Danger

Lu Ming watched from his window as Kael and the Eternal Wind Nomads left the fortress. Something about their haste made him uneasy; he knew that, although the alliance with the nomads had been useful so far, he could not fully trust them. "These nomads are like the wind, unpredictable and treacherous," he thought as he turned to face the map of his main territory spread out on the table.

Despite recent victories over the elves and dwarves in the Cities of Stone and Silver, he realized that his main fortress was vulnerable. He had sent his best forces into those battles, leaving the heart of his domain exposed to possible attacks. He could not afford this risk. He needed to reinforce his position before his enemies took advantage of his weakness.

He made a decision quickly. He needed to return to the main territory to reinforce it. He couldn't leave it unprotected, especially with the threat of the elves and dwarves still present. He called General Thalor and Priest Lyra to his office.

"Thalor, Lyra," Lu Ming began with gravity in his voice, "the fortress is exposed. The main territory needs reinforcements immediately. You will stay here with the 10,000 soldiers. Fortify this fortress and make sure that nothing and no one crosses our defenses."

Thalor nodded firmly. "We will do what is necessary to protect this fortress, Master Lu Ming."

Lyra, with a calculating calm, added, "No one will break through these defenses. The protection magic will be reinforced, and our soldiers will be ready for any attack."

Satisfied with her answers, Lu Ming headed to the nearest magic portal to return to the main territory. He knew it was a risky move to leave the fortress with only Thalor and Lyra in charge, but he had no other choice. His presence in the main territory was crucial to maintaining the empire's safety and stability.

Upon arriving, Lu Ming sensed the tension hanging in the air. Although the territory was relatively quiet, he knew that it was only a semblance of calm. Quickly, he made his way to his treasury. Gold reserves were limited after so much expenditure in the war. He counted the coins quickly – there was only enough left to summon 5,000 additional soldiers. Despite being a modest figure, they would be crucial to maintaining control.

Without hesitation, he performed the summoning. The air filled with mystical energy and in a bright flash, 5,000 draconic soldiers materialized, ready to follow his command. As he organized the defenses, making sure the new soldiers took up strategic positions around the territory, a sudden notification rang out in his mind.

"You have conquered Stone City! Reward: 50,000 gold."

"You have conquered Silver City! "Reward: 50,000 gold."

Lu Ming smiled in satisfaction. Both cities had fallen under his control, providing him with a considerable spoils of war – 100,000 gold in total. This was exactly what he needed. He immediately used these new funds to summon another 10,000 draconian soldiers. With these additional troops, his main territory was now much better protected, and the chance of a successful counterattack from his enemies was minimal.

With his new forces deployed, he ordered a detachment of draconian workers to reinforce the walls, build new watchtowers, and set up traps around the perimeter. He had to be prepared for any eventuality. In addition, he sent draconian spies to the nearby areas to monitor possible enemy movements. He could not afford to be surprised.

Meanwhile, his thoughts returned to the Eternal Wind Nomads. Despite the alliance, he could not help but think about how easy it would be for them to betray him. "Perhaps it is time to take preventive measures," he thought. He decided that he needed more information about Kael and his intentions. He sent several of his most stealthy spies to infiltrate the nomads and sow distrust among their leaders, causing them to turn against each other.

With the fortress now well protected under the command of Thalor and Lyra, and with his main territory reinforced, Lu Ming finally felt that he had regained control of the situation. But he knew that he could not relax. Threats were still present, and any mistake could prove fatal.

Looking out over the horizon, Lu Ming pondered his next moves. He knew that he must always stay one step ahead of his enemies. As the war continued, it was more important than ever to remain vigilant and be prepared for any unexpected twists. The elves and dwarves would soon respond to his recent victories, and when they did, he was the one tohe would be ready.

As he planned his next move, a dark smile spread across his face. This war was far from over, and he was willing to do whatever it took to secure his ultimate victory.

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