Terry Ayre's mind was abuzz with High Shun's earlier suggestion, even as the older man fell silent, knowing he lacked the same grasp of this world's intricacies.
"Yingzi, scout the city's barracks and pinpoint their locations. Also, search the surrounding area for boulders that you and the others can carry. The larger, the better."
With a slight nod, Yingzi spread her wings and departed. High Shun, however, wore a puzzled expression as he looked at Terry Ayre.
"Lord, didn't you just say this plan was unfeasible?"
Terry Ayre nodded gravely. "Indeed, High Shun. Direct assaults or boulder bombardments won't secure us a decisive victory. We lack the strength to kill fourth-tier warriors or higher. But what we can do… is destroy."
"Destroy?"
"Yes, destroy their walls and raze the surrounding area. What happens next will depend on the ambitions of the neighboring nations."
High Shun's face lit with understanding, and he nodded firmly. "Precisely. If we lack the means to vanquish them, we'll let others wield the sword in our stead."
A faint smile tugged at Terry Ayre's lips. "This will also be your chance, High Shun. The soldiers on the city walls are ideal foes for your advancement."
High Shun's excitement was palpable. "Rest assured, my lord. I won't squander this golden opportunity!"
With a flick of his hand, Terry Ayre opened a portal, and High Shun disappeared into the summoning space to prepare his troops. Watching his retreating figure, Terry Ayre felt a pang of unease. These so-called recruits—mere farmers summoned to fight—would have to face Atte's well-trained army. Success or failure would hinge on High Shun's command.
Moments later, Yingzi returned. After receiving her reconnaissance report, Terry Ayre summoned High Shun again. Together, they mapped out the plan. With their strategy in place, thousands of flying corpses melted into the shadows of the night, while High Shun and his forces quietly advanced down the mountain.
---
The royal palace of Atte was abuzz with revelry. The grand banquet had reached its peak, celebrating the execution of the last remnant of the Tress Empire. Yet, amidst the jubilation, Master Cameron, a renowned water mage, couldn't shake his unease.
Rising from his seat, he approached the king and knelt. "Your Majesty, something about today's events feels amiss. I urge caution."
The king barely had time to respond before Prince Shok interrupted.
"Master Cameron, you worry too much. A mere child? And he's supposed to be a threat? If that boy dares return to Atte, it would be the joke of the century!"
The king chuckled heartily, dismissing Cameron's concerns with a wave of his hand. Cameron, with a resigned sigh, returned to his seat.
Beside him, the swordsman Master Sahl smirked. "Old friend, what's gotten into you tonight? You've been ill at ease all evening."
Cameron's eyes narrowed. "Sahl, you weren't there to witness it. That boy was no ordinary summoner."
Sahl raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What was so unusual about him?"
Cameron's voice dropped to a murmur. "His summoning gate… it was enormous. Far larger than necessary for the few soldiers he called forth. Unless…"
Both men exchanged a glance, their voices uniting in realization: "Unless his summoned army is vast."
Sahl's expression turned grim. "You're certain he'll return for revenge?"
Cameron nodded solemnly. "Because he called the executed princess his sister."
---
Outside the city, the earth trembled as boulders rained down from the skies. Cameron bolted upright, rushing out as the ground shook violently beneath him. Sahl, ever vigilant, stayed by the king's side, ready to defend him.
Atte's walls crumbled under the relentless bombardment. Thousands of massive rocks descended like vengeful meteors, devastating the city's defenses. Above the chaos, the flying corpses soared, their attack precise and unrelenting.
Amidst the confusion, High Shun led his men in a brutal charge. Armed with short blades, they cut down Atte's defenders with ruthless efficiency. High Shun moved like a demon, his strikes swift and lethal, his every move reaping lives.
Meanwhile, Yingzi commanded the flying corpses in an overwhelming assault on the barracks. The once-organized camp dissolved into chaos as soldiers fell in droves, their deaths fueling the ranks of the undead. Yet, Yingzi paid no mind to these newly risen low-tier zombies, leaving them to fend for themselves. In mere moments, the barracks was a sea of carnage.
At last, Atte's third-tier swordsmen rallied, but even they struggled to restore order. Their sword aura—so potent in ordinary skirmishes—was rendered near-useless amidst the pandemonium. To make matters worse, their attacks often struck down their own panicked comrades.
Realizing the dire situation, Cameron gave a desperate order. "Release your sword aura indiscriminately! All soldiers, retreat beyond the camp's boundaries!"
Relieved to hear the command, the swordsmen unleashed their full power, slicing through the horde of undead. However, their attacks spared neither foe nor ally, leaving countless soldiers dead in their wake.
High above, Yingzi sensed her impending advancement. Yet the storm of sword aura below prevented her from pressing the attack. Remembering Terry Ayre's orders, she reluctantly called her forces to retreat into the summoning space.
On the ground, High Shun's damage was less dramatic but still significant. As he returned to the summoning space, Terry Ayre noted with mixed emotions that several recruits had advanced. Unfortunately, instead of warriors, they had become bandits.
Looking toward the ruined city walls of Atte, Terry Ayre's expression darkened. This battle was only the beginning.