Kane sat at an old wooden table, deep in thought as he reflected on the information received from Altu. Several brief reports on the situation in Eldenia were scattered across the table. Altu spoke softly, "My lord, according to the intelligence I've received, Duke Horace has requested support from both the northern and southern regions, but their responses have been indifferent, especially from Marquis Melis and Marquis Erik, who have completely ignored him."
Kane listened in silence, his gaze fixed on the gloomy sky outside the window. After a moment of stillness, he slowly spoke, "Their indifference is Horace's fatal weakness."
"Additionally, there is more important news," Altu said, his tone laced with urgency as he walked over to the table and handed the report to Kane.
Kane took the report, quickly scanning the contents on the paper. His brow furrowed slightly. "An attack by Airtulan?"
Altu nodded, his voice heavy. "Yes, the Airtulan tribe has broken through Strongson's eastern border defense, attacking several outposts. According to intelligence, they moved quickly, leaving Strongson no time to react. Most of the outposts were destroyed, with only a few survivors making it back to base. According to Wolf's report, Airtulan has deployed at least three different tribes, and Wolf also discovered that two more tribes have infiltrated the valley along the Eildernia frontline."
Kane nodded slowly, as if already considering the entire situation. "This type of attack fits Airtulan's tactics. They are skilled in raids and guerrilla warfare. Their goal is to weaken the forces in the east while drawing Strongson's attention, forcing Leon to deploy troops to defend Airtulan's tribes."
Altu added, "And the timing of this attack is crucial. This is a key moment for Strongson in the fight against the coalition, and the safety of the east has always been a priority for Leon. If Airtulan succeeds in disrupting the eastern supply lines, Strongson's army will face a serious threat."
Kane lifted his gaze, narrowing his eyes, a cold smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Exactly. This time, Airtulan is not just attacking Strongson's eastern border—they are paving the way for a potentially larger operation. A clever attack. They have likely already set up an ambush along the way, aiming to distract Leon and buy time for their next move."
He paused and continued, "This news doesn't surprise me. We anticipated that Airtulan wouldn't sit idly by. After seeing Strongson caught in the coalition's difficulties, they were bound to take action."
Altu looked at Kane, his tone tinged with doubt. "So, what should we do next?"
A cold smile appeared on Kane's face. "We cannot let the impact of this attack spread too far. First, we must inform Horace as quickly as possible. Although the eastern defense line has been attacked, it is too late to send reinforcements now. In fact, the situation in the east may become a constant worry for Leon, making him more anxious."
Altu understood Kane's intent and nodded. "I understand. I will immediately pass on the intelligence and ensure that Horace prepares for any potential next steps."
Following Kane's instructions, Altu quickly wrote a brief and precise letter, which read as follows:
To Duke Horace:
Based on reliable intelligence, the eastern defense line of Strongson has been attacked by the Airtulan tribe, with several outposts destroyed and a significant gap appearing in the defense. While Airtulan's next move remains unclear, it is anticipated that their goal is to sever the eastern defense line and weaken the overall border defense.
At present, reinforcements for the eastern defense are on their way, but their route happens to pass through the area where Airtulan's tribes have infiltrated the Eldenia frontline. Given that this area is a valley where Airtulan excels in raids and guerrilla warfare, if the reinforcements do not take appropriate countermeasures, they may face an ambush and fall into a deadly predicament.
Please carefully assess the risks of the reinforcements and make the necessary preparations.
— A concerned friend