Amber Sword

"Mr. Brand...?"

"Trust me, this is the best choice," Brand smiled. "I wouldn’t joke about my own life, would I?"

"But why?" Frey couldn’t help but ask.

The reason was simple, Brand thought mischievously. This place called Mar Highlands was a nightmare for countless players back in the day. Within Mar Highlands, there’s an instance called ’Afeiga Temple Ruins’; Afeiga is a renowned Demon God in Vorn. It’s said the true form is a demon—though this temple isn’t really related to him. It’s just occupied by wind elemental beings from the Mountain of Storm Silence. The temple is buried underground, and it probably hadn’t been excavated until this era.

This temple was revealed in subsequent versions, along with a small entrance task. Brand could fully imagine the trouble he would cause for the Black Blade Legion if he unveiled this thing. Back then, players were so frustrated it took almost five years before someone could set things right in this instance.

Let alone the gathering grounds of the red-back boars, monsters that inhabited the area before Mar Highlands. Without knowing the correct marching route, these level 20-odd creatures would definitely present a challenge.

Brand thought about it and couldn’t help but laugh aloud. Moreover, he chose the battlefield on the plains not just to lull the opponent into a false sense of security but with deeper considerations. Though some things could not be disclosed yet, even if the officer cadets of the Royal Knight Academy were trustworthy, the noble private soldiers under Count Oting were unpredictable.

He gestured for the others to stop discussing. Brand’s authority had been initially established, and although the young people still had some doubts, they chose to trust this Commander who had led them so far.

"This place is actually an inverted triangle. If we hold onto two of the mountain tops, it’s not impossible to defend. I think the Lord may have other considerations, but isn’t this place too close to Ambeser Guard City?" Loka frowned and asked.

"Quite the opposite, we need to fight our way along this line," Brand said, pointing towards the manor areas.

"Ah, what? Really?" Enrock almost jumped up. "Lord, isn’t it unnecessary? Unless you want to display military prowess to intimidate those Northern men... Well, I admit we are already quite formidable."

"No, it’s very necessary." Brand gave him a slight smile. Then he turned and said to Sani’er, "Sani’er, have you and your men perceived your Sea Demon Whale?"

Sani’er was slightly taken aback and then nodded.

"Please immediately lead them there; make sure Miss Antitina appears before me by tonight."

"No problem."

Brand rolled up the parchment and said to the others, "You all should prepare as well and work out the battle plans. Remember, we also need to strike the vanguard cavalry of the Black Blade Legion to let them know we are here."

The crowd exchanged glances but had no choice but to stand up and salute.

...

———————————————————————————————Glossary:

(1) Fama Valley, located at the junction of the southern section of Machenko Mountain and Fama Mountain. A stream runs through this valley, connecting to the Flada Forest region, eventually flowing into Holy White Bay. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)