"It's fine.

" Tang Shaoyang waved his hand.

"It's not something that is unforgivable. Get up.

"

"I am grateful for your generosity, My Lord.

" General Arsi was relieved that Lord Tang Shaoyang did not take that as an offense. He then stood up and walked to the side.

General Goldien, General Ava, and Marshal Alton greeted Tang Shaoyang by bowing their heads. He responded to their greeting and continued with his purpose of meeting them.

"So, what are you guys discussing? Planning to attack Astium City?

"

"Yes, My Lord. We are discussing the right strategy with a focus of minimizing the casualty.

" General Goldien was the first one to answer him.

"Stop wasting your time on this. Astium City is defenseless, and you can capture it right away.

"

"Huh!?

" The three Generals and one Marshal were confused by Tang Shaoyang's claim. Marshal Alton furrowed his brows.

"Don't tell me you attack the city by yourself, My Lord. Haven't we agreed to let the low-level soldiers fight the early battle, My Lord?

"

"I have no choice. Those knights were about to leave the city, so I intercepted them.

" Tang Shaoyang shrugged and told them what happened last night.

"So, only civilians are in the city, and I have talked it out with the civilians. They agree to surrender as long as we can guarantee their safety.

"

"The knights were leaving the city?

" The three Generals looked at each other.

"Yes. I think they plan to regroup with the main force instead of defending their city. They seem to realize that they are wasting their force to fight us, so they retreat. It's not like the next three cities are crucial to them. They captured these cities to have a safe route to transfer the supply from Braum City. Now they lost Braum City, and they have no reason to defend the city anymore.

"

"I see.

" Marshal Alton nodded understandingly.

"So they want to delay us with the civilians? This is something my disciple will do. Doing useless things even though he should know those civilians could not delay us.

"

"Does that mean the next city after Astium is also defenseless?

" General Arsi thought it was absurd to give up the city. If they had enough force in the city, it would not be that easy even for them to capture the city. 'Ah, this force is an exception, though. If Marshal Alton or Lord Tang Shaoyang joined the fight, there's no city they could not capture.'

"I think so, but just in case, you can send the scout to Yorke City and Ailo City to make sure.

" Tang Shaoyang nodded.

"Alright, that's it. I am stopping by to inform you guys of this, so you will not waste your time with this strategic meeting. Let's meet again in Ailo City.

"

*** ***

The Lionax Kingdom's Main Camp

"What? A force from Gigante Forest is capturing the city? Are you sure about this?

" King Emerson looked at his General and questioned in a dignified tone.

"Yes, My Lord.

" General Atmien replied.

"I have sent my scouts to Bareham City, and the beastmen are on guard of the city. We tried to send the scout into the city, but none returned. So, I am giving up to spy on the city and report this to you immediately, My Lord.

"

King Emerson's index finger started tapping the table.

"Why? Why did Gigante Forest attack us at this time around? Are they making a deal with that Revolution Army?

"

"I have heard rumors from the civilians, My Lord.

" General Atmien interrupted. King Emerson glanced at his General.

"Rumor? What rumor?

"

"I heard from the civilians that escaped from Braum City that Gigante Forest has taken over the city. And from the rumor, it was the ex-Commander of the Fotia Legion that led that force, Alton.

" General Atmien threw a bomb at King Emerson. The King could still maintain his calm even after hearing Gigante Forest's attack, but not this time when he heard that name.

"What did you say? Alton? Are you sure about this, General Atmien!?

" A fearful aura burst out from King Emerson, suffocating General Atmien, who was just an Epic Rank. General Atmien endured the fearful aura and slowly responded to his King.

"I-I am not sure, My Lord. T-that's just a rumor, and I have sent five veteran scout teams to investigate the rumor.

"

"Calm down, Emerson!

" An old voice rang in the room, and King Emerson's aura subsided. General Atmien was relieved the aura that pressured him disappeared, but he did not lower his guard.

The Right-Wing Guardian, Robert Kingsley, entered the room. Only someone like him would address the King with his name.

"Venting your stress on General Atmien will not help us to solve the issue or confirm the rumor.

" Robert Kingsley sat next to King Emerson and looked toward General Atmien.

"Please investigate the rumor thoroughly and report any finds to us immediately, General Atmien,

"You can go now.

"

"Yes, Sir.

" General Atmien responded swiftly and left the room. He was sweating profusely, and his back was soaked wet.

King Emerson took a deep breath and released it slowly to calm down. That name brought out his fear. He knew how scary Alton was, so he lost his calm when that name was mentioned.

"What do you think, Father? Is Alton coming back for his vengeance?

"

"If that force is coming from Gigante Forest, I think it's truly Alton who comes back for us.

" Robert Kingsley nodded his head.

"The timing is also impeccable to attack us when the Revolution Army shows up. I am ninety percent sure it's Alton who leads that force from Gigante Forest.

"

"Does that mean Alton is related to the Revolution Army?

" King Emerson frowned as this would be troublesome if they had to fight the force from Gigante Forest too.

Robert Kingsley shook his head.

"Didn't you hear it? The rumor says the Gigante Forest is capturing Braum City. Why would they take Braum City from the Revolution Army if they work together? That just does not make sense. But this is troublesome as well because we have to split the army.

"

"For now, call everyone. We need to make our move before we get pinched by two hostile forces. Call everyone, and let's discuss this together.

" Robert Kingsley rubbed his chin with a thoughtful expression plastered on his face.

"Yes, Father..

" King Emerson left the room to make an emergency meeting.