NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Expedition_2
During the same three months, Richie mobilized substantial forces to undertake various intelligence gathering tasks.
Also, in those three months, he diligently improved the structure of the White Bone Holy Light Court within his capacity. It had to be said that the White Bone Holy Light Court set up by Gray was very loose, with virtually no real power. Orders were only executed based on faith. From a certain perspective, this structure was very "just" and very "transparent," but it seriously lacked efficiency and was unsuitable for coping with war, especially prolonged wars. Richie had to use his immature political means to slowly establish the concept of "power" within the White Bone Holy Light Court, while concentrating all power in his own hands.
Facing the war, he needed a powerful killing machine, one that could kill so ruthlessly that it left the enemy trembling in fear, rather than some glorious and honorable light. *Even though he was very willing to continue along the path his father had set for him, at the moment, he could not envision a peaceful resolution or the possibility of converting the enemy through faith.*
Fortunately, the Liches' political skills were even more immature than his, with many of them completely unaware of what politics entailed. The halo left by his father, Gray, temporarily gave him the ability to rally the Liches.
...
Upon arrival, Black Dragon City was already covered in knee-deep snow, with the north wind howling and the entire world seemingly frozen.
In the past three months, Black Dragon City had built even thicker and taller walls, equipped with weapons, including heavy ballistae capable of threatening the Dragon Clan.
From a distance, the high and black walls seemed to sever the earth, like a cliff rising out of nowhere. Inside and outside the walls, countless fortresses were arranged.
Such defenses were unprecedented, even if one looked back over the millennia since the end of the Krimasha era. Describing it as a fortress of copper walls and iron bastions was not an exaggeration.
On horseback, Richie stood on the hillside, gazing at it from afar through thick snow.
Dragons were circling back and forth in the sky.
"Where is the Black Dragon's nest? In the city?" Richie asked softly.
"No, not in the city. We've observed for many days; they all fly in from the northeast mountains and return there," Sarina whispered in Richie's mind.
"Couldn't find the exact location?"
"No, they used some magic, probably to avoid being discovered by us."
"Investigate more carefully. If necessary, ask Simon for help. Also, be cautious inside the city; there could be Black Dragon spies hiding there. If I were them, I would order all of them to take human forms and blend in with the humans."
"Yes."
...
Meanwhile, inside Black Dragon City, someone observed Richie from afar through the castle's shooting holes.
He was a tall man with long, straight black hair, handsome features, elf-like ears, and wore a black robe.
There was no doubt that this man was the leader of the Black Dragon who attacked Gray.
"Lord Augustsburg," the elderly Emperor Cedric V of Gustav bowed obsequiously, saying, "we have thoroughly investigated the enemy's deployment. The core of their front line is the Lich King's own troops, those Undead Armies. Bone dragons are deployed to their left..."
Before Cedric V could finish, Augustsburg raised a hand.
Cedric V immediately closed his mouth, swallowing nervously, staring at Augustsburg in a daze.
"Do you think I need such information that can be seen from the sky?" Augustsburg asked softly.
"Then, what does Lord Augustsburg want to know...?"
"Do you have any information about the Lich King's Guardian Angel and the Inducing Demon?"
"Our spies' reports did not mention them..."
"Do you know how many Liches in total have come from the White Bone Holy Light Court?"
"No... I don't know."
"So, you also don't know which Liches are accompanying the army, right?"
Cedric V shook his head awkwardly, bowing slightly more.
"Alright, don't tell me any more about the information you have gathered," Augustsburg sighed, looking at Richie in the distance, and said softly, "just focus on the rumors within the Southern Alliance army, such as disputes or discord among the Liches, and any indications that the Lich King might not be himself."
"The Lich King might not be himself?" Cedric V was stunned for a moment.
"Just keep an ear out," Augustsburg turned his face, threw a meaningful glance at Cedric V, and said softly, "I trust you can recognize the information I want, right? If you can't manage even that, I'll consider you old and useless, and then Gustav would need a new emperor."
"Of course! Of course!" Cedric V was startled, hurriedly bowing, "Your servant can certainly handle such a simple task."
"I hope so."
With those words, Augustsburg turned and left, leaving the aged Cedric V to wipe away his cold sweat frantically. Around him, Gustav's ministers were all as silent as cicadas in winter.
...
When he returned to the camp, the soldiers were erecting tents needed for their encampment.
One by one, the large tents rose in the snowfield.
The Undead certainly did not need tents, but the Human Lords did.
According to Richie's order, all Human Lords must camp in the central Undead camp and hand over their troops to their subordinates for command.
For instance, in the Beishier Duchy, Yilin had to camp in the Undead camp while her troops would be led by Huoersi.
From a distance, Yilin, still waiting for the tents to be erected, glanced at Richie from afar.
From afar, Richie met her gaze and immediately turned to enter his own tent, which was already set up.
"Miss Yilin still thinks he is not the Lich King?" Abi Robbs asked softly beside her.
"He is not. Don't you see he's entirely different from Gray? Making us camp here is partially for our safety and partially to strengthen control over the Human Army. Everyone understands this, and it is indeed the right approach. But the Gray from the past would never issue such an order. He didn't think so meticulously, and no Lich would," Yilin gave a helpless smile, then asked softly, "Don't you think he has a lot of minor orders and intricate details?"
"Well, it does seem that way. But isn't this the normal way for an excellent commander?"
"I'm not saying his methods are wrong. I just think he is not Gray."
...
Meanwhile, in the repurposed grand cathedral of Black Dragon City, Augustsburg stood silently, gazing at the once crucifix-occupied altar, now empty.
"My lord, that old man sent someone asking if they need to do anything regarding troop movements," a young girl in military uniform, with beautiful features, elf-like ears, and a black ponytail appeared behind Augustsburg.
"Troop movements?" After a slight pause, Augustsburg said softly, "Have them launch a raid tonight."
"Launch a raid tonight? We might not be ready in time."
"We don't need to be ready; let them fight. We're not participating."
"If we don't participate, they might suffer heavy casualties."
"What use do they have if they don't die?" Augustsburg turned around, smiling softly, and said, "Let them fight; we'll observe from the side. This way, we'll know how much power the enemy actually has. Hehe, they have been quite secretive lately. This is the only way."