CHAPTER 437: CHAPTER 24: EXPEDITION (4)

On a chaotic battlefield, Richie raised the Silver Moon Banner and charged back and forth, accompanied only by Guardian Angel Delia and then, perhaps, the circling two Bone Dragons Andrejewitsch and Abraham.

He rode on the tall Bone Horse, fully armed, yet amidst the Black Dragons and giant elephants around him, he seemed like he could be crushed with a single slap.

Augustsburg’s eyes widened, sweat dripping from his forehead, "Is he baiting me?"

Without a doubt, at this very moment, it was the best time to kill the "Gray" in front of him.

The young Black Dragon girl watched Augustsburg cautiously.

Still wielding his Longsword, Richie dashed back and forth across the battlefield. In this fierce battle, Richie’s combat power wasn’t the strongest, but it certainly wasn’t weak either. Each thrust pierced through dragon scales, especially striking suddenly under the cover of many undead.

In an instant, one Black Dragon fell under his sword.

*Unlike before, the situation began to turn in favor of the undead. The Black Dragons were being defeated one by one. Originally not exceedingly powerful, Richie was becoming the final key to reverse the situation.*

*The Southern Alliance, initially demoralized by casualties, started cheering for Richie.*

Augustsburg’s breath trembled slightly.

*Undoubtedly, it was a moment of intense conflict.*

*The enemy’s commander was right in front, almost defenseless. Even if there were substantial reinforcements at the rear, victory could be secured with a decisive fight. After all, if the action was swift enough, retreating would be difficult for the enemy.*

*Moreover, if the enemy had no significant reinforcements at their rear, a single command could secure victory.*

*However, if the enemy lacked ample reinforcements and he didn’t dare issue the attack order, that would mean wasting fifty elite Black Dragons in vain...*

"Should we send more troops?" the young Black Dragon girl asked softly.

Gritting his teeth, Augustsburg eventually replied softly, "No."

The young Black Dragon girl widened her eyes, staring at Augustsburg, seemingly wanting to object but said nothing. After a while, she turned away.

...

As time ticked away, the fifty Black Dragons on the battlefield were all defeated at dawn. Using a tactic that trapped and gradually wore them down.

Simultaneously, the outermost city wall was breached by the Southern Alliance, naturally with the help of the undead. Gustav’s army lost the frontline positions.

This was the result of the first night’s overnight battle after the Southern Alliance’s arrival.

The Southern lords were all beaming. Despite the heavy toll, at least they had won, hadn’t they?

"We should pursue the victory! They have little defense left. If we can breach the first wall, we can break through the second one!"

Richie replied lightly, "No, ceasefire."

"Why? We clearly achieved a great victory! Gustav is utterly powerless now!"

"The war has only just begun." Glancing at the lords, Richie said softly, "The Black Dragons are our real opponents. Gustav’s army has never been our concern."

Having said that, Richie turned and walked away, leaving the lords standing there in disbelief.

Someone whispered, "I think Lord Lich King has changed. He’s different from before. Previously, when we had questions, he would patiently explain to us. Now... after a night-long battle, until the very last moment, we have no clue what he is planning."

"So you mean he’s become aloof?"

"No, he’s become mysterious. He donned the mask again, becoming more enigmatic than ever. At least I can’t fathom what he’s thinking. Of course, I still believe he can lead us to final victory, but things might be different from before."

The lords discussed fervently.

Benedict II and Yilin watched Richie’s departing figure from a distance.

Benedict II spoke softly, "Yilin, do you remember what you said to me at Manggis?"

"I remember." Yilin nodded.

"Do you still think so now?"

"Certainly."

"I also... believe more and more. Only, I can’t understand why." Turning his head, Benedict II looked toward several tents in the distance, which housed only Liches.

...

Richie did not order an attack on the second layer of the city walls; instead, he commanded the army to rest right there.

Moreover, he permitted the army to celebrate. The soldiers brought out wine and set up feasts, their laughter even audible within the city.

Of course, only at the rear. The frontline soldiers remained vigilant. Only when they were rotated back did they freely celebrate.

Such an act undoubtedly dealt a blow to Gustav’s morale.

However, the real hit was yet to come.

Richie did not kill a single Black Dragon.

He captured all fifty Black Dragons, deploying undead soldiers to bind them one by one, then driving long knives into their bodies, severing their muscles and bones, their flesh. Rendering them completely immobile. Then, he laid them out in front of the city walls for everyone to see.