Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2619: 1442: Deployment and Departure (Part 2)
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Shuert gave a firm nod and addressed Leo Ray: “Locating the Desert Leader is indeed the key to halting the massive invasion by the Desert Grand Army.”
“Your Majesty, the opposition likely intends to frame us for the assault on the Desert Leader and his retinue. This would provide them the pretext to strike us without any moral restraint,” Hanel Tree remarked, his expression turning grave as he contemplated the situation.
“It appears that liberating the Desert Leader is our most pressing objective,” Leo Ray agreed with a subtle nod. “The place of his confinement is quite clear—it must be Medusa’s Holy Land. I believe I must undertake this mission personally.”
Cassie’s features were clouded with anxiety as she cautioned, “But Your Majesty, that Witch Demon is incredibly devious. The cities of Medusa are hidden within subterranean caverns. Not only is Ice Stone City unable to teleport there, but the terrain is notoriously easy to defend and perilous to assault. A large army would be unable to break through quickly, especially since we lack knowledge of the layout.”
She continued, “Even though you have reached the dual Tier 6 level and possess power far beyond typical experts of that rank, the danger is simply too great.” Both Hanel Tree and Shuert nodded, sharing her deep concern.
“O Human Sovereign, I am the daughter of the Desert Catman Clan’s chief. If you carry my token, my people will surely provide Your Majesty with every possible assistance!” The Masked Man spoke with increasing urgency. “Do not let the terrain deter you. The Holy Land of Medusa borders our lands. My father once revealed a hidden passage to me that leads directly into the heart of the Holy Land; I shall disclose its every detail to you!”
“Your Majesty, I realize this path is fraught with peril, but only you have the power to rescue the leader. I beg of you, help me—save the Desert Alliance!” The Masked Man struggled to rise and knelt once more, tears tracing paths down his face.
“I understand. This mission is vital for my goals as well as yours,” Leo Ray said, observing the raw wound on the messenger's arm. He gently helped them back onto the bed and gave a slight nod. “Reveal everything you know.”
Overwhelmed with relief, the Masked Man immediately shared all the secrets of the passage and presented Leo Ray with a pendant featuring a khaki-colored gemstone as a sign of authority.
Just as the briefing concluded, Frost’s voice echoed sharply through Mind Talk, sounding tense.
“Lord, an urgent report has arrived from our administrators. Both Administrator K and Administrator L have issued alarms. The Desert Alliance has mobilized thirty Tier 4 Legions among a million-strong host, and the Rainforest Fortress Alliance has deployed an identical force. They are currently marching toward the Desolate Fortress and Echoing Fortress!”
A cold chill settled over everyone present, including Leo Ray. The situation had indeed spiraled into the worst possible scenario they had envisioned.
Leo Ray had recently utilized Ice Stone City to relocate all Tier 4 units and a significant portion of the Tier 3 forces to this location, bringing their total strength to eighty Legions—comprised of seventy Tier 3 and ten Tier 4 units.
Despite this mobilization, the disparity in numbers compared to the Desert Alliance remained staggering. Holding their ground seemed like a desperate race against time.
“Everyone, your sole objective is to delay the enemy's advance here. If they break through, our subjects will face unspeakable horrors,” Leo Ray stated, his gaze sweeping over Shuert, Hanel Tree, Cassie, and the newly arrived commanders—Broy, Fanny, Konet, and Bruno. “I am aware of how grueling this conflict will be, but we have no alternative.”
“We obey your command, Your Majesty!” the group responded in unison, their faces set with grim determination.
“Good. Wait for my return,” Leo Ray said, acknowledging their resolve with a heavy nod.
“Please, Your Majesty, exercise extreme caution!” they replied, their voices filled with genuine worry.
“Do not fear, I have a plan,” Leo Ray assured them. “As for the Rainforest Fortress Alliance at Echoing Fortress, I have made preparations. Your focus must remain entirely on defending this position.”
Without delay, Leo Ray traveled through Ice Stone City to Echoing Fortress. There, he briefed Jess and the other Ancient Dark Elf commanders on the current crisis.
Simultaneously, he commanded Ice Stone City to pull more reinforcements from the surrounding strongholds.
“Rest easy, Human Sovereign. As long as we breathe, the city shall not fall,” Jess stated firmly, his face a mask of stoic resolve.
“Crisis and Nal will lead thirty Tier 3 Legions to reinforce you, and I am also leaving forty Human Tier 3 Legions under your command,” Leo Ray said, gripping Jess’s hand in a show of solidarity.
Following this, Leo Ray executed a critical strategic move, sending a specialized team deep into the territory of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance to gather intelligence. Communication had been severed by the enemy, leaving even Administrator L in the dark regarding their motives.
The reconnaissance team consisted of the Grey Elder, Yonir, and elite masters from both the Mercenary and Alchemist Guilds. They were joined by Lina, a direct subordinate of Leo Ray. While her Cultivation was not the highest, her lineage within the Mandela Clan was invaluable.
Though the Mandela Clan held little power, they were part of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance. This connection represented their only hope for gathering internal intelligence.
“Presidents, Lina—I am counting on you,” Leo Ray said solemnly within the Echoing Fortress command hall. “Ice Stone City will covertly transport you to Lina’s ancestral home. You must uncover the truth of the situation and find Loris. If it is within your power, find a way to halt the enemy’s march.”
“Have no fear, Your Majesty. This conflict decides the survival of our realm and the future of the Human race. This old servant will give his all!” the Grey Elder declared, his lined face full of gravity. “Please, take great care of yourself as well!”
Yonir and Lina echoed his sentiment, their expressions showing they were prepared to face any end for the cause.
“Our destiny is decided tonight. Even if we must walk the path of shadows, we will not leave our lives in the hands of our enemies,” Leo Ray said, patting each of them on the shoulder. He then gestured for them to depart. “Go! We shall seize our own fate!”
As the team vanished into Ice Stone City, Leo Ray moved through the fortress to bolster the spirits of the soldiers while waiting for the city to return for him.
When the city reappeared, Leo Ray prepared to depart. He briefly explained the dire circumstances to Ariel Watson. Though she trembled with internal fear for him, she maintained a composed front, promising to protect the rear in his absence.
Ariel understood clearly that Leo Ray was the only beacon of hope capable of leading them to triumph.
Meanwhile, in a distant land shrouded in dark mists, the Lich Leader—his skin etched with rotting black runes—exuded a murderous aura. His skeletal face was twisted with spite.
“The trap is set. Whether you are the Emperor of the Humans or a Lord from another world, you are nothing but a fly in my web. This time, you shall perish!” The Lich Leader’s horrific, corpse-like features contorted into a fit of manic, rasping laughter.