Free Web NovelChapter 417: Chapter 417: To Capital
Soon after, the group reconvened near the fortress gates. Blue Rose members were already assembled, though their faces wore serious expressions, shadows lurking beneath their eyes. The atmosphere was different now—more cautious, heavier with the realization of just how dangerous the enemy was... and perhaps, how dangerous I was.
Lakyus was the first to step forward, arms crossed, her usual confidence tinged with reluctant resolve.
"About the mission to the capital," she started. "Gagaran and I discussed it. We won’t be coming."
I raised an eyebrow, not surprised but mildly curious. "Oh?"
Gagaran thumped a fist against her armored chest. "Someone’s got to stay behind. If the Quagoa attack again, and all of us are gone, the fortress will fall for sure."
Lakyus nodded. "We can’t risk it. The dwarves are exhausted. If another wave comes and no one’s here to lead or defend, it’ll be a massacre."
Their reasoning was solid. I had anticipated such a decision the moment I saw how drained the dwarves were after the last assault.
I looked toward Solution and Clementine, both standing at my side like loyal sentinels.
"You two," I said, my voice carrying authority. "Stay here. Assist Blue Rose in holding the fortress."
Clementine pouted exaggeratedly, crossing her arms. "Aww, I don’t get to have fun with the dragon?"
Solution simply bowed her head in acknowledgment. "As you command."
Clementine’s mock sulk didn’t fool me. She respected orders when it mattered, and Solution was already scanning the fortifications, planning defense points without needing me to spell it out. They would handle it. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
With that decision made, it left only a smaller team for the next phase: myself, Evileye, Tia, Tina, and Gondo Firebeard.
Gondo approached, hammer slung over his shoulder, a grim look in his eye. "I’ll guide you," he said. "I know the paths around the capital better than anyone. If we’re sneaking’ in or searching’ for the Quagoa leader, you’ll need me."
"Good," I replied simply.
Evileye adjusted her cloak, her crimson eyes glinting beneath the hood. "A small team is better for infiltration anyway," she said. "Too many people, and we’ll attract the dragon’s attention for sure."
Tia and Tina, the twin assassins, gave identical nods, already melting into the shadows, almost as if practicing for what was to come.
I turned my gaze toward the horizon. The mountains loomed high and ancient, their white peaks glinting under the overcast sky. Somewhere among them was the captured capital, the Quagoa leader, and the frost dragon.
The dragon was an interesting factor. If the opportunity arose, capturing it alive would yield unimaginable benefits—dragon materials were priceless, but a living dragon was a strategic asset few could even dream of. I entertained the thought idly; I wasn’t reckless enough to prioritize it over the mission... but it was a tempting notion.
The next two hours passed quickly. Dwarves scurried to patch the fortress, soldiers rotated in shifts to watch for further attacks, and supplies were hurriedly gathered. Meanwhile, Blue Rose fortified their positions, working in unspoken coordination with Solution and Clementine.
As the sun dipped lower behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the snow, we made our final preparations.
Gondo spread out a rough, hand-drawn map on a nearby table, pointing at various paths.
"We’ll take the Kharzim Route," he said. "Less traveled since the Quagoa invaded. It’s rough terrain—plenty of places to hide."
"What about the dragon?" Evil Eye? she asked sharply.
Gondo’s face darkened. "Last we knew, the frost dragon nested in the upper palace chambers. Smart enough to stay put most days... but if we make too much noise, it’ll come sniffin’ for us."
"Then we move like shadows," Tia said, her voice a quiet whisper.
"Silent and quick," Tina added.
I tapped the map lightly. "Find the Quagoa leader; eliminate him quietly. Avoid provoking the dragon if possible."
"And if not possible?" Evileye asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity—and a little excitement.
I smiled faintly. "Then we’ll improvise."
Satisfied, Gondo rolled up the map and tucked it into his belt.
The group fell into formation without needing to be told—Evileye walking beside me, the twins taking the flanks, and Gondo leading. Our movements were swift and precise, cutting across the battered outer defenses of the fortress and slipping into the wilds beyond. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
Behind us, the fortress gates closed with a heavy thud, and Blue Rose, Solution, and Clementine remained behind, silent sentinels against the looming threat of another wave.
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