Chapter 1013: Patrols, Plans, and a Whole Lot of Guessing
Chapter 1013: Patrols, Plans, and a Whole Lot of Guessing
In the end, a week had passed since the group first laid eyes on the city from atop the hill. Each day, they observed the comings and goings, piecing together a clearer picture of their target and the situation.
Erik, in the end, preferred not entering the city before he didn't have a clearer picture of the situation, especially considering how many people were coming and going to and from the city.
It turned out that his hunch about the situation was spot on this place was a key link in the enemy's supply chain, through which they sent resources and troops to the front lines. It wasn't like he didn't know that already. Everything led to that conclusion. The problem was that he didn't have proof.
However, there was something he failed to predict, the scale of the operation, which exceeded his initial estimates. The city teemed with blackguards. Their numbers were far greater than anticipated.
Heavily armed patrols circled the perimeter, while watchtowers observed the surroundings, their searchlights cutting through the night, and warning about thaids attacks.
It became clear the enemy valued this place a lot and was going to defend it fiercely.
As dusk settled over their makeshift camp, the group gathered around a small and carefully concealed fire.
Mira spread out a crudely drawn map on the ground.
"After a week of observation," the woman said, "we've identified three primary entry points to the city." Her finger traced invisible lines across the map, connecting key locations.
"The main gate to the east, heavily guarded but with the most traffic. The western approach is less fortified but surrounded by open ground that offers little cover. And last, the southern wall, which backs up against the river."
The others leaned in, looking at the map. Emily was the first to speak.
"Which one looks most promising, in your opinion?" she asked the others, her gaze shifting between the map and their face.
Erik, who had been silently watching from the side, came forward. The firelight made his eyes look intense.
"That's precisely what me and June are going to find out," he said. "We need more specific information on each of these entry points, and I think it is now time to enter this place and see how the situation inside is."
"Are you sure the plan will work?"
"Everything depends on what the thaids do."
"It should work."
What Erik and the others thought about was to lead the thaids to the city and use it as a diversion. Erik would then sabotage the entrance, the defenses, and kill high priority targets, with Mira, Amber and Emily helping on the sides.
"As we agreed, we need to lure the thaids here. The Chimaeric Demons will take care of this. The problem is we need to coordinate the attack to the moment at which I blow up one of the entrances."
"Wouldn't it be simpler for you to kill the chain of command? It shouldn't be hard for you." "Well," Erik said. "Yes, and no. I bet they will all be dual wielders, and I don't know if I will be able to fight so many people at the same time, considering they also are dual wielders. The situation depends on how sneaky I can be, and with the current situation, I can't be certain of that. Besides, the point was to make it so the enemy doesn't find out we are traveling north. I might end up with my hands tied."
"You will still need to kill their higher-ups. They will replace them quickly. They had been trained to do this, after all, but at least this will create enough chaos and give us enough time to break those entrances," Mira said.
"Exactly." Erik paused a little. "Tomorrow, we split into teams. June and I will investigate the sewers and enter the city. There's bound to be an underground network we can exploit." June nodded.
"Mira, you and Amber will scout the eastern gate," Erik said. "It's the busiest entry point, which means it's also our best chance to gather information on troop movements and supply schedules." The two women exchanged a look.
"Emily, you'll take two of the Demons and search around the western approach. It might be less guarded, but that open ground is not a problem for you and your rifle, right?"
"No."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
"Good. Then see if you can find any blind spots or patterns in their patrol routes."
Emily straightened, her chin. "Leave it to us."
Erik nodded before addressing the last Chimaeric Demon, the one which was tasked to lure the thaids here. "You, it should be obvious what you have to do, right?"
"Yes, Master. Don't worry, it will be a piece of cake."
"I can't stress this enough, guys," Erik said.
"This is strictly a reconnaissance mission for you. We're here to gather information, not engage the enemy. No matter what you see or hear, maintain your cover. We can't afford to alert them to our presence, and besides, it's not like you can do something. As soon as you are done, get back to the camp. Two of the Chimaeric Demons will stay with you while me and June get inside the city, and the third clone will start herding the thaids."
The group murmured in agreement.
"Get some rest," Erik said. "Tomorrow will test all of us. We need to be at our sharpest."
Erik couldn't sleep as the others settled in. He left the dying fire and found a silent spot at the camp's edge.
He stared into the darkness, thinking about the plan. This city's destruction would aid the war effort a lot. The blackguards' supply chain would be crippled, at least temporarily, limiting their troop support. Frant's forces would gain an advantage since the front lines would be
weakened.
That, of course, would even be better if the enemy focused on hunting local thaids. They risked injury, death, and, for sure, they would be tired.
It went beyond just disrupting supplies, though. They would gain intelligence and schematics, aside from the usual equipment they were already getting from their enemies.
Maps, troop movements, and communication logs-everything they needed was bound to be taken. Their troops would also benefit from the supplies.
Breathing deeply, he prepared for the challenges they would face the following day.
<I hope the girls will be okay.>
Erik fell asleep after thinking about these things. He needed rest, as he told others.