261 Charging Toward the Border (1/2)
”Come in,” ordered General Toms. ”What are we dealing with?”
”Sir, the majority of the fire is made up of illusions, but we still can't underestimate things. Within the illusions are real patches of white fire, and those are spreading as we speak. If nothing is done, the fire should spread across the entirety of the city walls within a day,” reported the captain.
”Hmmm… So, where is the safest place to breakthrough the flames?” asked Toms.
”The largest remaining gap is to the Northeast,” explained the captain. ”The flames to the west are the strongest and to the east are the weakest.”
”How long till that gap closes?”
”The scouts estimated three hours at most, but it could likely close within the hour.”
With a grunt of approval, Toms stood up and marched past the captain giving the report. He stepped outside of his tent and saw his army crammed into the city's main square. Easily being noticed, the general took a deep breath and raised his arm.
”Men! It's time we make our move and track down the vermin that brought fire to our city! If we don't break through the fire now, they'll escape and never be found again! I ask now for your full strength and determination in bringing them to justice! Are you with me?!”
”SIR, YES, SIR!” In unison, almost one thousand troops shouted in praise at the righteousness of their general.
”Now, take up your weapons and line up! Now, we move out!”
Taking the lead, Toms parted the sea of soldiers around him and marched northeast. ”Any buildings destroyed by our march will be paid for by the state! Don't let anything stop your charge!”
Once the general let the soldiers march uninhibited, their speed increased and so did the destruction of the city.
Along the way, a familiar face appeared beside General Toms and matched his pace. Toms chuckled, ”About time you showed up.”
”Sorry, General, I had personal matters to attend to.”
”Dirk, what kind of personal matters would you… Oh, right. You've got family here, don't you?” As Dirk nodded in response, Toms laughed it off, ”Forget about it. I can let it slide this once. Just stay sharp, we'll need to pay attention when we make a break for the border.”
”Of course, General.”
As they neared the northeast portion of the wall, a scout jumped down from one of the rooftops. ”Sir, I'll lead you to the gap.”
”Make it fast!”
Though the army's reckless sprint for the city limits caused a fair amount of destruction, they managed to reach the wall within fifty minutes, giving them just enough time to squeeze past the spreading fire in the worst-case scenario.
”SIR, YES, SIR!”
”Captains, now!” Toms gave the order as all the captains stepped forward and activated their strongest attacks, along with Toms and Dirk. In the time of a single breathe, different sorts of energy bombarded and ravaged the city wall. It stood no chance and was pried open wider with each attack.
Once the barrage was over, a three-meter opening was left behind.
”Men, as you pass through, launch your strongest attack the walls! The wider you make it the faster we can get through it and the sooner we catch the fiends who caused this!”
”SIR, YES, SIR!”
”Now move!”
General Toms and Assistant Dirk kept the lead as the army forced their way through the tight opening, expanding it with each passing second.