Chapter 1295: Terrifying (1/2)

Almost all of the Empire’s spies in Evernight were mobilized at the same time. Secret missives were sent back to the Empire, containing all kinds of information from troop movements and experts’ activities to the prices of commodities in certain areas.

These reports were sorted and analyzed by dedicated personnel until many things became clear. Some major movements gradually became apparent.

News from the dark races had already spread among the upper echelons of the Empire. Everyone knew that a battle of unprecedented scale was coming. In most previous skirmishes between the Empire and Evernight—even on the void continent—the dark races had always been tripping one another. None of them were doing their utmost in the fight.

The new world was different. The four major races were now working together, and they had even put their ten-thousand-year feud on hold for it. Even though the werewolves had been somewhat ostracized, the remaining three still made for a formidable foe.

Fortunately, the number of soldiers they could send into the new world was limited, and the rotation was also much faster than local battles. However, there was little to no restriction on the number of experts. The Empire was now facing unprecedented pressure.

Within the fortress, Zhao Jundu finally raised his head after reading intelligence reports for the entire day. He exercised his stiff neck and said, “There’s finally some good news. The dark races have reached the upper limit of troops they can send into the new world. That means the number of enemies we face won’t increase.”

Across from him, Song Zining poked his head out of a small mountain of documents. “That’s good news? Then let me tell you some bad news. Even if they don’t send more troops in and we discount the werewolves, we’re still facing an enemy force six times our own.”

“Winning against the odds will prove your ability.” Zhao Jundu spoke rather seriously.Song Zining couldn’t tell if it was sincere or if he was being mocked. “I don’t have that kind of ability. We’ll have to rely on our Marquis Potian to break the enemy ranks, no?”

There was no reply from the other corner of the room.

Song Zining turned around to find that Wei Potian was still properly seated with his eyes wide open, yet his expression was empty and his breathing was slow. The fellow’s head was nodding rhythmically, his gaze moving along with it. The bastard was actually asleep!

“If we really have to face the dark races, how we fight them is one matter, but why we fight them is more important. Jundu, what exactly do you think is in the new world that the dark races would go all out for it? The last time they formed an alliance like this was when the human race rose to power. No, even back then, their cooperation didn’t last very long.”

Song Zining continued asking about the things that had been weighing on his mind. “After all, Daybreak and Evernight are two different origin power systems. If the resources of the new world are useless to us, do we really need to pay such a steep price to fight the dark races?”

Zhao Jundu replied, “How should I know? How we fight this battle is your problem.”

“When did it become my business? You’re the commander here.”

“In name, yes, but you’re the commander for this battle.”

“Zhao Jundu, you’re trying to push the responsibility onto me. I’m certainly not going to serve as the commander.”

Zhao Jundu said calmly, “You have no choice, the Imperial mandate has been issued.”

“A mandate? When did that happen?”

“After obtaining news about the dark races, I submitted a memorandum to the court, asking for you to be granted full authority as the commanding officer in this battle. The edict itself should arrive soon.”

Song Zining stood up. “I’m already a part of the neutral lands now. Strictly speaking, I’m no longer an Imperial citizen. I’m not suited to serve as the commander.”

Zhao Jundu said seriously, “Zining, I don’t know what you’re worried about, but you know this battle is going to be long and hard. I’m not as skilled as you are in command and strategy. A small mistake will set us back significantly. Can you really bear to see our comrades making needless sacrifices?”

Since he had put it that way, there was really nothing Song Zining could say. He stood dazed for a moment—his mouth opened several times, but the refusal simply didn’t come out.

It was at this time that an aide called out from beyond the door, “An Imperial emissary has arrived!”

Song Zining glanced at Zhao Jundu helplessly, then stood up to welcome the emissary. Who would’ve thought Wei Potian would also wake up and shoot to his feet. “Imperial emissary? Did they come here to commend my contributions?”