Chapter 363 - 129: Wang Ge’s Mother and Priestess Mom Collided, Urgent, Waiting Online

Chapter 363: Chapter 129: Wang Ge’s Mother and Priestess Mom Collided, Urgent, Waiting Online

Angus also offered his analysis in the latter half of the letter, concluding that Bloody Hand Johnny’s most likely target was Lakefront Town and warning Lynch to be extremely careful.

"In closing, though words are insufficient, I pray for the safety of you, my Lord, and all the soldiers and civilians of Lakefront Town."

"Respectfully, Angus Fisher"

"Night of the 19th, Frostfall Month, Year 892 of the Imperial Calendar."

Lynch read the letter in one go, went over it again briefly, and then stored it in his Space Ring.

At the same time, he was lost in thought.

He knew a fair bit about Bloody Hand Johnny.

He was a major figure in the Blue Scarf Rebel Army in Sardinia Province, making him one of Lynch’s "neighbors." He commanded over five thousand men and would sometimes ally with, and at other times clash with, several other large rebel factions, making him a priority target for the North Wind Legion.

He had never met the man.

However, he had previously learned some things about Bloody Hand Johnny from intelligence passed on by Angus, and had also secretly gathered more information on his own. As a result, he was quite familiar with the man.

There was just one thing Lynch couldn’t understand.

What made Bloody Hand Johnny think that he, along with that half-crippled Blue Crow Battle Group, could cross Gray Claw Gorge, break into the Red Ridge Mountain region, and capture Lakefront Town?

After all, Lakefront Town had developed rapidly over the past two years, and its reputation had steadily grown.

He, Lynch, was no pushover. The soldiers of the Ninth Battle Battalion were elite, their weapons and equipment were top-tier, and he also commanded a large militia and an Undead Corps. Furthermore, his Corpse Demons and other Purple Zombies were infamous.

Moreover, Gray Claw Gorge was inherently easy to defend and difficult to attack. To secure his rear, he had even built a dedicated pass, making it even more challenging to conquer.

Besides, Lakefront Town’s defenses had been continuously strengthened over the past two years. The morale of the soldiers and the populace was high and unified, a far cry from some local garrison that would collapse at the first sign of trouble.

Bloody Hand Johnny was no reckless fool; he had to know how difficult it would be to conquer Lakefront Town.

So what gave him the confidence?

Lynch really couldn’t figure it out.

Just in case, he leaned back in his chair, stared at the ceiling, and mentally reviewed every potential weak point in Lakefront Town’s perimeter, going over them again and again.

Suddenly—

"SCREECH~!!"

Several high-pitched, clear cries echoed through the sky.

Griffins.

And it wasn’t just one.

Lynch’s train of thought paused for a moment, but he didn’t pay it much mind and returned to his deliberations.

Lakefront Town was located at the junction of three provinces. Griffins occasionally passed overhead; it didn’t necessarily mean they were headed for the town.

But just a moment later, the sound of hurried footsteps came from downstairs in the garrison.

A guard stopped outside the door to report, "My Lord, a special envoy from the North Wind Legion headquarters has arrived. Aus is already receiving them in the reception hall and asks that you join them."

’A special envoy from headquarters?’

’Has anything major happened recently?’

Lynch was a little puzzled.

’Still, if someone from Legion headquarters has come, I have to receive them personally, no matter what.’

"Understood. I’ll be right there."

He answered casually, then looked down at himself. ’Hmm, my robe is wrinkled, my hair must be a mess, and I’m probably still pale from splitting my soul.’

’I can’t meet a guest looking like this.’

He stood up and started to make himself presentable.

...

The reception hall was brightly lit by candlelight.

A moment later, looking much more refreshed after tidying himself up, Lynch pushed the door open. Inside, Aus was sitting across from a middle-aged military officer, drinking tea.

The officer was in his early forties, with a lean, sharp-featured face. He wore a pair of silver-rimmed glasses, and his gaze from behind the lenses was calm and deliberate.

He lacked the fierce air of a typical combat officer, possessing instead the characteristic restraint of a staff officer. Even just sitting there drinking tea, his back was ramrod straight.

Aus was describing Lakefront Town’s recent civic projects in a perfectly composed manner—neither overly eager nor deliberately cold.

The officer, for his part, was leaning forward slightly, listening intently. He would occasionally nod in agreement or ask a question about farmland irrigation, militia training, or the town’s winter supply reserves.

His attitude was friendly and his tone approachable, utterly lacking the usual arrogance of an envoy from military headquarters.

At the sound of the door, both men stopped their conversation and rose to their feet.

Aus gave Lynch a meaningful look before taking half a step back, ceding the floor.

The officer, however, took the initiative, stepping forward two paces to greet Lynch amiably. "Battalion Commander Lynch, I’ve long admired your reputation. Please forgive me for this sudden intrusion."

As he spoke, he extended both hands. "I am Desiree Crawford, Deputy Chief of Staff for the North Wind Legion. I have come to Lakefront Town today on official business, under the orders of Legion Commander Jais."

’Deputy Chief of Staff?’

’That’s a high-ranking staff officer from Legion headquarters—someone with genuine authority in the Legion.’

While his mind raced to analyze the man’s motives, Lynch’s expression remained neutral. He shook the offered hands and said graciously, "You are too kind, Deputy Chief of Staff. Your visit brings great honor to Lakefront Town. Please, have a seat."

They exchanged pleasantries as they both took their seats.

Lynch sat down opposite him.

The reception hall was silent for a few moments.

Desari picked up his teacup and took a sip.

As the flavor hit his tongue, his features relaxed. He offered a word of praise: "Excellent tea. Is it local?"

"It’s from the new tea plantation on the western shore of Mirror Lake. We only started trial plantings last year, so this is from our first small harvest," Aus interjected smoothly. "The yield isn’t high enough for export yet, just enough for the town’s own consumption. If you enjoy it, Deputy Chief of Staff, please take some with you."

"Then I must thank you, Mr. Aus."