Chapter 364 - 129: Wang Ge’s Mother and the Sacrifice Mother Collided, Urgent, Waiting Online

Chapter 364: Chapter 129: Wang Ge’s Mother and the Sacrifice Mother Collided, Urgent, Waiting Online

Desari offered a word of thanks, then set down his teacup. His gaze shifted to Lynch, his eyes filled with admiration. "Commander Lynch, this is my first time visiting Lakefront Town."

"Before entering the town, I took a look from the sky. The fortifications here are solid and the streets are orderly—far beyond what any ordinary town can compare to. To be frank, I’ve served in the North Wind Legion for over twenty years, and I have rarely seen a unit like the Ninth Battle Battalion develop to such an impressive state in less than two years."

He paused, then added, "Every time Battle Group Commander Raymond sends a report to headquarters, he always adds a few lines at the end about the Ninth Battle Battalion’s achievements. The Legion Commander has also cited Lakefront Town as an example in operational meetings on several occasions, saying this is what a proper border defense should look like."

Lynch didn’t take these words seriously at all, merely offering a few token words of agreement.

He had heard this kind of opening gambit far too many times.

’First, they shower you with praise. Then, they put you on a pedestal, flattering you endlessly. Finally, the other shoe drops. There’s always a "but" waiting in the wings.’

Seeing Lynch’s calm and composed demeanor, showing neither joy nor sorrow, Desari’s estimation of him actually rose.

And so, he stopped beating around the bush. He took a sealed dossier from the leather satchel at his side and presented it to Lynch with both hands.

"Commander Lynch, this is the ’Battle Report and Request for Joint Operations,’ sent by urgent dispatch from Legion Headquarters today."

He added, "It’s not a military order. Merely a request."

Lynch unfurled the dossier.

Just as Desari had said, it was not a military order.

The document was devoid of forceful terms like "command," "order," or "hereby decreed." In their place were words like "notification," "request," and "suggestion"... followed by a series of objective statements regarding the battle at Grey Stone Pass.

The Iron Wall Battle Group’s defensive lines were faltering in several locations.

The Iron Fang Battle Group’s offensive continued to intensify.

Elite assault teams from the Dark Thorn Battle Group had breached the pass’s second defensive line three times. They were repelled on each occasion, but the defenders suffered heavy casualties.

Amadis’s Sixth Battle Battalion, stationed at Broken Blade Cliff, had repelled thirteen enemy charges in seven days. Their losses were sixty-seven killed, one hundred thirty-nine seriously wounded, and countless minor injuries.

Lynch’s brow furrowed slightly at this, but he said nothing and kept reading.

At the end of the document was the formal request from Legion Headquarters:

[Should your battalion’s strength permit, we respectfully request you dispatch, at your discretion, an appropriate number of troops and High Tier combat units north to reinforce Grey Stone Pass. The timeline, scale, and specific mission are all left to your battalion’s practical judgment. Legion Headquarters will not make this a mandatory assignment, and this request will not be included in your annual military command evaluation.]

Lynch closed the dossier and placed it on the edge of the tea table.

His face showed no trace of emotion, as if he had just read a routine logistics request.

The reception hall fell silent for a moment.

Lynch picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Then he set the cup down, his tone as casual as if he were asking what was for dinner. "Chief of Staff Desari, whose idea was this proposal?"

Desari paused briefly.

He answered without hesitation, "It was my proposal. After being discussed at the Legion Headquarters operational meeting, it was personally approved by the Legion Commander."

"Mm," Lynch nodded. "I see."

He raised the teacup again, this time only touching it to his lips before setting it back down.

"Chief of Staff Desari."

"I’m listening."

"The Legion has seen frequent hostilities of late, so I imagine you’re busy with military affairs." Lynch’s voice was perfectly calm. "I won’t keep you for dinner, Chief of Staff."

He turned to Aus. "Aus, see the Chief of Staff out. Don’t forget to grab two packets of tea for him."

Aus started slightly.

But he asked no questions. He simply rose to his feet, gestured for Desari to proceed, and said with quiet composure, "This way, Chief of Staff Desari."

Desari was also taken aback for a moment.

He looked at Lynch’s placid face, then at Aus, who had already taken half a step back and was gesturing clearly toward the door.

Desari had no choice but to rise and prepare to leave, but he couldn’t resist asking, "Commander Lynch, if I may be so bold, what is your battalion’s initial stance on reinforcing Grey Stone Pass? It would help me in my report to headquarters."

Lynch didn’t even look up. "Chief of Staff, your letter used the words ’at your discretion,’ did it not?"

Desari nodded. "It did."

"Since the word is ’discretion,’" Lynch’s voice was slow and measured, his tone perfectly placid, "then Lakefront Town will naturally exercise its ’discretion’ in making a decision. Whether or not to reinforce Grey Stone Pass, how to reinforce it, when to reinforce it, and with how many troops..."

"...all of that is for us to decide. Wouldn’t you agree, Chief of Staff?"

The reception hall was quiet for another few moments.

Since things had been put so bluntly, Desari knew better than to press the issue. He bowed slightly to Lynch. "In that case, I won’t disturb you any longer, Commander Lynch. I shall await your battalion’s good news."

Aus had already retrieved two packets of tea wrapped in plain paper, which he presented with both hands.

Desari accepted them with a word of thanks and followed Aus toward the door.

His back remained ramrod straight, his gait steady and composed.

「A moment later.」

When Aus returned after seeing the man out, Lynch was still in his seat, his brow furrowed in thought.

"He’s gone." Aus sat down across from him, a clear look of concern on his face. "Sir, as for Lakefront Town... should I begin preparations for battle immediately?"

"No rush." Leaning back in his chair, Lynch gazed at the ceiling. "How is the Moonlight Well coming along?"

Aus blinked.

The change in topic was so abrupt he didn’t know how to react for a moment.

But he quickly collected himself. "The main structure was completed three days ago. Last night, Miss Sea Song led the team in a final test of the Energy Pathways. All runic circuits are functioning normally, and the resonance frequency between the Moonstone and the water veins of Mirror Lake has been tuned to its optimal state. We are ready for the official activation ceremony at any time. It’s just that you’ve been in seclusion these past two days..."