Main Meeting Room, Buriek Guard HQ

0330, 2 Sept 2025

Yesterday morning, Grand Commander Keraz accepted the statement of surrender from Viscount Issel, with the hope that Buriek Guard could catch their breath before the counter-invasion from Kingdom of Makai arrived.

However, not long after the ceasefire was issued, he received a report that the execution of the prisoners was already being carried out before the order arrived, and a moment later the battle broke out again.

Grand Commander Keraz was familiar with General Griek's character. So he realized that the General was deliberately ignoring his order.

Unfortunately, for the time being there was nothing he could do, except support General Griek's attack on Lagra Castle. He had to wait until Lagra Castle was captured before he could pass the sentence to General Griek.

However, the battle that was expected to end in an instant became a fierce battle that lasted until dusk. After that, a shocking report arrived. Robber Cavalry was wiped out by foreigners at Desolate Entrance, along with three squadrons of Riders that were sent to provide assistance.

Then, reports that were much more stifling came and went. Starting with the destruction of Buriek Guard elements in Lagra City, the destruction of the Cloud Hawk stalls and Rider barracks in Levsait and Raisait, and the destruction of the carrier ship, supply ship, and transport ship from the 2nd Fleet.

Moreover, the cause of all the destruction was unknown, except for the fire spears that suddenly appear in the middle of the dark night, then blow up at whatever it hits.

And to this moment, reports regarding 2nd Fleet ships being sunk by the enemy were still coming in.

At the giant map on the strategy table, almost every position of Buriek Guard elements was now labeled with a red cross. A sign that the element had been destroyed.

Grand Commander Keraz turned to Marshal Ducie and Admiral Errez before saying in a heavy tone, "It seems the foreigners in Desolate Land entrance have the capability to launch a night attack. However, in a few hours the sun will rise and we can send Riders to launch retaliation.

I also plan to shift the 3rd and 4th Fleet to replace the 2nd Fleet's task of providing air cover for the remaining Buriek Guard elements in Levsait and Raisait. If you two have any other suggestions, you'd better say them right now."

Marshal Ducie cleared his throat before saying, "I agree we go on the offensive, and suggest we leave 400 Riders to defend the domestic airspace and send all the remaining Riders including those still in training to carry out a scorched earth attack."

Admiral Errez added, "I also agree that we go on the offensive, and suggest that Riders from 3rd and 4th Fleet launch a scorched earth attack on Lagra Castle, to raise the morale of Buriek Guard elements in Levsait and Raisait."

Grand Commander Keraz nodded in satisfaction. "Then we'd better start issuing the orders right away."

- - - - -

Guise Sea, 20 km from the remains of 2nd fleet.

0640, 2 Sept 2025

When the invasion of Sandhur Region was launched, the 3rd and 4th Fleet were tasked with ambushing any element of the Makai Navy that might be sent to assist Sandhur Region.

However, until the third wave of landings, not a single Makai Navy element appeared on the route they guarded. Then, when the invasion was just a step away from the final step, the 3rd and 4th Fleet got the task of replacing the 2nd Fleet which lost its capability as a naval element overnight.

Rear Admiral Wessek looked at the rubble scattered over the surface of the sea, while deep in his heart he wanted to know what kind of opponent the 2nd Fleet faced and how hundreds of ships could be wiped out clean overnight.

He then took a deep breath before turning his head towards Brigadier Zaak who was standing beside him.

"Unlike the 2nd Fleet which was prepared from the start to support the invasion. The 3rd and 4th Fleet combined Riders only numbered 200. With that number, are you sure we can defeat our opponent in the air?"

Brigadier Zaak answered firmly, "Our opponents have night vision ability. So it's suicidal if we fight them after sunset. But as for battles during the day, I'm sure our Riders will devour their air elements without difficulty.

And don't you find it strange, why did they stop hunting the 2nd Fleet ships just before sunrise?"

Rear Admiral Wessek nodded slightly. "Twenty km before we join the remnants of 2nd Fleet. I'd better get back to the bridge, and you better get ready too."

Brigadier Zaak grinned from ear to ear. "Don't worry, all Riders from 71st Air Regiment are ready to scramble at any time."

- - - - -

Basement, below the Issel Family Mansion.

0715, 2 Sept 2025

As soon as support elements arrived at Lagra Castle, they began to work immediately. The medical element went to treating the injured, and managed to save more than one thousand defenders who were already half-dead. An achievement that Viscount Issel considered a miracle.

Viscount Issel also received a report on how TF Amethyst's personnel effectively and efficiently cremated the bodies piled up around the castle walls, both the bodies of defenders and attackers.

But one thing that impressed Viscount Issel the most was the way TF Amethyst raised the morale of the defenders, residents, and children in the castle by providing delicious warm food.

When the reinforcement from TF Amethyst arrived in Lagra Castle, there were about 16 thousand survivors, 80% of whom were children under the age of ten.

But without difficulty, TF Amethyst's field kitchen provided hot food for everyone, and at exactly half-past six in the morning all of Lagra Castle's residents were able to enjoy a super delicious potato soup.

TF Amethyst's kitchen personnel even specifically ensured that the soup distributed to the children was not too hot, but was warm enough and could be eaten right away.

The number of TF Amethyst kitchen personnel distributing potato soup to children was also three times more than personnel deployed elsewhere. Moreover, TF Amethyst put very tight security around the basement where the children take shelter.

When Viscount Issel saw children in the basement enjoying the warm potato soup heartily and cheerfully, and for a moment they even forgot that they had lost their parents, his chest suddenly tightened.

'Forgive me, for failing to protect this city and your family.'

Viscount Issel muttered silently as he looked at the joy on the faces of the thousands of children in front of him.

At the same time, Baron Ossik entered the dungeon and approached Viscount Issel.

“Ser Viscount, Lieutenant Colonel Luther requested your presence in the command center. Two battle groups with five carrier ships each just entered Sandhur Region's waters, and then a hundred Riders took off and headed here at full speed."

Baron Ossik's message made Viscount Issel realize that the war with Kingdom of Buriek was not over. Killing intent flashed in Viscount Issel's eyes.

"Lieutenant Colonel Luther has promised TF Amethyst will evacuate the children and civilians if this castle falls into Buriek Guard. So we should fight to the last drop of our blood today."

"Understood."

Calmly but steadily Baron Ossik answered.

*****