The tempo of the army was fast, and before sundown, they were already over 70 kilometers away from the Storm Wave city.
It was easier now since most of the beasts had been killed by the army a few months back, and even though they propagated much faster than humans, the ones left were mostly the weaker beasts.
The strong creatures that survived were intelligent enough to stay as far away from the army as possible, so nothing interfered with their march.
That evening, Paul and his ladies set up their tents, and most of the ladies went straight to sleep after eating dinner, as they were too tired after the whole day of marching.
Despite the sentries standing guard around the campsite, Paul decided that they would keep guard in pairs.
He and Lia were the first to stay awake, while others went to sleep.
They were replaced by Anna and Wu Yin around midnight.
Wu Lan and Nia took over a few hours later, being the last pair to keep guard.
That night, Irine and Natalie slept like never before, as it was their first time walking so much and so fast.
Elaine, on the other hand, didn't sleep at all.
Instead, she used the opportunity to cultivate.
As an Elf, her cultivation always progressed the most when she cultivated in a forest.
The army moved out once again before sunrise, and the same sequence continued for the next five days.
On the sixth day, around noon, they could see the Imperial capital on the horizon.
-We are almost there, ladies.
Paul said when they saw the city for the first time.
-Finally.
It was the only reply from Nataly, who, despite having fun with camping, was tired from the five days of constant walking.
Irine was not any better, as she only nodded.
They both got used to walking during these few days, but they were exhausted after so much effort, and their battle gear was not helping.
Mother and daughter were not the only ones in this situation, as many other cultivators who rarely left the city were also tired and wished for nothing more than a few days of rest, despite knowing that it was almost impossible, since they were called to join the battle against the devouring ants.
No one in the whole army had any illusion about the difficulty of the challenge they were facing.
These beasts hid underground, only emerging when their numbers were sufficient and devoured everything in their path.
If they were not stopped, their numbers would only grow, becoming even more dangerous and threatening to destroy everything in the mortal realm.
Fortunately, it was not that hard to kill them, but considering that their armies could reach a size of millions, it was not that easy to eliminate them, and the only way to eliminate the threat once and for all was to kill their queens, which was extremely difficult since they never left their tunnels.
Entering that maze was not for the faint of heart, as most people who entered were never seen again.
-How much longer till we get there?
Anna asked.
-Either this evening or tomorrow morning, depending on whether we pitch camp before dawn or not.
Paul answered.
Anna was not too happy with the last few days, as there was no way for her to cultivate with Paul, while the other ladies kept guard all night.
Not to mention having all the other cultivators around.
Now she hoped to finally have her first time with him if they got some time to rest.
What she didn't know was that most of the ladies were feeling the same way about this situation.
That night, they still pitched camp less than two hours away from the Capitol.
-It's better to stay here in the open than camp at the gates, where we could be boxed in if the ants decided to show up.
Paul explained that when Natalie asked why they didn't just go to the Capitol, since it was so close.
-Young master, the Province lord wishes to speak with you.
A soldier approached and said with a slight bow.
-Ladies, get some rest.
Paul said to them before leaving with the soldier
Xiao Han was awaiting him, along with Luo Feng, Luo Mo, and the generals.
This was nothing new since they called him over at least every second evening to discuss the news and their plans.
-We just received word that the devouring ants are approaching the Capitol and will be at its walls no later than within two days.
Luo Mo said, going straight to business.
-Additionally, the estimated number of the enemy forces has risen to a minimum of twenty-five million ants.
The imperial army, as well as every cultivator in the capital, fought for the last week to reduce their numbers.
Unfortunately, their efforts had minimal results, and they suffered many casualties.
Xiao Han added.
-Did they try using bombs?
Paul asked.
He had his uncle send the instructions on how to make them before they moved out.
-They did.
The fragmentation bombs are almost useless, since shrapnel simply bounces off the ants' carapaces.
The ones with spices are totally useless, they dont even faze the beasts.
Only the incendiary bombs had an effect, but that's only for the worker ants.
Soldier ants simply continue to attack even while burning, which makes it difficult to deal with them, until the flames are put out or the ant burns to death.
The province lord explained.
-Do you have any other way of dealing with them?
Luo Feng asked, hoping that Paul would have an idea about dealing with these bugs.
They all heard about his contributions to the defense of the White Cloud Town.
Paul thought for a moment.
-Not at the moment.
He shook his head.
-If this were my world, we would have dozens of ways of dealing with them, but unfortunately, I'm not a weapons expert, so I don't have any better ideas for now.
-It was worth a shot.
Luo Mo said.
-Since that's the case, we will use the standard tactics and try to reduce their numbers using Stone Crusher arrows.
Xiao Han said, without even a bit of disappointment in his voice.
It would be great if they had a better way of dealing with these ants, but he knew that, as outstanding as Paul was for his young age, he was not omnipotent.
Even all the generals who were present had a good impression of the province lord's adopted nephew.
Not only did the young man not expect any special treatment, but he even outright declined it when it was suggested to him.
Additionally, he was always respectful and didn't cause any trouble, unlike some young masters from prominent families
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the camp.
-What is going on?
Luo Feng asked.
-The Devouring ants are attacking, at least a few thousand, maybe more.
A soldier rushed with a report.
No one expected a skirmish with the enemy before they even reached the Capitol, so they were surprised at this news.
-Sound the alarm, keep your distance from the enemy if possible, and use arrows to reduce their numbers.
All the officers rushed to carry out the orders.
-Uncle, I have to go back as well.
Paul said and rushed to his ladies, worried they might be in danger.