Chapter 740: Hard to Justify
Everyone believed that continuing the assault on the fortress would only lead to more pointless casualties.
The best option was to bypass it and attack the cities behind.
There was no need to waste forces in a battle where they held no advantage.
"Jeffrey, go suggest to the Commander-in-Chief that the skeleton army bypass the fortress. It'll be easier to explain to City Lord Wen Mansa later," someone quickly said.
Jeffrey was the field commander, responsible for coordination and communication.
The others weren't in a position to speak to the Commander-in-Chief, but Jeffrey had some authority.
After thinking it over, Jeffrey nodded, "Alright, I'll bring it up with the Commander-in-Chief. If it doesn't work, I'll write to the City Lord and inform her of the situation."
The others nodded in agreement.
Then they walked together to a building at the rear.
Standing in front of the building—
They knocked lightly, then pushed the door open and entered.
The room was dim, lit only by silvery moonlight pouring through the open window.
A skeleton in a noble gown and sunhat sat inside, its hollow sockets staring at the door.
Jeffrey and the others forced a smile.
"Commander-in-Chief, we have something to report."
......
Elsewhere—
"Damn, where did this train drop me off?"
Stepping off the train, Wu Heng looked around at the pitch-black forest.
Rustling sounds came from both sides, like beasts moving through the underbrush.
After boarding the Ghost Train from Rentam City, Wu Heng had chosen 'Serted Fortress' as his destination.
After all, Rentam's ammunition and supplies needed to be delivered personally.
But upon arrival, everything was dark.
It did feel a little nerve-racking.
He cast [Dancing Lights] to light the area and released the specters.
"Whoa, food's glowing—oh wait, it's Uncle!" Xiaoxiao exclaimed.
"What kind of phrases are those?" Wu Heng looked at her.
"Never heard that one."
Glenda glanced around, "Is this the place?"
Wu Heng replied, "Should be. The train's never been wrong. Xiaoxiao, fly up and check our bearings."
"Got it!" Xiaoxiao replied and soared upward to scout.
Glenda and Benny began probing the woods on both sides.
The rustling turned out to be just small animals.
No danger.
Xiaoxiao returned from above and pointed in two directions, "Uncle, that way's a city with firelight—must be the fortress. The other has concentrated level beams—should be the skeleton army."
"Alright, let's go." Wu Heng dismissed the lights, grabbed his flashlight, and headed toward the skeletons.
As the skeletons came into view, he put on the Faceless Mask and took on the look of a brown-haired fisherman.
......
Inside the building—
Jeffrey sat to the side and spoke earnestly, "Commander-in-Chief, only our forces are suffering losses in this assault. The enemy clearly wants to wear us down."
"Since we can't take it, we should bypass. Skeletons don't rely on heavy logistics—it's doable."
He laid out a map and traced a route with his finger.
From the looks of it, the detour was a half-circle around.
It would increase both time and resource costs, but the fortress was famous, and the skeletons couldn't breach it.
The skeleton commander gave the map a cursory glance.
Then raised a skeletal hand and gestured toward the door, signaling them to leave.
The commanders looked grim. Jeffrey hesitated, then said, "Please reconsider. You could report this to Rentam City and await further orders."
The skeleton just waved them off again.
The commanders frowned but had no choice.
They exchanged glances and headed out.
Creak—
Just as they reached the door, it opened suddenly.
A brown-haired, rough-skinned man entered with two attendants.
"Who are you?" the commanders demanded.
It was Wu Heng in disguise.
He glanced around and said, "I've come from Rentam City, bearing City Lord Wen Mansa's orders and supplies."
"You? It's always been skeleton knights—why the change?"
With the war against Ekow Kingdom, only Spiketooth Gang veterans held key posts. Few humans were entrusted with anything important.
So how did this stranger show up with orders and supplies?
While they questioned him, the skeleton commander pushed past them and guided Wu Heng to her seat.
Then, like a dutiful servant, she gently massaged his shoulders.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock.
It wasn't just the massage—
But the disbelief: this weird skeleton commander was so obedient?
Like seeing a ghost.
Wu Heng wasn't used to the massage either, but clearly—
It made the others believe his identity.
Saved him a bunch of explanations.
Wu Heng asked directly, "Who's Jeffrey?"
"At your service, sir. May I ask how to address you?" Jeffrey stepped forward.
"I'm the inspector appointed by City Lord Wen Mansa. Report the current situation," Wu Heng said calmly.
Jeffrey nodded and continued, "The skeleton army has attacked for days, losing lots of troops and weapons. Only our side is taking losses."
"Is the fortress that hard to take?"
"It's well-fortified, walls tall and strong, armed with heavy defenses. The skeleton army's current methods won't work," Jeffrey explained.
He added, "We're proposing a detour and discussing it with the Commander-in-Chief."
"A detour? Got a map?" Wu Heng looked at him, puzzled.
Jeffrey took out the earlier map and traced a new route. "We can go around here, avoid the fortress, and strike the rear cities."
Wu Heng looked at the map, "Then why didn't the orc army bypass it back then?"
Uh...
Jeffrey turned to the orc reps.
The orcs scratched their heads—no idea.
Jeffrey replied, "Probably logistics and timing. Detouring uses more resources."
Wu Heng nodded, "How many skeletons are left?"
"Around twenty thousand," Jeffrey answered.
Wu Heng thought for a moment. "Alright, you can rest for now. I'll tell you what to do soon."
"Yes, sir." They all turned to leave.
At the door, Jeffrey paused and said, "Sir, if too many skeletons are lost, the enemy might counterattack. Rentam City could be at risk. We won't be able to answer to the City Lord."
"I'll take it into account," Wu Heng said.
Jeffrey said no more and left with the others.