The imperial court's three-thousand-strong mage corps have begun deploying arrays according to our predetermined plan. I will connect the formations previously set across various locations, creating a vast energy field covering the entire nation. By harnessing the yin-yang energies from mountains and rivers through the earth veins, we can significantly limit Huo Dou's power. However, this is the extent of what mages can achieve; on the frontlines, my influence ends here.
Guanxing-sama, your efforts have already been exceptional. Based on calculations, these preparations alone should suppress at least sixty percent of Huo Dou's might. Reducing its strength by more than half could indeed be decisive for victory!
After offering some comforting words amidst Zhuge Kongming's somber tone, Rita smiled and ended their Voice-Transmission Talisman connection. She then reached out to Durandal and Kiana.
"General Durandal, Lady Kiana, how are the troop mobilizations and civilian evacuations progressing?"
"The new army of half a million soldiers is steadily converging from various garrisons. Currently, eighty thousand troops are guarding Seven Stars Lake, where yang energy erupted. We'll defend our lines with our lives, but given the vast shoreline, we're outnumbered. Realistically, if xenobeasts emerge from the lake, we won't hold them back for long."
"Don't talk about dying so casually—I hate hearing that! My little nephew performed calculations; under her and three thousand mages' containment, it will take at least two more days for Huo Dou to fully manifest. That gives us ample time to assemble all forces. Additionally, before then, the Heavenly Works Department will deliver one hundred thousand black iron heavy armors and two hundred thousand steel spirit charm arrows. Use them freely... chomp chomp chomp!"
Kiana's response undoubtedly relieved Durandal, but simultaneously, the sound of ravenous eating and continuous chewing through the Voice-Transmission Talisman left others quite speechless.
Rita pressed her fingers against her temples, feeling exasperated.
"Lady Kiana, could you please take this seriously? It's a xenobeast calamity!"
"Quit nagging; how can I work without eating first? Chomp! Anyway, the evacuation of civilians is progressing smoothly so far. With assistance from the Central System, our mobilization and organization efficiency has drastically improved compared to before. However, most people can only rely on their legs, which limits their speed. I've already marshaled all available resources—vehicles, horses, livestock, everything—to expedite the process. Rest assured, we'll have the area completely cleared well before the war officially begins!"
"Very well, thank you for your hard work, Lady Kiana."
"You're the one who should be working hard... Burp! I'm full now, time to set off!"
"Hmm? What do you mean, Lady Kiana? Where are you going?"
"I've largely handled the civilian evacuation arrangements; all that remains is ensuring they follow through, which you can oversee from the Imperial City. As for me... Hmph! Among Huang Country's generals, Durandal and I are indisputably the strongest fighters. So where else would I go but the front lines?"
"What?!?" Rita was taken aback, as this certainly wasn't part of the initial plan.
In battles against xenobeasts, despite Huang Country's current strength far surpassing its past capabilities, Durandal still faced the risk of dying on the battlefield. Kiana was right to claim that she and Durandal were the Empire's most formidable fighters. However, precisely because of this, with Durandal leading the charge, it was even more crucial for Kiana to remain at the rear. Should anything happen to Durandal—or worse, if the well-prepared battle against xenobeasts took a disastrous turn—the nation needed someone capable of navigating the aftermath.
But Kiana ignored Rita's reaction and addressed Durandal directly: "I've gathered three thousand skilled warriors and arranged for the Heavenly Works Department to supply them as much as possible. Find us a challenging spot; don't worry, my forces can handle it."
"Three thousand people? From where? What is their combat capability? When can they reach Seven Stars Lake?" Durandal asked calmly. Unlike Rita, who weighed multiple factors, Durandal prioritized victory above all else. As long as they won, everything else would fall into place.
Kiana responded: "Some are from the Imperial Inspection Commission, others are former guests of mine willing to lend their support. But the majority are martial experts from the jianghu, answering my call. Don't fret about their capabilities; with a bit of organization, I guarantee you'll be impressed. They should arrive at Seven Stars Lake by noon tomorrow at the latest."
"So they're essentially a motley crew," Kiana replied. "Are you sure you can trust them?"
"You still don't understand, Durandal. The late emperor's court wasn't much stronger than its predecessors'. Countless patriots with fervent hearts have been disheartened by the government's incompetence; mobilizing such individuals seemed nearly impossible. However, now that I've appealed to the people for aid through the Hub... General, these three thousand were selected and represent the closest forces available. In any case, please have faith in them—they are both capable and courageous, and they won't disappoint you."
"Very well. Lady Kiana's troops will serve as the flank of our vanguard, directly under my command—acceptable?"
"As ordered, unto death we shall not retreat!"
"I'll be waiting at Seven Stars Lake. Ensure your unit arrives fully provisioned by noon tomorrow. Any delays will be on your head!"
"Understood!"
With their conversation concluded, Kiana and Durandal terminated the Voice-Transmission Talisman connection.
In the imperial palace, within the Legislative Hall, Rita stood before the massive sand table, closed her eyes, placed her hands over her heart, and took a deep breath.
"Arrogant presumption and reckless behavior! Absurd!"
Rita placed her hands on the edge of the sand table, surveying the current deployment arrangements while venting her dissatisfaction.
But Kiana had done the right thing.
Rita had already reviewed the mobilization proclamation issued by Kiana, which was disseminated nationwide through the Central System, ensuring virtually everyone could see it.
Three thousand martial arts experts—while not insignificant in a national conflict, it wasn't overwhelmingly large either. However, the call to arms would attract far more than just these three thousand! Barring any unforeseen circumstances, tens of thousands of skilled fighters would likely converge at Seven Stars Lake. Such collective strength is truly formidable; even a mindless charge would be terrifyingly effective.
Kiana seized upon something none of them had fully grasped—the power of public sentiment.
What Rita found absurd was that Kiana herself might not yet realize this, genuinely believing she could only muster this force of three thousand for the front lines!
With this realization, Rita hastily sent messages to Kiana and Durandal, instructing them to prepare for receiving many more recruits and adjust their battle formations accordingly.
Following these initial actions, evacuating civilians, transporting supplies, adjusting civilian affairs, commerce, policies—all these tasks kept the Prime Minister as busy as ants on a hot griddle, unable to rest for a moment.
In the rear of the grand hall, atop the imperial throne—
Zeke sat regally, observing Rita's bustling activities and the coordinated efforts of the Empire's administrative machinery. Gradually, his lips curved upwards.
Dressed in pristine white attire, Fu Hua stood quietly beside the throne. On her back perched Senti, chin resting on Fu Hua's shoulder, looking utterly content and satisfied.
"Can this nation win?" Fu Hua softly asked.
Zeke nodded. "They can win; it's just a matter of the price they'll have to pay."
"And their current performance, is it satisfactory?"
"The key lies in the efficiency of the Hub, but overall, it's acceptable. Even if we let go now, major issues are unlikely to arise."
"...So, it's almost time?"
Fu Hua was slightly taken aback by Zeke's response.