Chapter 99: All-Out War Breaks Out
In the following days, an excited atmosphere spread throughout the Royal Dragon Kingdom. The Earth Kingdom had made a big fuss mobilizing their troops, only for their vanguard to be effortlessly repelled by Lord Alan. The news spread like wildfire.
Liz's earlier declaration of war had made people worried, but not fearful. The people of this era were forged in tribal wars; they did not fear conflict. Now, with Alan's display of power, their worry had transformed into confidence. Many citizens were even calling for Liz to lead the army straight to the enemy capital to eliminate King Sakaki.
Of course, a war between two kingdoms was far more complex than a simple tribal skirmish. This complexity led to the first real disagreement between Liz and Alan.
The point of contention was his role in the coming battle. Liz insisted that Alan lead the naval forces. He had opened the sea route and was most familiar with it. His presence would ensure the flanking force's success. She argued that the main army was already stronger than the enemy's; they didn't need his top-tier combat power on the front line.
Alan, however, felt he had to stay by Liz's side. He sensed that Sakaki was deliberately provoking them into an all-out war, which meant he had a hidden trump card—one that was most likely aimed at Liz herself. His first priority had always been her safety.
Today, Liz was still trying to persuade him in the study. Alan simply crossed his arms and turned his head, ignoring her, which nearly made her cry with frustration.
Bang.
The study door was violently knocked open. Hestia rushed in. "My Queen! The Earth army has emerged from the forest! Their numbers are massive, at least fifteen thousand! It looks like they're launching the final assault!"
"...Prepare the horses. The entire army will sortie," Liz commanded, her expression firm.
"Alan, we don't have time to argue anymore. You must go and lead the naval forces! Go now!"
"Hmph." Alan glared at her and sat down on the floor, making Liz want to scream.
"Alan~ Please," she begged, her tone softening. "Just this once. The success of the naval force is related to the lives of thousands of our warriors and could affect the entire war. We absolutely cannot lose."
Alan sighed and finally compromised. Liz was the commander. He did not have her strategic insight, and in the end, he had to trust her judgment.
"Thank you for trusting me, Alan. I love you~" she smiled brightly, bouncing over to kiss his cheek. "I will wait for you on the front line. Even if something unexpected happens, I won't die before you get there."
"You'd better not," he mumbled, then flew out the window, speeding towards Cherrygrove City.
Liz watched him go, then turned and went downstairs to don her armor. She knew Sakaki had a scheme, but she had her own countermeasures.
Her plan had three parts. First, the frontal assault. Second, the naval encirclement. And third, a secret defense for the capital. She had summoned the Beedrill colony from Mt. Silver—the very same one Alan had raised in his past life. Their leader, Goldie, was now Lv. 55. With 500 Beedrill and the Pokémon from the academy guarding the Royal Capital, she felt confident that no matter what Sakaki planned, it would fail.
At the Silver Mountain Road, General Hephaestus sat atop his majestic Rapidash. "The Royal Dragon army has moved," a scout reported.
"Has their Queen arrived?"
"No, the vanguard is led by General Gale."
"Hmph~ As expected, they're being cautious. This is all Artemis's fault for taking so long to dig that road," he grumbled, annoyed that he wouldn't get to take the Queen's head himself. "Fine. Proceed according to the plan. Engage them briefly, then retreat into the forest."
Meanwhile, deep within a hidden tunnel in Mt. Silver, Artemis looked at the stoic General Ares. "When do we move?"
"No rush," Ares replied calmly. "We wait until the Queen appears."
On the other side of the pass, Liz, clad in silver armor and her white cape, turned her head to the south. The mountain range blocked the sea breeze, but she could feel that Alan was on the other side, fighting alongside her.
"When do we advance?" a commander asked.
"Wait a little longer," she said, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Fight slowly. Give the naval forces more time to get into position."
[Inorin Note:
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