Chapter 593

Chapter 593: The Situation Gradually Eases

Time slowly progressed to July. The Frost Union’s great army had completely taken over the former Vergha, while the three provinces and six counties along the Clancia border suffered varying degrees of invasion.

Desolate Thunder Province, Dark Abyss County.

Compared to other provinces and counties, Desolate Thunder Province was much smaller, and a part of it was separated into its own county, known as Dark Abyss County.

This county differed from other regions. Within its territory, the residents were extremely few, with over 90% being combatants or technicians. Among them were Clancia’s direct legions, priests and clerics from the church, permanent staff from the Sage Council, and even a few special envoys from other countries.

The reason was simple; there was a sealed chaotic vortex here, or rather, a gateway to an unknown realm.

A thousand years ago, the chaos disaster was caused by those distorted phantoms breaking through the seal to wreak havoc. Afterward, the world’s intelligent races sacrificed countless lives to seal these chaotic vortices.

To ensure the seal remained intact, not only were there local garrisons and resident judges from the church, but also observers from other countries like the Sage Council, all working together to monitor these dangerous sources.

The barren land was devoid of any grass, with only a few withered trees scattered across the wilderness. At the center of the land was a massive black basin. This was the sealed chaotic vortex.

Tall, sturdy walls surrounded the basin, and within the fortresses stood a particularly conspicuous church. Its sharp spire seemed like a sword piercing the gloomy sky. There were rarely sunny days here; influenced by the array of spells spread across the wasteland, most days were overcast, making the environment particularly oppressive.

Inside the church, rows of candles burned endlessly, and standing beneath the angelic carving was a judge in a white robe.

The door slowly opened, and several black-robed priests entered.

They quickly approached the judge and whispered their report.

“Sir, representatives from the Frost Union have arrived. They request a handover ceremony.”

Ever since the Frost Rose’s army advanced westward and northward, the ownership of Dark Abyss County changed hands recently. Due to the unique nature of this place, neither side engaged in battle here but fought outside and decided the future control through external skirmishes.

“So soon? It seems the Frost Union’s offensive was quite fierce,” the judge turned around to face the crowd.

In recent years, Clancia’s garrison had been assisting in suppressing this region. He knew these soldiers well; they were highly resilient and disciplined, not easily defeated.

He did not expect the Frost Union to take over this place now. Clearly, they must have invested significant forces to force Clancia’s defenders back in a short time.

“Then let it be tomorrow. Also, inform the Sage Council’s personnel. Though they are few in number, their strength cannot be underestimated.”

“Yes.”

—

After capturing Hope Lane, the Frost Union’s great army continued northward, while the Black Pine River’s legion moved westward to converge with the main force in the south.

With the sturdy defense and powerful assault capabilities of the golems, the Frost Union advanced rapidly. In just a few months, they captured several counties, gradually pushing toward Clancia’s heartland. Finally, the two armies met in Greenfields County and temporarily halted.

It wasn’t that the large army didn’t want to advance further; it was due to various troubles with subsequent supplies.

The sustenance and materials needed for nearly one million troops were enormous. Before the union’s arrival, Clancia had already evacuated most people, leaving little food behind.

Moreover, after occupying several counties, Clancia’s scattered guerrilla forces continually harassed the supply lines from behind, burning and destroying much of the supplies. This made the advancing army increasingly anxious.

Inside the central camp of the Frost Union:

Several generals, mage representatives, golem battalion commanders, and airship officers convened. Sitting at the top was Marshal Swift, with various representatives below, including General Jenkins.

“Although the situation is generally favorable and we have achieved our goals according to plan, problems are becoming more severe.” Marshal Swift’s expression was somber.

“The local populace strongly resists our rule, and many regulations and rules require military enforcement.”

“In the rear, our supply teams have faced numerous attacks, and the transportation of food has become an urgent issue.”

Nearly one million troops spread across several counties, consuming an astronomical amount of food. Currently, about 600,000 experienced troops were at the front line facing Clancia, while roughly 400,000 troops were responsible for maintaining stability and transporting food and supplies.

However, as the enemy, Clancia had local advantages with flexible and convenient supply lines, which the Frost Union envied but couldn’t replicate.

As the allied forces advanced deeper into Clancia, they gradually felt an invisible restraint, making the battles increasingly difficult.

The enemy no longer engaged in large-scale assaults but relied on swift cavalry for various harassment operations. Sometimes, even when the golem battalion discovered them, the enemy would swiftly depart before causing much damage, leaving only ruins behind.

“I suggest the main army move westward to open up Clancia’s western coast, relying on sea transport for food supplies.”

While everyone discussed, Jenkins firmly stated.

“This…” Marshal Swift frowned slightly. This suggestion carried great risk; stretching the front so far could easily lead to division if cut off midway.

“This is too risky,” another general shook his head and continued, “It might be better to slow down the offensive, first stabilize the occupied territories, use the Black Pine River for grain transport, and then use land carriages for transportation.”

“Besides, harvest season is approaching. Several counties can still collect a considerable amount of grain.”

Such suggestions quickly gained the approval of most generals, significantly lowering the difficulty and providing greater stability without taking such risks.

“But…” Jenkins was about to argue, but Marshal Swift had already made the decision.

“Alright, let’s first consolidate the occupied counties.”

“Yes.”

—

As autumn gradually arrived, the fighting between the two sides temporarily eased, focusing on the harvest of grains.

Within the Black Rock Duchy, the Clancia and Gufia orc alliance gradually withdrew, leaving about 60,000 troops to assist the local ‘Swordsmith Sect’ in reestablishing order. They brought in food, tools, and supplies to help rebuild and recover.

“Thank you, thank you.”

A mother received the grain placed in her hand, her voice filled with gratitude and choked with emotion. Behind her stood two children.

Although the war inside Black Rock had ended, many families had been shattered. Many women and children were displaced, facing the threat of famine. During the Long Halberd Sect’s rule, they forcibly collected much grain, leaving many families to endure hunger.

“It’s nothing. This isn’t just my achievement, but also the aid from southern Clancia,” Jena knelt down to look at the two malnourished children, her eyes filled with kindness and compassion.

“Come, tell the big sister thank you,” the mother pulled out two shy children, dressed in thin gray clothes, their dark eyes staring at the beautiful big sister.

“Thank you, uh,” the children’s eyes sparkled with joy, fear, and self-consciousness.

“Hmm,” Jena stroked the heads of the two children gently. Since she had grown her short hair longer, her demeanor had changed significantly.

“Big Sister, an officer is looking for you over there,” a young voice called out.

“Okay.” Jena stood up, waved to the mother and children, and left.

In this mountain town, some Swordsmith Sect members and Clancia soldiers organized people to repair damaged houses and set up relief tents in the town center to assist those injured, hungry, and unable to work.

There were also notices posted nearby, indicating that food would be distributed to those who helped with reconstruction.

Jena, holding her long knife, came to a house where several soldiers were sorting through letters and documents from various places.

“There’s a letter for you, specially entrusted by Soland,” an officer saw Jena arrive and stood up to retrieve a special envelope wrapped in thick leather paper, with several crimson seals indicating its importance.

“For me? From Soland?” Jena couldn’t recall any foreign acquaintances in Soland, or even in Clancia’s capital.

“Yes.” The officer handed her the letter.

Carefully opening it, Jena unfolded the folded letter and read the words.

“To my dear friend Jena,

I am Lolan. I recently heard about your matters in Black Rock.

”

The familiar name made her realize it was a letter from Lolan. Wasn’t she supposed to be in school? How did she end up in Soland?

Curiously, Jena continued reading.

“Don’t worry. If you need help with any issues, you can contact local officials. If the matter becomes too complex, you can seek assistance from the Knight Commander of the Dawn Horn, who is now stationed in Black Rock and Nied County. You can conveniently meet him.

”

The letter first comforted Jena and then informed her whom to contact in case of difficulties. Lolan Hill also advised Jena to return to school once things settled down, so she could do more in the future. After all, she was young and didn’t need to rush into other affairs prematurely.

At the end of the letter, though Lolan Hill didn’t explicitly mention being Clancia’s great sage, she hinted at working in Soland.

“I didn’t know Lolan had left school?” Jena sighed, finding it amusing. Lolan herself was not in school but encouraged her to go.

However, the genuine concern made her feel a faint warmth. After losing many loved ones, such unconditional care became precious.

She would follow her friend’s advice and return to school after settling everything by year-end.

“But, I need to work harder this time,” she looked up at the clear, cloudless sky.

(End of Chapter)