"How are the plans going?" A man behind a sea of mist spoke.

"All is going according to plan, master," Portugal replied.

"Are the traps set in place now?" The man asked.

"Yes, master. We only need to wait for the soldiers to fall themselves," Portugal responded.

"Good. I expect all will be smooth?" he asked.

"As you wish, master," Portugal replied as the sea of mist vanished without a trace, fading in the wind.

The Liesco knights have been busy at work, setting everything in motion. The ambushes, the traps, and the absurd coordination of the wolves.

However, that is not where their real plan lies.

It will be soon; Tera will fall, and so will the remaining sanctuaries. It was just a matter of time.

***

Erubin drew his blade back, staining himself in the blood of the imgrave wolves as his chest rose up and down.

"Erubin! Come here!" A woman called, luring his attention.

Erubin wiped the blood off his sword before he approached the woman.

"What is it?" he asked.

"A message was sent from the main camp," the woman said as she pointed at the crowd, opting for Erubin to inch closer to the commotion.

Seeing him, the other warriors made way while some spoke about the news.

"The main camp is recalling all forces from all the scattered camps! I'm telling you something big is going on!" The man said.

Erubin couldn't help but agree. The movements back at Stellaris and Tera have been too obvious and noisy these days.

Word has spread of how they are gathering ballistas and rushing the production of siege machines.

These were no ordinary weapons for defence; these are weapons for war! Made to pummell ground troops to pieces.

Now they're getting news of a strategic retreat.

Judging by all that is happening, Erubin could faintly see the whole picture. If he is not wrong, then Tera was preparing for an all-out attack. Not just one strike group but a battalion.

Did they grow too complacent due to Sir Ajax and Mr. Samael's presence? Erubin wondered.

Even so, a flame ignited within Erubin's heart upon realising that the climax of this war was ending soon.

This was an opportunity—a chance to get his revenge.

Erubin could still clearly remember the wolf that took everything from him. He will never forget, and he will pay everything a hundredfold.

Anticipation and excitement brewed in the air as the warriors discussed themselves. Their topic was mostly speculation regarding what all this noise was about.

Some were sceptical, while many were roaring to go. After all, everyone has heard the tales of the Grim Hound and the Shadow Saint.

Oddly enough, Erubin's crew was able to swiftly clear the inner regions with ease, boosting the morale of the warriors through the roof.

But they did not know about Ajax's situation. The saint has been warning the camp of the possibility of a trap laid for them, but they did not listen.

Much like Erubin's squad, many other soldiers out there were winning one battle after the other.

They watched as the wolves retreated deep in the forest with their tails behind their backs.

They were confident; they knew they were winning. Perhaps this war will finally conclude and their lives will go back to normal.

Back at Stellaris, Ajax made his way through the busy camp. He observed dozens of warriors gathering in formations and practicing drills.

He also caught a glimpse of the ballistas and siege weapons being patched with steel and iron.

Crates upon crates of weapons were being delivered every day. Don't even mention the sudden call for retreat to all the scattered camps around Georgo Road.

As for the reason he was here, Ajax was summoned by the higher-ups to participate in a meeting. As for the reason? Ajax believes he already knows.

As he arrived at a large tent decorated in gold, Ajax was greeted by a large rectangular table expanding forward.

On its surface were maps, models of their troops, and routes. Sitting before the table were nobles of high positions, and among them was General Timeus, who could not even spare a glance at Ajax.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

However, the shadow saint remained stoic and silent as he sat down, ignoring the greetings of the politicians sitting before him.

Seeing his silence, they could only clear their throats as they began.

"Since we are all here now, let us begin the meeting." A fat man spoke as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"General Timeus, if you may," a thin man chimed in.

General Timeus remained silent for a few seconds before he rose up.

"Greetings to the esteemed nobles of Tera and to you as well, sir Ajax," Timeus said.

Upon hearing his tone, the nobles nodded in satisfaction as they drank their wine and ate their snacks.

However, Ajax simply remained idle, observing each and every person present inside.

A thought was pestering his mind. One he recently noticed.

His missions were private, and his squad's movements were to remain secret. But the enemies kept getting ahead of them.

This only meant one thing.

It seems the mole was closer than they thought.

But who was it?

Ajax's gaze swept over the room, sending chills down everyone's spine.

Sensing the rising tension, Timeus swiftly spoke.

"To address the elephant in the room, the supreme council of Tera has decided to launch a siege at ground zero," Timeus said as he went straight to the point.

As expected, Ajax thought.

"What my aide will give you are the current status of our preparations and the battle plan," Timeus said as Lucas gave each noble a brown envelope.

"Oh my, it seems everything is going as planned." A woman seductively spoke as she giggled sensually.

"Why yes, it is after all our propositions and suggestions that an attack force of such magnitude be set in place," the fat noble spoke.

Timeus could only sigh as he explained further.

"To elaborate, the plan is as follows," Timeus said as he moved the models on the table, placing them in certain positions.

"According to the information given by the Liesco knights, Samael, may he rest in peace, has pin-pointed the location of the objects causing the fog of decay," Timeus said.

Ajax's visor tilted upon hearing Timeus's words. His grip tightening.

"According to it, there are a total of three locations. They are located north, west, and east. They are quite hidden, so the number of wolves guarding them is lower too," Timeus said.

"However, that does not mean there won't be a fight," he followed.

"The first objective is to send three major assault squads to take out these posts, and once the fog of decay has fallen, then the main battalion will swoop in and attack the head quarters of the beast," Timeus said.

"If we succeed, then we can swiftly capture this location," Timeus said as he pointed at a clearing in front of the ground zero base.

"We can set up our siege weapons there and slowly break the enemy base to pieces," Timeus resumed.

"The leader of the enemy will be handled by Sir Ajax while we swoop in to get rid of the wolves," Timeus said.

"Brilliant plan, General!" An old noble said.

"But when will this operation begin?" The woman inquired.

"The operation will commence at the moment the soldiers finish their preparations. The estimated time is two weeks from now," Timeus said.

"Very well, I entrust this matter to you, General; do not fail us," the nobles said before they started discussing among themselves.

Seeing this, Timeus could only sigh as he left. Ajax too followed as he wished to speak with the general.

"General," Ajax called, halting the man's step.

"Yes, sir Ajax?" Timeus spoke.

"This plan is risky," Ajax said.

"I know," Timeus replied.

"Then stop it. We will only lose more, and that will cost us the war," Ajax said.

"I... I can't," Timeus said.

"Why?" Ajax inquired.

"The nobles have been persistent. I tried to refuse many times, but in the end they only threaten to kick me from my position and replace me with someone they can control," Timeus said, his tone heavy and grim.

"I cannot entrust my men to some lapdog of the nobles," Timeus said, a hint of rage present in his voice.

Ajax remained silent, acknowledging the general's commitment.

However, if his judgement is final, then he can only prepare for the worst. Until then, he has two weeks to find out who the mole within their rank is.

If he can source out the traitor, he may get some information from the enemy's plans.

He must hasten his pace.

***

Under the scorching heat of the morning sun, Samael traversed the dry, brittle earth with a steady will.

By now, a few days have already passed since he passed by the ruined city. Samael could feel his body start to adapt to the absurd weather on this planet.

The heat did not feel as burning hot as it used to, nor did the cold feel as freezing as though he was going to die at any moment.

However, the frequency of his encounters with monsters is far more obvious now. His hunch was indeed correct.

The monsters were situated near the tower of Leo, where the winged abomination in the journal was supposedly resting.

If so, he'll have to somehow bypass hordes of beasts and fight a creature that ruined an entire civilization. Where was the fairness in that?

Well, what did he expect?

Regarding his injuries, Samael's internal organs have started to mend. He did not feel as much pain when he moved or fought, as long as he did not overexert himself.

As for his arm, Samael could now use it without much issue as long as he refrains from using his full power.

His essence was also starting to come back, as he only focused on healing now rather than deploying a veil to fend off the heat or cold.

That being said, Samael had to rely most on his scouting skills to avoid some abominations, as he was still measuring how much Essence he could use.

The call was more prominent now. He could almost hear the voice whispering in his ears. Just what is waiting for him there?

Feeling the ground shake, a sigh escaped Samael's lips.

Another one; it's the tenth time this day! He thought in exasperation as he propelled himself up, dodging the maws of what appeared to be a worm sprouting from the ground.

Using his momentum, Samael plummeted down with a reckoning slash, cutting the beast in half with the help of Void Cleave.

Samael wiped off the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead as he felt his essence deplete more.

This can't keep going, he thought as he continued forward.

He has started to get used to the appearance of these creatures. Fortunately, they were not that strong yet; otherwise, he would be in great trouble.

But not everything was bad. Their frequent appearances allowed Samael to train his decision making skills as he started to build immunity against their ambushes.

Judging by the size of the tower, Samael deduced he was still far off. He has a feeling that the real problems are in that direction.

Until then, he must prepare for the worst. Whatever awaits him is nothing ordinary.

I must hone my skills, Samael thought. His rage and frustration boiling deep in his heart.

Every day, he was reminded of the betrayal he felt and how much of a fool he was to fall for such meager traps.

Now, he was paying the price for his foolishness.

But he will not give up. He has made a promise, and he intends to keep that promise.

Once he leaves this place, his judgement will be inevitable. He will bring down his fist and strike down all that wronged him.

Feeling the pent-up rage, Samael held his necklace tight.

Not yet, he thought as he felt tremors shake under his soles.

With a glance ahead, Samael saw multiple abominations charge at him as he unsheathed the crimson raven.

For now, he must survive.

"Void augmentation."