NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The General's Gambit
As the morning sun rises, Hi no Kuni's defenders scramble to repair their fortifications. Villagers haul wood and stone to patch the breaches while Kael organizes patrols to keep watch for another attack. Yuuto gathers with Garan and the council to assess their situation. Supplies are dwindling, and the defenders are weary, but morale remains surprisingly high after their successful defense.
Meanwhile, the Zerynthian general, Cassius Velor, observes the battlefield from his command tent. A seasoned tactician, Cassius is not one to be deterred by minor setbacks. He recognizes the unusual nature of Hi no Kuni's resistance and orders his scouts to gather more information about the mysterious leader wielding fire.
Cassius devises a new strategy: instead of a direct assault, he will exploit the defenders' exhaustion and their lack of resources. He sends a small detachment to feign an attack at the main gate while positioning his cavalry to cut off the village's supply lines. The general aims to starve the defenders into submission.
Back in Hi no Kuni, Yuuto senses the enemy's movements through faint whispers in the flames. Recognizing the danger of being surrounded, he proposes a bold countermeasure: a night raid on the Zerynthian camp to destroy their supply wagons. Though risky, the council agrees that it may be their only chance to turn the tide.
Under the cover of darkness, Yuuto leads a handpicked group, including Kael, Garan, and a few of the best-trained villagers. Armed with torches and crude but effective weapons, they sneak through the forest toward the enemy camp. Yuuto's divine fire provides them with just enough light to navigate without being seen.
The raid begins with a coordinated attack on the supply wagons. Yuuto's flames ignite the Zerynthian provisions, creating chaos as soldiers scramble to contain the blaze. Garan and Kael's teams engage the enemy guards, their training and teamwork catching the Zerynthians off guard.
Cassius, alerted to the commotion, orders his troops to regroup. He quickly realizes the raid is not a full-scale attack and attempts to outflank the raiders. However, Yuuto anticipates this move and orders a swift retreat, leaving behind decoys to mislead the pursuing Zerynthians.
The raiders return to Hi no Kuni with minimal losses, their spirits lifted by the successful mission. The Zerynthians, now facing their own supply shortages, are forced to delay their next attack.
As the village celebrates, Yuuto reflects on the challenges ahead. He knows Cassius will not give up easily and begins preparing for the next phase of the conflict. The chapter ends with Cassius surveying the charred remains of his supply wagons, a sinister smile on his face. He whispers to himself, "Let's see how long you can keep this up, fire wielder."
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End of Chapter 6