Published: July 3, 2025
"Commissioner Carson, it seems the Imperial Army's invasion has indeed begun."
Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the forest's outer edge, Commissioner Carson ordered a reconnaissance team led by Loxley to investigate and gather information.
"Damn it... They prioritized the devastation of the Forest of the West over the royal capital... that emperor!"
Carson muttered under his breath.
The Elf Autonomous Bureau stationed in the royal capital had already evacuated at the command of the Crown Prince of the Naitorei Kingdom.
The group that withdrew consisted of fifty elves led by Commissioner Carson.
This included all the elves within the royal capital, even those enrolled in the Magical University.
Thanks to this, they avoided being caught up in the fall of the royal capital, but even the Forest of the West they had fled to had already fallen under the Imperial Army's wicked grasp.
"Quickly gather information. If we play our cards right, we can trap the enemy between the 'forest' and ourselves."
Carson swiftly issued his orders.
With the invasion already underway, it was clear that time was of the essence.
"It seems the main force has abandoned the eastern region of the forest. The watchtowers to the southeast and northeast have been burned down. The eastern fortress has been occupied by the Imperial Army."
"Both watchtowers are destroyed, yet the eastern fortress remains intact?"
"Yes."
In response to Carson's confirmation, Loxley nodded as he led the reconnaissance team.
"I see..."
Carson said, lowering his gaze as he began to contemplate.
Muttering to himself, he remarked, "The central fortress will be our defense line... a trap... The Imperial Army excels in combat within the forest... with the vanguard, the fortress, and a rear base at the outer edge... The old lady is probably in command..."
Loxley remained silent, waiting for further instructions.
Once, he had been defeated by Sera, but now he had grown to become the commander of the advance team, serving as Commissioner Carson's right-hand man.
Two minutes passed.
"I see, I've understood the old lady's strategy."
Carson nodded once and murmured.
Though Loxley had no idea what it meant, it was said that among the elves of the kingdom, both the old lady and Carson possessed exceptional skills in 'reading the situation.'
However, the figure that Loxley held in awe, Lady Sera, was not among them.
She was in a different league... that was how Loxley regarded her.
In any case, it seemed that Carson had settled on a course of action.
"We will wait here."
"Eh...?"
Carson announced this, leaving Loxley speechless.
Wasn't this a race against time? Shouldn't they hurry?
"We will act in accordance with the old lady's timing. Do not miss the moment when the enemy's vanguard strikes the central fortress."
"That fortress, huh."
The captain of the vanguard, Nyus, leading the shadow army, confirmed with his subordinate standing beside him.
"Yes. Those who seem to be the main forces of the elves are holed up in that fortress."
"The area around that fortress is clear of trees, making stealthy approaches impossible... I see, they thought we would struggle in the forest, so they've chosen to fight in the open."
Captain Nyus said while nodding.
Of course, he wasn't underestimating them.
The 'shadows' had suffered over two hundred casualties, which was abnormal.
The opponent they were currently facing was capable of such abnormalities.
However... they were overwhelmingly superior in numbers.
The elves numbered at most three hundred.
The 'shadows,' on the other hand, had eighteen hundred deployed in the forest alone. Roughly six times their number.
When outnumbered, the most effective strategy is a frontal assault.
A direct attack that leaves no chance for the enemy to 'blend in' and reveals everything in front of them.
Of course, there would undoubtedly be casualties on their side. Casualties were inevitable, but it was also a historical fact that such an approach allowed for the least chance of a reversal.
Captain Nyus obtained permission from General Lanshas, commanding from the eastern fortress, and commenced the attack.