Chapter 430: The Southern Front (End) Time to Move
The battlefield stretched silent and somber as Lyan stood amidst the remnants of the Varzadian forces. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood and the faint moans of the wounded. A thin fog lingered, swirling between shattered wagons and discarded weapons. Around him, his soldiers moved swiftly, securing prisoners and sweeping for stragglers. Lyan’s glaive rested loosely in his hand, its blade glinting faintly as he surveyed the aftermath of the ambush.
Commander Thallus knelt before him, his once-proud armor dented and smeared with dirt and blood. His sword fell from trembling hands, clattering onto the ground.
"I concede," Thallus said, his voice hoarse. "You...’ve bested us."
Lyan’s gaze bore into the man, weighing his words. The Devil Baron, as they called him, wasn’t known for mercy, but Lyan had a different goal today. He nodded curtly.
"You’ll live," Lyan said, his voice low but resolute. "For now. Bind him and keep him under heavy guard. I’ll have questions later."
Surena moved forward, her blade flicking to Thallus’s throat as two soldiers yanked the commander to his feet. Her silver eyes narrowed, gleaming with restrained fury.
"You’re too kind, Lyan. A man like this..." She left the thought unfinished, her sword pressing just enough to make the prisoner’s breath hitch.
"His time will come if needed," Lyan said, turning his attention to Wilhelmina. She was already barking orders, her sharp mind dissecting the scene like a surgeon.
"Secure all supply wagons!" Wilhelmina commanded. "Josephine, catalog everything—food, weapons, medicine. I want a full inventory before nightfall."
Josephine’s face lit with quiet satisfaction. "Of course. Finally, something useful." She directed soldiers toward the wagons, her practical nature taking over as she sorted through the haul.
Wilhelmina’s eyes gleamed as she studied the supplies—the enemy’s loss was their windfall. "This isn’t just a victory," she murmured to herself. "This is an advantage. Enough to shift momentum for the entire war."