Chapter 432: The Successful Plan
The forest trembled under the weight of conflict, its natural silence broken by the sound of clashing steel, battle cries, and the occasional rumble of a distant explosion. Lyan stood at the edge of the high ground, overlooking the chaos he and his commanders had orchestrated. His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, analyzing every movement, every opportunity. Below him, his forces moved like a single, cohesive entity, despite being vastly outnumbered by the Varzadian army. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself as he turned to Alice, who was directing a nearby squad with the precision of a seasoned general.
"Alice, how’s the coordination holding up?" Lyan asked, his voice calm but edged with urgency.
Alice barely spared him a glance as she barked another order to a group of archers. "Surena’s cavalry just executed a textbook feint on their left flank. Emilia’s traps are keeping the center from advancing. Wilhelmina’s supply lines are flawless—I’ve got them rotating fresh soldiers into the line like clockwork. We’re holding, Lyan, but we’re running on the edge. One wrong move, and they’ll push us back."
Lyan nodded, his gaze shifting to the group of archers perched on a ridge to the east. Their steady volleys rained down on the enemy, but it was clear they were growing weary. He clenched his fists, drawing on his mana as an idea sparked in his mind. Concentrating, he murmured an incantation, weaving an illusion over the battlefield. As the next volley of arrows flew, they seemed to multiply in the air, creating a cascade of phantom projectiles.
The Varzadian forces below faltered. Soldiers raised their shields, flinching as they imagined being struck by the phantom arrows. Some even dropped their weapons, clutching at nonexistent wounds.
(A clever touch. The fear in their eyes is almost... satisfying.) (Griselda)
(Quite a deceitful move) (Arturia)
(Hush, Arturia. A win is a win.)
Alice turned to Lyan, one brow raised. "That was you, wasn’t it? Nice work. It’s buying us more time."