Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

42  Royal Guard

As the morning dawned, the group looked utterly worn out. They hadn't slept a wink, their bodies and minds drained from the relentless march through the night. Fatigue painted their faces, evident in the heavy bags under their eyes and the drooping of their shoulders.

Every step they took seemed like an arduous task, their energy depleted and their movements sluggish. They dragged their feet, their legs heavy and protesting with each stride. The exhaustion weighed them down, sapping their strength and leaving them feeling sluggish and slow.

The worry etched on their faces was palpable, a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked in every shadow. Their brows furrowed with concern, their eyes scanning the surroundings with weary vigilance. The fear of an ambush or attack kept them on high alert, their nerves frayed, and their senses heightened.

"We need to take a breath here," Roan suddenly said after he looked around. "Everyone is exhausted, and we need to tend our wounds."

Hugo nodded and then looked around as well. He saw a beautiful area painted in shades of brown and green. It was a refreshing sight amidst the chaos they had left behind. The ground beneath their feet was covered in different hues of brown. At the same time, patches of lush green vegetation sprouted all around.

Tall trees reached towards the sky, their branches adorned with leaves in various shades of green. The gentle rustling of the leaves filled the air, creating a soothing melody that eased their weary minds. Above them, the sky was overcast with rain clouds, hinting at the possibility of a not much-needed downpour.

"The rain will erase our trails… I suppose we dealt a huge blow on the enemies, and they also can be busy hunting the survivors and fortifying their defenses," Hugo said and then pointed to a group of trees in the distance. "We will take shelter there."

Rain wondered what would happen… his grandparents were still unconscious, but they didn't seem in danger; they were tough than they looked. In terms of war, after capturing the city, the enemies would have several strategic options available to them.

The enemies could fortify the captured city, reinforcing its defenses and establishing strongholds to protect their positions. They might construct barricades, dig trenches, and set up defensive structures such as walls and watchtowers. This would make it difficult for the opposing forces to retake the city without a significant and costly offensive.

With control over the city, the enemies could establish it as a strategic base or a launching point for further military operations. They might use it as a logistical hub to coordinate troop movements, supply lines, and reinforcements. From there, they could plan and execute offensive maneuvers, targeting key objectives or weakening the opposing forces by cutting off their supply routes.

The enemies may take advantage of their control over the city's population to recruit new soldiers or conscript individuals into their ranks. They could enforce mandatory military service or implement a selective draft to bolster their forces. Additionally, they might employ propaganda and ideological manipulation to shape the beliefs and loyalties of the captured population, ensuring their compliance and support in the ongoing conflict.

Rain thought about that while he was making water for everyone and using the mana that he had left to help clean the wounds of those who fought. While that helped, a troublesome downpour began to affect the area, and that prevented them from moving further.

"I sent word to the capital once I realized what is going on with their mounts; they should find us within today," Hugo said once he was patched up. "We need to recover our city; we will be doomed if we don't do that. Our entire family will be gone. The are plenty of people in the realm that will celebrate our fall, even if they lose a huge chunk of the realm with it."

"... We are aware of it; what can we do?" Roan asked. "Our forces are scattered if they manage to survive. Who would lend us a hand in times like this?"

Hugo couldn't answer that. Showing weakness at a moment like that was also dangerous. Suppose the world spreads that their parents are also unconscious and their kids are asking for help. In that case, others within the country might make their moves to crush the family as soon as possible.

"Our only option is to join those in the capital that will come after receiving your message," Lorence said. "Either they will come to fight alongside us or to take us back to the capital; that is no longer our decision to make."

As if the enemies knew that their true targets would be dealt with even if they didn't send pursuers, nothing happened during that day. Still, the downpour only stopped when night began to fall. The roads became difficult to cross, but they decided that it was time to move on. Before long, they were forced to stop.

A sight unfolded before them, a grand and imposing display of military might. From the distant capital of Romera, a vast army emerged, marching steadily in the direction of the group. The ground trembled beneath the weight of their synchronized footsteps, echoing a resolute determination.

The army stretched as far as the eye could see, a sea of soldiers adorned in gleaming armor, their banners fluttering proudly in the wind. The rhythmic clanking of weapons and the beat of drums reverberated through the air, instilling a sense of awe and trepidation.

At the forefront of the army, a contingent of cavalry rode with precision and grace, their horses adorned in ornate armor. The thunderous hooves struck the ground in unison, a resounding symphony of power and discipline. Behind them, phalanxes of heavily armed infantry advanced in tight formation, their shields forming an impenetrable wall of defense.