33: Sword to Greystone Castle

The setting sun painted the sky a vibrant orange, and two shadowy figures, almost blending into the darkness, appeared silently, kneeling on one knee before Su Jin.

They were the 'Shadows' he had dispatched.

"Lord," one of the 'Shadows' reported in a low voice, as if his voice merged with the shadows, "Initial reconnaissance is complete. Greystone Keep is built against a mountain, primarily of stone, with outer walls approximately five meters high. The number of Goblins inside the Keep is over five thousand, mainly common Goblin warriors, with about a thousand Big Goblins, and over a hundred Goblin Braves, who are likely the personal guards of the Greystone Keep's overseer. Additionally, there are signs of a small number of Wolf Cavalry activity."

"Defensive strength... average."

"Average?" Su Jin caught the word and raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Lord. The defensive structures are relatively crude, with only a few watchtowers, and they are unevenly distributed. Patrol routes are fixed, with a changing of the guard every hour, and there are obvious gaps during the handover, providing multiple infiltration points that can be exploited," another 'Shadow' added.

Su Jin nodded, a plan forming in his mind.

These 'Shadows' truly didn't disappoint him; they had uncovered the basic situation in just two days, with high efficiency.

"Over five thousand... a bit less than expected."

"But relying only on two 'Shadows' is still too slow, and subsequent actions will also require more personnel," Su Jin murmured to himself.

He needed accurate maps, and he also needed to know the locations of the command center, food supplies, and armory.

More importantly, during the siege, he would need people inside Greystone Keep to create chaos, distract the defenders, and create opportunities for the external assault.

After a moment of contemplation, his gaze swept over the relatively abundant Soul Coins on the Lord's panel. He no longer hesitated and went directly to the Shadow Veil.

[Do you wish to spend 80,000 Soul Coins to recruit 8 'Shadows' (Silver - Lower Tier)?]

"Yes."

Light flickered, and 80,000 Soul Coins instantly vanished.

From within the Shadow Veil, eight more solidified dark figures emerged, then silently came behind Su Jin, kneeling on one knee alongside the two previous 'Shadows'.

Ten 'Shadows', perfectly aligned, like ten silent shadows of death.

"Very good." Su Jin felt this hidden power and nodded with satisfaction. "The ten of you, continue to conduct in-depth reconnaissance of Greystone Keep. I want to know everything inside, and at the same time, prepare for the key points. When the time comes, I will need you to create chaos before the siege, distract the defenders, and create opportunities for the attacking army."

"Understood."

The ten 'Shadows' responded in unison, their voices deep and unified, then their figures flickered, merging back into the shadows and disappearing without a trace.

After dealing with the 'Shadows,' Su Jin did not immediately rest.

He directly summoned his four commanders—Stone Rock, Mu Yang, Zhui Yun, and Huo Jun.

Inside the Lords Manor's council hall, the lights were bright.

Stone Rock was the first to enter, his heavy armor making a slight scraping sound. As he came in, his big eyes darted around; Su Jin always felt that this guy was becoming increasingly uninhibited lately...

Mu Yang followed closely, his face serious, his posture as straight as a pine, walking to his position without looking left or right.

Zhui Yun entered with a sharp aura, his fingers habitually stroking the quiver at his waist.

Huo Jun arrived last, his steps steady, a gentle smile on his face, nodding slightly to those already present.

Bai Xiao was already standing to Su Jin's side and slightly behind him, his figure straight, his aura contained, like a shadow blended into the background, yet no one present could ignore his presence.

Su Jin sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over his capable subordinates, getting straight to the point: "Everyone's here. I've gathered you for a new combat mission."

Everyone's expression became serious, their gazes all focused on Su Jin.

"The target is Greystone Keep to the south." Su Jin's finger tapped on the virtual map, and the location of Greystone Keep was marked. "Based on all available information, that is the Goblins' most important stronghold near Nigu Forest."

"Lord," Zhui Yun said, a sharp glint in his eyes, "Is that the Greystone Keep that aided the Goblin Camp last time?"

Su Jin nodded slightly: "Yes, according to the preliminary intelligence sent back by the 'Shadows,' combined with the information we previously had, we can confirm that there are over five thousand troops stationed there, including Big Goblins and Goblin Braves. This poses a huge threat to us."

He looked at the red dot on the map representing the threat. "Leaving such a thorn in our south is always a huge hidden danger. They were able to support the Goblin Camp last time, and next time they could directly threaten our territory. And..."

"Our goal is not just to defend Infinite City. To advance on the Goblin King City and completely conquer Adran World, all Goblin strongholds in this area must first be eliminated. And Greystone Keep is the first!"

Stone Rock spoke in a booming voice, slapping his heavy armor, which made a dull 'clang-clang' sound: "Over five thousand? Heh, it sounds like a lot, but it's just right to warm up my Lava Shield! Lord, when are we going to kick some ass? My hands have been itching for a long time! The last siege wasn't satisfying at all." He grinned, looking a bit impatient.

In contrast, Mu Yang was much more composed. He stepped forward, his expression serious: "Lord, the enemy forces are considerable, and they have elite units. While our soldiers' combat strength is strong, we know nothing about Greystone Keep's defensive structures and troop distribution. Your subordinate believes that more detailed intelligence is needed." He considered things more thoroughly, raising practical issues.

Huo Jun also nodded, adding: "Commander Mu Yang is absolutely right. Greystone Keep guards the southern vital pass. Taking it will open up a path to the south, providing us with a stable forward base and springboard for our subsequent direct assault on the Goblin King City. This battle is of extraordinary significance; we must plan carefully before acting, which is the best strategy."

"Indeed," Su Jin looked at Mu Yang and Huo Jun with approval, "I have already dispatched more 'Shadows.' Their mission is to thoroughly uncover the secrets of Greystone Keep, draw detailed maps, and thereby find exploitable areas. At the same time, they will select key positions before the siege to prepare as inside agents for our main force's surprise attack."

"For the next few days, your mission is to prepare the troops, ensuring all soldiers are in optimal condition. Once the 'Shadows' send back precise intelligence and all preparations are complete..."

At this point, Su Jin's finger heavily tapped the location of Greystone Keep on the map.

"We will march out with our entire army, with the force of thunder—"

He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade, sweeping over each commander.

"Completely destroy Greystone Keep and eliminate all Goblins there!"

"Yes!" The four commanders responded in unison, their voices filled with soaring fighting spirit.

Bai Xiao, who had been standing silently behind Su Jin, his figure like an ice sculpture, seemed to move slightly, and his contained aura showed some imperceptible fluctuations.

Su Jin waved his hand, "Go prepare."

The four commanders left, and the council hall became quiet once again. Su Jin leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the table, his gaze once more directed south.

Greystone Keep... this is just the first step...