41: The wind rises and the sun sets!

Goblin King City, a colossal fortress that had consumed nearly two decades of the Goblin race's efforts, built from the enigmatic bones of giant beasts and dark stone, stood in the heart of the Sunset Plain.

It lacked the majestic beauty that humans might perceive, yet it exuded a primitive and awe-inspiring grandeur that sent shivers down one's spine. Its walls soared high, bristling with menacing ballistas on the battlements, like an ancient behemoth poised to devour, sprawling across the land and radiating an oppressive aura.

At this moment, atop the highest watchtower of the King City, Grom, Commander of the King City's Royal Guard, stood leaning against the railing, gazing into the distance.

He was powerfully built, every inch of his muscle seemingly forged from steel, gnarled and bursting with explosive strength. His sole remaining right eye, sharp as a hawk's, scanned the wilderness outside the city.

Days earlier, he had personally delivered the urgent military intelligence from the North to the King's personal guard, dispatching him to the Twilight Forest front.

But even now, the content of that intelligence still struck him as somewhat preposterous.

“Greystone Keep…? Ugluk…? That fellow who always put on airs… he’s dead too?” Grom muttered under his breath, his tone a bit complex.

Though he used to dislike Ugluk's pretentious manner, his strength was undeniable, and Greystone Keep was the most crucial defensive barrier north of the King City. “It was all in one night… Humans?”

His impression of humans remained that of weak, cunning little pests who occasionally caused trouble but could never shake the foundations of the King City.

But now, these “little pests” had not only uprooted the Greystone Keep but also slain 'Sword Saint' Ugluk.

“Hmph, a bunch of lucky scoundrels!” Grom spat, a fierce look on his face. “What if they broke through Greystone Keep? This is the King City! It is the lifeblood of King Bashaka, the foundation of the Goblin race!”

Now, the King's order had been given—hold the King City to the death!

He whirled around, facing the elite Goblin guards standing rigidly behind him, his voice like a muffled war drum: “Listen up! King Bashaka has commanded us to defend the King City to the death! Three months! No matter what tricks those humans play, we must keep them outside the walls, awaiting our King to flatten the Twilight Forest and return victorious!”

“Roar!” The guards raised their weapons, letting out a low response.

“Strengthen the city defenses! Double all patrol teams! Polish those ballistas and catapults for me, ready to greet our guests at any moment!” Grom barked, his gaze sweeping over a Goblin below the city wall. “Also, select two thousand of the most elite Wolf Cavalry!”

A Goblin wearing a wolf-skin cap and with cunning eyes immediately stepped forward: “Commander!”

“Kag,” Grom stared at him, “you will take these two thousand Wolf Cavalry and immediately leave the city, operating to the north. Remember, do not engage those humans directly. Your mission is to harass and delay! You must be like a pack of wolves, constantly tearing at them, making them rush about frantically, slowing their advance towards the King City! At the same time, keep a close watch on their movements. Report any unusual activity immediately!”

“Understood, Commander! Your subordinate guarantees those humans will not have a moment's peace!” Kag grinned, revealing sharp teeth, his eyes glinting with bloodlust.

Watching Kag lead the Wolf Cavalry swiftly away, Grom looked north again, his gaze grim.

He did not believe humans had the capability to breach the King City, but he had to execute the King's orders to ensure absolute security. These three months would be the most critical period for the King City.

...

Meanwhile, at Greystone Keep.

This recently-changed city was rapidly revitalizing with new life.

Damaged city walls were quickly repaired by the artisans, and the Infinite City's banner replaced the Goblin totem, fluttering in the wind at the highest point of the city.

Soldiers patrolled back and forth, maintaining strict vigilance. Buildings that once belonged to the Goblins were cleaned and renovated, and everything was orderly.

Inside the Lords Manor, Su Jin stood before a large sand table map, his finger slowly moving across the vast area between Greystone Keep and the Goblin King City.

“My Lord, the initial defensive works of Greystone Keep have been completed, and the inventory and distribution of supplies have also been finalized,” Mu Yang entered, reporting the situation meticulously.

He had been appointed by Su Jin as the temporary Commander of Greystone Keep, responsible for its defense and logistics.

Su Jin nodded, his gaze still fixed on the sand table: “Mu Yang, Greystone Keep is entrusted to you. This is a nail we've driven into the heartland of the Goblins, and it will be our future forward base. It must be held firmly.”

“Your subordinate understands, and will not fail your trust,” Mu Yang responded in a deep voice.

Su Jin's gaze turned to Huo Jun, who was standing nearby: “Huo Jun.”

“Your subordinate is here!” Huo Jun stepped forward.

“'Shadow' has sent intelligence that the Goblin King Bashaka has given us three months,” Su Jin's lips curved into a meaningful smile. “He wants to deal with the elves first, then come back to deal with us. A good idea, but unfortunately, I never follow my opponent's script.”

He looked at Huo Jun, his eyes sharp: “I will expand the number of Azure Lightning Cavalry Guard to two thousand within half a month!”

“Two thousand?!” Huo Jun's eyes flashed with surprise at the news, but it was quickly replaced by excitement.

If the Azure Lightning Cavalry Guard could expand to two thousand, the vast plains of the North would completely become their hunting ground!

“Yes, two thousand,” Su Jin said calmly, as if stating a trivial matter. “I need a powerful mobile force to completely transform the area between Greystone Keep and the Goblin King City into our Infinite City's proving ground! Bashaka wants to focus on fighting the elves, doesn't he? I'll set his backyard on fire!”

“Your subordinate obeys!” Huo Jun's voice was firm and resonant. “Within half a month, two thousand Azure Lightning Cavalry Guard will be combat-ready!”

“Very good.” Su Jin patted Huo Jun's shoulder. “Once the expansion is complete, your mission is to sweep! Clean out all Goblin strongholds, tribes, and wandering groups in this area for me! I want to turn the Goblin King City into a true isolated island! Let Grom watch helplessly, unable to step out of the city gates!”

“Understood!” In Huo Jun's eyes, it seemed as if lightning was already flashing.

Stone Rock, standing nearby, rumbled: “My Lord, what about me? What will my shield-bearing brothers and I do?”

Su Jin smiled: “Stone Rock, you and your men will temporarily remain at Greystone Keep, assisting Mu Yang in consolidating defenses. Don't worry, once Huo Jun clears the perimeter, there will be plenty of tough nuts for you to crack.”

“Heh heh, alright! I'll be waiting!” Stone Rock scratched the back of his head and chuckled good-naturedly.

With commands issued, the Infinite City's war machine once again began to operate at high speed.

Mu Yang held the fort at Greystone Keep, reinforcing defenses and reorganizing internally; while Huo Jun, with Su Jin's support, began the expansion and the systematic clearing of Goblins...