112: seclusion

Inside the council chamber, the passionate echoes gradually faded away. The generals received their orders and departed for their respective posts. The heavy oak doors slowly swung shut, leaving only Linn and Angus behind. The firelight from the hearth flickered, stretching their shadows long against the dark stone walls. The atmosphere shifted from the previous fervor to a quiet, private solemnity.

Linn stepped down from the high seat and approached Angus. He didn't speak immediately, simply observing this old subordinate who had followed him for many years in silence.

Angus wasn't particularly burly, and his face appeared coarse and resolute from years of military life. Only his eyes remained as steady as a deep pool, devoid of any ripples. He lacked the flamboyant commanding presence of Ocean Jack and wasn't as flexible or quick-witted as Clay; even in personal strength, he wasn't at the very top of the legion. Yet, it was precisely this mountain-like stability and absolute loyalty that made Linn willing to entrust him with the greatest trust at critical moments.

“Angus,” Linn began, his voice softer than it had been before the crowd, yet even more solemn. “Does taking on the burden of Commander-in-Chief come as a surprise, or... is there pressure?”

Angus straightened his back and looked directly at his Lord without flinching. “In response to my Lord, it was indeed a bit of a surprise. In terms of seniority and strength, General Ocean Jack or Lord Clay would seem more suitable.” He paused, and the hawk-like sharpness in his eyes resurfaced, though it was more restrained and profound. “But since my Lord has entrusted this heavy responsibility to me, I can only do my utmost and dare not fail my Lord's trust. Pressure exists, naturally, but it is also motivation.”

“Very good.” Linn nodded; this level-headed awareness and courage to take responsibility were exactly what he wanted. “I chose you precisely because of your 'stability.' In the Early Stage of a landing, the greatest taboo is reckless pursuit of merit. Our primary goal is to take root and establish a solid stronghold. Ocean Jack is good at attacking, and Clay excels at surprise raids, but when it comes to 'gaining a firm foothold,' I trust you more than either of them.”

He paced two steps forward, his back to Angus, looking out the window at the territory sinking into twilight. His voice dropped low, yet every word was crystal clear: “I am going into seclusion next to break through to the Sky Rank. Only you know of this. To the outside world, it will only be announced that I must handle urgent matters with my full attention and cannot be distracted.”

Angus's heart jolted—the Sky Rank! His Lord was finally going to take that step! He knew well what this meant; it wasn't just a personal leap, but the cornerstone of the Star Sea Territory's future status. Suppressing his excitement, he said in a deep voice, “I understand! Not a word shall be leaked, and I will ensure the territory remains safe and sound during this period.”

Linn turned around, his gaze like a torch as he looked directly at Angus. “Listen, the instructions I'm giving you are phased. After landing, the primary task for you and Karl is to build that port fortress at any cost, making it as solid as a city of gold. Then, you wait.”

“Wait?” Angus's gaze narrowed slightly.

“Yes, wait for definitive news.” Linn walked to the table, his fingers unconsciously tapping the smooth surface with a dull rhythm. “Payson will continue to send updates on the movements of the Kingdom's main battlefield. I want you to monitor them closely. Once it's confirmed that the Kingdom and the Allied Forces have achieved a decisive victory on the main battlefield of the Great Wilderness Forest, or at least have drawn the vast majority of the attention of the Dwarf Kingdom and its allies...”

His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying an aura of iron and blood. “That will be your signal for a full-scale offensive. At that time, there is no need to wait for my orders. You will directly act as Commander-in-Chief and mobilize the ten thousand elites from Ocean Jack and Shirei's divisions waiting at sea to land! Join forces with your and Karl's units, as well as the Orc Legion and Elise's Mage Corps that I authorize you to deploy. Concentrate all forces and sweep through the eastern coastal region with the force of a thunderbolt!”

Angus's breathing quickened slightly, a sharp light exploding in his eyes. This was the Lord's true intention! Show weakness early on to stabilize the position, and once the opportunity was ripe, use absolute superior force to perform a total sweep!

“Your targets,” Linn said, emphasizing every word, “are the Orc tribes in this region that may be allied with or influenced by the Dwarf Kingdom, especially those that pose a threat, such as powerful races like the Pig-Headed People and Minotaurs. What I want is not a rout, but annihilation! Weaken their influence in the east as much as possible to clear obstacles for our future deep incursions or long-term defense, and also to... increase our bargaining chips when we settle accounts with certain people in the future.”

Angus understood completely. This was both completing the Kingdom's mission and expanding the Star Sea Territory's own security boundaries, accumulating capital through military merit while also gathering strength for the final reckoning with Earl Ellis.

“Remember, Angus,” Linn walked back to him and patted his solid shoulder armor. The force wasn't heavy, yet it felt as if it weighed a thousand tons. “Until I emerge from seclusion, you are the Supreme Commander of the Star Sea Expeditionary Force. Your orders are my will. In my absence, military orders must be unified and authoritative.”

His tone suddenly became cold and decisive, containing an unquestionable murderous intent. “After landing, whether it be the Army, Navy, City Guard, or any other auxiliary units, as long as they belong to this campaign's order of battle, they must follow your deployment. If anyone questions, delays, or even feigns compliance...”

Linn paused to ensure every word was branded into Angus's heart. “I grant you the power to execute first and report later. Remember, I mean... anyone. If necessary, use thunderous methods to uphold military law and make an example of them. I will bear all consequences.”

The words 'anyone' were as heavy as a mountain. Angus felt the weight of the trust and the cold resolve. He took a deep breath, knelt on one knee, and struck his chest heavily with his right hand. His armor let out a dull, firm clang.

“I, Angus, swear by my life and honor! I shall not fail my Lord's heavy trust! I will stabilize the camps, wait for the opportunity, and strike like thunder to sweep away the rabble! If there are violators, no matter who they are, I will punish them strictly according to military law without mercy! Please go into seclusion with peace of mind, my Lord, and wait for the good news!”

Linn looked at the subordinate kneeling before him, as steadfast as a reef that had weathered many storms, and a look of satisfaction finally appeared in his eyes. He reached out to help Angus up.

“I believe in you. Go now and hurry your preparations. The future of the Star Sea Territory and the glory of this battle are entrusted to you for now.”

Angus gave another heavy salute and said no more. He turned and strode away, his steps steady and powerful, each one seemingly measuring his responsibility and determination.

Linn stood alone in the darkening council chamber, watching Angus's retreating back disappear out the door. He whispered to himself, “Ellis... and those eyes hidden in the shadows. Soon, we will meet again. I hope you are prepared to pay the price of the 'interest.'”

He turned, his figure blurring slightly in the flickering firelight. In the next moment, he vanished completely from the spot, leaving behind only the empty hall and the crackling flames, foreshadowing the final peace before the storm. Inside the Breath of Life Demi-plane, that final Breakthrough was about to begin.