"But you said before that this country has never truly been unified."
"It was in the past, but now the opportunity is right in front of us."
"But what does this have to do with us?"
"Of course it does. Have you ever heard the legend of the Mercury Wand?" Brand suddenly changed the topic.
"The prophecy says that the one who obtains the Mercury Wand will unify the Dark World?" asked one of the Guard Team members.
Brand nodded, "Its full name is 'Loki's Mercury Wand'. Let me tell you who Loki is. He was a genius Undead Wizard who almost achieved the great feat of unifying Madara during his lifetime. However, he fell short, and the whereabouts of the wand became a mystery, with a legend claiming that whoever obtains it will once again become the king of the Dark World."
"But since the spring of this year, someone has reportedly sighted the Mercury Wand in a place called Anse."
"Wait," Breson's expression changed, "Is the rumor from a few months ago true?"
"A few months ago?"
"Ah, I remember now. A merchant brought news from over there, saying someone used a strange wand to open some kind of grand gate."
"The Gate of Sighs," Brand added, "That is Loki's treasury and the place where his throne is."
The elderly guard captain furrowed his brow deeply, "Kid, I don't understand the intrigue among the big shots, but you're saying there's a major upheaval in Madara? That would be marvelous; at least it means Madara is coming prepared this time. I don't know their exact purpose, but it won't be a small-scale looting, will it? It sounds absurd, but not impossible."
His calloused hand rested on his thigh, near his sword, "Breson, do you know this young man?"
Breson was stunned. He knew that just a word of suspicion from him would not make the captain stab the kid right away, but would certainly get him detained with no way to defend himself.
He couldn't help but glared at Brand, his gaze filled with mockery. But after thinking for a moment, he chose not to say anything, "I know him, and I think he is lying. But my rationality tells me that he has no reason to deceive us."
"Unless he has been bought off by Madara," Madden interjected.
"I have considered that, but considering his and Frey's experiences, if Madara's Commander could arrange things this intricately, then I would not feel wronged in losing."
"Good job, Breson." Madden patted his deputy's shoulder.
Huh?
Not only Madden, but even Brand couldn't help glancing at the young guard deputy. It seems this guy isn't entirely useless after all. Though the impression of his loathsome face wouldn't change, and his narrow-mindedness meant he wouldn't achieve greatness. With an omniscient perspective, Brand critiqued him internally, yet knew Breson would regret giving a fair judgment if he knew Brand's thoughts.
But even if Breson chose to deny or slander him, it wouldn't matter. Brand had his ways to persuade Madden, as someone who has foreknowledge of the future, he stood at a higher level.
It would just mean more talking, and there might be some slip-ups.
"Alright, back to the main topic," Madden began, "Kid, so you think Madara's target is Ridenburg?"
"In the Golan-Elsen Region, Erune can only rely on the defense line at Fanmir Fortress. And Ridenburg protects the flank of this defense line, so Madara's target can only be Ridenburg," Brand nodded.
Madden couldn't help but rub his nose and cursed, "So if Madara has made up his mind, then the ones who have been harassing us won't be some minor characters, right? Damn it, why do we always get stuck with these troublesome affairs!"
"I'm not sure about the specifics," Brand thought to himself about his uncertainty, "But from your descriptions, the previous pursuers should be an Undead Army led by an Undead Wizard. The following force might be the Dark Lord's army."
"The Undead Wizard's army is structured with Corpse Witches as basic units, very distinctive. From your descriptions, it should be about half a company in scale. The Dark Lord's army is more chaotic, but considering the troops left in Qing Village, there should be at least two companies."
"Almost," Madden nodded.
However, he didn't know that Brand had understated the true size by half. But even with this reduction, it still made everyone feel a bit anxious. Facing an Undead Army of such scale, how could thirty guards escorting old folks and children possibly break through?
The old captain sighed, "Alright, Brand. Since you've told us all this, am I to assume you have a plan? Let me be frank, if the situation is as dire as you say, I can't guarantee getting everyone out alive."
This remark made Frey let out a low "ah".
But Brand nodded, "I have a plan."
Everyone's gaze instantly focused on him, even Breson's doubtful yet inevitably shocked look.
This made Brand take a deep breath nervously. Ultimately, he had just gained some confidence, and the attention made him feel the pressure intensely. He suddenly realized every word he said next could determine many lives, should he be more cautious.
He reminded himself internally to stay calm, not to miss anything.
"Everyone can head north, cross the Dagger River Beach," he answered.
"Dagger River Beach?"
"That place, why?"
Brand hesitated for a moment, how could he explain why historically, 'White Knight' Eberdon and 'Corpse Ghost' Warton arrived nearly two days late for the encirclement?
...
(PS. Sorry, it's late. The next chapter might also be delayed.)