Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 437: The Time For The Next Command

Chapter 437: The Time For The Next Command

The training ground hummed with activity as Lyan surveyed his new forces. Four thousand soldiers stood at attention, their uniforms crisp, their movements sharp. The infantry formed neat lines, their spears glinting under the midday sun. Lyan’s sharp eyes took in their precise formations and steady discipline, a faint smile tugging at his lips. This was a force he could shape, a spearhead capable of piercing through any opposition.

He moved to the archers next, their bows strung and quivers brimming with arrows. They practiced rapid-fire techniques, their arrows streaking through the air to thud against distant targets with satisfying precision. Among them, a grizzled veteran barked corrections, his keen eye catching even the smallest mistakes.

"Steady your hand, soldier. It’s not about speed but precision," the veteran said, adjusting a younger archer’s stance. Lyan nodded approvingly; the man knew his craft.

The cavalry—a mix of sleek warhorses and sturdy mountain breeds—were next. Riders practiced maneuvers, their mounts weaving effortlessly between obstacles. The sound of hooves pounding the earth filled the air as the cavalry split into formations, their lances gleaming.

Lyan’s gaze lingered on the engineers. They worked diligently, assembling siege equipment with a practiced efficiency. Catapults were tested, and barricades reinforced under the watchful eyes of their commanding officers. This group was vital, the backbone of any prolonged campaign. Without their ingenuity, no army could sustain its momentum.

Finally, he reached the specialized units. Among them were trackers, demolition experts, and even a small contingent of alchemists who prepared volatile concoctions. Their leader, a wiry man with sharp eyes, approached Lyan, saluting smartly.

"Baron Evocatore, the specialized units stand ready. Whatever task you set us to, we’ll execute it without fail."

Lyan nodded. "Good. Precision and adaptability will be our greatest weapons. Ensure your men are prepared for both."

As he continued his inspection, Lyan’s gaze sharpened. He stopped to address the gathered officers, his voice firm yet measured. "You’ve seen what’s ahead. Discipline and unity will be what sets us apart from the Varzadian forces. Train as if every mistake costs a life, because it very well might. And remember—this isn’t just about winning battles. It’s about securing the future of Astellia."

The officers saluted, their resolve clear. Lyan turned, moving toward the command tent, where he knew Abraham, Ravia, and Raine were waiting.

Inside the tent, Abraham leaned over a rough map spread across the table, his weathered hands tracing the contours of key locations with practiced precision. The lines of his face, etched deeply by years of experience, seemed to mirror the intricate paths on the map. His steady voice carried a quiet authority as he outlined his findings. "Here," he said, tapping a point on the map, "is where their defenses are weakest."

Ravia sat nearby, her posture deceptively relaxed, one leg draped over the other as she toyed idly with a dagger. Her sharp eyes flicked between Abraham and the map, absorbing every detail with a keen intellect. "That northwest section," she interjected, her voice smooth but firm, "it’s not just weaker—it’s rushed. They’ve patched it together in haste. A strong enough strike there, and it could crumble like dry leaves."

Raine leaned forward, her white hair catching the dim lantern light and her signature mischievous grin playing at her lips. "And while we’re at it," she added, her tone tinged with sly amusement, "we found their supply depot. Barely guarded. It’s practically begging to be taken out. A couple of well-placed explosives, and they’ll be scrambling for scraps."

Abraham nodded thoughtfully, his weathered fingers now circling another area on the map. "There’s also a path through the eastern forest," he said, his voice measured. "It’s not well-patrolled—terrain’s too rough for regular patrols. But for us, it’s a golden opportunity. If we move under cover of darkness, we could get close without raising an alarm."

Lyan, standing at the head of the table, studied the map with narrowed eyes. His sharp mind worked through the layers of information, piecing together a strategy. "And escape routes?" he asked, his tone calm but commanding. "The last thing we need is for them to send word to the Varzadian main forces."

Ravia leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes gleaming. "Already accounted for. I can lead a stealth team to intercept any messengers. Nobody will get out."

Raine’s grin widened as she added, "And I could set up a few surprises along the way. Imagine their faces when they find themselves in a trap they didn’t even see coming."

Abraham’s voice cut through the momentary levity, his tone thoughtful but firm. "We’ll also need a distraction. A controlled fire near their western perimeter could draw enough attention to give our main force an edge."

Lyan’s gaze remained fixed on the map as he tapped a finger thoughtfully against the table. The room fell silent, the weight of their planning palpable. Finally, he nodded, his voice steady and resolute. "Good work. Let’s present this to the others."

____

The command tent buzzed with energy as Lyan’s inner circle gathered. Alice stood near the center, her sharp eyes scanning the map. Wilhelmina, ever composed, held a ledger filled with logistical notes. Josephine leaned casually against a chair, her sharp mind already dissecting the plan. Emilia and Gareth rounded out the group, their focus unwavering.

Alice spoke first, her voice cutting through the hum of conversation like a blade through the tension. "We need to move swiftly and decisively. A stealth-focused assault is our best option. Small units can infiltrate the city at night, neutralizing key defenses before the main force advances." Her sharp eyes scanned the faces of the group, gauging their reactions. She moved a finger across the map, illustrating the critical weak points. "If we hit here and here, the city’s outer defenses will crumble before they even realize what’s happening."

The room seemed to hold its breath as her words sank in. Emilia leaned forward, her expression intent. "What about their inner defenses? Do we have enough intel on how their commanders will react?" she asked, her tone both practical and concerned. Alice gave a small nod, acknowledging the point.

"That’s where we use a combination of precision and timing. With Ravia’s team cutting off any escape routes and Abraham’s diversionary tactics in play, the defenders will have their attention split. It gives us the window we need to hit hard and fast," Alice said, her voice unwavering.

Josephine smirked, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I like it. The fewer alarms raised, the better. If we neutralize their chain of command quietly, their morale will plummet." Her casual tone belied the deadly intent behind her words.

Wilhelmina added her voice to the discussion, her measured tone bringing a sense of calm. "And as soon as we secure the city, our logistical teams will move in to stabilize the situation. We’ll need to establish control quickly—supplies, fortifications, everything. Chaos is the enemy’s ally, and we won’t give them that chance."

The group exchanged glances, the synergy between them palpable. Gareth, standing at the edge of the table, finally spoke. "It’s a solid plan, but it hinges on perfect coordination. Any lapse, even a small one, could give the defenders enough time to counter. We’ll need to drill the units and make sure every soldier knows their role."

Alice leaned back slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Then it’s a good thing we’ve got you to whip them into shape, Gareth." The room rippled with a light chuckle, easing some of the tension before returning to the weight of the strategy at hand. Lyan’s eyes swept over the group, his mind piecing together the threads of their conversation into a cohesive plan.

Josephine smirked. "We’ll also need to deal with their commanders. If we can take them out quietly, it’ll minimize resistance."

Emilia’s voice was firm but warm. "And morale. Our soldiers need to see strong leadership and decisive action. A swift victory will keep their spirits high."

The group debated potential risks with a palpable intensity, the tent buzzing with the energy of minds working in unison. Ravia leaned forward, her sharp gaze sweeping across the map as she outlined her plan. "Intercepting any messengers or escaping informants is vital," she said, her voice calm but resolute. "I’ll lead a stealth team to block every conceivable escape route. We can’t let even a whisper of our presence reach the Varzadian main forces."

Abraham tapped a rough sketch of the city’s perimeter on the table with a calloused finger. "We’ll need a diversion," he added, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience. "Controlled fires along the western edge could draw their attention, pulling their forces away from the key defenses. It’s risky but worth it."

Alice, standing with her arms crossed and her sharp eyes fixed on the map, nodded thoughtfully. "We refine it further," she said, her tone decisive. "A three-pronged approach. Infiltrators disable their critical defenses first—alarm systems, key guard posts, anything that could alert their command. Simultaneously, a small, swift assault team targets the supply depot on the outskirts. Once these are secured, the main force can storm the gates with minimal resistance."

Raine chimed in with her characteristic grin. "And while we’re at it, let’s leave them a little gift. Traps along their retreat paths. They’ll think twice about running when every step feels like a gamble."

The group’s ideas flowed seamlessly, each suggestion building upon the last. Abraham’s voice rumbled again, grounding the discussion. "Timing will be everything. We can’t afford delays. The infiltrators need to be in and out before the fires take hold, and the main force must move in sync with the assault team."

Alice’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Then it’s settled. Precision and coordination will win this for us."

Lyan, who had been pacing silently, stopped and turned to face them. His piercing gaze swept over the group, his mind visibly weaving their ideas into a cohesive plan. Finally, he nodded, his voice steady and authoritative. "We’ll go with Alice’s strategy. It’s sound, and it plays to our strengths. Ravia, take your team and prepare. Abraham, organize the diversion. Everyone else, ready your units. We move at nightfall."

____

The camp buzzed with quiet activity as soldiers prepared for the mission. Lyan walked among them, offering words of encouragement and ensuring each unit understood their role. He paused by the infiltrators, led by Ravia, who were checking their gear. Shadow servants moved among them, their silent presence a testament to Lyan’s command.

"Be precise. Be invisible," Lyan said, his gaze meeting Ravia’s. "I trust you."

She nodded, her expression resolute. "We won’t let you down."

The engineers worked quickly to prepare portable siege equipment, their tools clinking softly in the night. The cavalry polished their weapons, their mounts restless but disciplined. Archers checked their quivers, each arrow carefully inspected.

As the final preparations were made, Lyan donned the same dark attire as his infiltrators, blending seamlessly with the shadows. He approached Alice, Wilhelmina, and Surena, their expressions a mix of confidence and concern.

"Command is yours," Lyan said, his voice calm but firm. "Lead them well."

Alice crossed her arms, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just don’t get yourself killed out there, Baron."

Wilhelmina nodded, her tone steady. "We’ll hold the line. Bring us back a victory."

Surena smirked. "And try not to have too much fun without us."

Lyan gave a rare grin before disappearing into the night, his presence merging with the darkness. The mission had begun.