The Dragon King’s Harem System
Chapter 358. Planning The Ambush II

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 358. Planning The Ambush II

Nightshade Ravagers and Dreadswarm Reavers. These were not ordinary creatures; they were high-level monsters that could turn the tide of any encounter if used strategically.

The Nightshade Ravagers were particularly intriguing. I remembered reading about them in the ancient bestiaries of our kingdom. These nocturnal predators thrived in darkness, their sleek, black fur allowing them to blend seamlessly into the shadows. Their glowing yellow eyes were often the only warning of their presence before they struck with deadly precision. They moved with an almost feline grace, silent and swift, making them perfect ambush predators.

These creatures possessed several abilities that could be incredibly useful for our plan. Their natural Stealth allowed them to move unseen and unheard, perfect for taking our enemies by surprise. Their Toxic Fangs delivered a potent venom that could incapacitate or kill swiftly, adding another layer of danger to their already lethal attacks. And they hunted in packs, coordinating their strikes to take down much larger prey. 

The idea of using them in our ambush was tantalizing, their very nature aligning perfectly with the covert operation we needed.

Then there were the Dreadswarm Reavers, equally terrifying in their own right. These humanoid monsters traveled in large, coordinated packs, resembling nightmarish creatures from a child's worst dreams. 

They had elongated limbs and sharp claws, their skin covered in dark, chitinous armor that made them both resilient and menacing. Their glowing red eyes added to their fearsome appearance, reflecting a predatory intelligence.

The Reavers attacked in waves, their coordination and sheer numbers overwhelming their enemies. Their presence alone could induce fear and panic in weaker foes, breaking the resolve of even seasoned warriors. 

Their sharp claws were capable of tearing through most armors, inflicting significant damage with every strike. The thought of using these creatures to disrupt Viperax's convoy was both thrilling and daunting. We just needed the right place to lure them.

My eyes fell on the map, tracing the intricate lines and symbols that depicted the surrounding terrain. 

I pointed to two potential routes, both winding through treacherous territory. 

"It's likely they would take this route or this one," I said, my voice trailing off as uncertainty crept in. 

I fell silent, trying to estimate their speed, where they would arrive tonight, and where they might set up camp.

I turned to Eir, who was watching me intently. 

"What do you think? Which route might they take?"

Eir stepped closer, examining the map with a critical eye. 

He pointed at one of the routes I had indicated, a path that cut through a dense forest and emerged near a rocky outcrop. 

"I believe they'll take this route," he said confidently. 

"Viperax is cunning, but he's also cautious. This path offers more cover and strategic advantages. It’s the shortest route, and he knows we’ll expect him to avoid it due to the higher risk."

He continued, outlining his reasons. "The forest here is dense, providing excellent concealment for his convoy. He’ll likely set up camp near this clearing," Eir pointed to a small open area on the map, "where they can defend against attacks from multiple directions. Viperax is methodical and prefers having control over his environment. This clearing offers that control."

I nodded, absorbing his analysis. It made sense, given Viperax's reputation. He was known for using the unexpected to his advantage. I didn’t say anything immediately, my mind still turning over the possibilities.

My prolonged silence made Eir turn towards me. 

“A question, Your Majesty. Why are you doing this?”

I glanced up from the map, meeting his curious gaze. 

“Is this because I did it for those commoners?”

Eir shook his head. “No, why did you choose this ambush instead of a war?”

I sighed deeply. “Didn't I say that I don’t want many victims?”

Eir frowned, his brow furrowing in thought. “I know. But I also know that you have Blaze Draco. You can open your portal and summon the legendary beast to burn his capital to the ground if you want, but you don't. Why?”

I turned to him fully, locking eyes with him. 

“Because I don’t agree with the idea of collective punishment. Why punish something or someone who has done nothing wrong for another’s mistake?”

My statement rendered Eir speechless for a moment. He seemed to mull over my words, his frown deepening. “It’s indeed unfair,” he finally said.

“Yes, it’s unfair,” I continued. “It was Viperax’s fault, and many of his people are also miserable because of it. Why should they suffer more for his actions? So, we give him a lesson directly.”

Eir nodded slowly, beginning to understand the layers of my strategy.

I had to admit to myself, what I did to his capital was also a form of collective punishment. My aim was to damage Viperax's reputation, but I didn't mention this to Eir.

I could see Eir processing this information, his mind working through the complexities. He wasn’t just a loyal aide; he was a critical thinker, someone who could challenge my decisions and make me justify them.

Eir broke the silence again, his voice more contemplative. 

“So, this ambush… it’s a way to strike at Viperax directly, without causing unnecessary collateral damage.”

“Exactly,” I affirmed. “We just finished fighting the orcs and Minotaur. Many of our soldiers are still injured. Some are exhausted. Besides, constant fighting will only hurt our economy. We need to be smart about this.”

Eir nodded, finally seeing the full picture. “I understand now. This isn’t just about winning a battle; it’s about preserving our strength for the future.”

“Yes,” I said. “We need to be strategic, not just in our military actions but in how we handle our resources and our people.”

Eir’s face lit up with a newfound resolve. “I’ll make sure everything is ready for the ambush. The Nightshade Ravagers will be in place, and we’ll have the Dreadswarm Reavers ready to cut off any escape routes.”

“Good,” I replied, a hint of satisfaction in my voice. “But the one who carries out this plan is me alone,” I stated.

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