Chapter 16 : Don’t Disappoint Me

  Baldrudz grinned, clearly pleased. “You have my word, Brother Mora. The ring will be returned in due time, and I’ll ensure you’re well compensated for your trust.”

  Aron leaned back on his chair with a smile, feeling satisfied with the arrangement. “Good. Then we’ll proceed with the loan. Just make sure this attack against Guardian’s Way is as successful as you plan, I guess. I’d hate to see such a valuable item go to waste.”

  Baldrudz chuckled. “Don’t worry, with the Ring of Highlands, victory is all but guaranteed.”

  After sealing the deal with Aron, Baldrudz called for the other members of Skywing to return. One by one, the key figures of the guild, like Eagle Shot, River Clear, and Perfidas, re-entered the room. Their expressions were focused, and it was clear that they were all eager to proceed with the next phase of their plan.

  Baldrudz, now looking more confident, addressed his guildmates. “Everything is in place, we’ll have the edge we need as we all have discussed before. Prepare yourselves, the attack on Guardian’s Way is closer than you might think...”

  And with that, Baldrudz started to open the discussion while also mentioning the ring that he had gotten before. The members of Skywing nodded their heads. They knew that whatever their leader had acquired, their chances of success were significantly higher than before. As simple as just by looking at the confident expression of him, they could tell already.

  Aron’s eyes drifted toward a female player standing somewhat a bit apart from the other Skywing guild members. She didn’t bear the insignia of Skywing, which intrigued him. Her demeanor was calm, yet there was an air of confidence about her. Aron silently assessed her for a second, trying to figure out her role and why she was present in such an important meeting.

  The woman noticed his gaze but didn’t react, maintaining her composure. Aron could tell she wasn’t just a random player. If she wasn’t from Skywing, her presence here could mean something more significant was at play.

  The woman’s appearance suggested she was an assassin-type class, despite the heavy robes and hood she wore, concealing most of her figure. Her aura was subtle yet fluid, giving away her agility. Aron could tell that beneath those robes, she likely carried hidden weapons, and her quiet demeanor meant she was used to staying unnoticed.

  “Hmmm…”

  Her presence piqued his curiosity, true, but not by much. An outsider in such an important meeting, and an assassin at that, she was definitely here for a reason. Aron simply made a mental note to keep an eye on her. Though he didn’t make much fuss about it.

  Aron glanced over, noticing the female assassin quietly conversing with River Clear. Their voices were low, barely audible even in the relatively quiet room. He couldn’t discern the topic of their discussion, but it was clear that whatever they were speaking about was important and private.

  “Well.. Alright then…”

  Aron finally shrugged off the scene, might be because it was just a casual conversation between the two women. Nothing looked important, and he turned his attention back to the ongoing negotiations with Baldrudz. He filed the observation away, also noting the possible connection between the two women as it wasn’t every day that outsiders engaged in low-key talks with Skywing's top members.

  After all, his business with Skywing was intended to be done perfectly in the end by him.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  The room shifted back into focus as the conversation about the upcoming attack on the Guardian’s Way resumed. Baldrudz, now with his usual boisterous grin, had gathered his officers and some key players around a large round table that dominated the center of the room. Various maps and charts were laid out in a strategic display, each one showing details about the mountain terrain where the battle would take place.

  “...Now that we’ve got something that will boost our plan in our hand,” Baldrudz said with a quick glance at Aron, acknowledging the agreement they had just sealed, “we can move forward with the attack. It’s crucial that we strike when the Guardian’s Way least expects it.”

  One of the officers, Eagle Shot, a ranger known for his precision, looked over the table and pointed at a specific location marked on the map. “This area here,” he said, tracing his finger along a narrow mountain pass, “is the most fortified part of their defense. They’ve been using it to funnel out attackers while keeping their numbers strong within the city walls. If we can take this position early, they’ll be forced to retreat deeper into the mountains.”

  River Clear, who had resigned to the decision and been listening quietly, interjected. “But the mountains work both ways. You’re proposing to take their strongest position, but that’s also where they’ll be most familiar with the terrain.” She could only support it thoroughly, so giving the best consideration was one of the ways for that.

  Baldrudz nodded. “True. But that’s why we’re not attacking head-on. We’ll use the ring to boost our mobility in the high terrain. While our main force advances, we’ll send smaller squads to the flanks.” He gestured to Perfidas, the berserker, and River Clear. “You two will lead these flanking groups. Your goal will be to disrupt their defensive formation from the sides.”

  “If we can keep their archers busy, it’ll make it easier for the main force to push through. Their long-range attackers are positioned here,” River Clear replied, her eyes scanning the map, nodded in agreement. She proceeded to tap the map near a ridgeline, “but if we can climb faster, we’ll take them out before they even realize we’re there.”

  Perfidas, the hulking berserker, grunted in approval. “Leave it to us to break their lines. With the high ground, I’ll cut through their vanguard.”

  Baldrudz nodded his head, pleased with how the plan was shaping up. “Alright. We’ll send teams up the side cliffs and attack from multiple angles. The Guardian’s Way won’t know what hit them by then...”

  As the discussion progressed, Aron watched the interaction with growing interest. It was clear that Skywing, at least for the pro war, had spent considerable time planning this attack. They were efficient, their strategies refined, and their reasons made sense. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table again, thinking.

  “...We should strike at dawn in two days. It’s the best time to catch them off guard. From our intel, it was the time where their shifts will be winding down, and their guards won’t be fully alert. We’ll gather at the base of the mountain tomorrow.” Eagle Shot, continuing the conversation, brought up the timing.

  Baldrudz nodded but added in a cautioned tone, “We need to account for the weather as well. In those high altitudes, a storm could be a serious issue. Make sure everyone is equipped to deal with harsh conditions.”

  The Skywing Guild kept on mastering the plan, making sure that the best possible execution of attack could be done perfectly without any mishaps. Baldrudz sometimes kept on glancing at Aron from time to time, though Aron seemed to not notice that as his eyes were not even looking at Baldurdz anymore.

  “... Interesting reason… Attacking in a pretty rushed endeavor…”

  Aron muttered under his breath, his eyes kept on looking forward toward the battle plan of the Skywing Guild. It was just that his eyes seemed to be a bit blank, as if his mind was in somewhere else.

  “Trying to limit the possibility of mishaps and all huh.. Heh, Mishaps. More like… second thoughts… Is that the right word for that?”

  As Aron was having his thoughts wandering about, there was also another person that kept on looking on Aron’s direction. That person’s sight was more frank and more open compared to Baldrudz who kept it casual and all. As if the said person was really curious about Aron, wanting to know more about Aron closely.

  “What can I say, that is honestly not a bad idea at all.. Though regarding the result of it, only time would tell huh…”

  The discussion of the plan progressed, and Aron only listened calmly throughout it and didn’t speak much if not at all. His role in the upcoming attack was done for now. He had provided the key item Skywing needed, and in return, he was promised a significant share of the rewards.

  “I’m hoping much from you guys, don’t disappoint me...”