When Andesa heard the explosive news, all the unease in her heart and the vague suspicions that had surfaced earlier instantly condensed into a rust-flavored reality—everything was explained.
Madness. Everything had gone mad. Centered around the God of War Church, every branch connected to it was being stained by madness!
"When did the Iron River Knights leave?" She immediately turned to the mage who had brought the report, speaking rapidly. "Why wasn't it discovered immediately?!"
As the highest-ranking commander in the border region, it was unacceptable to Andesa that an Imperial Knight Order had suddenly slipped out of control and acted on its own right under her nose—even if the Iron River Knights were not directly under her command, but a "special legion" directly loyal to the royal family, she was now the one in charge of the Winterwolf Fortress Defense Line!
"Not sure. They left at least an hour ago..." The mage's expression was exceptionally grim. "Count Moglok cut off magical communications around their garrison. Some soldiers operating near the Iron River Knights' camp were also trapped by some prearranged magical illusion. If not for a small number of soldiers seemingly abandoned inside the knight order's camp running on foot to the nearest outpost to raise the alarm, the news might not have gotten out even now..."
"This is a premeditated act of madness..." A chill ran through Andesa's heart, while her thoughts raced like lightning. Then she abruptly turned to her adjutant. "The Winterwolf Knights are to assemble outside the west gate immediately. Battle griffins and the corps mage units are to remain on standby. Send word to Alderan at the highest emergency level. The message is: 'The Iron River Knights have lost control and are advancing to attack the Cecil Defense Line. There is a high risk