"The Kopes Mercenary Group has stopped outside the North Gate security zone and blocked all the roads."
Mide spoke quickly over the phone. "They appear to be planning military drills there. Kepesi Mining's spokesperson claims the same, but their drill zone has completely cut off our trade route with Dawn City."
Dawn City was Ilan City's largest trading partner. Most of the ores and heavy industrial goods produced by Ilan City were sold to Dawn City, while Ilan City's light industrial goods largely came from Dawn City.
Cutting off that trade route was essentially severing the artery of Ilan City's industrial circulation. It would deal a severe short-term blow to Ilan City's economy and also affect part of Dawn City's industrial economy.
The industrial conglomerates in Dawn City would also be affected. They would need to surrender benefits to silence those smaller conglomerates. It was a case of hurting the enemy by a thousand while losing eight hundred themselves.
"Mr. Lynn,"
Mide hesitated. "Should we send troops to attack them? We're good at defending cities, and with the high walls protecting us, we're not afraid of them. But if we leave the city for a field battle, their mercenary group has spent years operating in the wilderness and has extensive wilderness combat experience. We may be at a disadvantage."
"No. Ignore them for now."
Listening to Mide, He Ao withdrew his gaze from the enormous phantom figure in the city center and shook his head lightly. He slowly lifted the cane in his hand. "Send more people over. Set up both open and hidden sentries, and keep a close watch on the Kopes Mercenary Group's movements."
Mide hesitated, then finally nodded lightly. "Yes!"
Dim clouds spread across the horizon, concealing the morning sun and rosy dawn.
Dawn City ·