Volgograd (8)

While Ang was busy deploying and making preparations, a group arrived from the southwest and entered the camp where he was stationed.

The visitor was none other than Hal, accompanied by seven or eight attendants—some soldiers, as well as a young man in a mage's robe.

After the soldiers announced their arrival at the camp entrance, Ang's guards quickly led them into the command tent.

The instant the tent flap was lifted, the dim light inside created an air of steady solemnity.

Ang sat in the seat of honor, with a canvas wall behind him covered in maps and military markings.

"Viscount Ange." Hal bowed first, then greeted him with a smile.

"You're here." Ang nodded faintly, his gaze sweeping over the people behind him.

The companions all bowed to Ang, their expressions rather restrained.

Ang waved a hand, signaling that they need not stand on ceremony, and got straight to the point. "Did you bring enough magic crystals?"

"Everything is ready." Hal nodded and turned to the young mage. "Take them out."

The mage immediately removed two heavy Metal Boxes from the Magic Waist Pouch at his waist.

The boxes hit the ground with a dull thud. When their lids were opened, the glow of the magic crystals lit up the tent.

The larger box was filled to the brim with ordinary magic crystals. The smaller one held lustrous, deep-colored Black Magic Crystals; there were fewer of them, but they carried considerable weight.

"Ninety thousand magic crystals in total." Hal smiled slightly, his manner extremely serious.

Ang rose and walked over to inspect the boxes one by one.

He gently sifted through the magic crystals with his hand, observing their luster and magical fluctuations. Only after confirming that everything was in order did he nod.

"Very good." He turned