The morning mist had yet to disperse when Ang led the troops out of North Wind Territory, setting off on the long journey to Igelm.
There were a total of eight thousand people on this expedition. The formation was orderly, the soldiers neatly equipped, their steps steady.
Although they were marching by land and the journey was long, Ang's strict military discipline kept the ranks exceptionally well ordered.
In the villages and towns along the way, people occasionally stopped to watch. Seeing such a uniform formation, they could not help but grow curious. Some even secretly followed behind, wanting to see what it was all about.
Riding a Magic Broom, Ang swiftly patrolled from the front of the formation to the rear.
Looking down from the air, Ang spotted several civilians trailing behind the troops. They were secretly following the formation's pace, clearly intrigued by such a disciplined force.
Slightly displeased, Ang lowered his Magic Broom and landed steadily in front of them.
"Everyone," Ang said in a calm yet forceful voice, "we're heading to participate in a Plane War. What are you trying to do by following behind us?"
A sharp-looking man in plain clothes, seemingly from a farm or nearby town, looked down at his companions. With a trace of courage in his eyes, he stepped forward. "My lord, we just want to go with you."
Ang raised an eyebrow slightly. Looking at these ordinary civilians, he spoke steadily. "You've all served in the military. You know what a Plane War means. Life and death are unpredictable on the battlefield. Go back and live well. Cherish your lives. Don't treat them like a joke."
But the man showed no fear and said loudly, "If we stay here, we still have to pay exorbitant taxes to those bloodsucking lords.