"Why hasn't it been opened up after all this time?" Ang asked with a frown, his tone filled with obvious confusion.
Quintina shook her head, looking somewhat helpless. "I'm not entirely sure about the specifics either, but from the reports coming in, the lizardmen have organized extremely stubborn resistance. In many places, we simply can't advance at all. They seem to have realized how important this passage is and are holding the key areas to the death."
"Brother," Aisha said with a frown, her voice carrying some dissatisfaction, "Fortress of Will has started spreading rumors that Kodo Roland is a complete and utter waste. The Empire poured in manpower and resources to support him, yet he still can't even carve out a passage."
Ang sighed softly and gazed calmly into the distance. "Things are different now. The lizardmen have adapted to our tactics, so naturally they've become harder to deal with."
"But there shouldn't be no progress at all, right?" Aisha still looked unconvinced. "If he hadn't stolen your credit, how could he possibly have become the commander of Amnath?!"
Ang fell silent for a while. He raised a hand and gently rubbed his temple, lowering his voice. "He is, after all, the descendant of a noble family that has lasted generations. Don't say things like that outside."
Hearing her brother's tone, Aisha realized that she had gotten too worked up. She immediately shut her mouth, lowered her head, and stopped arguing.
The air fell into a brief silence until Ang spoke again. "Have Georgie and the others returned?"
"Not yet," Quintina replied. "But their previous letter said they've entered seclusion and seem to have found an opportunity for a breakthrough."
"That's good." A hint of anticipation appeared in Ang's eyes. "I hope they succeed this time. If they can