Chapter 422

Leon said, "Now all we have to do is wait for the Festival of a Thousand Lanterns, arrange for people to release paper lanterns at specific locations, and we can expose the empire's ugly face in one fell swoop."

"There's been no movement from Martin's side, so the Empire probably hasn't noticed our actions yet."

Nacho analyzed, "So our biggest uncertainty right now is what trump card the Empire will play when it's desperate."

Leon had discussed this with his mentor before.

It's nothing more than fusion beasts, dangerous species, and so on.

That's why Leon specifically called on three helpers, including Losweiser, before this operation.

With three Dragon King level teammates assisting them, the Lionheart Society's chances of winning will definitely increase significantly.

"It's alright, don't worry. The Empire has its trump cards, and so do we."

Leon said, "This battle is bound to be a real fight, and everyone is mentally prepared."

Nacho nodded, about to say something, but then suddenly noticed that the members in the hall seemed very excited.

They were having a heated discussion about something.

Nacho blinked and asked, "What's wrong with everyone? Are you so nervous you can't sleep?"

Leon smiled and looked at his companions in the hall.

"I might be a little nervous, but more than that, I'm excited."

"Excited?"

"Yes."

The twin-tailed girl walked over slowly and patted Nacho's arm. "Half an hour ago, the captain gave everyone a pre-battle pep talk. Wow, it really got everyone's enthusiasm going."

Is it really that exaggerated...?

Nacho, who comes from a royal family, doesn't really believe in pre-war mobilization or speeches.

Because he knew that these things were nothing more than brainwashing his subordinates, making them more reckless in their work.

"Of course there are."

Rebecca said, "Back when we were in the Dragon Slayer Army, the captain would always give us a long lecture before the battle, like 'Don't be afraid, don't be terrified,' 'The way to overcome fear is to face it,' and 'Offer your heart,' and so on."

"It's a bit cringey, but the results are amazing!"

"And the mobilization just now was much better than a few years ago. After listening to him say so much, I felt... the captain was no longer like a captain, but more like a... true leader."

Hearing Rebecca's words, Nacho looked at Leon.

In that instant, Nacho seemed to finally understand why he had never won against Leon when they were at odds.

Leon seems to always have a drive, no matter what.

Whether in despair or depression, he could always find the Only One glimmer of light in the gloom and keep striving toward that glimmer of light.

At the same time, he is a highly charismatic person who can pass on his unwavering hope to every follower around him.

Even the Dragon Queen, Losweiser, was willing to stay by his side, which is enough to show Leon's personal charm.

While the Empire appears to have a large number of people, it is actually a disorganized mess.

Using brainwashing and threats as motivation will ultimately backfire.

Therefore, in terms of winning people's hearts, the Empire can never defeat Leon.

"Tell everyone to get some rest; we need to make preparations ahead of schedule tomorrow," Leon said.

"Yes, Captain."

"Nacho, you've worked hard too, go and rest."

"Um."

Rebecca and Nacho left, and the Lionheart Society members gradually dispersed and returned to their respective rest rooms.

Leon, on the other hand, remained seated at the long table in the hall, gazing at the enormous city map.

The location for launching the paper lanterns has been almost finalized.

Leon is now planning an evacuation route.

Only by making thorough preparations can we minimize accidents and casualties.

The night was slightly cool, and after some time, a fair and delicate hand gently rested on Leon's shoulder.

"It's late, go to sleep early."

A cold voice came from behind.

"Okay, right away."

Losweiser sat down next to him and glanced at the map on the table, which was covered with circles and routes.

As the leader of the Silver Dragons, Losweiser naturally knew some tactics and military strategy for leading troops into battle.

She could tell that Leon was planning an evacuation route.

But it seems we've encountered some difficulties.

Losweiser didn't say anything, she just stared at the map silently.

After a long while, she stretched out her hand and pointed to an area that was not marked with a line.

"How about we start the evacuation from here in the central district? To the left is the river, and further ahead is the eastern entrance to the Lower City. I remember there was an abandoned garbage dump there, which is perfect for rendezvous and ambush."

A single sentence was enough to enlighten me.

Leon's eyes lit up. "Amazing, Your Majesty!"

"You're just out of it from staying up all night, your mind isn't clear."

Losweiser raised her beautiful chin. "How many routes haven't been drawn yet?"

"We're just missing that one from before."

Leon closed the map, stood up, and said, "Let's go to sleep."

"Good."

Losweiser blew out the candles on the table, and by the faint moonlight streaming in from above the clock tower, she took Leon's arm and walked toward the lounge.

The Festival of a Thousand Lanterns is a major annual festival of the empire.

Tonight, across five districts across the country, the rich and the poor alike are immersed in the joyous festive atmosphere.

The entire street was filled with all kinds of paper lanterns, and there were stalls selling all kinds of snacks and delicacies that you wouldn't normally see.

The children, carrying paper lanterns, chased and played with each other.

Fireworks continuously burst in the sky, creating beautiful patterns.

For a time, the beauty of the festival seemed to completely cover up the dark and corrupt aspects of the empire that could not be exposed to the light of day.

Rebecca stood on a low building in the Upper City, wearing short hot pants, with a pistol strapped to each of her fair thighs.

He also carried an assembled sniper rifle on his back.

Of course, an ADC can't go solo; Leon paired her with Nacho and Martin as supports.

"Wow, I never had this kind of treatment in the Dragon Slayer Army, but now I actually have two observers!" Crazy girl said excitedly.

Martin and Nacho each held a pair of binoculars and crouched on the edge of the low building, looking down.

"It's not too late to get excited after the war is over."

Nacho held up his binoculars and looked at the border Upper City and the Imperial City, where Leon would soon signal the start of the operation.

"You have the best marksmanship in the Lionheart Society, so Leon gave you such an important role as a sniper."

Nacho continued, "If necessary, you'll have to shoot that dog emperor dead."

"Don't worry, the target I use for shooting practice has a picture of King Cantor on it. I've been practicing for a long time for this day," Rebecca said confidently.

"The Empire's Number One Gunwoman!" Martin exclaimed enthusiastically.

Rebecca proudly rubbed her little nose. "Keep it down, keep it down."

"Alright, that's all for our casual chat."

Nacho saw Leon in his telescope's field of view. "Get ready, wait for Leon's signal."

"Clear!"

Meanwhile, on the bustling streets below, Leon, wearing a black hooded cloak, walked slowly against the cheering crowd towards the Upper City and the Imperial City.

He walked up the steps, and with each step he took, it felt as if he was one step closer to the goal he had been striving for for many years.

The surrounding area was bustling with noise, indicating that the festive atmosphere was growing stronger.

After climbing all the steps, walk a few hundred meters further forward to reach the main gate of the Imperial City.

Leon slowly took out a paper lantern from the pocket under his cloak. It was covered with the names of the children and teachers at the Casmod Orphanage.

Let's settle all grudges tonight.

130 You think you're the only one with help? (4K7 words)

As midnight approached, the gates of the Imperial City slowly opened, and the first to emerge were the imperial Imperial Guard.

Further behind was a large parade vehicle.

However, judging from its appearance and design concept, it would be more accurate to call it a 'land-going boat'.

The land-based boat moved using a row of wheels at the bottom of the hull, and in addition to the Imperial Guard, there were many other troops surrounding the hull.

The reason for such tight defense is simple:

Standing atop the deck of the landship was none other than the current King of the empire—

Cantor.

And his wife, Queen Elizabeth.

The king, dressed in magnificent attire, held the arm of his charming Queen with one hand and waved gently to his people with the other, displaying his amiable and approachable nature.

According to the tradition of the Festival of a Thousand Lanterns, people will release paper lanterns together at midnight.

And this is also the time when the King Cantor and Queen Elizabeth personally tour the country.

During the years when Leon was still in the Dragon Slayer Army, the King and his wife made different appearances every year.

Some have descended by hot air balloon, some have used Illusion magic to create mystery, and some have hidden in the crowd beforehand before making a high-profile appearance.

So when this year's 'land-based boat' came out, Leon wasn't really surprised.

According to the intelligence provided by Martin, the speed of King Cantor's landship was designed to arrive at the border between the Imperial City and the Upper City precisely at midnight.

At the same time, thousands of paper lanterns with Imprint Stone will be released into the air.

Leon took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, his eyes fixed on the approaching King Cantor and his army.

Once upon a time, he, like those Imperial Guards, took pride in protecting the country and the monarch, and was even willing to risk his life for it.

But what he received in return was betrayal and smear campaigns by the empire.

In the eyes of the empire, everyone and everything is merely a means for those in power to pursue their own interests, and even this war is just a pre-designed game of chess.

But when a piece escapes their control, they will hunt it down to the ends of the earth at all costs.

Now, the piece that jumped off the chessboard has returned.

Tonight, let's settle all our old and new scores with that dog emperor!

"Thump—thump—thump—"

The clock struck midnight precisely.

Accompanied by the heavy, ancient tolling of the bell, countless paper lanterns slowly floated into the night sky, illuminating the entire sky as if it were daytime.

At that very moment, the enormous landship slowly came to a stop at the border between the Imperial City and the Upper City.

King Cantor slowly walked to the bow of the ship, looking down at the masses of people below.

He had the arrogance of a king, but not the aura of one.