Plotting Langu's Death (Part 1)

A chilling aura filled the entire hall, Elkley felt as if he were in an ice cave, shivering all over. Diphiya, standing to the side, stared in astonishment at the source of the aura. She couldn't fathom what heinous crime Langu had committed to cause her usually mild-mannered Sordil, to exude such a dangerous aura.

Just as Elkley was about to succumb to the chill, the icy aura that had been spreading vanished without a trace, and the hall returned to normal. However, Diphiya, who knew Sordil extremely well, did not let her guard down, because she knew that the calmer Sordil was at this moment, the more it meant that he would not let Langu go.

And indeed, that was the case. Sordil had initially been debating whether to kill Langu to eliminate any future threat. However, after hearing Elkley's report, his resolve to kill Langu instantly hardened. His actions might lead to unforeseen circumstances for Natsu and Erza, even their disappearance from this world. But Sordil would not allow anyone to hinder his plan to gather all the power of Ishgar to fight the warlike dragons of the Western Continent. So, after silently apologizing to Erza, Sordil began devising a plan to kill Langu.

After pondering for a while, Sordil walked to Elkley's side, stared into his eyes, and asked, "Elkley, if I asked you to help me kill Langu, would you do it?"

Upon hearing Sordil's question, Elkley stared at him with wide eyes. After a moment, Elkley gave a solemn military salute and said vehemently, "I am the Brigade Commander of the Reconnaissance Brigade under the general's command, therefore, whatever orders the general gives me, I will resolutely carry them out!"

Seeing Elkley's performance, Sordil nodded in satisfaction and patted him on the shoulder. Then, Sordil released his magic to scan the surroundings. After confirming that there was no one else besides the three of them, Sordil whispered in Elkley's ear, "Once Langu's army arrives in West City, I need you to do this and this..."

After telling Elkel what he needed Elkley to do, Sordil sent him away from headquarters to prepare. Once Elkley was gone, Sordil had Diphiya return to the mission's quarters to stall the members and buy him time. Then, Sordil used Mind Talk to have Anna gather all his old subordinates scattered throughout the Western Border Army, announcing his decision and their mission to them.

West City

"General, His Majesty only ordered us to station ourselves near West City to prevent the Western Border Army from being leaderless and vulnerable to attack by the Kingdom of Donagunov if something unexpected happens to Oddek. Isn't it a bit inappropriate for us to enter West City directly like this?"

Looking at his adjutant riding alongside him on horseback, Langu laughed heartily, "Keith, you don't think I'm here for sightseeing near West City, do you?"

"This..."

"Keith, remember this: if we miss this chance to reclaim everything, we'll only be able to return to that hellish Kaysir City! Therefore, no matter what happens to that bastard Oddek in the Kingdom of Donagunov, we must seize this opportunity to reclaim our Western Border Army! Do you understand?"

"Yes! I understand!"

No sooner had the two finished speaking than a cavalryman appeared from the direction of West City, rapidly approaching their ranks.

A moment later, the vanguard commander led a soldier covered in sweat to Langu. The commander then whispered a few words in Langu's ear and handed him a Langu scroll. Langu took the scroll, quickly opened it, and carefully read through it.

After reading the scroll, Langu rode his horse around the messenger a few times, then suddenly asked, "Why did Elkley surrender to me?"

Caught off guard, the soldiers instinctively blurted out their answers.

"Hmph! That new damned general, nominally promoted Captain Elkley to Brigade Commander Elkley, but actually it was to sideline him. As a result, we loyal followers also suffered, getting no benefits whatsoever. That's why we..."

The soldier suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly covered his mouth. But it was too late; that old fox, Langu, had already obtained the information he wanted. Langu smiled, extended his right hand, patted the soldier's shoulder, and said gently, "Don't worry, I understand what you're saying, so I won't blame you. Alright, hurry back and inform Captain Elkley's Regimental Commander to prepare for the rescue."

Upon hearing Langu's promise, the soldier saluted Langu with trepidation and then fled towards West City as if his life depended on it. However, once the soldier left Langu's ranks, the trepidation on his face vanished without a trace, replaced by a cold smile.

"General, you just said that there are people in West City who want to surrender to us?"

Seeing the puzzled look on Keith's face, Langu smiled and said, "Yes! And the people who have surrendered to us are not just one or two, but many. As for the details, you can see for yourself!"

Keith took the scroll from Langu and glanced through its contents. His brow furrowed, eventually forming a deep frown. Seeing this change in his expression, Langu asked, somewhat puzzled, "Keith, is something wrong?"

Keith shook his head and said, "The contents of the scroll make perfect sense, but I still feel that something is wrong, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I can't pinpoint what the problem is."

Langu laughed and scolded, "You! It's time to relax a bit, or that string in your brain will snap. Then, everyone else will still be normal, but you'll be the first to go crazy!"

After saying that, Langu spurred his warhorse and galloped towards West City, leaving Keith alone in a daze.

West City, West Gate

"Zikkel, what do you think the general is up to? Why did he send us here to welcome Langu?"

Zikkel quickly covered Will's mouth, then put his left arm around Will's neck and pulled him to the side. After confirming that no one was around, Zikkel whispered to him, "Shh! Will, keep your voice down, or someone will hear you and you'll lose your life."

After being reminded by Zikkel, Will realized what was happening and lowered his voice like a friend, saying, "Zikkel, do you know something inside information? Tell me quickly!"

"Do we even need inside information? Just look over there, and you'll know everything!"

Will looked in the direction his friend had indicated and saw a tall figure standing not far from them. Will scratched his head, somewhat confused by his friend's meaning, and asked, "Zikkel, is there anything wrong with Elkley here?"

Faced with his friend whose IQ had seemingly vanished, Zikkel could only patiently explain, "I ask you, among all of us, who is the most loyal to General Oddek?"

"Of course it's Elkley!"

"I'll ask you again, what is the purpose of our gathering at the tavern today?"

"It's to welcome Langu!"

"Do you know who's hosting this party today?"

"Of course..."

Will's words caught in his throat, because he truly didn't know the answer. Curious, Will looked at his friend, hoping for an answer. Zikkel didn't disappoint him; he subtly pointed in a direction with Will right hand. Seeing the person Zikkel pointed to, Will's back was instantly drenched in cold sweat.