A Plan to Kill Langu (Part 2)

"Zikkel, are you sure you're not mistaken? How could it be him?"

Looking at his shocked friend, Zikkel said matter-of-factly, "Why can't it be him?"

Seeing Zikkel's expression, Will lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up and asked in surprise, "Zikkel, could it be that today's banquet is...?"

Zikkel nodded, then looked with a smile at the group of people gathered in another direction of the tavern.

"Hain, are we really going to do this? Oddek has been very good to us. If we switch sides now, will Langu value us? What if we end up not even as good as we are now?"

"Yes, Hain! You know, Langu has no shortage of high-ranking officers around him. It doesn't matter whether he has us or not. But it's different here. There are only a few of us who can serve as Brigade Commander around Oddek. Just like he said before, he can only use us. He has no other choice."

Hearing his two friends' words, a blue-haired man said in a low voice, exasperated, "That was before! Now, Oddek has established his authority in the army. He can hold a military exercise every three months to select talent from the entire army and fill vacancies. By then, will our positions still be secure?"

Upon hearing what the blue-haired man, Hain, the four or five people around him were all speechless. Finally, they nodded, agreeing with Hain's suggestion and deciding to switch allegiance.

Elkley waved to the bartender, signaling him to come over. Once the bartender was there, Elkley placed his empty glass on the tray and then picked up a full glass from the tray. While getting the drink, Elkley quietly asked the bartender, "Is everything set up in the tavern?"

"Don't worry, Ail! The tavern is full of our people. As long as you lure that guy here, I guarantee he won't leave here alive."

Elkley back down the wine he almost spat out. Then, he quickly concealed the surprise on his face and whispered, "Old friend, it's you? What's wrong with you..."

"What's so surprising about that! It's just some little trick the boss used. If you want to learn it later, just ask the boss to teach you!"

After saying this, Heradi carried the tray and walked away, leaving Elkley alone, bewildered in the wind.

Looking at the city, which they had only been separated from for a month, Langu felt as if it were a lifetime ago. He lightly spurred his horse forward, preparing to lead his troops into the city. Just then, his adjutant Keith, rushed to Langu's side and stopped him.

"Keith, what are you doing?"

Seeing the furious Langu, Keith hurriedly explained, "General, if we just enter West City directly like this, wouldn't we be giving them the opportunity to wipe us out in one fell swoop?"

After Keith's reminder, Langu also realized the problem. However, Langu really didn't dare to enter West City alone. After all, if it weren't for the King and Arthur being present, he'd probably be buried a long way off by now. After careful consideration, Langu said to the soldiers behind him, "Listen up, everyone! The entire Second Division will follow me into the city, and the entire Fourth Division will stay outside to provide support. Do you all understand?"

"I understand!"

After Langu gave the order, sparse and weak responses came from the two divisions following behind him. Looking at his demoralized troops, Langu regretted his haste in entering West City, fearing his forces were no match for Oddek. He worried that not only would he fail to recapture the Western Border Army and West City, but he might also lose his life. However, the die was cast, and Langu had no choice but to lead the Second Division into West City.

Once they entered West City, Langu's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally returned to where it belonged. Just then, the soldier who had previously informed Langu of the situation reappeared.

"General Langu, you've finally arrived! Captain Elkley and all the Brigade Commander are waiting for you at the bar not far away. Please come with me!"

After the soldier respectfully saluted, he hurriedly urged Langu and the others to follow him to the bar to meet the Brigade Commander. Langu stopped the soldier and then asked him gently, "Young man, what's your name?"

"Reporting to the general, my name is Lek."

Hearing Lek's answer, Langu nodded knowingly. Then he pointed to the soldiers gathered not far away by the city wall, sunbathing, playing cards, and fighting, and asked, "Lek, how did the Western Border Army become like this?"

"Oh! General, you have no idea! Our brothers have been utterly ruined by that playboy Oddek!"

Seeing the heartbroken Lek, Langu patted him on the shoulder to comfort him. Encouraged by Langu, Lek continued, choking back tears, "Oddek, relying on his superior magical abilities, began to seize command of the army after arriving in West City. All the Regimental Commander who dared to resist him were arbitrarily accused of crimes and then eliminated using magic. In this way, he used force to wrest real power from the Regimental Commander."

"After seizing real power from the army, he promoted the various Regimental Commander to Brigade Commander, and then had his Bell Dragon Rider Regiment under his command effectively sideline the Brigade Commander. Once he had complete control of the army, Oddek ordered his top confidant, Kurelle, to take over the entire Western Border Army. Meanwhile, he himself spent his days drinking and chatting with a beautiful woman."

"Kurelle, like his master, was a pleasure-seeking good-for-nothing. After taking office, he ordered his men to embezzle military supplies for resale and even misappropriate military funds to hold lavish banquets, completely neglecting the training of the troops. Later, when they couldn't pay their soldiers, the brothers went to protest. Initially, Oddek used force to kill the protesting brothers as a deterrent. Later, when this tactic failed, they promised to raise money to make up for the soldiers' pay as soon as possible. Later still, they simply hid and refused to see anyone, pushing out the various Brigade Commander who had lost power to take the blame, saying that they had embezzled military pay."

"Without pay, the brothers couldn't fill their stomachs, and they lost all motivation to train. But even if they didn't train, they still got hungry. So, to get a full meal, the brothers had no choice but to prey on passing caravans and civilians. Sometimes, when they were starving, they would even steal money and food from their comrades. In just one month, the once elite army became what it is today!"

After hearing Lek's account, Langu and the others were so angry they almost ground their teeth to powder. From the changes in the Western Border Army, they seemed to see the formation of the 'hellish' Kaysir City, and realized why they had stepped into that hell. After calming down, Langu said to Lek, "Lek, don't worry! Now, I, Langu, am back. I will definitely lead everyone out of this misery and escape the clutches of Oddek. Now, quickly take me to the bar to meet with the Brigade Commander and discuss our next course of action."

Lek nodded, then led the way, guiding Langu and the others to the bar. Upon arriving at the bar, Langu glanced dismissively at the soldiers fighting and looting food at the entrance, then went straight inside.

Just as Langu entered the bar, a group of officers led by Hain quickly came out to greet him, while several other officers, led by Zikkel and Will, hid far away in another part of the tavern. Once the situation inside the tavern became clear, a chilling roar echoed throughout the establishment.

"Everyone, move out immediately and wipe out the Rebel Army, including Langu!"