Ch. 321War Profits

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Howell, leading the Snow Maple County Legion, arrives at the Wall of Sighs, witnessing its immense strength.
  • Raven's army secures a vast amount of spoils from the Wall of Sighs, including 9,782 sets of armor, 6,356 weapons, 30 million pounds of grain, and 20,075 gold coins from Count Wanda's collection, totaling over 100,000 gold coins.
  • Raven decides to convert half of the spoils into cash and use the other half to buy grain for the army.

Character Developments

  • Howell, initially a naive and excited young knight, gains a sense of responsibility and maturity when Raven entrusts him with guarding the Wall of Sighs.
  • Raven demonstrates his strategic thinking and calm demeanor even in the face of immense profit, focusing on the logistical implications of the spoils.

Significant Themes

  • The value and impact of war spoils on an army's resources and capabilities.
  • The importance of logistical planning and management in warfare.
  • The responsibility and maturity that come with increased power and trust.

Character Interactions

  • Howell interacts with Raven, expressing his admiration and eagerness to serve.
  • Raven interacts with Howell, entrusting him with the Wall of Sighs' defense and making strategic adjustments to the logistical plan.
  • Raven interacts with Hu Xia, the scribe, discussing the spoils and their value.

Ch. 322The Monster of Nord Province

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Gatugen receives news of the Wall of Sighs' fall from Wanda, but finds it suspicious due to its suddenness and Wanda's involvement.
  • Gatugen prepares to use this as an opportunity to strengthen the Duchy's military by sending soldiers to the front lines.
  • Archduke Evol VIII panics upon hearing the news and wants to send a letter of protest to the Cairns Empire.
  • Gatugen reveals that the news was fabricated, but learns that the Wall of Sighs has indeed fallen, with Wanda dead and soldiers mutilated.
  • Archduke Evol VIII demands a plan to retake the Wall of Sighs, emphasizing the economic importance of the nearby Bolan Gold Mine.

Character Developments

  • Gatugen: Shows strategic thinking and manipulation, but is caught off guard by the true fall of the Wall of Sighs and Wanda's death.
  • Archduke Evol VIII: Initially panics upon hearing the news, but later demands action to retake the Wall of Sighs, showing a rare display of urgency and concern for the Duchy's interests.
  • Wanda: Initially appears straightforward but shows strategic thinking in delivering the news. Her death is a significant turning point in the story.

Significant Themes

  • Manipulation and deception in politics (Gatugen's plan, Wanda's role)
  • The consequences of underestimating opponents (Raven's strength, the fall of the Wall of Sighs)
  • The importance of economic resources (Bolan Gold Mine)

Character Interactions

  • Gatugen and Archduke Evol VIII: Their dynamic shifts as Gatugen reveals the fabrication and the true extent of the situation. Archduke Evol VIII becomes more assertive, while Gatugen is caught off guard and defensive.
  • Gatugen and Quentin: Quentin's meaningful look hints at a shared understanding or secret between them, possibly regarding Gatugen's plan or the true state of the Duchy.

Ch. 323New Opponent

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven is bestowed the title "Monster of the Nord Province" by Archduke Evol VIII.
  • Raven receives a letter from Hoaz, indicating the successful capture of nobles' children and serfs for Raven's army.
  • Raven decides to target Borland County next, with Count Duduo as the opponent.
  • Count Duduo interrogates prisoners to gather information about Raven's army and plans countermeasures.

Character Developments

  • Raven demonstrates his strategic and tactical prowess, understanding the importance of logistics and information.
  • Count Duduo shows his cunning and preparation, gathering information and planning countermeasures against Raven.

Significant Themes

  • Information and intelligence gathering are crucial for military strategy.
  • Preparation and adaptability are key to facing powerful opponents.
  • Raven's reputation as a formidable opponent spreads, affecting the actions of other nobles.

Character Interactions

  • Raven and Hoaz: Raven trusts Hoaz with important tasks, and Hoaz shows enthusiasm and loyalty.
  • Count Duduo and his prisoner: Duduo interrogates the prisoner to gain information, showing his ruthlessness.

Ch. 324True Genius

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Quill, a powerful mage, arrives at the gold mine in Borland County, criticizing the incompetence of the mages maintaining the magic array.
  • Quill expresses his eagerness to confront Raven, boasting about his magical prowess and claiming he can handle Raven easily.
  • Anthony, in Fox Castle, receives news of Raven's capture of the Wall of Sighs and writes a letter to the king, emphasizing Raven's role and his own 'magnanimity'.
  • Anthony also writes a letter to Raven, offering him a viscount title and other benefits if he stops at the Wall of Sighs, but Raven leaves before the letter can be delivered.

Character Developments

  • Quill: Shows arrogance and overconfidence in his magical abilities, looking forward to facing Raven.
  • Anthony: Realizes the strategic importance of Raven's capture of the Wall of Sighs and tries to capitalize on it politically, while also attempting to control Raven's actions.

Significant Themes

  • Power dynamics: Quill's and Anthony's actions reflect their desire to maintain or gain power, with Quill wanting to prove his superiority and Anthony trying to manipulate Raven for political gain.
  • Hubris: Quill's overconfidence in his magical abilities could lead to underestimating Raven, potentially setting him up for a fall.

Character Interactions

  • Quill and Duduo: Quill expresses his disdain for Duduo's understanding of magic and mages, while Duduo tries to tread carefully around Quill's ego.
  • Anthony and Raven: Anthony attempts to control Raven's actions through a letter, but Raven leaves before it can be delivered, suggesting he won't be easily manipulated.

Ch. 325The Woman Behind the Man

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven's army, led by Simon, advances into the Evol Duchy after leaving the Wall of Sighs.
  • The army is vast, with 10,000 Eagle Army soldiers, 10,000 auxiliary troops, and nearly 20,000 serfs.
  • Raven is in a black carriage at the front, conducting mysterious research, with strange noises and floating weapons reported.
  • Simon reflects on Raven's strategic thinking and worries about Jenny.
  • In Eagle City, Nancy writes a letter to Count Talon, likely seeking aid for Raven.

Character Developments

  • Simon shows growth as a commander, understanding Raven's strategic decisions and caring for the troops.
  • Nancy demonstrates her pride in Raven's achievements and her concern for his safety, showing she's more than just a beautiful face.
  • Jenny shows worry for Simon, revealing her growing feelings for him.

Significant Themes

  • Power and Strategy: Raven's strategic thinking is evident in his decision to use the Evol Duchy's farmlands for provisions.
  • Love and Worry: Both Nancy and Jenny express their love and worry for their respective partners, Raven and Simon.
  • Mage Power: The presence of mages on both sides is highlighted, emphasizing their importance on the battlefield.

Character Interactions

  • Simon interacts with auxiliary troops, showing concern and discipline.
  • Nancy and Jenny share a sisterly bond, discussing their worries and supporting each other.
  • Nancy, as the matriarch of the Griffith Family, takes action to support Raven, showing her influence and initiative.

Ch. 326Beat Him Up!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Baron Raven's conquest of the Wall of Sighs is celebrated in Eagle Town.
  • Peter, a worker, enjoys the festivities at a tavern, where a man starts a fight by questioning Raven's victory.
  • The tavern patrons collectively beat up the man, and he's later taken away by the Eagle Eye Guard.
  • In Monen City, Hyde reads a letter from Nancy urging Jon to support Raven, seeing it as an opportunity to join Raven.
  • Hyde leads 2,000 soldiers towards the Wall of Sighs, while in Bolan City, Count Duduo worries about Raven's whereabouts.

Character Developments

  • Peter finds temporary relief from his work stress during the celebration.
  • The man in the tavern shows his arrogance and lack of consideration for others.
  • Hyde shows ambition and a desire to join Raven's cause.
  • Count Duduo displays worry and unease about Raven's movements.

Significant Themes

  • Patriotism and loyalty to Baron Raven.
  • The power of collective action and unity among the people.
  • Ambition and the desire for power and recognition.
  • Worry and unease about the unknown.

Character Interactions

  • Peter interacts with the tavern owner and patrons, sharing in their celebration and later their anger towards the disruptive man.
  • Hyde interacts with his father, Count Talon, discussing Nancy's letter and Hyde's decision to join Raven.
  • Count Duduo is alone with his thoughts, worrying about Raven's whereabouts and plans.

Ch. 327A Schemes Were Useless

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Count Duduo's scouts are driven away by Raven's Wind King, and ground scouts go missing, making it difficult to track Raven's army.
  • Duduo faces pressure from the cabinet and Grand Duke to engage Raven in open battle.
  • Quill informs Duduo that his secret project is ready, but there were casualties during its creation.
  • Duduo's army sets up camp in the Misty Wilderness, facing Raven's fortified camp.
  • Raven's forces secretly occupy the Bolan Gold Mine five days ago.
  • An intruder attacks Count Duduo's camp.

Character Developments

  • Count Duduo demonstrates strategic patience and composure, refusing to fall into Raven's traps.
  • Quill shows arrogance and lack of remorse for the casualties incurred during his project's creation.
  • Raven exhibits tactical cunning by attacking the Bolan Gold Mine and scattering misinformation to confuse Duduo.

Significant Themes

  • Patience and composure in war: Duduo and Raven both display strategic patience, with Duduo refusing to engage in a decisive battle until he's ready, and Raven biding his time to occupy the gold mine.
  • The importance of intelligence and misinformation: Both sides manipulate information to gain an advantage, with Raven successfully concealing his gold mine occupation and Duduo using misinformation to try to lure Raven into a trap.
  • The consequences of conspiracy and secrecy: Quill's secret project results in casualties, highlighting the potential dangers of keeping secrets and the importance of transparency in leadership.

Character Interactions

  • Duduo and Quill: Their relationship is tense, with Duduo growing increasingly irritated by Quill's flippant attitude and lack of remorse for the casualties. Quill, however, remains playful and indifferent to Duduo's growing frustration.
  • Raven and Eric: They discuss Duduo's camp and strategize their next move, with Raven acknowledging Duduo's capabilities and preparing for a war of attrition.
  • Duduo and his Knight: The Knight brings urgent news of an intruder in Duduo's camp, highlighting the growing threat Raven poses to Duduo's forces.

Ch. 328The Battle He Could Not Avoid

Key Plot Points and Events

  • William, a vampire, infiltrates Count Duduo's camp, causing chaos and killing several Transcendent individuals, including Duduo's son, Lanza.
  • Duduo decides to attack Raven's forces immediately after dawn due to the vampires' threat.
  • Raven's Eagle Army faces off against Duduo's forces, with Raven employing classic infantry phalanxes and Duduo using a more fluid formation.
  • Raven reveals six enchanted ballistas, surprising Duduo.

Character Developments

  • William demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, killing Transcendental beings and causing significant damage to Duduo's camp.
  • Duduo shows strategic thinking, understanding the threat of the vampires and deciding to attack Raven despite the disadvantages.
  • Raven displays tactical prowess, deploying his forces effectively and revealing a powerful weapon in the form of enchanted ballistas.

Significant Themes

  • The threat and power of vampires, and the fear they instill in their enemies.
  • The strategic and tactical aspects of war, with both Raven and Duduo showing their understanding of military affairs.
  • The impact of personal relationships on military decisions, as seen in Duduo's decision to attack due to his son's capture.

Character Interactions

  • William interacts with Count Duduo's son, Lanza, leading to Lanza's capture.
  • Raven and Duduo face off on the battlefield, each deploying their forces in anticipation of the upcoming conflict.
  • Duduo's subordinates discuss the situation and offer their opinions, reflecting Duduo's leadership style and the dynamics within his army.

Ch. 329The Advantage Is Ours

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven's army encounters six enchanted ballistas, previously used to defend the Wall of Sighs, now employed by Duduo's army.
  • Raven's army suffers heavy casualties from the ballistas' fire, but maintains formation.
  • Duduo deploys mages to create a Sea of Thorns barrier, attempting to halt Raven's advance.
  • Margaret, Raven's third-tier mage, curses the land, nullifying the Sea of Thorns.
  • Both armies clash in melee combat.
  • The Wind King unit arrives but struggles against Duduo's ranged attacks.
  • Duduo's right flank requests reinforcements, indicating a shift in the battle's dynamics.

Character Developments

  • Raven demonstrates strategic prowess, adapting to Duduo's tactics and maintaining his army's morale and discipline.
  • Duduo shows resilience and resourcefulness, using the enchanted ballistas and mages to counter Raven's advance.
  • Margaret showcases her power as a third-tier mage, successfully countering Duduo's magical barrier.

Significant Themes

  • The advantages and limitations of ranged attacks versus melee combat.
  • The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in warfare.
  • The role of magic and magical beings in battle.

Character Interactions

  • Raven and Duduo engage in a battle of wits and tactics, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
  • Margaret supports Raven's army with her magical abilities, demonstrating their strategic alliance.
  • The Wind King unit and Duduo's army clash, highlighting the challenges of aerial combat against ranged attacks.

Ch. 330Lightning Curtain

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jacob, now a Decurion, experiences his first real battle, feeling the shock and chaos of combat.
  • Duduo's right flank collapses under the Eagle Army's relentless assault, leading Duduo to order a retreat.
  • Quill, a mage, uses a powerful Third-tier magic, "Lightning Curtain," to attack the Eagle Army, causing significant casualties.
  • Raven, using the Eye of Truth and Elvish, avoids Quill's lightning and counters with a Primordial Wildfire spell, killing Quill.
  • Raven prepares to use another powerful spell against Duduo's command banner but is interrupted by a sudden surge of Spiritual Power.

Character Developments

  • Jacob: Grows more experienced and confident in battle, understanding the importance of speed and accuracy.
  • Duduo: Realizes the strength of the Eagle Army and orders a retreat, showing strategic thinking.
  • Quill: Demonstrates his power as a Third-tier mage but ultimately falls to Raven's counterattack.
  • Raven: Shows his ability to use powerful magic and his strategic thinking by targeting Duduo's command banner.

Significant Themes

  • The brutality and chaos of war.
  • The power of strategy and tactics in battle.
  • The importance of experience and skill in combat.

Character Interactions

  • Jacob and his squad: They work together, following Jacob's commands, demonstrating teamwork and discipline.
  • Duduo and Quill: Duduo tries to use Quill's power, while Quill is reluctant to help, showing a power dynamic between them.
  • Raven and Quill: They engage in a magical duel, showcasing their power and skill.

Ch. 331Turning Point

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven's magic power suddenly becomes unusable due to Duduo's trump card, the Silent Stone Coffin.
  • Raven decides to settle the war today, drawing his rapier and ordering a decisive battle.
  • Duduo, considering Raven's actions as a gamble, decides to push his reserve troops to block the Eagle Army's left flank.
  • Hoaz, commanding the Wind King unit, devises a strategy to disrupt Duduo's Army by surprise, using the orphans' javelin skills.

Character Developments

  • Raven demonstrates his resolve and strategic thinking by deciding to end the war in a single battle.
  • Duduo shows his strategic acumen and willingness to gamble, pushing his reserve troops despite the risk.
  • Hoaz proves his leadership and tactical prowess by coming up with a plan to disrupt the enemy's formation using the orphans' unique skills.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of gambling and risk-taking is emphasized through Raven and Duduo's actions.
  • The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability is shown through Hoaz's plan to counter Duduo's Army.
  • The power of unconventional tactics and unique skills is demonstrated through the orphans' use of javelins.

Character Interactions

  • Raven and Duduo exchange words, with Raven showing determination and Duduo considering Raven's actions as a gamble.
  • Hoaz interacts with Banks and Lennon, convincing them to support his plan to disrupt Duduo's Army.
  • Hoaz leads the orphans in executing their plan, demonstrating their unique skills and teamwork.

Ch. 332King of the Battlefield

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Sean's army retreats after suffering heavy losses from a poisonous fog attack by the orphans.
  • Sean orders his army to form a defensive formation to follow the heavy cavalry, but they are outnumbered and surrounded by Hoaz and the orphans.
  • Duduo's Army's left flank is decimated by Hyena and the heavy cavalry, leading to a potential rout.
  • Duduo dispatches 2,000 archers to reinforce his right flank as the Eagle Army gains the upper hand.

Character Developments

  • Sean: Loses a significant portion of his troops and becomes infuriated but maintains strategic thinking, ordering his army to retreat and regroup.
  • Hoaz: Leads the orphans in a well-coordinated attack using the "Plum Blossom Formation," demonstrating their combat effectiveness and training.
  • Hyena: Proves his prowess as a heavy cavalry commander, leading a devastating charge that decimates Duduo's Army's left flank.
  • Duduo: Realizes he's been deceived by Raven and decides to reinforce his right flank to prevent a rout.

Significant Themes

  • The power of strategy and tactics in warfare.
  • The importance of morale and unit cohesion in battle.
  • The devastating impact of heavy cavalry on the battlefield.

Character Interactions

  • Sean vs. Hoaz: Sean's army is outmatched by the orphans' coordinated attacks, leading to a stalemate.
  • Hyena vs. Duduo's Army: Hyena's heavy cavalry charge decimates Duduo's Army's left flank, turning the tide of the battle.
  • Duduo vs. Raven: Duduo realizes he's been deceived by Raven's tactics and decides to reinforce his right flank to prevent a rout.

Ch. 333Anvil and Hammer Tactic

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven's 2,000 archers maneuver to attack Duduo's army's western flank.
  • Raven sends the Wind King units to Duduo's eastern flank.
  • Eric leads a unit of 500 heavy cavalry to attack Duduo's ranged troops from the rear.
  • Duduo's army begins to retreat, with the 3rd Brigade staying behind to cover their escape.
  • Raven offers Duduo one last chance to surrender.

Character Developments

  • Raven demonstrates strategic prowess by employing the "Anvil and Hammer Tactic," using his forces effectively despite being outnumbered.
  • Duduo's overconfidence and underestimation of Raven lead to his army's defeat.
  • Eric proves his worth by defeating Duduo's Martial Soul and routing his ranged troops.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.
  • The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
  • The impact of morale on battlefield outcomes.

Character Interactions

  • Raven and Duduo: Raven's strategic maneuvers outwit Duduo, leading to Duduo's army's defeat.
  • Eric and Duduo: Eric's arrival and defeat of Duduo's Martial Soul turn the tide of the battle.
  • Raven and Duduo: Raven offers Duduo a chance to surrender, highlighting Duduo's stubbornness and unwillingness to admit defeat.

Ch. 334What Happened in History—Can It Be Called a Lie?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Duduo commits suicide after his defeat, leaving behind a cryptic message.
  • Raven's Eagle Army clears the battlefield and tends to the wounded.
  • Raven considers the need to replenish his troops for future battles.
  • Lanza, Duduo's son, is brought before Raven and expresses his outrage at Raven's actions.

Character Developments

  • Duduo: Shows loyalty to his principles and accepts defeat gracefully by committing suicide.
  • Raven: Demonstrates strategic thinking by considering troop replenishment and shows indifference to Lanza's insults.
  • Lanza: Reveals his strong loyalty to his father and his religious beliefs, displaying a lack of political depth.

Significant Themes

  • Loyalty and Honor: Duduo's suicide highlights his loyalty to his principles, while Lanza's outburst shows his loyalty to his father and his religious beliefs.
  • The Cost of War: The battlefield cleanup reveals the grim reality of war, with thousands of heads piled up as a Jingguan.
  • Power and Responsibility: Raven's actions, though effective, are criticized by Lanza, raising questions about the morality of his methods.

Character Interactions

  • Raven and Duduo: Though enemies, there's a level of respect between them, with Duduo acknowledging Raven's victory and Raven treating Duduo's body with respect.
  • Raven and Lanza: Their interaction is tense, with Lanza insulting Raven and Raven showing indifference to Lanza's outburst.

Ch. 335Only You, Not Your Heart

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Raven presents Lanza with a magical contract, witnessed by the Lady of Secrecy and the Master of Contracts, ordering him to pledge allegiance to Raven and serve him wholeheartedly.
  • Raven threatens to kill 3,000 elite soldiers loyal to Lanza's father if Lanza refuses to sign the contract.
  • Lanza, after much internal struggle, signs the contract, choosing to save his soldiers' lives over his personal honor and family reputation.
  • Lanza is given command of Raven's Eagle Army's 1st Independent Legion, consisting of the 3,000 elite soldiers.
  • Raven's troops treat nearby civilians well, paying for supplies and entertainment, which surprises Lanza.
  • Cairns XVI receives news of Raven's successful breach of the Wall of Sighs and a diplomatic letter from the Phidon City-States demanding the withdrawal of Cairns' troops from Evol.

Character Developments

  • Lanza: Struggles with his conscience and family honor, ultimately choosing to save his soldiers' lives by pledging allegiance to Raven. He begins to question his preconceived notions about Raven's troops and their treatment of civilians.
  • Raven: Proves himself to be a shrewd and calculating leader, using Lanza's emotions and family loyalty to manipulate him into signing the contract. He shows a level of respect for Lanza's intelligence and honesty, acknowledging that he only needs Lanza's person, not his heart.
  • Cairns XVI: Becomes increasingly anxious and weary due to the unfavorable turn of the war. He is pleased with Raven's breach of the Wall of Sighs and uses the diplomatic letter from the Phidon City-States to his advantage.

Significant Themes

  • Personal gain vs. family interest: Lanza grapples with this conflict, ultimately choosing to save his soldiers' lives over his personal honor and family reputation.
  • Manipulation and honesty: Raven manipulates Lanza into signing the contract, acknowledging that he only needs Lanza's person, not his heart. This highlights Raven's shrewdness and willingness to use others for his own gain.
  • The treatment of civilians: Lanza is surprised to find that Raven's troops treat nearby civilians well, paying for supplies and entertainment. This challenges his preconceived notions about the behavior of armies.

Character Interactions

  • Lanza and Raven: Lanza and Raven engage in a tense negotiation, with Raven threatening Lanza's soldiers and manipulating him into signing the contract. Raven acknowledges Lanza's intelligence and honesty, while Lanza comes to respect Raven's shrewdness.
  • Lanza and his soldiers: Lanza's soldiers accept their change in allegiance and focus on integrating and training under Lanza's command. They express surprise and approval of Raven's troops' treatment of civilians.
  • Cairns XVI and his attendants: Cairns XVI interacts with his attendants, including Piler, his court jester, and Ezio, a mysterious figure. He expresses his pleasure with Raven's breach of the Wall of Sighs and uses the diplomatic letter from the Phidon City-States to his advantage.

Ch. 336The Man-Eating Demon King

Key Plot Points and Events

  • News of Raven's victory and the fall of the Wall of Sighs spreads, leading to exaggerated rumors about Raven's appearance and appetite for human flesh, earning him the title "Man-Eating Demon King."
  • Archduke Evol VIII convenes another royal meeting, where Gatugen proposes posthumously promoting Count Duduo and dispatching surrounding armies to Bolan City to face Raven.
  • Raven examines Quill's relics, including the Silent Stone Coffin and notes on Fleshcrafting Magic. He decides to utilize the coffin and asks William to maintain it using captured prisoners.

Character Developments

  • Gatugen shows concern for Raven's power and the morale of the Nobles, attempting to protect Count Duduo's legacy and prepare for Raven's threat.
  • Archduke Evol VIII and Quentin are more concerned with their personal interests than the threat of Raven.
  • Raven continues to display strategic thinking and resourcefulness, planning to utilize Quill's creations to strengthen his forces.

Significant Themes

  • Fear and Rumors: The fear of Raven leads to exaggerated rumors, highlighting the power of fear and misinformation in shaping public perception.
  • Power and Responsibility: Gatugen's actions show his understanding of the power dynamics and responsibilities of his position, contrasting with Archduke Evol VIII's self-interest.
  • Resourcefulness and Adaptation: Raven demonstrates his ability to adapt and utilize resources at hand, such as Quill's creations, to strengthen his forces.

Character Interactions

  • Gatugen and Archduke Evol VIII clash over the posthumous promotion of Count Duduo and the deployment of troops.
  • Raven and William discuss the maintenance of the Silent Stone Coffin, with William expressing his reluctance to use Fleshcrafting Magic.
  • Eric brings urgent military intelligence to Raven about the Evol Duchy's army approaching the Wall of Sighs.

Ch. 337The Unsteady Wall of Sighs

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Eagle Army is surrounded by an Evol Duchy army of 70,000, with their retreat route cut off.
  • Raven holds a meeting with his officers, acknowledging their dire situation and deciding to fight their way back to the Wall of Sighs.
  • The Wall of Sighs is under siege by the Evol Duchy, with Howell and Link leading the defense. They hold out for six days against constant bombardment and assaults.

Character Developments

  • Raven: Recognizes the gravity of their situation and plans accordingly, showing strategic thinking and calm leadership.
  • Howell: Matures and gains experience in battle, becoming more decisive and responsible.
  • Link: Proves himself a capable commander, assisting Howell in organizing the defense of the Wall of Sighs.

Significant Themes

  • Strategic planning and adaptability in the face of adversity.
  • The harsh realities and costs of war.
  • The importance of leadership and unity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

  • Raven interacts with his officers, assessing their morale and ideas, ultimately deciding on a course of action.
  • Howell and Link work together to defend the Wall of Sighs, demonstrating camaraderie and mutual respect.
  • The Evol Duchy's army and the defenders of the Wall of Sighs engage in brutal combat, highlighting the stark contrast between their goals and methods.

Ch. 338The Unusable Trump Card

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Marquis Faraday and Count Palmer are leading an army to retake the Wall of Sighs from Raven.
  • Faraday is responsible for defeating Raven, while Palmer is responsible for taking the Wall of Sighs.
  • The blue ghost, Joz, a third-tier Shadow Knight, joins the assault on the Wall of Sighs.
  • Joz fights against Link, who defends the Wall of Sighs using his spear and later a sword.
  • Link uses his knowledge of swordsmanship and quick thinking to hold his own against Joz.
  • Joz reveals his true strength, a fourth-tier Martial Soul, and gains the upper hand.
  • Link's backup plan is activated, and Howell is rescued by the Eagle Army.
  • Joz realizes his mistake in not capturing Howell and is enraged by Link's taunts.

Character Developments

  • Link: Demonstrates his skill and quick thinking in combat, holding his own against a fourth-tier opponent. He also shows strategic thinking by activating the backup plan to rescue Howell.
  • Joz: Reveals his true strength as a fourth-tier Martial Soul. He initially underestimates Link but becomes enraged when he realizes his mistake in not capturing Howell.
  • Faraday and Palmer: They divide responsibilities for the assault on the Wall of Sighs, with Faraday focusing on defeating Raven and Palmer taking the Wall of Sighs. They seem to have a good working relationship despite their equal status.

Significant Themes

  • Foresight vs. Improvization: Link's backup plan and quick thinking allow him to turn the tables on Joz, while Joz's lack of foresight in not capturing Howell leads to his frustration.
  • Power Dynamics: The relationship between Faraday and Palmer demonstrates the complex dynamics of power and status between nobles.

Character Interactions

  • Link and Joz: Their duel highlights the difference in their combat skills and experience. Joz underestimates Link initially but becomes enraged when he realizes his mistake.
  • Faraday and Palmer: Their interaction shows a cooperative relationship despite their equal status, with Faraday focusing on defeating Raven and Palmer taking the Wall of Sighs.
  • Howell and Link: Howell's rescue by the Eagle Army demonstrates the importance of their relationship and the activation of the backup plan.

Ch. 339What Good Is This Magic Array?!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Evol Duchy's army, led by Count Palmer and Marquis Faraday, continues to besiege Sighing Walls.
  • Link and his forces successfully defend the city with the help of Hyde's reinforcements.
  • The defenders discover that the Sighing High Wall's magic array is operational, providing additional protection.
  • Count Palmer decides to change tactics and use serfs to replenish his Wolf-faced Legion's losses.

Character Developments

  • Link demonstrates strategic thinking and resilience in defending the city.
  • Hyde shows courage and determination in joining the battle and supporting Link's command.
  • Count Palmer exhibits calm and calculated decision-making in the face of setbacks.
  • Marquis Faraday displays generosity in providing serfs to Count Palmer.

Significant Themes

  • The ruthlessness and calculation of the defenders in their defense of Sighing Walls.
  • The impact of the siege on the morale and physical strength of the attacking forces.
  • The use of serfs as disposable assets in the war effort.

Character Interactions

  • Link and Hyde form an effective partnership in commanding the defense of the city.
  • Count Palmer and Marquis Faraday discuss and coordinate their strategies.
  • The interaction between the serfs and the Wolf-faced Legion highlights the dehumanization of the soldiers and the expendability of the serfs.

Ch. 340Tactics Without a Solution

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Evol army uses serfs as human shields and labor to build a dirt ramp towards the Wall of Sighs.
  • Link and Hyde observe and strategize against this tactic, using catapults and crossbowmen to hinder the enemy's progress.
  • The dirt ramp reaches the height of the Wall of Sighs, and the Evol army begins their assault.
  • Joz, a powerful Evol warrior, scales the wall but is isolated and surrounded by Link and Hyde's forces.
  • Hyde engages in his first battle against living enemies, facing Black Warriors among the Evol ranks.

Character Developments

  • Link demonstrates his strategic prowess and calm under pressure, understanding the enemy's tactics and ordering appropriate countermeasures.
  • Hyde faces his first battle against living enemies, grappling with the reality of war and displaying his combat skills and determination.
  • Joz showcases his formidable strength and Battle Qi, but struggles against the combined forces of Link and Hyde.

Significant Themes

  • The dehumanization of serfs and the moral implications of using them as cannon fodder.
  • The brutal nature of war and the struggle for survival on the battlefield.
  • The importance of strategy and adaptability in warfare.

Character Interactions

  • Link and Hyde work together to defend the Wall of Sighs, with Link providing strategic guidance and Hyde leading the troops in battle.
  • Hyde and Joz engage in a fierce duel, with Hyde ultimately gaining the upper hand.
  • Hyde grapples with the reality of war and the loss of life, displaying a hint of empathy for his fallen enemies.
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