The wind across the grassland carried the scent of withered grass as it swept over the Aldo Army formation led by Paul. The thirty-thousand-man force maintained a tight marching column, its dark-gray uniforms stretching across the meadow in a long, unbroken line as it advanced steadily northeast.
After repelling the Orcish Cavalry's probing attack, the Aldo Army had continued marching across the grassland for two days. Along the way, they had encountered only scattered orc tribes, yet there was still no sign of Alba's main force. This inevitably left the generals growing restless. On the vast, boundless grassland, if Alba chose to avoid battle and flee, tracking him accurately would be far from easy. Once half their supplies were depleted, the Aldo Army would have no choice but to slink back home.
"Marquis! A report from the scouting cavalry!" An orderly came galloping over and reined in before Paul's horse.
His voice was filled with barely concealed excitement. "Thirty li northeast of here, they discovered a large-scale gathering of orc troops! The tents stretch as far as the eye can see, and there are at least fifty thousand soldiers!"
"We finally found them!" Bryce, beside Paul, suddenly clenched his fist, his voice full of relief. The other generals who had heard the news also gathered around.
What they feared most was being dragged into a never-ending pursuit. Now that the enemy had taken the initiative to assemble, they could settle the matter in a decisive battle.
A faint smile appeared on Paul's face as well. He raised his hand and took the telescope, gazing in the direction indicated by the scouting cavalry. Although the distance was still great and he could only see countless black specks scattered across the distant grassland, the outlines of the sprawling tents and the fluttering