"You're saying the foreigners from Transia broke through two lines of defense at this great oasis in just one day? And they didn't suffer a single casualty?"
Marshal Loren, dressed in the traditional robes of a Sanghaean, looked like a wealthy short-legged desert dog. He sat relaxed in his scarab carriage like an old rich guy, listlessly turning his head to look out the window at the scenery of Origin Harbor as he asked the similarly dressed dwarf guard beside him:
"Can this news be confirmed?"
"Of course, Marshal. I just heard the latest from a Sanghaean drinking buddy I recently made. Everyone knows a drinking companion who's having a good time with you won't lie!"
The dwarf guard, still reeking of alcohol, thumped his chest and said earnestly:
"Besides, those armed airships that came back to resupply with ammunition spread the news all over Origin Harbor! All the Sanghaeans in the city are talking about it. They all think it's obviously the Creator's thunderous wrath, brought down upon the rebels through the hands of the foreigners. Otherwise, there's no explaining how the foreigners could be so terrifyingly invincible.
"They say the foreigners' vanguard is advancing toward the main city of the Pirig Great Oasis. Only one last line of defense stands between them and that oasis traitor, the Great Pharaoh. Then they'll fight the final battle in the other side's main city.
"Judging by the terrifying attack power described in the rumors, I'd say they'll break through the third line of fortifications by tomorrow morning at the latest.
"Clearly, the Netherworld Army of the Pirig family and the rebels combined are no match for these Transian barbarians.
"But that's understandable. The Transians won the Black Calamity in an unbroken string of victories, while the Sanghaeans have enjoyed three hundred