The Vanguard Battle

Haike Jimenez stared fixedly at the map before him, as if trying to imprint it completely on his mind.

As the commanding officer of the First Regiment of the Plains Walkers, Haike Jimenez was under the greatest pressure of anyone in the Northern Wanderers. Just moments ago, scouts had confirmed that the vanguard from Demacia City had reached Pinara City, fifty miles away, and could march north at any moment.

Once the enemy made its move, the First Regiment of the Plains Walkers under Haike's command would face the brunt of their attack.

He pressed his lips together unconsciously, and at last his gaze settled on a thin blue line running northwest to southeast.

On the map, this line represented Canal 102, less than a mile from the First Regiment of the Plains Walkers' current position.

After the snow on the Dragon's Ridge Mountains' foothills melted, the water flowed along underground rivers and surface streams before eventually feeding into Canal 102. This was the time of year when the canal was at its highest and its current at its strongest. Even with the tent flap hanging down, Haike's keen ears could still hear the waves.

Canal 102's current was swift, making it difficult to cross. And since Demacia City's weak navy had been completely wiped out, the enemy could only continue north by building a pontoon bridge.

In theory, the First Regiment of the Plains Walkers could wait on the riverbank, fresh and rested, then strike the enemy while they were halfway across.

But though attacking an enemy halfway across the river was a good tactic, the question was where they would cross.

Canal 102 was a diversion canal with a very deep bed. During the summer flood season, its waters rushed past hidden currents and whirlpools, making it seem