At last, about four hours later, the Kingdom Army arrived at the open plain outside the northern gate.
"Koester lies ahead."
From afar, the vast army resembled a black sail spread across the yellow earth, strikingly distinct beneath the blazing sun. They halted roughly a kilometer from Koester. The leading commander reined in his horse, turned around, and nodded to Grant as he reported with utmost deference.
Red-and-white banners fluttered above their heads, every one embroidered with an identical cross.
"The Rune Defense Array..." Grant sat astride a horse clad in silver armor, wearing the Pope's robes as he gazed at Koester and slowly narrowed his eyes.
The commander immediately replied, "Yes. We received this intelligence several days ago. On the night they seized Koester, those rebels had already established the Rune Defense Array. Therefore, for this expedition, we have transferred over as many Holy Light Cannons from our stockpile as possible."
Hearing this, Grant turned his head and said in an unreadable tone, "General Pres, what is your battle plan?"
Pres instantly felt the pressure mounting.
During their previous attack on Ikor, they had suffered badly because of that thing. After returning home in defeat, he had nearly failed to keep his life as the commanding general. But after a series of internal struggles in the Hori Kingdom, there were hardly any commanders left who could truly lead troops into battle. That was why he had managed to cling to life—and why he had once again been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of retaking Koester as the commander-in-chief.
Though it was an honor, what he felt more than anything was dread.
If they failed to take the city this time too, with the Pope's temperament... Pres did not even dare continue that thought.
"My plan is a frontal assault."