Commander's Disappearance Throws the Army into Disarray, Night Deepens and the Road Ahead Grows Perilous

"Did it succeed?"

Meanwhile, inside the command tent where the Empire's main force was temporarily resting in the evacuation zone at the center of the rainforest.

Watching the aurora outside rise like a blazing sun, Edgar, whom John had appointed as the temporary commander of the Imperial forces, first let out a sigh of relief.

But sensing the gazes of the gathered officers around him and understanding what they were thinking, he immediately gave an order to the waiting Marda.

"Lieutenant Marda, immediately use the long-range Telepathy Spell to contact the communications soldiers of the 1st Battalion Mage Guard Unit and confirm the commander-in-chief's safety."

"Yes, Major General Edgar."

Marda responded, then activated the mana amplification device under everyone's watchful eyes, preparing to cast the Telepathy Spell and attempt to contact Wendy.

But the instant the long-range telepathy spread out, Marda froze. Then, amid everyone's expectant stares, she said with delight, "Everyone, I can sense members of the Guard Unit rapidly approaching our forces. Judging by their current speed, they should arrive within five minutes."

"Good, very good!"

Upon hearing the news, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Even Edgar finally broke into a smile, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead as he silently rejoiced that he had managed to save his own life.

Ever since he had accepted John's orders, fired several shots and wounded the respected commander-in-chief, then led the main force northward in retreat according to the mission.

Throughout the march, he had constantly felt dense, chilling gazes boring into his back. The killing intent within them was so intense that even as a High Mage, he could not help feeling his scalp tingle.

Edgar could understand everyone's reaction.

But more than anything, he felt wronged.

After all, the order had come personally from John, the