"The Black Panther Clan and Froststar Clan's tribal coalition didn't advance east through the Windless Wasteland? They chose to march out of the Froststar Mountains instead? Interesting." Meanwhile, in the Governor's Office, John raised an eyebrow as he read the intelligence sent by the frontline reconnaissance department. He had expected Victor to lead his troops across the Windless Wasteland and had planned to use the outposts there to delay them, buying Gabri time to gather his forces. Instead, the enemy seemed to have seen through his intentions and had avoided the wasteland altogether.
That route would add considerable time to their march, but it would also leave Faoken no chance to send troops to intercept them.
"Unfortunately for them, the Black Panther Clan has badly underestimated Faoken's intelligence network. They're also far too confident in their own strength." John studied the map marking the Black Panther Clan's line of march. His lips curved upward, but a cold glint entered his eyes. Before the clan mobilized, he had no easy way to deal with them.
But if they attacked the Bull Clan of their own accord, things would be much simpler.
After all, if the Froststar Clan and Venomfang Clan could join forces with soldiers from the Allied Forces to assassinate the governor of Faoken, then surely the Bull Clan, which traded with Faoken, could use Faoken's connections to hire powerful mercenaries when its tribe came under threat. That was perfectly reasonable, wasn't it?
Besides, after more than three months of buildup, the Steel Bone Independent Battalion now numbered 1,200. It was time to show what they could do on a battlefield. With that, John stopped hesitating and gave Lunebo a firm order:
"Lunebo, in my name, arrange for every member of the Steel Bone Independent Battalion to take the Black