It was late at night.
In the Pale Empire's army camp, the bonfires had nearly burned out.
The soldiers on night watch were drowsy.
Just then.
The sound of leaves crunching underfoot came from ahead.
Several dozing soldiers jolted awake.
They raised their rifles and peered into the dark woods ahead by the firelight.
These weapons had only become widespread in recent years. Supplies were still limited, and fewer than half the soldiers in any army could be equipped with rifles.
By the firelight, the soldiers saw a figure step into the glow.
It was their commander, Aik.
His hair was stiff as steel needles, his eyebrows thick. Aik swept the soldiers with an icy gaze.
The soldiers could not withstand his stare.
They lowered their heads.
Only after Aik entered the camp.
Did the soldiers breathe sighs of relief.
Then they began whispering among themselves.
"Lord Aik doesn't look to be in a good mood."
"Maybe Commander Yuri and the others angered him again."
"I heard Lord Aik giving someone a furious dressing-down earlier."
"Could be."
"Lord Aik probably left Commander Yuri and the others in the forest."
"We'd better not get on Lord Aik's bad side for a while."
"Luckily, I'm not on duty in Lord Aik's tent these next few days."
"Then I'm in trouble. It's my turn tomorrow."
Outside the camp gates, the soldiers spoke in hushed voices.
The wind scattered their words before they could drift into the camp.
The next day.
Aik summoned one of his personal guards. "Go inform Lord Elrait that the Shortcut is safe. It seems those invaders don't know it exists."
"Yes, sir." The guard hurried away.
Beyond the mountain ranges of the Sighing Wall lay land that was not quite flat, but had few pronounced rises