Late at night.
A sudden downpour swept through the area around Southgate Fort.
Raindrops lashed the ground like whips, sweeping away the oppressive heat of the past several days.
The plains outside Southgate Fort became a sea of mud.
The Alliance army's camp blazed with light.
But anyone who looked closely would have noticed that most of the tents were empty, with only armored scarecrows standing in the shadows.
Outside the command tent.
A dark shape dropped from the sky and slammed into the muddy water.
It was Barton. He hurriedly dismounted from the Great Skua, soaked through, rainwater dripping steadily from the brim of his hat.
He hurried into Veylin's tent.
"My lord."
Barton dropped to one knee, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Just as you predicted. As Southgate Fort's forces keep growing, there have been extensive troop movements along the northeastern defensive line. Just two hours ago, another unit left the Eagle Beak Cliff defensive sector carrying torches."
"Now, apart from a few old, weak, sick, and wounded men left behind, it's wide open."
Across from Barton, Veylin nodded and abruptly stood.
He wore a practical suit of leather armor beneath a waterproof cloak.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Veylin reached out to help Barton up and patted his mud-covered shoulder.
"Go change and have some hot soup. We'll still need you to guide us on the road ahead."
Barton saluted, then turned and disappeared into the curtain of rain.
Diana stood behind Veylin, holding a storm lantern.
Its dim yellow light swayed in the rainy night, illuminating her slightly pale face.
"The Eastern Foothills Army really fell for it."
She gazed into the distant, pitch-black sky, her tone complicated.
"They trust their experience too much. In his eyes, we're just a bunch of children who know