Flames erupted everywhere.
In an instant, the pitch-black Blaize Mountain was lit up brilliantly. Several dazzling blossoms of fire bloomed across its slopes, illuminating the dark forest, while deafening explosions thundered across the sky.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
A guard shouted and tried to sound his horn, but George reacted swiftly and grabbed him.
"Stop! This is just a ploy to lure us out! Haven't you noticed that none of those shells have landed in our camp?"
At George's shout, everyone recovered from their panic. Looking more closely, they realized he was right. Although the Airship kept pouring fire down onto the ground, all its shells flew past their camp. It looked as though it was simply firing blindly.
"Order everyone to stay alert! Don't let our ranks fall into chaos!"
George issued his orders, then returned to the command tent. The other officers had already gathered there, watching their commander-in-chief and waiting for further instructions.
"We must remain calm."
George gave the order with complete confidence.
"Clearly, they're trying to shake our morale and throw our troops hiding on Blaize Mountain into disarray. Once our men run out of the mountain, the Empire's forces surrounding it will annihilate them immediately..."
Before George could finish, however, another shout came from outside.
"Report!"
Before the cry had even faded, a soldier covered in blood rushed inside.
"Sir, the 36th Battalion's position has been completely destroyed!"
"Destroyed?"
"Yes! A sudden bombardment blanketed the entire position. No one escaped except me!"
"What..."
George frowned at the news.
I just said the Empire was firing blindly, and now one of our camps has been destroyed?
"Report!"
Soon, another shout rang out, and another soldier was carried into the tent.
"Commander... the positions of the 15th, 18th, and 27th Battalions have been destroyed... heavy losses..."