On the outskirts of the Lomiyang Region, Dawn's members soon received word that their plan was at risk of being exposed.
"Damn it, large numbers of our outlying guerrilla forces have already arrived in Lomiyang. If that's true, we're in a very bad position."
"Yes, and we don't just have comrades undercover in Lomiyang. Even the Grand Duke of Lomiyang could help us. It would be such a waste to give it up!"
Evan pointed to a spot on the sand table.
"Could we cut off the Railway Transportation System first, delaying the Ilkhan Army's arrival or severing their supply lines?"
"It wouldn't do much. They'll have considered that too."
"Do we really have to abandon Lomiyang?"
"Mulan?"
Mulan had been standing beside the sand table, studying the Lomiyang Region, while his other self aboard the distant train was likewise studying a military map.
"No, we'll still launch our uprising in Lomiyang. There are wooded mountains to the west, making retreat easier. Wang Dong can easily link up with Hillkin, connecting two major economic regions and potentially even cutting across the Ilkhan Empire."
"Then we'll confront the Ilkhan Regular Army head-on?"
"That wouldn't be wise either. We need to divert their attention and let them know we've seen through their assessment too. We can use this opportunity to sow a chain of suspicion within their ranks."
"A chain of suspicion?"
"Yes!"
On the train bound for Lomiyang, Sylven sat with Mulan and the others. The Ilkhan people clearly still wanted their own forces accompanying them, both to bolster their strength and to see what the Dierjia people were capable of.
The train's rumbling never ceased. Mulan was studying the map, while Sylven and Haisen had struck up a conversation about music and seemed to be getting along quite well.
A