In the city lord's tower's conference room, Elder Valerius paced anxiously back and forth.
Ever since Lin Mo had humiliated him publicly at the banquet and the Queen had sternly reprimanded him, a transfer order had "exiled" him to Lothia City, where they faced the Demon Clan day in and day out.
The elder who had been stationed here for years was given a chance to rest, while he took his place to experience the blood and fire of the front lines, in the hope of washing away his bone-deep arrogance and restoring the glory of an Elf elder.
"Tap, tap, tap."
Steady footsteps sounded outside the door.
Valerius stopped pacing, straightened his robes, and assumed the bearing of a senior elder.
The door opened, and Elder Archmond and General Adrian walked in, one after the other.
"Elder Archmond, General Adrian, welcome." Valerius bowed slightly, maintaining a lofty air.
"May the Goddess of Nature's grace be with you, Elder Valerius." Archmond returned the greeting expressionlessly.
General Adrian merely gave a crisp military salute without a word.
Both sides sat down. Dispensing with pleasantries, Archmond spoke directly.
"Elder Valerius, I bring Her Majesty the Queen's latest decree."
"Please, go ahead."
"The Queen commands all troops in Lothia City to cooperate with the reinforcements we have brought and immediately launch a counteroffensive against the Demon Clan entrenched outside Emerald Leaf City."
Archmond paused, then added:
"This operation will also be a comprehensive test of Great Xia's equipment."
Valerius's expression instantly darkened.
"A counteroffensive?!" He shot out of his chair, his voice turning shrill.
"Archmond, are you certain you didn't mishear the Queen's orders? This is madness!"
He pointed at the land outside the window, tainted by demonic energy, and waved his arms agitatedly.
"It is only through the Goddess's mercy that we