Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 83: The Empty Fortress

Daniel studies the two lesser dragons in human form going by the names Blue and Rose. They were serving with Choul to conquer Fort Twilight, but they were sent back to report on what was found.

Apparently, not a soul was present at Fort Twilight, the largest of the frontier fortresses separating the east from the west.

Ryuogriar remarks proudly, "It seems clear that the child Sundenelle acknowledges that she's outmatched." Geirahoel nods proudly in agreement, while the others remain quiet.

Daniel replies gently, "I don't think so. Something's not right. Did Choul immediately prepare to defend?"

"Yes, your Grace," replies Blue. "He sent us because we can fly the fastest, and he didn't want to chance telepathy being intercepted. It... would seem, your Grace... he is cautious of unprecedented situations." Both Blue and Rose look away from Daniel nervously.

"Because of me, hmm?" asks Daniel warmly. They both flinch. He chuckles, "Relax. Thank you for coming to tell us, as well as taking extra precautions."

Both of them are pleasantly surprised, and they bow respectfully. "You honor us, your Grace. Do you have any message for the General?"

"In a moment. I have a few more questions, if you would."

"Of course, your Grace."

"Were there any signs or messages from the Imperial forces?"

"No, your Grace."

Hekate chimes in, "How about footprints? I assume you searched for footprints."

Rose nods and answers this time, "Yes, your Greatness. There are footprints leaving the fortress to the east, but of course, given the large army that was driven back, it's impossible to determine in what numbers the enemy retreated."

"Obviously all of them, yes?" asks Geirahoel, as if it should be obvious.

Vaergraes is the one to answer her, "That is the concern. The human-kin have abandoned fortresses before, but never Fort Twilight. In fact, I estimated that it would have taken most of the dragons and the bulk of the might of the Covenant's combined army to overtake the fortress, simply because the Empire views Twilight as too important to lose."

"And, Morthybargaron sent Mulmonbargarnaed to attack Fort Peony precisely because it was supposedly the least defended," points out Ryuogriar as she leans affectionately on Daniel's shoulder. "For a full invasion, Twilight would still need to be defeated, but with the red knight on the eastern side with a strike force, Twilight could be crushed from both sides."

"And yet, they handed it over without a fight or even a message," ponders Daniel aloud. "I sense a trap, but as I'm sure Choul expected as well, the trap should have been tripped. So, what are they waiting on?"

Surprised, Blue remarks, "Th-That's exactly right, your Grace. General Choul had the troops cloistering the fortress in anticipation of attack from both sides; east by the Empire, and West by the Covenant."

"I hate to believe that the east and west are cooperating in such a manner, but it would make sense. With so many of our troops seen entering the fortress, they may believe that isolating them from us and working together to defeat them through starvation is the only way to cripple our military force."

"So... what do we do?" asks Hekate cautiously.

"Attempting to establish supply lines for our 'two hundred thousand' mouths to feed could provoke the demons into acting, though they'll expect an attempt to be made. Our actual troops should have enough supplies to last a few weeks with ease, and with the shuttles, we can airdrop supplies in. The main risk in that case becomes whether or not the demons use wyverns, or if the Empire uses another airship."