Leon said, "Next, we just have to wait for the Lantern Festival to arrive. Once we've arranged our personnel and released the paper lanterns at designated locations, we can expose the ugly face of the Empire in one fell swoop."
"There's been no movement from Martin's side, so the Empire probably hasn't noticed our operation yet."
Nacho analyzed, "So the biggest uncertain factor now is what trump card the Empire will pull out when it's cornered."
As for this, Leon had previously discussed it with his master.
It was nothing more than fusion beasts, dangerous species, and the like.
And precisely because of this, before this operation, Leon specifically called in three helpers, including Rossweise.
With three Dragon King-level teammates assisting, Lionheart Society's chances of victory would definitely be much higher.
"It's fine, don't worry, if the Empire has trump cards, so do we."
Leon said, "This battle will definitely be a real one with real swords and guns, and everyone is mentally prepared."
Nacho nodded and was just about to say something, but suddenly noticed that the members in the hall seemed very excited.
They were enthusiastically discussing something.
Nacho blinked and asked, "What's going on with everyone? Too nervous to sleep?"
Leon smiled and also looked toward the companions in the hall.
"Nervous, maybe a little, but more than that, it's excitement."
"Excitement?"
"Yeah."
The twin-tailed girl walked over slowly and patted Nacho's arm, "Half an hour ago, Captain gave everyone a pre-battle speech. Wow, it instantly fired everyone up."
"Is it that exaggerated…", Being of royal descent, Nacho didn't really believe in things like pre-battle speeches or motivational talks.
Because he knew that these things were nothing more than brainwashing subordinates so they'd risk their lives more recklessly.
"Of course it's real."
Rebecca said, "Back when we were in the Dragon Slaying Army, Captain would always say a whole bunch before battles. Like don't be afraid, don't fear, the way to overcome fear is to face it, and offer up your heart, blah blah blah stuff."
"Though it's a bit chuunibyou, it was super effective!"
"And the speech just now was way better than a few years ago. After hearing him say all that, it felt like… Captain wasn't just a captain anymore, he was more like… a real leader."
Hearing Rebecca's words, Nacho looked at Leon.
In that moment, Nacho seemed to finally understand why he never won when he opposed Leon in the past.
Leon, this guy, no matter what situation he's in, always has a drive in his heart.
Whether in despair or in a slump, he can always find the only ray of light in the gloom, and keep moving toward that faint glow, tirelessly and persistently.
At the same time, he's someone with extremely strong charisma. He can pass on his obsession with hope to every follower around him.
Even someone as noble as Dragon King Rossweise willingly stays by his side. That alone shows Leon's personal charm.
And on the Empire's side, though they seem to have large numbers, in truth they're just a scattered mess.
Relying on brainwashing and threats as motivation will eventually lead to backlash.
So when it comes to rallying hearts, the Empire can never defeat Leon.
"Tell everyone to rest early. Tomorrow we start setting up in advance," Leon said.
"Yes, Captain."
"Nacho, you've worked hard too. Go rest."
"Mm."
Rebecca and Nacho left, and the members of Lionheart Society slowly dispersed as well, returning to their respective resting quarters.
Leon remained seated by the long table in the hall, gazing at the large city map.
The locations for releasing the paper lanterns were mostly finalized.
Leon was now planning the retreat routes.
Only by preparing thoroughly could they minimize accidents and casualties.
The night air was cool. Who knows how much time had passed, when a fair, delicate hand lightly rested on Leon's shoulder.
"It's late. Go to bed early," A cold voice came from behind.
"Mm, right away."
Rossweise sat beside him, glancing at the map on the table. It was marked with many circles and lines.
As the leader of the Silver Dragons, Rossweise naturally understood some tactics and military strategies.
She could tell that Leon was constructing evacuation routes.
But he seemed to have run into some problems.
Rossweise didn't speak. She just silently stared at the map.
After a while, she extended her hand and pointed to an unmarked area.
"How about starting the evacuation point in the central district from here? To the left is the canal, and further ahead is the east entrance of the lower district. I remember that place was an abandoned garbage station, very suitable for rendezvous and ambush."
One sentence, and it clicked.
Leon's eyes lit up, "Impressive, Your Majesty."
"You're just dazed from staying up too late, your head's not clear."
Rossweise lifted her beautiful chin, "How many more routes haven't been drawn?"
"Just that one from earlier," Leon folded up the map and stood, "Let's go, get some sleep."
"Okay," Rossweise blew out the candle on the table. In the faint moonlight streaming down from the top of the clock tower, she hooked her arm around Leon's and walked toward the resting room.
———
The Thousand Lanterns Festival, the Empire's major annual celebration.
Tonight, all five districts across the nation, both rich and poor, were immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the festival.
The entire street was covered in paper lanterns of every shape and color, and there were stalls selling all sorts of rare snacks and delicacies.
Children held paper lanterns in their hands, chasing and playing with one another.
Fireworks continued to bloom in the sky, forming beautiful patterns.
For a time, the beauty of the festival seemed to cover up all the Empire's dark and rotten secrets.
Rebecca stood on a low building in the upper district. She wore a pair of short hot pants, with pistols strapped to her fair thighs on both sides.
On her back was a modular sniper rifle.
Of course, an ADC can't go solo, Leon had assigned her support in the form of Nacho and Martin.
"Wow! Even back in the Dragon Slaying Army, I didn't get this treatment. But now I actually have two spotters," the wild girl said excitedly.
Martin and Nacho each held a pair of binoculars, lying at the edge of the low building to observe below.
"Get excited after the battle."
Nacho raised his binoculars and looked toward the junction between the upper district and the royal city. That's where Leon would soon fire the signal to start the operation.
"You're the best shot in Lionheart Society, so Leon gave you the important role of sniper."
Nacho continued, "If necessary, it's you who must take out that damn emperor with a single shot."
"Relax. The targets I use for practice have always had King Kant's big face printed on them. I've been practicing for this day for a long time now," Rebecca said confidently.
"Empire's number one female gun," Martin chimed in enthusiastically.
Rebecca proudly rubbed her little nose, "Low-key, low-key."
"Alright, chat time is over," In Nacho's binocular view, Leon appeared, "Get ready. Wait for Leon's signal."
"Understood!"
At the same time, down below on the bustling, noisy street, Leon wore a black hooded cloak, walking slowly against the crowd's cheers and excitement toward the junction between the upper district and the royal city.
He ascended the stairs, each step forward bringing him closer to the goal he had worked so long and hard for.
Around him, the sound of people filled the air, the festive mood growing ever stronger.
After climbing all the stairs, just a few hundred meters ahead lay the main gate of the royal city.
Leon slowly pulled out a paper lantern from his cloak pocket. It was covered in the names of the children and teachers of the Casmodeous Welfare Institute.
"All grudges, let's settle them tonight."
———
Close to midnight, the gates of the royal city slowly opened. The first to emerge were the royal guards.
Following them was a large parade vehicle.
But from its shape and design concept, calling it a "land ship" would be more accurate.
The land ship moved on a row of wheels under its base. In front, besides the royal guards, many troops surrounded the vessel on all sides.
Such tight security, there was only one reason: Standing atop the land ship's deck was the current King of the Empire, Kant. And his wife, Queen Elizabeth.
The monarch wore luxurious clothing, one hand around the glamorous queen, the other gently waving to his people to display his benevolence and affability.
According to tradition, everyone releases paper lanterns together at midnight on the Thousand Lanterns Festival.
And at that time, it's also when King Kant and Queen Elizabeth make their personal parade appearance.
Back during Leon's years in the Dragon Slaying Army, the king and his wife had different ways of appearing every year.
They had descended by hot air balloon, used illusion magic to confuse people, and even hidden in the crowd before making a dramatic entrance.
So this year's "land ship" didn't really surprise Leon.
According to intel from Martin, the land ship's travel speed was preset to arrive precisely at midnight at the junction between the royal city and upper district.
At the same time, tens of thousands of paper lanterns with image-recording stones would be released together.
Leon took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, fixing his eyes on the approaching King Kant and his army.
Once, he too was like those royal guards, taking pride in defending the country, defending the king, even willing to risk his life.
But his reward was betrayal and slander by the Empire.
Everyone and everything in the Empire were just tools for the rulers' personal gain. Even this war was just a pre-designed chess game;
But when a piece jumps off the board, they will stop at nothing to hunt it to the ends of the earth.
And now, that piece that escaped the chessboard has returned.
New and old hatred, tonight, it's time to settle it with that damn emperor.
Ding~ Dong~ Ding~ Dong~
The midnight bell rang on time.
Accompanied by that heavy, ancient bell sound, countless paper lanterns slowly rose into the night sky, illuminating the entire sky as if it were daytime.
At the same time, the massive land ship slowly stopped at the junction between the royal city and upper district.
King Kant slowly walked to the bow of the ship, overlooking the masses below.
He had a king's arrogance, but none of a king's presence.
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