Hajin counted fresh siege banners across the southern ridges as House Flint's second force enclosed every road into the Sixth Region.
Hajin stood upon the granite battlements of the mountain bastion, his sharp gaze sweeping across the enemy encampments.
The twelve hundred and fifty-two reinforcements formed an interlocking ring of siege works, blocking every highway and river crossing.
Eleven hundred and eighty fresh mercenary infantry manned the forward trenches, supported by seventy-two hardened cavalry veterans.
"Look at their central command pavilion," Hans muttered, lowering his brass looking glass with a grim frown.
"They brought Deputy Corven from the provincial capital... the man is an official seven-shard combat specialist."
Across the valley, Deputy Corven manifested seven floating iron Shards around his left arm, their jagged edges glowing violet.
In his right hand, the high-ranking deputy held a massive crystalline cylinder that hummed with blinding purple mana.
