Chapter 916: Convergence
While a group of people were still desperately trying to persuade.
Leon’s expression shifted slightly. He took out a Magic Beacon, which emitted a gentle glow. Faint magical ripples radiated out, like a soft breeze, subtly spreading through the surroundings.
Leon uttered a few notes, channeling mana into the Magic Beacon. Instantly, it burst into a dazzling light, beams of radiance flickering to life and forming a phantom figure in midair.
Within the image, Heron and Joey sat at a round table, the surroundings resembling a conference room.
"Archmage Leon, as agreed, we have already breached Sunset Fortress. Now, it’s time for you to fulfill your promise."
There was a hint of weariness in Heron's eyes as he spoke these words in a flat tone.
Just that simple sentence—if anyone truly understood what it meant, they would be utterly shocked.
Sunset Fortress isn’t just any ordinary stronghold. Even Radiance Fortress, which is guarded by Black Iron Orcs, can’t compare to it at all.
Sunset Fortress is the most crucial bridgehead in the Blazeforge Orcs’ defenses. It’s the only path to the heart of the Blazeforge Realm. The reason the Blazeforge Orcs have been able to resist conquest for so long is largely thanks to Sunset Fortress—its contribution outweighs dozens of other fortresses combined.
The reason the human armies have never breached the heart of the Blazeforge Realm is because Sunset Fortress stands guard here, blocking their path.
It’s like a bridge between the Blazeforge Orcs and humanity. As long as the Blazeforge Orcs hold this fortress, they can keep resisting.
But if the humans capture it, they can use it as a bridgehead to launch a full-scale assault into the heart of the Blazeforge Realm.
The success rate of the grand offensive would increase by at least thirty percent, and the time needed to conquer the Blazeforge Realm would be cut down significantly.
Everyone understood the significance of this.
Leon knew full well that even with the Black Tower and Cloudspire Tower joining forces, it had taken this long to finally capture Sunset Fortress. The difficulties they faced were far beyond what Heron's calm words revealed.
Back then, three factions joined forces, and this cooperation included the current grand offensive against the Blazeforge Realm.
Attacking the Blazeforge Orcs was the first step—seizing more points and breaking into their heartland as quickly as possible.
Everyone knew how powerful the Odin Kingdom was, but only people like Heron and Joey truly understood the extent of its strength.
The Odin Kingdom is led by just three major factions, but each one is even stronger than the Black Tower or Cloudspire Tower.
Of the seven major powers in the Andalusia Kingdom, only the Black Tower and Cloudspire Tower can barely hold their own against the three forces of the Odin Kingdom.
Heron even admitted frankly that each commander of those three Odin Kingdom factions is a bit stronger than he is.
At a time like this, if you don’t seek allies, there’s simply no way to win against the Odin Kingdom.
The Odin Kingdom has three major powers, while Andalusia only has two that are slightly weaker. Even if they don’t face the Odin Kingdom head-on for now, they’re falling behind in points.
All these ongoing efforts are about perfecting the cooperation plan. What Leon is waiting for here is for Heron and Joey to capture Sunset Fortress.
"Lord Heron, Lord Joey, rest assured. Since I’ve given my word, I will see it through."
"Alright, these are the coordinates for the portal inside Sunset Fortress. We’ve already set it up—you can come over anytime."
The image slowly faded, the light from the Magic Beacon withdrawing back into the device. Leon put away the Magic Beacon and rose to his feet.
"Kurum."
Kurum’s eyes blazed with fire. He snapped to attention, his right hand pressed over his heart.
"Awaiting your orders at any time, Master Merlin."
"Set up the portal at these coordinates immediately. We're preparing to march out."
Kurum received the coordinates and promptly turned to leave.
"Wagner will stay behind to guard Radiance Fortress. Everyone else will march out with me."
Leon glanced around and made this decision.
Wagner is now the only one who can control the underground base beneath Radiance Fortress. His presence is essential—not only is Radiance Fortress strategically vital, but with Wagner here, the base runs at full capacity. Even if something unexpected happens, he can hold the line.
A flash of joy crossed Wagner’s face—his greatest fear was being taken along by Leon. Now, he was actually being left behind to guard Radiance Fortress alone.
Hahaha, this is perfect! Leon Merlin is leaving me here all by myself, taking everyone else away—he’s not even leaving anyone to watch me! As soon as they leave, I’ll slip out right away. Let someone else guard Radiance Fortress—I’m heading straight back to the Odin Kingdom. Whatever happens in the Blazeforge Realm is none of my business...
Wagner’s mind raced with these thoughts, but before he could even smile, he clutched his head and collapsed to the ground with a wail.
A few seconds later, Lord Shaun appeared above Wagner, one paw thumping Wagner’s head, his expression full of disdain.