The pre-dawn air in Panzi City was thick with anticipation. Tatsuo's company, fully equipped and ready for deployment, stood assembled in the courtyard. Before their departure, Major General Torvin requested a final meeting with all the officers being sent to reinforce Emberfall Town.
The war room, now bustling with activity, was filled with the clatter of maps and the murmur of hushed conversations. Torvin, standing at the head of a large tactical map, addressed the assembled officers.
"Gentlemen," he began, his voice firm and clear, "we are facing a critical situation. Skylance Kingdom is massing its forces along the border, and Emberfall Town is the first line of defense. Our objective is to reinforce the garrison and hold the line at all costs."
He gestured towards a point on the map. "The Vanguard General Kaelen Stonecliff is in overall command of the frontline. He is a seasoned officer, and his experience will be invaluable. He is a life baron whose very presence embodies the strength of the northern border. You will report to him upon your arrival."
Torvin then outlined the expected enemy movements and the strategic importance of Emberfall Town. He emphasized the need for vigilance and coordinated action. "We must be prepared for any eventuality," he concluded. "The fate of the northern border, and perhaps the Empire itself, rests on our shoulders."
As the officers dispersed, Tatsuo lingered, his mind already strategizing. He had spent the last few weeks in intense personal training, pushing his cultivation to its limits. During this time, he had achieved a breakthrough.
As they began their journey to Emberfall Town, Tatsuo took a moment to check his own System Status.
Name: Tatsuo Ryujin
Age: 18
Title: Prince, Senior Major
Military Rank: Senior Major, Tatsuo Company Commander
Cultivation: Magisterial Court Realm 1st Level
Fame: 150
Subordinate: 110
Special Skills:
The Adviser - That's Me!
Absorb-ability - a skill that can devour anything, Copy, and learn
Frontier - an invisible shield that can protect you
Naming - you can name anyone or give a title, and it will make them your subordinate and make them stronger, but warning: use it with caution
Military Tactical - a mind of a War expert
Dimension Gate Lvl 1 - You can still use your storage room, and you can open a gate to transport yourself to the place where your subordinate is staying. This skill can level up. Every time you level up, you can bring someone with you. +5 on the next level.
Magic skill - Blue Flame Strike
Martial Arts - Advance Rank Dragon King Sword and Spear Technique, High Rank Sniper
Ability - Observant Eye
Weapon - Warbreaker Sword
Tatsuo noted the progress, he had finally broken through to the Magisterial Court Realm 1st Level. This will change everything, he thought. He knew the battles ahead would be fierce, and every increase in strength was crucial.
The journey to Emberfall Town was a constant state of readiness. Rota's scouts ranged far and wide, ensuring they maintained situational awareness. The company moved in a tight formation, prepared for any ambush.
As they traveled, Tatsuo reviewed the reports on Vanguard General Kaelen Stonecliff, the Vanguard General. He was known for his tactical acumen and his unwavering loyalty to the Empire.
The closer they got to Emberfall Town, the more signs of war they encountered. Patrols of weary-looking soldiers, supply convoys moving under heavy guard, and the distant rumble of artillery fire. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the tension of impending battle. Tatsuo knew they were entering a war zone, and he prepared his company for the trials ahead.
….
The journey to Emberfall Town was arduous, the signs of war growing more prevalent with each passing mile. When Tatsuo's company finally arrived, the town was a hive of activity, a staging ground for the Empire's forces. Soldiers marched in formation, supply wagons creaked under their heavy loads, and the air crackled with the energy of impending conflict.
Tatsuo, along with the other officers who had arrived, was directed to a large command tent set up in the center of town. This was Vanguard General Kaelen Stonecliff's headquarters. The tent was spacious and well-lit, with maps and strategic charts covering the walls.
General Stonecliff, a towering figure in ornate armor, stood at the center of the room. His face was stern, etched with the lines of experience. He exuded an aura of command that filled the tent.
"Welcome, officers," he said, his voice booming. "You have arrived at a crucial time. Skylance is pressing hard, and we must be ready to meet their challenge."
He proceeded to outline the current situation on the front. Skylance forces had made significant gains, pushing Imperial troops back towards Emberfall Town. The strategic objective was to push them back Greywall, and if we can we can push them further back and taking Greywall Town, a key stronghold further north.
"You will be assigned to various units," Stonecliff continued. "Sr. Major Tatsuo Ryujin, your company will be placed under the command of the 2nd Class Clash Commander Borin's Brigade."
He gestured to a stern-looking officer standing nearby. "This is Rare Commander Corvin. He will be your immediate superior. Corvin, take charge of Major Ryujin's battalion."
Commander Corvin, a man with a grizzled beard and piercing eyes, nodded curtly. "Understood, General."
Stonecliff then assigned the other officers to their respective units, emphasizing the importance of discipline, coordination, and unwavering resolve. He reiterated the overall strategy: a coordinated push to drive the Skylance forces back to Greywall Town.
"We will not yield," Stonecliff declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "We will fight for every inch of ground. We will defend the Empire with our lives if necessary."
After the briefing, Tatsuo met with Commander Corvin.
"Sr. Major Ryujin," Corvin said, his voice gruff, "I've heard reports of your company. They say you are well-trained."
"We are ready to serve, Commander," Tatsuo replied, his voice steady.
"Good," Corvin said. "We'll see what you're made of. For now, familiarize yourself with your assigned position. We will receive our orders soon."
Tatsuo and his captains began to settle into their positions, preparing for the coming battle. Rota's scouts were sent out to gather intelligence, Ragnar ensured the company's equipment was in top condition, and the other captains organized their respective platoons.
Tatsuo knew that the battles ahead would be challenging, but he was confident in his company's abilities. He was also eager to prove himself to Commander Corvin and Vanguard General Stonecliff. The fate of the northern border hung in the balance, and Tatsuo was determined to play his part.