Chapter 2325 A Conversation Between the North and the South
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In Zovince, Emmanuel had been holding off Salem’s tens of thousands of troops with just two thousand Wolf Warriors. Despite being fully equipped, Summerton’s forces couldn’t advance even half a step into Zovince’s city center.
In the age of the internet, news like this spread quickly.
The longer the battle dragged on, the worse it became for the Summertons‘ Army.
“Commander, Congress has authorized the Tocvale and Northern Region armies to march on Zovince to eliminate the rebels! If we can hold out until tomorrow morning, our reinforcements will arrive!”
Late on the second night of the New Year, Eve finally brought good news to Emmanuel.
In truth, the authorization had been granted on the first day of the New Year, but they had been too busy fending off the Summertons‘ Army. Only now, after another successful defense, did they have a moment to breathe and relay the news.
“Alright, got it.”
Emmanuel was utterly exhausted.
From the first day of the New Year, he had been in continuous battle. First, he had faced Yorick, Aora, and Gwain alone. Then, after taking down Aora, he fought a mysterious black–clad warrior before rushing straight to the city gates for two more large–scale battles.
Even the Tin Man needed oil–let alone a mortal body of flesh and blood.
Instinctively, Emmanuel tightened his grip on the Heart of the Sun, feeling its incredible energy coursing through him. This stone was nothing short of a miraculous, endless power source.
“Boss, the Tocvale Commander is Atticus Sheffield–Grey’s son. If he brings his troops into Zovince, won’t that be a huge risk?” Sage voiced his concern quietly.
“You mean Dragonicus?” Emmanuel frowned.
To be honest, he had met Dragonicus years ago, but their relationship was purely one of mutual respect- they had never fought side by side.
Dragonicus was even more renowned in Tocvale than Emmanuel was. However, on a national scale, ‘Emmanuel still held the edge.
It was surprising to learn that, after five years, that man had risen to the rank of Tocvale Commander–and that Artemis had appointed him.
“That’s right. Dragonicus is Atticus‘ youngest son. He’s only three years older than you, Boss–just turned 33 this year!” Sage continued, “Back in the day, Atticus lost the presidential election to Artemis. Ethan is part of Artemis‘ faction. If Dragonicus still holds onto his father’s ideology, I fear-”
Emmanuel couldn’t say for sure, either. Instead, he turned to Eve and asked, “What about the Northern Region? Any updates?”
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“Gavin Wells? Twenty thousand?” Emmanuel’s frown deepened at the news.
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“Yes. The Northern Region forces have been stationed along the northeastern border and coastal areas to guard against an attack from Shoiya,” Eve continued. “But Shoiya has withdrawn. It was just a feint to divert the Northern Region’s troops. Now, the general and Murdock are rushing back by sea. However, the general
“What about the general? What happened to him?” Emmanuel’s heart clenched, and he immediately pressed for answers.
Though Santiago was his first mentor, the general was the one who had truly recognized and nurtured his potential. If anything happened to him, Emmanuel couldn’t guarantee what he might do.
“Boss!” Eve’s voice trembled slightly. “According to Murdock’s report, the Northern Region fleet was ambushed while returning to Chanaca. An assassin boarded the ship to kill the general. To protect the country and prevent unnecessary casualties, the general ordered Murdock to bring the main forces back while he stayed behind to fight the enemy at sea!”
“What?!”
Emmanuel was shocked, his concern deepening. He had absolute faith in the general’s strength. Even now, he wasn’t certain he had surpassed the old man. But if someone dared to assassinate him, the enemy was bound to be extraordinary.
“Tell me who is the general fighting at sea?!”
–
“According to our estimates, it’s the leader of the Airspace Group–Warlord!”
“What? Warlord?!”
Emmanuel fell into silence, his brows furrowing so tightly they nearly locked in place.
Last time, Freya alone had nearly wiped them all out on the Dark Night Islands. Who knew how terrifying Warlord’s strength truly was?
“You better not die on me, old man…” Emmanuel muttered under his breath.
At this moment, he finally realized just how brutal this war had become. Every imaginable battlefield had been set into motion–some anticipated, others completely unforeseen.
Beyond his concern for the general, he was also deeply worried about his wife.
Eve, one of his most trusted subordinates, understood his concern. As soon as her communicator lit up, she excitedly turned to Emmanuel. “Boss, good news! Quintus has found Mackenzie! He just shared her location in real time!”
“Let me see!” Emmanuel snatched the communicator, his heart pounding. However, as soon as he saw the location, his expression darkened.
After nearly a full day of tracking, Quintus had chased them all the way to the outskirts of Middlesouth.
“Boss, it looks like whoever kidnapped Mackenzie also left by car,” Sage added. “At this rate, their route will intersect with Dragonicus‘ path into Zovince!”
בורי
Conversation Between the North and the South
Eve hesitated briefly before nodding. “Understood!”
She and Sage exchanged a glance, both aware of the implications.
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Requesting Dragonicus‘ help would inevitably delay his march into Zovince, potentially slowing down reinforcements. Worse yet, it would put Emmanuel in his debt. If Zovince fell, he would bear the responsibility.
But Emmanuel couldn’t afford to hesitate. He had to take the risk. He couldn’t allow Mackenzie to fall into the hands of the Holy Fire Organization–there would be dire consequences if she did.
“Boss, the call is connected!”
Eve worked efficiently. More importantly, as a representative of the Northern Region’s Wolf Warrior Unit, contacting the Tocvale Commander wasn’t difficult.
“This is Emmanuel!” Emmanuel took the phone without hesitation and spoke directly. “Commander Sheffield–Grey, I need your urgent assistance!”
“Emmanuel? What, are your Wolf Warriors finally buckling under the pressure?” A proud voice came through the line.
It was Dragonicus.
The man clearly relished the idea of surpassing Emmanuel, as if this were a contest between the War Gods of the North and South.
“No. My wife, Mackenzie, has been kidnapped. She’s currently near Middlesouth. I’m sharing her real–time location with you. I need your help rescuing her.”
Time was of the essence, so Emmanuel got straight to the point.
Dragonicus let out a disdainful scoff. “Do you realize what I’m doing right now? If Zovince falls, do you understand the consequences? Is the so–called Northern Region War God a man who prioritizes his personal matters over the bigger picture?”
“No. I will handle both.” Emmanuel cut him off firmly, his voice unwavering. “I will hold the line until reinforcements arrive. You can take your time.”
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Sage and Eve tensed up. They knew how much Mackenzie meant to Emmanuel. But to Dragonicus, she was nothing. Would he really agree?
“Fine. As you wish.” Dragonicus finally agreed before abruptly hanging up.
Emmanuel’s heart remained heavy. Clenching his fists, he silently prayed, Mackenzie, you must return to me safely.
