Alec turned his head to face the others. “I have words from my brother. His Lordship has conquered Gad and is on his way here. Prepare for his arrival.”
There was a certain pressure that came up in the hearts of the officials, including Adam. Knowing that Asher, the young man he would not bow the knee to, had conquered several villages and a Gad, which was also small city, he trembled within.
That young lad was more than just a lord; he was a warlord!
A fearsome one at that.
Gath had a population of 15,000 barbarians, Adam’s city had 18,000, and Gad had 12,000. After slaying 800 centrak horseriders and 200 shield and axe infantrymen, Gath had about 14,000 residents.
Alec also cut down those who resisted, so the population was a little lower than 14,000. As for Adam’s city, which is known as Gallim, the residents were split.
6,000 were here, most of whom were warriors while the rest were in Bashan city, probably being forced against their wills to work.
Since his wife was locked up in Bashan, Adam was eager for Asher’s arrival. Because then they would march up to the large clan.
As of now, Asher had over 30,000 barbarians under captivity. All that remained was the main Bashan clan, and he had three days remaining.
“How are we going to tell him about our losses?” Eritrea asked. She lost a staggering number of 40 Thunderstorm Rangers and still hasn’t recovered from losing them. They were her sisters. She grew up with most of them.
But… This also showed the destructive might of a mage.
“A hundred Silver Wolves died with honor on the battlefield, and I shall tell him as it is.” Alec’s cold, detached tone made Eritrea frown.
Alec shot her a glance and walked away.
“Is he always like that?”
Adam asked while looking at Alec’s departing figure.
“No. Alec has been fighting for Ash Town long before Lord Asher became lord. He cares but barely shows it.”
Eritrea sighed.
“But what’s the use of caring if those you care for have no knowledge about it?”
Adam asked while staring at Eritrea.
…..
Sunset.
The beauty of the setting sun and orange clouds were almost unattractive to the inhabitants of Gath. Soldiers would be seen moving about, preparing for their lord’s arrival, and before anyone knew it, a soldier shouted.
“His Lordship has arrived!”
It was a soldier on the walls.
Hearing that, the troops assembled themselves, and the gate was swung wide open. Alec, Eritrea, Nero, Adam, and Katarina went to the top of the wall and looked into the distance. They could see a long line of men clad in dark silver armor.
Their long plumes and tattered red cloaks billowed as they rode at a moderate speed. As they rode their majestic centraks, they looked imposing, even though their numbers were fewer than what Aec expected.
Before this imposing troop were Asher, Alex and the vanguards. They looked even more imposing than the Bladebreakers. Their curved blue plumes danced softly, and their cloaks were undamaged.
Asher wore a white fur coat and rode on his regal steed, Bezerk.
When they entered the small city, Asher saw all his troops and commanders half kneeling with their heads lowered.
Shockingly, he found Adam and 1000 barbarian warriors amongst them. And they were not the only ones. 500 out of the remaining 800 axe and shield barbarian infantrymen were also submitting to him.
This was the first place he had seen the barbarians submitting before even advertising what he could bring to them.
“We greet His Lordship!!”
Their voices fell into his ears.
“I did not expect to see you.” Asher made his horse approach Adam.
“I was humbled.” Adam replied without a hint of pride.
The right corner of Asher’s lips curled up a bit.
[Ding! A commander-general-grade material, Adam of Gallim, has submitted to you. You are now his Lord. Would you like to upgrade him to become a diamond-ranked knight? Yes or No?]
[Ding! 1,500 barbarian footmen have submitted to you. Criteria for upgrade and integration have been fulfilled. Would you like to incorporate and upgrade the barbarian footmen to become a part of the Ashbourne army? Yes or No?]
[Ding! You have conquered Gath. One more clan remains. Your reward is at hand.]
‘Upgrade all of them.’
Swoosh!
A great light appeared as usual, and when it died down, Asher saw the Silver Wolf infantrymen had increased from 400 to 900! All of them 7-foot tall with tower shields, exquisite half-plate armor, and chainmail underneath with blue loincloth as a form of decoration. The loincloth bore the Ashbourne sigil.
These 900 Silver Wolf Heavy infantrymen were a magnificent sight that would make wastelands lords tremble in their castles. They were like an ancient force that came out of hibernation and were out to conquer!
There were 20 flag bearers in the troop, and all of them had thicker metal plates, making them sturdy and more gallant than the others.
Their tall tower shields that were easily over 100 kg formed an actual wall! Asher could hardly see or even imagine his enemy troops penetrating such a powerful infantry troop.
But that wasn’t all.
Right beside them were the upgraded version of Adam and his men. They wore silver plate armor over brown leather armor. The silver breastplate had intricate designs of raging flames, and it connected to the pauldrons and helmet.
The helmet had two eye holes, and the part covering their nose to their mouth had a laminar pattern. The helmet also had flat sides that came outward, protecting their neck from critical strikes.
Mountain cleavers inside their leather scabbards were strapped to their brown leather waist belts, and they held frightening halberds, which were about the same length as the spears wielded by the Silver Wolf infantry.
Metal plates were strapped to their thighs, just above their black leather pants, which could be seen. Their knees, the front and back, were protected by metal knee guards, and there were brown leather boots protecting their legs.
The part of the boot that covered their feet was made of refined steel!
[New Troop (light infantry): Desolate Slayers].
