The Sovereign System.

The scout halted, panting as he delivered his report. "Sir, the enemy forces are vast and have surrounded the fortress on all sides. I couldn't get an accurate count of their numbers."

Luke frowned. "And if you were to estimate?"

"Upwards of thirty thousand, sir," the scout replied gravely.

Luke's stomach sank. If the enemy had been a smaller force, they might have been able to harass them, force a retreat, and secure the grain supplies for the fortress. But with such a large army encircling the stronghold, any straightforward plan seemed futile. He needed a comprehensive strategy.

"Take me to the edge of the forest," Luke ordered. "I'll assess their army myself." Turning to Kayson and the others, he added, "Stay here and keep our forces out of sight. We can't risk being discovered and losing our advantage."

Roughly half an hour later, Luke arrived at the forest's edge. Peering through the tree line, he confirmed the scout's report. The enemy had indeed encircled the fortress, their formation strikingly similar to the tactics used by the Marxx Kingdom barely a week ago.

His gaze immediately landed on three catapults positioned about six hundred yards from the forest, perched atop a small hill. Judging by the workers scrambling around them, the siege engines weren't yet operational.

Luke exhaled a small sigh of relief. At least they still had time. Without a word, he closed his eyes and activated his Eagle Eye skill. His vision soared upward, offering a bird's-eye view of the battlefield.

The Qin Empire's forces were spread evenly across the four walls of the fortress, conducting probing attacks to apply pressure. However, the western side seemed to have a heavier concentration of troops.

From his vantage point, Luke observed the defenders atop the ramparts. Archers loosed volleys of arrows whenever the attackers advanced, struggling to dislodge siege ladders and prevent soldiers from scaling the walls. The siege had yet to escalate into a full-scale assault, but once the catapults became operational, the situation would deteriorate rapidly.

The scale of the Qin Empire's deployment made their intentions clear—this fortress was a highly strategic target.

When his vision returned to normal, Luke crouched in thought, his sharp mind enhanced by his Scholarly Pursuit skill. The ability combed through his mental library like a computer, surfacing relevant knowledge and strategies.

He mentally reviewed the countless sieges he'd studied, evaluating the tactics used by legendary generals to overcome such challenges. Many plans were discarded immediately—either he lacked the manpower, or the variables were too unpredictable.

'The catapults must be destroyed,' he mused. 'But I also need to alert Hayden that reinforcements are here. Sending a message, though, would alert the enemy to our presence.'

Their greatest advantage was their anonymity. The enemy had no idea they were there, and Luke would be a fool not to exploit it. He needed a plan to maximize this edge.

After a final glance at the battlefield, Luke turned and made his way back through the dense forest where the army waited. A strategy meeting with the officers was essential to decide their next move.

When he arrived, he found the four men already gathered, seated on a fallen tree. Luke raised a hand, signaling for them to remain seated, and joined them.

"The enemy forces number at least thirty thousand men," Luke began, his tone steady but grim. "They also have three catapults, which are not yet operational. We're facing a monumental task." His eyes swept over the officers' faces, gauging their reactions.

Each man bore a somber expression, even Captain Pierce, who was usually aloof and detached. The sheer size of the opposing force clearly weighed on them, especially given their own modest numbers—just ten thousand men.

"Our top priority should be destroying the catapults before they're operational," Kayson said, breaking the silence. His suggestion drew murmurs of agreement.

"Exactly," Luke affirmed. "The catapults are positioned roughly six hundred yards from the forest's edge. If we can douse them in oil and set them ablaze, it will serve two purposes. First, it will cripple their siege capabilities. Second, the fire will act as a signal to General Hart inside the fortress."

Stoddard, the eldest of the group, stroked his long chin thoughtfully. "We'd need to move quickly after setting the fire. It'll send the enemy into a frenzy."

His comment prompted nods of agreement. The men continued discussing various aspects of the plan, each contributing ideas. Kayson and Gerard were the most vocal, analyzing possible approaches and contingencies. Pierce, however, remained silent, his dark eyes fixed on the ground.

Eventually, their collective gaze turned to Luke. Though he and Kayson shared the same rank, it was clear who they looked to for final decisions. Their silent deference was a testament to the trust he had earned.

Luke rose without a word, retrieving a stick from the ground. He moved to the center of the group, where he cleared a patch of dirt with his boot, brushing away dried leaves to reveal a smooth surface.

With careful strokes, he began sketching the battlefield as he had seen it through his Eagle Eye skill. The officers watched intently, unaware that they were witnessing the most accurate representation of the enemy's positions they could hope for.

"This," Luke said, gesturing to the diagram, "is our battlefield. Here are the catapults, positioned on this hill, six hundred yards from the forest edge." He pointed to other critical points—the fortress walls, the densest enemy formations, and potential blind spots.

He explained his plan step by step, using both visual aids and concise language to ensure complete understanding. Even though these men were experienced and competent, Luke knew that a single misunderstanding could lead to catastrophe.

After laying out the strategy, Luke turned to the group. "Now, I want each of you to scrutinize this plan. Point out any weaknesses, oversights, or concerns. Leave no stone unturned."

This method, borrowed from Master Gale's teachings, had proven invaluable. Not only did it train the officers to think critically, but it also provided Luke with fresh perspectives, potentially uncovering flaws he hadn't considered.

"Commander, aren't you worried that our forces will be spread too thin?" Gerard asked, doing his best to keep his tone respectful.

"The enemy army is also spread thin around the fortress," Kayson interjected before Luke could respond. "As long as we avoid a pitched battle, they'll be too busy scrambling to fully resist our harassment."

Luke gave an approving nod. "Exactly. Now, take the men further into the forest and make sure they're well-fed. Keep the fires small and contained—we can't risk giving away our position."

He turned to Stoddard. "You and half the cavalry will ride south, then circle around to the eastern forest. Wait until the catapults are lit, then begin your attack." Luke's tone was firm, his gaze locking on the long-faced Lieutenant Commander. "Remember: hit-and-run tactics only. We'll need you fresh for the pincer attack later."

Stoddard gave a calm nod. "Understood."

With the orders issued, the men dispersed to carry them out. Kayson remained behind with Luke as the others left. The forest grew quieter, the tense anticipation of the night ahead settling over them like a heavy fog. For a moment, the atmosphere felt strangely calm—a stark contrast to the bloodshed that awaited.

"Gods, this thing is so itchy," Luke grumbled, tugging at the makeshift hood on his head. Even without the allergic reaction he'd endured the previous night, the coarse fabric felt like it was swarming with hives.

Kayson let out a low chuckle, throwing an arm over Luke's shoulders. "You know, you're really starting to sound like a proper Commander these days. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think you're half-capable."

"And if I didn't know you," Luke shot back, smirking, "I'd think you were just a shit-slinging stable boy."

They laughed heartily, the tension easing for a brief moment. It had been far too long since they'd shared such a lighthearted exchange, and Luke found himself savoring it.

"You did well back at Valand City," Kayson said, his tone suddenly serious. "Another man might've run his spear through that treacherous bastard, but you kept your cool—for the greater good. I respect that."

Luke raised an eyebrow, scratching his head again as the hood irritated his scalp. He hadn't yet told Kayson about the potential infiltration of Lhair. The timing had never been right, and now wasn't the moment either. The battle ahead demanded his full focus.

"I'm sure you would've done the same, brother," Luke replied, setting the matter aside for now. There would be time for it later—if they survived the night.

Kayson gave a hollow laugh. "While I'm honored you think so highly of me, I'm not sure I could've done the same if our roles were reversed."

Luke held his gaze for a moment before breaking it. "Let's not speak of it anymore. We've got more pressing matters."

Kayson nodded in agreement. "You're right."

"I'll need you at your best tonight," Luke continued, his tone lower but no less firm. "I don't trust Captain Pierce as far as I can throw him."

"Aye," Kayson said again, his expression darkening. "He gives me a bad feeling, that man. I'll keep an eye on him during the battle."

If this had been before Luke upgraded Kayson's stats, he might have felt concerned. But now, knowing that Kayson's strength and speed rivaled even Sebastian's, Luke felt a deep sense of reassurance. The only issue was that Kayson himself remained unaware of his newfound abilities—a potential disadvantage in the battle to come.

Luke decided it was time to reveal the truth.

He pulled the ruggedly handsome man close and spoke in a hushed tone. "What I'm about to tell you may sound unbelievable, but I need you to listen carefully."

Kayson's brow furrowed in confusion, but he nodded. "Go on."

"Have you heard the term 'Blessed by the Gods'?" Luke asked, watching his friend's face closely.

Kayson's expression faltered, his skepticism evident. "Yes, I've heard it before. But hearing and believing are two different things, brother. Why are you asking me this?"

"As I thought," Luke murmured. "Now, answer me this: Have you noticed any changes in your body since we last spoke before the siege?"

Kayson's eyes widened, the question catching him off guard. "What are you saying?"

Luke exhaled slowly, his gaze steady. "I have been blessed by the Gods, Kayson. Because of our bond, I was able to enhance your body's capabilities."

Kayson took an instinctive step back, his face a mixture of disbelief and unease. "Wait, wait, wait. You're telling me you made me stronger? That can't be possible. That's a power reserved for the Gods themselves. No mortal can do such a thing."

Luke's expression remained serious. "I speak the truth, brother. Pick up your spear and see for yourself. Test your strength, your speed. Prove me wrong if you can."

Kayson hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. "This is madness," he muttered. Still, he moved to a nearby tree where his spear leaned against the trunk. Grasping the weapon firmly, he hefted it a few times, testing its weight with practiced precision. His movements were cautious, but Luke could see the curiosity burning in his eyes.

With a sudden burst of motion, Kayson stepped forward, planting his left foot as he hurled the spear like a javelin. His target was a tree over a hundred feet away, its broad trunk bathed in the dim light filtering through the forest canopy.

The air seemed to split as the spear hurtled forward. A loud crack echoed through the woods as the weapon punched clean through the two-foot-thick tree, leaving a jagged, spear-sized hole in its center. On the other side, shards of the weapon scattered to the ground, only the spearhead remaining intact.

Kayson stood frozen, his chiseled jaw slack as he stared at the destruction. "By the Gods…" he whispered, his voice trailing off. He turned to Luke, his expression shifting between awe and disbelief. "You're right."

Luke offered a small, knowing smile. "I told you."