Chapter 127
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Chapter 127: Under the Flickering Light
Another siege battle ended.
Under Fina’s long-distance Magic Beam bombardment, the local garrison of the Sais family put up no resistance.
After a single round of attacks, all checkpoints and obstacles in this resource-heavy town were cleared. Five hundred soldiers surrendered immediately, unable to even flee. The Sais family’s emblem flag was torn down and burned, replaced by Hamilton’s three Golden Lions.
The thirty-thousand-strong Golden Branch Legion’s central force advanced relentlessly, with every battle proceeding similarly.
Impeccable command, far-sighted strategies, overwhelming firepower suppression, and a leader’s unwavering charisma—Midi and Fina’s traits kept shining through. Their partnership amplified each other’s strengths.
With victory after victory, generals believed raising Hamilton’s Golden Lion flag over the Sais family’s castle was inevitable.
Even the usually steady commander Clark seemed invigorated these days, as if rejuvenated by a decade.
For soldiers, victory meant everything. Riding constant triumphs, they grew sharper, like blood-tasted swords unsheathed.
Yet as the army’s true commander, Midi knew the decisive moment hadn’t come.
Fina’s Magic Beam would soon be countered. Nothing lasts forever.
From twenty years of gambles and battles in his past life, Midi learned this: without adaptation, even Awakened Experts, Apostles, or gods would eventually be dissected for weaknesses.
If even peak experts weren’t flawless, how could Fina—merely level 36—be perfect? Her Magic Beam’s dominance would fade. New spells and power were crucial before that day.
Midi already sensed the Sais family preparing countermeasures against Fina.
Recent victories told the story: while the Sais lost territories and strongholds, their actual troop strength remained largely intact.
After the bloody border clash involving fifty thousand troops, the Sais family avoided direct conflict with the Golden Branch Legion’s core—especially Midi and Fina. Their “losses” were weak local garrisons, many barely combat-ready.
The true Sais forces—Black Flame Legion, Flame Guards, Azure Flame Iron Cavalry—remained intact.
Meanwhile, Sais’ notorious Dark Flame Scouts shadowed the Golden Branch Legion persistently, enduring heavy losses to monitor Fina’s every move.
They were studying her Magic Beam, probing for flaws.
Once they found a counter, the final confrontation would begin.
Another option was crushing the Sais swiftly before they adapted. But a centuries-old powerhouse couldn’t fall to a couple of geniuses. Rushing deeper risked isolation and annihilation.
Thus, Midi advanced cautiously while the Sais bought time to counter the Queen of Magic.
The true battle would come then.
Given the Sais family’s resources, targeting Fina alone wouldn’t take long. Based on past Defensive Magic Arrays, Midi estimated their move within a week.
To prepare, he analyzed endless intelligence—spy reports from Sais’ capital, scout updates, enemy movements, flanking legion summaries, main force reports, generals’ theories…
Thoughts from spies, soldiers, officers, and skeptics littered his desk. Midi pieced them into a mental map of Sais territory—no, the entire Belmar Duchy—to plan his next move.
As midnight approached, Midi sat in the occupied county’s temporary camp, buried in reports.
A steaming teacup materialized silently on his desk mid-contemplation.
"Let’s take a break," Fina’s melodious voice rang in Midi’s ear.
Midi didn’t stand on ceremony. With a faint smile, he took a small sip and sighed contentedly, "Good tea."
Though Alice’s black tea skills surpassed this brew, voicing such thoughts would be foolish. What truly warmed him wasn’t the tea, but the care behind it.
Watching Midi’s relaxed face, Fina felt ripples stir in her heart. She’d watched this black-haired boy tirelessly since leaving Eagle’s Nest.
His initial goal had been simple – suppress the seven major branches to secure her position. But discovering the third faction’s existence drove him to hunt the shadowy mastermind.
The Flowing Water County victory glittered with unseen dangers. A broken ice bridge meant death. Failed breakthrough meant death. Inadequate harassment would’ve wasted all previous efforts. Safer attack methods existed – while the 2,000 Cavalry surprise attack offered lowest cost and highest gain, even conservative approaches could maintain Hamilton’s Undefeated Position.
Midi chose the riskiest path to give Fina more initiative against hidden enemies. Now facing the Sais family, he still labored secretly, planting unknown safeguards – even Golden Branch Legion’s Commander Clark stayed uninformed, not knowing the traitor’s identity.
This campaign appeared relaxed outwardly but demanded Midi’s relentless Mental Energy. Had he pushed too hard?
Fina stole a glance at the slumbering boy. Since he’d strived so much, shouldn’t she reward him? No – she must reward him.
Though others saw extraordinary trust in her granting him Golden Branch Legion’s command, their shared bond made such gestures mere formalities. For a true reward…
What did Midi desire?
Blush lightly coloring her cheeks, Fina cleared her throat. "Midi?"
No answer came. The tea-drinking genius had fallen asleep.
Seeing his innocent sleeping face, Fina first scanned the room, then released magic waves to confirm the locked door. Like a cautious cat, she bent down, face burning as she neared his cheek.
Hesitation flashed. Resolute, she straightened and shook him awake.
"Huh? I fell asleep?" Midi blinked, chagrined. He’d meant to hide his exhaustion.
"Sorry to wake you, but…" Fina met his gaze solemnly. "There’s something I must say."
Midi straightened. "What is it?"
Her answer came through action. Tucking crimson waterfall hair behind her ear, she leaned down.
Flickering candlelight merged their shadows briefly.
Not quite a kiss – just a swift peck on his cheek. But Fina refused stealth. A stolen kiss wouldn’t be a true reward.
Though waking him seemed rude, sneaking kisses while he slept felt cowardly. Uncertain of her swirling emotions, she knew one thing – she wanted him to understand her heart.
