Real Mount and Blade Game

Elaine enjoyed the honey-smoked fish, a special dish made by the halflings, and then drank a few sips of crisp beer to soothe her throat.

He put down his wine glass, his excitement fading slightly, replaced by a serious expression.

The firelight danced on his angular face, highlighting the sharp features characteristic of the Kujit people.

"Lord Shen Mu, everyone." Eleanor's voice was a few decibels lower, drowning out the nearby noise: "While everyone is here, I should report on the situation in the east immediately."

New Jivadin's defenses are solid, and there is no immediate concern.

But recently, in the wastelands and ruins to the east and north of the castle, the activity that has become noticeably more frequent is not the scattered undead, but something far more troublesome.

Upon hearing this, the core generals sitting around the campfire put down their food or wine cups and focused their attention on Eleanor.

Fatis frowned slightly, Rezarit's fingers tapped lightly on the table as usual, and Bestur licked the grease from the corner of his mouth, his eyes sharpening.

Shen Mu also put down the honey water he had barely touched and quietly looked at Eleanor, waiting for her to continue.

"They are skeleton cavalry."

Eleanor uttered the word clearly: "The numbers... are much greater than before. What's more troublesome is that we've seen skeleton knights mixed in with their ranks more than once. Their equipment is clearly different, their movements are faster, and their destructive power is greater! They usually only patrol and gather regularly in specific areas. The Khergit who came back from reconnaissance said that the fragments of equipment they carry, their style... are unlike any undead monster we've ever seen."

He paused, seemingly recalling the details described by the scout in a fearful tone: "Those equipment, though terribly decayed, had an outline that seemed more like... the creation of some non-human creature? With a twisted sense of refinement, perhaps cannon fodder elite scouts from some higher undead plane?"

The celebratory atmosphere in the courtyard was somewhat dampened by this sudden piece of information.

The generals, illuminated by the campfire, had faces that were half bright with joy and half shrouded in deep shadow.

The delicious mutton, venison, fragrant pumpkin, and cabbage seemed to lose some of their flavor in an instant.

Rezarit spoke in a deep voice: "Unique equipment style, non-human standard... and operating in an organized manner? These are not scattered wandering undead; there may be a deeper command behind them, with a clear target for our new stronghold. The threat of the hellish demons has not yet erupted, but the corruption of the undead seems to be taking the lead? The east may become the next eye of the storm."

Fatis looked at Shen Mu: "My lord, although New Rivadin is strong, its military strength is far inferior to that of Deherim. If these undead cavalry are to take shape on a large scale, and in conjunction with the possible appearance of skeletal behemoths or other high-ranking undead, they will deal a devastating blow to our fragile supply lines and outer outposts."

Bestur licked his lips, his eyes flashing with a fierce rather than fearful light: "Skeleton warhorses? Hmph, perfect! Those guys I didn't get enough of in Deherm, their skeletons will be turned into a pile of broken bones when they run into our Khergit swift scimitars!"

Shen Mu listened quietly, his deep gaze sweeping over the solemn faces of each general illuminated by the campfire.

He ran his fingers lightly along the rim of the cold wine glass, feeling the cool touch of the wood grain, like a cold blade lurking on a battlefield.

"Eye of the storm?"

Shen Mu's voice was deep and clear, with a cold, penetrating quality that easily suppressed the lingering noise in the courtyard.

He didn't deliberately raise his voice, but every word struck the generals like a hammer blow: "Does the Abyss of the Dead want to stir up trouble again on our newly reborn land?"

He shook his head slightly, a faint yet sarcastic smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

Eleanor keenly sensed the subtle change in her lord, immediately sat up straight, and instantly cast aside all distracting thoughts, leaving only focus.

The gloom he brought did not bring despair, but instead fueled the unfinished game in the lord's mind.

“The wind…” Shen Mu’s gaze turned eastward, as if piercing through the thick stone walls and darkness of Deherim, and landing on the wasteland trampled by the iron hooves of skeletons: “It can be used by us.”

He hovered his fingertip over the location of New Rivadin on the map and tapped it lightly.

"Eleanor".

The order was decisive and without the slightest hesitation: "After the banquet, immediately make the following arrangements in New Rivadin: close all small outposts on the outskirts and disperse troops. Pay attention to reconnaissance to ensure no troop losses. However, the cavalry reconnaissance must be sent out in large numbers to ensure that all intelligence within the eastern region is under control."

The command ignited a wolfish green light in Bestur's eyes, and he let out a suppressed growl.

This is already preparation for war.

"at the same time."

Shen Mu tapped his knuckles on the table, making a crisp sound: "Keep an eye on providing reconnaissance logs to Deherim at all times. If there are any developments, we will immediately provide support."

The atmosphere around the campfire had completely settled under the gloom brought by Elaine.

The celebratory clamor and the fragrance of fine wine did not dissipate, but instead cast a heavy frost over the hearts of the generals.

The soldiers' clamor carried from afar, but could no longer reach the fighting spirit within the core circle, which was isolated by an invisible barrier.

Shen Mu's fingertip movement at the location of Xin Riwading was like a decisive move in chess.

Eleanor sprang to his feet, his right fist slamming into his breastplate, producing a short, metallic clang: "Yes, my lord! New Rivadin will not slacken in the slightest!"

Shen Mu's gaze, however, had already passed over Eleanor and was directed towards the darkness deep within the courtyard, beyond the reach of the flickering firelight.

"The banquet is over." Shen Mu's voice was not loud, but it instantly suppressed all the whispers.

He picked up the almost untouched glass of ice-cold honey water on the table, drank it all in one gulp, and the cool liquid seemed to carry a resolute chill as it slid down his throat.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

"Bestur." Shen Mu turned to the fierce Khergit general, his command as direct as a drawn scimitar: "Immediately muster your 500 most elite Khergit archers, prepare their horses and quivers, and stock up on three days' worth of rations. I want your arrows to tear through the snow and your sabers to sever the dead."

"Yes, sir!" Bestur's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and his rugged face twisted with excitement.

He slammed his fist on the table, making the cups and saucers rattle: "Those bone scum will soon see the light of day! The sound of the Kujit horses' hooves will be their funeral dirge!!"

He abruptly rose to his feet, the force of his movement nearly smothering the flames, and strode towards his men who were eating and drinking. His rough roar instantly drowned out the clamor in the courtyard: "Khergits! Put down your cups! Pick up your bows! Check your knives! Sound the hawk whistles! Lord Shen Mu has ordered—the hunt has begun again!!"

The echoes were like the howls of wolves, and a large number of Khergit horse archers stood up with a clatter and moved swiftly.

“Rezarit!” Shen Mu’s gaze was like an icicle piercing the composed general.

“My lord!” Rezarit stood up instantly, his right hand pressed tightly against his left chest, his posture impeccable.

The traces of the banquet were gone from his face, leaving only the cold hardness of a soldier. "Select 500 of the bravest Swadian knights. Their armor must be gleaming, their lances sharp and straight, and their warhorses vigorous." Shen Mu's voice carried the texture of steel impact: "I want them to be an unshakeable wall, crushing any decaying bones on the plains that try to stand in their way."

"Yes, my lord!" A sharp glint flashed in Rezarit's eyes.

He was calmer than Bestur, but his chilling aura was equally terrifying.

He bowed slightly, then quickly turned around and sternly ordered in clear, standard language: "Order! Fifth Knights! Assemble immediately! Check equipment! Prepare horses! Ready to move out!"

“Fatis.” Shen Mu’s gaze fell on the knight commander he trusted most.

Fatis had already risen, standing like a silent steel sculpture. Beneath his visor, his eyes, as calm as an icy lake, flickered with a cold flame of responsibility under the firelight.

"You and the Knights of the Holy Tree will remain in Deherim." Shen Mu's order left no room for doubt: "The castle is the fortress, and the city is the military camp. You are fully responsible for the city's defense, sentry posts, and internal stability. Any unusual activity, whether from the sky or the earth, is your responsibility to handle with the highest level of alert, without needing to ask for permission."

“Yes, sir!” Fatis punched his chest with his right fist, producing a deep, metallic clang. He said no more; his promise was heavier than a mountain.

“Manid.” Shen Mu’s gaze turned to the astute steward.

“My lord!” Manid immediately bowed, his face showing no trace of the ease that remained from the banquet.

"You will personally oversee the construction of the new town area in the east and west, without any delays. I need to see the initial outline of the prisoner recruitment, resettlement planning, and resource allocation within ten days. You will also assist Fatis in expanding the fortifications and internal security of the castle area. You will have full authority to handle all non-military affairs within the city."

"Yes! Manid will do his utmost to live up to your expectations!" Manid's eyes gleamed; he was already adept at managing the central leadership.

"James." Finally, Shen Mu looked at the physician.

James also stood up, his expression humble and focused: "My lord, I understand. I will remain at the castle infirmary to continue studying the light magic and herbal samples you provided, and I will also keep an eye on Zhang Bo and Yang Di's condition to ensure their 'value' continues. At the same time, I will be ready to deal with any special circumstances that may require magical support."

Shen Mu nodded slightly.

His orders were as clear as a knife, and the generals responded crisply and forcefully.

Driven by his will, the entire central system of Deherim instantly switched from a joyous feast to a cold war machine.

The servants quickly and silently cleared away the leftovers to make way for the march that was about to begin.

Just fifteen minutes later.

The heavy main gate of Deherim slowly opened amidst the roar of machinery.

The cold night wind, like countless invisible hands, instantly poured into the warm inner courtyard of the castle, dispelling the last trace of alcohol and bringing the dust and deathly stillness unique to the wasteland.

The torchlight flickered and danced in the wind.

Shen Mu had already mounted his magnificent Sacred Tree Steed, his black cloak fluttering in the wind.

To his left stood the Swadian heavy cavalry, arrayed in a disciplined formation like a moving iron wall.

The heavy plate armor gleamed with a cold metallic luster under the torches, lances stood like a forest pointing forward, and the breath of warhorses exhaled white mist in the cold air. Their hooves pawed the ground restlessly, yet there was not a sound.

Rezarit stood at the front of the group, longsword held high, like a frozen battle flag.

On the right, there was a restless and wild-looking group of Khergit horse archers.

Their formation was somewhat loose, their warhorses were short and wiry but full of explosive power, their scimitars hung on their saddles, their longbows were slung over their backs, and every face was filled with the fervor and anticipation of a long march, with the occasional excited neigh of a horse.

Bestur rides like a wolf king, flanking his pack with hawk-like eyes, occasionally licking his sharp lips.

"Let's go." Shen Mu's voice was calm and even, like the night wind brushing against cold rocks.

There were no impassioned declarations, only the authority to issue final orders.

The sacred tree and the horseshoes of the great steeds clattered as they trod across the cold wooden planks of the moat.

Immediately following, the sound of horses' hooves exploded like thunder from a clear sky!

The Swadian heavy cavalry began to move, their steps heavy and orderly, the sound of their hooves rising and falling forming a deep, earth-shaking drumbeat.

The Khergit horse archers surged forth from the flanks like a black torrent bursting its banks. Bestur led the charge, letting out a sharp whistle. The horse archers transformed into hundreds of shadows, quickly disappearing into the darkness outside the city gates. Only the rapid, rain-like sound of hooves echoed across the plains outside the city, like countless probes piercing the unknown east.

Fatis stood on the city wall, gazing at the massive cavalry formation that was gradually merging into the boundless darkness.

The flames died down, and the city walls fell into a deep silence, with only the sound of the wind and the distant, faint sound of thunderous hooves.

Beneath the mask, those icy blue eyes were colder than starlight.

Rezarit silently followed beside Shen Mu. The heavy cavalry formation, like a giant black warhammer, slowly and steadily rolled across the dark-shrouded wasteland, marching towards the unknown dawn in the east.

Each step made the air feel heavier and more stagnant.

The eastern horizon was still shrouded in the thick darkness. Shen Mu led his elite cavalry force, quietly intruding into the heart of this dark territory, to search for signs that would put the entire Deherim on high alert.

The wind on the plains carried a deeper chill, as if foreshadowing the approaching harsh winter represented by the skeletal cavalry.

Right beside Shen Mu, Elaine accompanied him with the bandits of the grasslands.

However, on the outermost edge, those lightly armed and highly mobile grassland bandits, unburdened by armor, had already been dispersed to act as scouts, exploring and reconnoitering ahead.

These light cavalrymen were the best scouts and reconnaissance soldiers.

"The changes are getting bigger and bigger." Shen Mu looked at the road in front of him, which was full of potholes and could no longer be called a complete concrete road. The potholes were all caused by the descent of the spirit world, which created various sandy land or Gobi desert terrains.

It's like bald patches appearing on a once thick head of hair.

It looks terrible.

However, Shen Mu also understood that the phenomenon of the Blue Star world transforming into the Spirit Realm was becoming increasingly obvious and irreversible. (End of Chapter)