Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 410: Chapter 274: The Horse Is Gone Again_1

The two quickly reached a nearby hilltop. Looking down, they could see the entire town.

The town below looked similar to most towns in the Empire, with a simple city wall encircling some brick and stone buildings, while ordinary longhouses lay outside.

A small river ran alongside, its banks covered with large fields. A branch of the river had been diverted into a moat dug around the town, and now only a drawbridge provided access.

Not far from the edge of the town, an old, repaired road—or rather, one that was still constantly in use—could be seen.

”It has walls and a moat. Even if they’re not of an exaggerated size, doesn’t that pose a problem?” Geralt was not very familiar with military operations but understood that attacking a fortified position was very different from an open-field battle. He estimated that an assault on the town with their current numbers would result in significant casualties.

However, Lance just laughed and shook his head when he heard this.

”Having walls is actually better. Otherwise, if those fellows scattered, where would I find enough men to chase them all down? Now, we just need to seize the city gates to completely control this place. Then, we can send in the Elite Squad to sweep through.”

Lance didn’t mention how they would cross the drawbridge and seize the city gates, but he looked as if the gates had already been taken.

After a quick survey, Lance had formulated a rough plan.

”Let’s go. Time to get ready to make our move.”

”Shouldn’t we infiltrate first to confirm the presence of Heretics? What if those people are only a small faction?”

Whenever Geralt received a mission, he always made sure to thoroughly investigate the situation with monsters. But now, they seemed set on launching a devastating strike after a mere glance. Is this a bit... reckless?

”It’s already confirmed.”

Lance showed no intention of stopping, so Geralt could only follow him down the hill.

”Any reasonably large settlement is definitely related to a water source. But have you ever seen an ordinary town that has both a moat and city walls? This is either a military stronghold, or it means this place won’t be easily abandoned.

But did you notice the fields outside the town? There should be people working on them at this time of year, but there aren’t. Many fields have been neglected. Do you think farmers would abandon their own fields? Would farm owners let their fields lie fallow?

Moreover, some of the longhouses’ thatched roofs have collapsed. I’m telling you, that’s a sign no one has lived there for at least six months, because thatched roofs need regular replacement to prevent leaks. And right now, with refugees everywhere, why do you think those longhouses are uninhabited?

Also, look at the town’s gates—hardly anyone is going in or out. Do you think these are signs of a normal town?

All these signs indicate that Heretics took complete control of this town long ago. Both the city walls and the moat were built by them later because this location is crucial. Even they wouldn’t want to abandon it readily.”

Geralt hadn’t expected that so much could be deduced from a few simple glances. He really was only suited for hunting monsters, not for the battlefield.

Seeing Geralt distracted, Lance emphasized, ”Do you think a town controlled by Heretics would have any ordinary people left in it? Have you forgotten those bones at the camp? Even if there were any survivors initially, they’re probably in the Heretics’ stomachs by now.”

Geralt understood this logic and said no more.

Lance, however, was not in a hurry. As they walked, he briefly explained to Geralt how he had stumbled upon an Ascension Sect ritual site, thus incurring their enmity, and described their detailed ritual practices.

The more people around, the more Lance felt the need to guard his deeper secrets. He needed to blend into this world, so he couldn’t afford to act too outlandishly. On the surface, he needed a plausible reason for his conflict with the Ascension Sect.

Geralt had lived a long time and knew of quite a few evil cults, but he still felt disgusted after hearing about the Ascension Sect’s twisted rituals.

Soon, they returned to the temporary camp. Lance summoned the others and explained the situation. In truth, there wasn’t much of a tactical plan: this was to be a war of annihilation, with no survivors.

Three hundred men would rapidly seize key intersections and important buildings in the town. After an initial sweep, two hundred of them would form five-man squads to clear all remaining buildings, while the Cavalry would clear out any enemies from the longhouses on the outskirts.

”My Lord, let me lead the team to take the city gates!” Dismas, eager to show off his strength after his Strengthening, declared.

”Me too!” Boudica chimed in, raising her War Halberd, not willing to pass up the opportunity to swing her weapon with glee.

”I know you’re eager, but don’t be hasty,” Lance said. He raised his hand to stroke the head of Wang Cai, his wolf, who was beside him. Briefly recalling the town’s layout, he then picked up a stick and began sketching it on the ground.

”Since the Ascension Sect has fortified this place so thoroughly, it proves there are enemies inside that ordinary soldiers can’t handle.

Your mission is to deal with these particular foes. I don’t want any casualties among my soldiers; they are my precious subjects.”

”Yes, sir!”

Dismas and the others understood. Accepting such an important responsibility required courage, and their loyalty was unwavering.

”The same goes for you. I don’t want any of you getting hurt.”

Lance’s words greatly calmed the agitated few. The fact that their Lord valued them fostered a strong sense of belonging.

”Next, I will detail everyone’s assignments...”

Lance began assigning tasks.

”Once inside, Paracelsus will lead a medical squad to establish a medical camp near the city gate to treat the wounded.

The warehouse is in this area near the city gate. Dismas, Balistan, and Boudica, you three will lead teams to capture the warehouse and other key locations.”