Chapter 88

The Mystic Army, thirty thousand strong, was personally trained by Rafael to protect the city. These elite soldiers were prepared to defend against any rebellion or attack on the capital. The Mystic Army rarely saw battle, unless absolutely necessary. Reclaiming the Southern Frontier, however, had become a necessity.

Mobilizing troops from the Riverhold Garrison risked provoking Vesperia, another enemy kingdom, into aggression. Therefore, the Riverhold Garrison troops could not be moved, necessitating the deployment of the Mystic Army.

Although the Mystic Army seldom saw battle, this didn't mean its members were inexperienced. On the contrary, all thirty thousand were selected from war-hardened soldiers and rigorously trained further. Ten thousand were Obsidian Guards, responsible for the king's safety and maintaining order in the capital. Another ten thousand handled criminal arrests, detaining suspects—including members of the royal family—without public trials. They reported directly to Rafael. The remaining ten thousand monitored officials, often disguised as commoners and mingling with servants in noble households.

Fifteen thousand Mystic Army soldiers—five thousand from each division—had arrived at the Southern Frontier. Rafael brought Carissa to where they were assembled. The fifteen thousand soldiers, clad in black iron armor, were uniformly tall, their ages ranging from their twenties to their forties. They formed a neat, solemn, and imposing line, embodying the qualities of elite troops.

Rafael, hands behind his back, stood bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. "Listen up! From today on, General Sinclair will be your deputy commander. Here at the Southern Frontier, you will follow her orders. If she commands you to charge, you will charge without hesitation."

"Yes, sir!" Their thunderous response echoed across the camp outside Illyrian City.

Carissa stood tall, meeting their resolute gazes. With soldiers like these, she had no reason to fear defeat.

Barrett and Aurora watched from a distance. The sunset seemed to imbue the face of each mighty Mystic Army soldier with a golden glow, making them appear like divine warriors.

"We led the reinforcements here! Why should they be under Carissa's command?" Aurora complained. "You shouldn't have held me back. The marshal clearly intends to support her."

Barrett replied calmly, "Even if not her, they wouldn't be under us. The Mystic Army reports to the marshal. As reinforcements, we ultimately follow his orders."

"Not necessarily," Aurora retorted. "Didn't we lead our troops at Victory Pass?"

"That was different. General Sullivan had been holding Victory Pass for a long time before we arrived, and he was seriously injured. Remember our first battle at Victory Pass? We were completely overwhelmed. If not for…" Barrett trailed off.

If not for Carissa's third uncle's timely intervention, Barrett would have died on the battlefield. However, it had cost Wyatt Sullivan a limb. The memory darkened Barrett's mood. He owed Carissa a great deal.

"On the battlefield, it's all about saving each other," Aurora said. "You don't owe Carissa anything; if you owe anyone, it's General Wyatt Sullivan."

Barrett didn't want to dwell on these thoughts. He feared regretting his decisions if he thought too deeply. He had achieved his goal of marrying Aurora and was now on the Southern Frontier battlefield. As long as he fought bravely, he could restore the Warren family's glory.

"I just think it's unfair," Aurora added. "I'm sure my comrades will feel the same."

Barrett grabbed her wrist. "What are you planning? Don't spread this among the troops. It will disrupt morale."

Aurora shook off his hand. "I don't need to say anything. Everyone can see for themselves! Are you defending her?"

"I'm not defending her," Barrett explained. "With a major battle imminent, we cannot afford a disruption in morale."

"Is that so?" Aurora smirked coldly, looking at the setting sun. "Maybe a little chaos will expose Carissa's incompetence."

Barrett's heart sank. "Aurora, I'm warning you—if you dare spread dissent, you'll face military punishment."

Aurora's expression was filled with arrogance. "I was the hero of Victory Pass and am Starhaven's first female general. I haven't committed any major crimes. Who would dare punish me?"