Cornflower Witch

Chapter 270 Military Conscription
Within Regas, in the city of Riftax.

The rugged rocks form a city wall about thirty meters high. The terrain here is treacherous, built against the mountain, and it is also an important stronghold guarding the central and southern parts of Regas.

The city was bustling with activity as Antian armies were summoned from all directions and gathered there.

Inside the city lord's palace
"Sir, we have located the core stronghold of the Hundred-Eyed Cult. It is a secluded valley nestled among the mountains." A secret agent in a black and gray uniform strode into the room to report.

"Are you sure? Report the details to me." Kachis, who was pacing around the room, turned around.

"Yes, my lord."

The spy then gave Catchis detailed information about the location of the valley and its current state.

"They seem to be preparing for something, perhaps another mysterious ceremony."

Upon hearing the word 'ritual,' Kachis opened his eyes, and an overwhelming aura emanated from him, almost suffocating the spy in front of him.

"I understand." After a few seconds, he calmed his breathing and then answered.

"Inform the 'Mistblade' squad to keep a close watch on that valley."

"Yes, but sir, we found that valley using the 'Golden-Eyed Eagles' trained by the army. If we send the Mist Blade Squad, they might be detected by the Eye Demons. Those guys have exceptionally good eyesight; even if they are invisible, they might still be discovered."

“That’s true.” Kachis accepted his subordinate’s advice with exceptional humility.

"Have them wait in a secluded spot outside the valley. You continue to recruit 'Golden-Eyed Eagles' to observe the situation there. If there are any changes, immediately notify the Mist Blade Squad. They will know how to respond."

"Yes."

Immediately, the spy went out.

Inside the room, Kachis marked the valley on the map, then summoned a messenger and began issuing various orders.

Upon learning the exact locations of the Hundred-Eyed Cult and Prince Jabbers, the Antian army within Regas, like awakened behemoths, began to mobilize and gather. They first arrived at Riftax City for reorganization, and then set off in batches.

The first few groups went to different areas in southern Regas, pretending to search for traces, while the main force slowly moved south. When they were not far from the hidden valley, all the teams suddenly changed their marching direction and marched towards the pre-set target, gradually surrounding the valley monitored by the Golden-Eyed Eagle like a pocket.

Dark red banners fluttered in the wind, and Antian soldiers, wearing pointed iron helmets, were ready to go. Under the command of messenger cavalry, the ranks advanced step by step. The mighty army that had conquered Regas had reappeared on this land after two years.

On the mountain peak, the leader of the Hundred-Eyed Sect looked down at this scene from afar, his body motionless, his dark red robes fluttering in the cold wind.

"I underestimated that Antian."

Because the Hundred-Eyed Cult was preparing too hastily, their actions were not as secretive as before, and Kachis, being an Antian general skilled in intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, naturally discovered their whereabouts.

"What do we do now, Master?" a senior follower asked, bowing his head.

"Should we suspend the ceremony and break out immediately?" Most of them were commoners, and even though they had joined the sect, they still had an instinctive fear of the nobles and the vast army.

“Stop, no, no,” the leader refused in a somber voice.

"We have no chance to miss the moment when the stars are in place, and we will not be given a second chance."

He took a deep breath, as if making some kind of decision.

"Notify the branches at each stronghold to take immediate action, seize control of the local towns, and invoke Prince Jobs' name." "We have already had Prince Jobs write about a hundred investiture proclamations, as well as seals and scepters symbolizing power. These things may be useless under normal circumstances, but they can stir up chaos at critical moments."

“Since Kachis is not giving us a way out, then we don’t need to leave him a way out either. I want to see if he, as a general, can still return to the Kingdom of Antioch alive after most of the territory in Regas rebels and declares independence.”

"I understand." The believer wanted to say something more, but he didn't speak.

While it may seem like a good thing to incite rebellions throughout Regas, it also completely exposes the wealth and hidden secrets of the Hundred-Eyed Cult over the past few centuries.

Cults are called cults because they are not recognized by mainstream forces. Once exposed, they will face more than just the army of Antiochians. But this time the situation is critical. If they don't use these trump cards, they won't have a second chance.

Not every generation of the Hundred-Eyed Cult can encounter a time of national chaos and neglect by all sides, and it just so happens to be the third year of the Stormy Season.

So, under pressure from various circumstances, even though they knew it was extremely dangerous, they had no better choice.

Tens of thousands of Antioch's troops marched across the plains, their encampments stretching for nearly ten kilometers. Even at night, patrolling soldiers carried torches back and forth, deterring any spying forces from making any rash moves.

However, after these large armies were mobilized and assembled, supplies became a huge problem. They no longer had the supplies and food provided by the Anti Kingdom headquarters, and could only draw on the storage of various towns and villages in Regas along the way.

……

Outside the village, a tall and burly Antian quartermaster directed his men to surround the area and then had the villagers gather in the square.

He rode on a tall, chestnut-red warhorse, holding a leather whip and pointing at the villagers in front of him.

"Listen up, immediately move all the grain, vegetables, and meat from the village to the square."

"I'll give you two hours to move it. After that, I'll have soldiers check each house. Anyone found hiding or refusing to hand it over will be killed without mercy!" These last few words exploded like thunder in the crowd.

The villagers stirred, some wanting to argue, but soon a whip lashed down, tearing their skin and flesh.

"Remember, this is not negotiation, nor is it pleading; it is an order to obey absolutely!" He emphasized once again, his icy blue, gray eyes sending chills down the spines of the villagers who were trying to resist.

The mobilization of a large army is no trivial matter. If supplies are cut off, the consequences will be unimaginable. Not only should we provide 100% of the required food, but we should also prepare 200% of the food supply to have the capacity to deal with any emergencies.

Amidst the silent cries, some villagers numbly returned home and began moving grain. Meanwhile, some Antioch soldiers rushed into the village, urging supervision and continuously loading bags of food they found onto carts and dragging them out of the village.

Such scenes did not occur in this first village, but rather in various towns and villages south of Regas.

During the process, some people felt it was inappropriate and reported it to their superiors.

"I am aware of your report, but everything will proceed as usual. There is no need for excessive mercy."

"Whether you take all or half, you will earn the other party's hatred. Doing half and leaving half is the most ridiculous thing."

"Furthermore, you must believe that those people are not the fools and good people you think they are. They always have something to hide, and they will always find a way to survive. It is not up to you or me to worry about their future."

"We are the army that conquers them. Everything we do is to take what originally belonged to others. This is our mission. Do not be fooled by pedantic teachings."

"They will also accept this fact with each time they are taken away, just as they once served and paid taxes for the nobles of Regas. People are always willing to submit to a stronger being, so that the weak can draw a sense of security from submission."

(End of this chapter)