Melody of Strength novel
Melody of Strength 88

Chapter 88

The Mystic Army comprised thirty thousand strong troops, all personally trained by Rafael to protect the city. They were elite soldiers who were prepared to defend against any rebellion or attack on the capital. The Mystic Army rarely went to battlefields unless absolutely necessary.

Now, reclaiming the Southern Frontier had become a necessity.

Mobilizing troops from Riverhold Garrison could provoke the other enemy kingdom, Vesperia, into aggression. So, the troops from Riverhold Garrison couldn’t be moved, which was why the Mystic Army had been dispatched.

Though the Mystic Army seldom saw battle, it didn’t mean they hadn’t been on a battlefield. On the contrary, all thirty thousand members were selected from war–hardened soldiers and rigorously trained further,

Obsid

Ten thousand of them were Obsidian Guards. They were responsible for the king’s safety and maintaining order in the capital.

Another ten thousand handled criminal arrests. They were able to detain suspects, including royal family members, without public trials. They only needed to report directly to Rafael.

The remaining ten thousand monitored officials, often disguised as commoners and mingling with servants in noble households.

Now, fifteen thousand soldiers from the Mystic Army had arrived at the Southern Frontier–five thousand from each division. Rafael took Carissa to where the Mystic Army troops were and ordered them all to assemble.

The fifteen thousand soldiers were clad in black iron armor. They were all about the same height, with their ages ranging from twenties to forties. They formed a neat, solemn, and imposing lineup, embodying the qualities of elite troops.

Rafael stood with his hands behind his back, the setting sun casting a golden glow on his face.

“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 llyrian City.

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

Barrett and Aurora watched from a distance. The sunset seemed to make the face of each mighty Mystic Army soldier glow, making them look 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. Didn’t we lead our troops at Victory Pass? Aurora retorted.

“That was different. General Sullivan had been holding Victory Pass for a long time before we arrived, and

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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. You don’t owe Carissa anything; if you owe anyone, it’s General Wyatt Sullivan,” Aurora said.

Barrett didn’t want to dwell on these thoughts. He was afraid he would regret his decisions if he thought too deeply. He had achieved his goal of marrying Aurora and now was 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. I’m sure my comrades will feel the same,” Aurora added.

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. With a major battle imminent, we cannot afford a disruption in morale,” Barrett explained.

“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?” 1