Chapter 97: Slaying the poisonous woman Anlinna! Time to talk about something practical!

Early in the morning, the two night-raid teams converged at the agreed-upon location.

Moonlight spilled onto Zewen's handsome yet slightly haggard face, the flames of vengeance burning in his eyes.

"Baron Roko, Flowing Water Slope has been taken!"

His voice was suppressed with excitement, and his hands were still stained with the enemy's blood.

"Old Tom truly did not disappoint me; he opened the village's fence gate at the critical moment."

Roko nodded faintly, a more accurate assessment of this ally's capabilities forming in his mind.

【Favorability: 75】

The change in the numerical value proved a good start to the cooperation.

"How is the situation at Red Stone Village?"

Zewen asked eagerly.

"Smoother than expected."

A cold sneer curled the corners of Roko's mouth.

"They never imagined anyone would launch an attack in the dead of night; the guards were lax to an outrageous degree."

Fula stood silently by Roko's side, her silver-gray cat ears twitching slightly in the breeze. Blood still remained on her thin sword, and a satisfied light flickered in her heterochromatic pupils.

Falco's cheeks were flushed with excitement; participating in a real night raid for the first time had this young Guardian Knight's blood boiling.

Mike's performance was unexpected; although his face was still somewhat pale, the initial fear was gone from his eyes.

"Now that we control Flowing Water Slope and Red Stone Village, what is the next target?"

Zewen looked toward the distant Red Leaf Forest City, where the figures of patrolling soldiers were vaguely visible on the city walls.

"Maple Leaf Town."

Roko gave the answer without hesitation.

"Once we take Maple Leaf Town, we will have completely severed Red Leaf Forest City's external connections."

Zewen's fists clenched, making a cracking sound.

"By then, that poisonous woman Anlinna will be a turtle in a jar."

The sky began to brighten, and the distant mountains were draped in a golden coat.

The whole world seemed to fall into a state of tranquility, though this peace would soon be broken.

Maple Leaf Town was located in the eastern part of the Red Leaf Forest Territory and was a relatively prosperous small town.

The town had hundreds of households and a sizable marketplace.

More importantly, an elite force of Anlinna's, numbering about three hundred, was stationed there.

"A direct assault on Maple Leaf Town carries too much risk."

Roko observed the distant town carefully, quickly formulating a battle plan in his mind.

"The defenses there are much tighter than in the previous two places."

"And once we alert the enemy, it might cause Anlinna to react prematurely."

Zewen frowned.

"Then do you have a good method?"

A cunning light flashed in Roko's eyes.

"Perhaps we can make a feint to the east and attack in the west."

"We can make the enemy focus their attention in one direction, then launch the real attack from another."

Falco's eyes lit up.

"Does the young master mean to create a diversion?"

"Exactly."

Roko nodded.

"Falco, Mike, you two take a portion of the men and launch an attack from the front."

"Remember, do not get bogged down in the fight; just create enough chaos."

Mike's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

"Young master, I... am I really capable of this?"

"This is independent command of a battle..."

Although he had experienced the previous two night raids, being tasked with leading a team independently still put immense pressure on him.

Roko patted him on the shoulder.

"Everyone has a first time."

"Besides, Falco will be there to assist you."

"Believe in yourself, Mike."

"You are braver than you imagine."

These words reignited the fighting spirit in Mike's eyes.

He took a deep breath and straightened his back.

"I understand, young master."

"I will not let you down."

【Loyalty: 80】

【Favorability: 80】

Mike's values had improved significantly.

Zewen watched all this from the side, sighing inwardly.

This young Baron was not only formidable in combat but also quite skilled at cultivating subordinates.

"Then from which direction will we launch the real attack?"

Zewen asked.

"The South Gate."

Roko pointed to the south side of Maple Leaf Town.

"There is a small river there, and the terrain is complex, suitable for a stealthy approach."

"And according to common sense, the enemy's attention will be drawn by the diversion at the front."

"The defenses at the South Gate will be relatively weaker."

Fula let out a soft "meow," indicating she understood the battle plan.

A light of eagerness flickered in her heterochromatic pupils.

"Then, let's begin the operation."

Roko issued the final order.

The two teams separated quickly and moved toward their respective targets.

Falco and Mike took fifty soldiers and detoured toward the town's North Gate.

Meanwhile, Roko took Fula, Zewen, and the remaining main force to sneak toward the South Gate.

Morning mist permeated the mountains and forests, providing good cover for their actions.

The South Gate of Maple Leaf Town was indeed as Roko had expected, with relatively lax defenses.

Only a dozen or so soldiers were patrolling near the city gate, looking listless; clearly, they had not anticipated an enemy attack.

Roko lay behind a giant rock, carefully observing the enemy's deployment.

Fula pressed close to his side, her warm breath spraying against his cheek.

Zewen and his men lay in ambush not far away, waiting for the signal to attack.

Time passed second by second.

The sun gradually rose, and the morning mist began to dissipate.

Just then, intense shouts of battle came from the direction of the North Gate.

Falco and Mike's diversion had begun!

The guards at the South Gate became agitated immediately, many of them looking toward the North Gate.

A few soldiers even left their posts, wanting to find out what was happening.

"Now!"

Roko gave the order to attack in a low voice.

He and Fula rushed out from behind the cover like two bolts of lightning, heading straight for the South Gate.

Behind them, Zewen also led his men in a charge.

The guards at the South Gate had not expected enemies to appear from this direction at all.

By the time they reacted, Roko had already reached them.

【Flame Slash · Great Accomplishment Realm!】

The scorching sword Qi swept across, instantly knocking down three guards.

Fula's figure shuttled through the enemies like a ghost; wherever her thin sword went, an enemy was sure to fall.

Her movements were light and lethal, and every strike precisely found the enemy's vital points.

Zewen's fighting style was more violent, the longsword in his hand whistling as he swung it.

The strength of an initial-stage Bronze Knight was an absolutely crushing existence in front of ordinary soldiers.

The dozen or so guards were all dealt with in just a few minutes.

"Quick! Seize the city gate!"

Rocco shouted loudly.

The soldiers rushed into the town quickly, seizing control of the key position at the South Gate.

At the same time, the battle in the direction of the North Gate was also raging intensely.

Falco brandished his longsword, charging and breaking through the enemy's encirclement.

Although it was only a feint, every one of his strikes was filled with power.

Mike followed closely by his side; although the weapon in his hand was still trembling slightly, it was already capable of posing a threat to the enemy.

"Retreat! Our mission is complete!"

Falco shouted loudly.

The two of them led their men to withdraw rapidly, leaving behind a scene of chaos.

Although the guards at the North Gate wanted to pursue, they soon received news that the South Gate had fallen.

The entire Maple Leaf Town instantly fell into panic.

"Where are Lady Anlinna's reinforcements?"

"Why haven't they arrived yet?"

The town's Guard Captain shouted anxiously.

But he soon received a piece of desperate news.

The road leading to Red Leaf Forest City had been cut off by the enemy, and reinforcements could not arrive at all.

"Surrender!"

Zewen stood on the high platform in the center of the town and shouted loudly.

"I am the legitimate heir to the Wente Territory, Zewen Brick!"

"Anlinna is a usurping poisonous woman; there is no need for you to throw your lives away for her!"

These words caused a huge sensation in the town.

Many villagers recognized Zewen and knew that he was indeed the old Viscount's son.

And that so-called Lady Anlinna had always had a poor image in the hearts of the subjects.

"Young Master! It really is the Young Master who has returned!"

An elderly villager shouted excitedly.

"The old master has a spirit in heaven and has finally seen you return safely!"

More and more villagers gathered under the high platform, their faces full of joy.

Seeing this scene, the town's Guard Captain fell into complete despair.

The hearts of the people had turned; the situation was already decided.

Continuing to resist would only increase casualties in vain.

"We surrender!"

He dropped the weapon in his hand and knelt on the ground.

Seeing this, the other soldiers also laid down their weapons one after another.

Maple Leaf Town, captured!

Rocco stood on the high platform, looking at the cheering crowd below, feeling extremely satisfied.

This feint tactic had achieved perfect success.

Not only was Maple Leaf Town captured with minimal cost, but the hearts of the people were also won.

More importantly, through this operation, his team had received excellent training.

Falco and Mike's performances had both exceeded expectations.

"Now, we have controlled all important strongholds except for Red Leaf Forest City."

Zewen walked to Rocco's side, his face full of gratitude.

"Next is the final decisive battle."

Rocco nodded, his gaze cast toward the distant Red Leaf Forest City.

In that city, there was still a woman waiting for them.

But now, she had become truly isolated and helpless.

The city walls of Red Leaf Forest City appeared exceptionally majestic under the glow of the setting sun.

This ancient city had witnessed the rise and fall of the Wente Family for hundreds of years, yet now it had become the final fortress for an outsider woman.

Rocco stood on a small hill outside the city, calmly observing the defenses of the city walls.

Fula clung closely to his side, a dangerous light flickering in her heterochromatic pupils.

"There are at least two hundred guards on the city walls."

Zewen held binoculars, carefully counting the number of enemies.

"And I saw that fellow Mel; he is directing the defenses on the city wall."

Mentioning Mel, Zewen's tone became gloomy.

This powerhouse at the mid-stage of Bronze Rank Knight was the most loyal lackey under Anlinna.

It was he who had led the way in forcing Zewen to leave the territory back then.

"It seems she already knows the news that all the outer strongholds have fallen."

Rocco said indifferently.

"But that's fine, it saves us the trouble of trying to lure her out."

Falco and Mike stood not far away, their faces both filled with tension.

The upcoming siege battle would be the greatest challenge they had faced so far.

"Young Master, the city walls are so high, how are we going to attack?"

Falco asked with some worry.

Attacking a city head-on was not their strength, and they did not have an absolute advantage in numbers.

A mysterious smile rose on the corner of Rocco's mouth.

"Who said we were going to attack head-on?"

"Since Anlinna has concentrated all her forces on the city walls, the defenses inside the city must be empty."

"Our goal is not to siege the city, but to decapitate."

Zewen's eyes lit up.

"You mean..."

"Sneak directly into the city and kill Anlinna."

Rocco's words were filled with cold murderous intent.

"As long as she dies, the remaining people will naturally surrender."

"But how are we going to get into the city?"

Mike asked in confusion.

"The city gates are tightly closed, and the city walls are guarded by heavy troops."

Zewen suddenly remembered something.

"I know a place!"

"There is a sewer in the east of the city that leads directly to the underground wine cellar of the Lord's Mansion."

"That was a secret passage I dug secretly when I was a child; no one knows about it except me."

Rocco nodded with satisfaction.

Sure enough, having an insider was convenient.

"Very well, we will sneak in from there."

"However, the division of labor must be clear."

He pointed to Falco and Mike.

"You two take the main force to create a commotion at the front to attract the attention of the guards on the city walls."

"Remember, don't actually siege the city, just make them think we are going to attack head-on."

The two nodded vigorously.

After the previous few times of cooperation, they were already very familiar with this feint tactic.

"I, Fula, and Zewen will sneak in from the secret passage and head straight for Anlinna's residence."

Rocco continued to assign tasks.

"This operation must be fast, accurate, and ruthless; we must not give the enemy any time to react."

Night fell, and the siege operation officially began.

Falco and Mike led most of the soldiers and set up a siege posture in front of the city gate.

Torches burned fiercely, illuminating half the sky.

"Anlinna! Get out here!"

Falco's voice echoed in the night sky.

"Seizing Young Master Zewen's territory and causing the death of Young Master Zewen's father, today is your death day!"

The guards on the city walls immediately became restless.

Mel's sinister face appeared on the city wall.

"Are you Zewen's subordinates?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Could it be that you are here to die?"

He mocked loudly.

"With just this many people, you want to capture Red Leaf Forest City?"

"Keep dreaming!"

Both sides began to curse each other fiercely, and the attention on the city walls was completely attracted to the front.

At the same time, at the sewer entrance in the east of the city.

Rocco, Fula, and Zewen quietly sneaked into it.

The light inside the sewer was dim, and the air was filled with a foul smell.

But in order to complete the mission, all three endured the discomfort and continued forward.

Fula's night vision ability played a huge role in this environment.

She walked at the very front, scouting the path for the team.

Zewen was responsible for guiding the direction, after all, this secret passage was dug by him.

"We're almost there."

Zewen said in a low voice.

"Ahead is the wine cellar of the Lord's Mansion."

Sure enough, shortly after, they saw a staircase leading upward.

Rocco carefully pushed open the door of the wine cellar and poked his head out to observe the situation outside.

The wine cellar was empty, with only rows of wine barrels placed quietly.

The three sneaked in quickly and then crept toward the main building of the Lord's Mansion.

The entire mansion appeared unusually quiet.

Most of the guards had been transferred to the city walls to participate in the defense, and the internal defenses were indeed empty.

"Anlinna's room is on the third floor."

Zewen said softly.

"That is the most luxurious place in the entire mansion; that woman must be there."

The three crept up the stairs.

On the way, they encountered a few lone guards, all of whom were silently taken care of by Fula.

Her assassination skills were becoming more and more proficient, and every strike was clean and neat.

The corridor on the third floor was covered with luxurious carpets, and exquisite paintings hung on the walls.

It was indeed worthy of the status of the Lady of the Manor.

"It's here."

Zewen pointed to the room at the end of the corridor.

"Behind that carved door is Anlinna's bedroom."

Rocco took a deep breath, his hand pressing on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

After experiencing so many twists and turns, he was finally going to see the culprit.

"Are you ready?"

He looked at Fula and Zewen.

Both nodded firmly.

Rocco kicked open the door, and the three rushed in at the same time.

The luxury inside the room exceeded imagination.

Silk curtains, gold ornaments, and jewelry were everywhere.

And in the center of the room, a woman was lying on a huge bed.

This was Anlinna, that legendary beautiful and vicious stepmother.

She was indeed very beautiful, with an exquisite face and a seductive figure.

But the sinister light emanating from those eyes made one shudder.

"Zewen?"

Anlinna was clearly startled by the sudden intruders.

"How are you here?"

"Where are Mel and the others?"

Zewen looked coldly at this woman who had caused his father's death.

"They are all on the city walls, attracted by our feint."

"Now, there are only the three of us here."

"It's time to pay the price for your crimes!"

Anlinna instantly understood the danger of the situation.

She quickly jumped off the bed and ran toward the weapon rack in the corner of the room.

But Fula's speed was faster.

The silver-gray figure flashed like lightning, and the thin sword pointed directly at Anlinna's throat.

"Don't move!"

Fula said coldly.

This was the first sentence she had spoken tonight, and her voice carried a deadly threat.

Anlinna was forced to stop, a look of fear appearing on her face.

"What do you want?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

"Money? Territory? I can give you anything!"

"As long as you let me go, any condition can be negotiated!"

Zewen let out a cold laugh.

"Negotiate? Do you think there is anything left to negotiate?"

"When you poisoned my father back then, did you consider negotiating?"

"When you forced me to leave the territory, did you give me a choice?"

Anlinna's face turned pale.

"I, I don't know what you are talking about..."

"Those were all misunderstandings..."

"Enough!"

Rocco interrupted her sophistry coldly.

"At this point, you are still lying."

"Since you refuse to admit it, there is no need to waste time."

He raised the longsword in his hand, and scorching flames ignited on the blade.

【Flame Slash · Great Accomplishment Realm!】

Seeing the flame sword energy attacking her, Anlinna let out a desperate scream.

But it was all too late.

The scorching sword energy instantly engulfed her.

The room returned to silence, with only faint firelight flickering.

Zewen looked at Anlinna's corpse, his eyes filled with both the pleasure of revenge and a hint of complex emotions.

After all, this woman was still his stepmother in name.

"It's over."

Rocco sheathed his longsword and said indifferently.

"Now go tell those guards that their master is dead."

The three walked out of the room and came to the balcony of the mansion.

The fierce confrontation was still ongoing in the direction of the city gate, but they would soon know the true result.

"Mel!"

Zewen shouted loudly.

"Your master Anlinna is dead!"

"Why don't you surrender quickly?"

The city walls immediately fell into chaos.

Mel looked toward the Lord's Mansion in disbelief.

When he saw Zewen and the other two standing on the balcony, his face instantly turned pale.

"Impossible! This is impossible!"

He roared madly.

"How could Lady Anlinna die?"

Zewen held up an item in his hand, which glittered in the moonlight.

That was the necklace Anlinna wore close to her body, which only her confidants would recognize.

Seeing this necklace, Mel fell into complete despair.

The master was dead, and there was no point in resisting any further.

"We surrender!"

He dropped the weapon in his hand and knelt on the city wall.

Seeing this, the other guards also laid down their weapons one after another.

Red Leaf Forest City had completely fallen under Zewen's control.

The city gates slowly opened, and Falco and Mike rushed in with the soldiers.

Seeing the dawn of victory, everyone's faces were filled with excited smiles.

"Young Master is mighty!"

Falco shouted excitedly.

Mike also clapped and cheered from the side, his eyes full of worship.

This decapitation operation had achieved perfect success, and there were almost no casualties.

Rocco's military command ability had once again been perfectly demonstrated.

In the Lord's Hall of Red Leaf Forest City, candlelight flickered.

Zewen sat on the high-backed chair that once belonged to his father, his eyes full of emotion.

After experiencing so many twists and turns, he had finally returned to this familiar place.

Rocco sat opposite him, his expression calm and confident.

Beside him, Fula stood quietly, her heterochromatic pupils sparkling in the candlelight.

"Baron Rocco, without your help, I would never have been able to reclaim the territory."

Zewen raised his wine glass, his eyes full of sincere gratitude.

"I will never forget this kindness."

【Favorability: 90】

Zewen's favorability had significantly increased.

Rocco smiled faintly and also raised his wine glass.

"Happy cooperation, Zewen."

"However, there is no need to say more words of thanks."

"Let's talk about something practical."