System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 942 - 283: Spies (10K)_3

The clamor of the approaching cavalry could already be heard.

The man with the dark beard swiftly averted his gaze and yelled to his companions.

"Retreat! Make haste!"

On hearing the black-bearded man’s command, several shadowy figures immediately detached themselves from the soldiers ahead.

Instantly.

Without a backward glance, they dashed into the town’s surrounding darkness.

Dorian’s brows furrowed deeply, his right arm twisting as the grip on his longsword reversed.

His arm flexed, then with a sudden burst of power, he flung the sword outward.

In less time than it takes to blink.

The finely honed blade plunged directly into a spy’s back, piercing through to emerge from the chest.

The shadowy spy uttered no sound, collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

The black-bearded man cast a fleeting look behind him and continued his flight towards the distant gloom.

Just as Dorian pondered whether to mount his steed and give chase.

Rumble, rumble…

With a series of deep roars, columns of cavalry thundered past Dorian and his men.

They surged forward, pursuing the fleeing spies into the distance.

Leading the charge was Earl himself, astride his horse.

Dorian understood.

Lord Earl had no intention of allowing these spies to escape.

Despite Earl commanding a contingent of heavy cavalry, all clad in their standard plate armor.

Yet, bolstered by the formidable warhorses of the Badan Empire, their speed was naturally superior to any foot soldier’s.

Within a mere two minutes.

The four spies making their escape found themselves encircled by the heavy cavalry.

Facing the five-meter winged spears, the black-bearded man had no choice but to yield.

After being bound by several cavalrymen, the four spies were dragged behind the warhorses, brought back towards Dorian and his company.

Earl, mounted on his horse, observed the corpse impaled by the longsword.

He halted his warhorse, separating himself from the returning cavalry formation.

Earl commended Dorian, proclaiming, "Well executed, Captain Dorian."

"I shall convey your accomplishment of intercepting the spies and eliminating one to Lord Wesley for official recognition!"

Hearing Earl’s words, Du An and his men’s spirits visibly lifted.

Dorian offered a bow, maintaining a posture of neither excessive deference nor arrogance, and replied, "My gratitude, Lord."

The timely detection of spies, the order given to Du An to report their presence.

The interception of their escape and the demise of one.

These achievements rightfully belonged to their unit.

There was no need for him to refuse the credit politely.

Earl gave a nod of approval and instructed, "Continue your patrol duties."

Dorian swiftly acknowledged, "Understood."

With his instructions delivered, Earl urged his warhorse back to the cavalry ranks ahead.

Watching the cavalry depart, Dorian finally withdrew his gaze.

Du An dismounted, approached the fallen spy, and retrieved the longsword.

Even as blood continued to pour out after its withdrawal.

Du An's expression remained steady.

Having experienced numerous battles firsthand.

Though merely an ordinary soldier, he had grown desensitized to the grim realities of the battlefield.

Compared to this single deceased individual, the vast burial pits filled with corpses were far more impactful to witness.

Returning to Dorian, Du An held the longsword horizontally, presenting it to him.

His words brimmed with anticipation.

"Captain Dorian, with such battle accolades, I surmise you are due for a promotion!"

Several soldiers nearby echoed his sentiment.

"Indeed, we feel the same, Captain Dorian has endured these conflicts and vanquished numerous foes."

"He should at least attain the rank of Small Banner, perhaps even higher, a General Banner!"

Dorian accepted the longsword from Du An, took a piece of linen cloth from the saddlebags on either side, and wiped the blood from the blade.

Only then did Dorian sheathe his sword.

"Cease your speculation; whether it’s Small Banner, General Banner, or remaining as we are…"

"Both Lord Wesley and Lord Earl possess their own strategic considerations."

"Our duty is simply to perform to the best of our abilities, and that is sufficient."

Du An and the others nodded in understanding.

Under their watchful eyes, Dorian remounted his horse and urged them onward.

"Let’s proceed with our patrol; daylight will be here soon!"

In unison, the four responded, "Yes, Captain Dorian."

Taking a few paces forward, they reached their respective steeds and mounted them.

Led by Dorian, they resumed their assigned patrol duties.

As for the origin of the apprehended spies or their underlying motives.

These matters held little consequence for them as ordinary soldiers.

Their superior, the decision-maker, Master Lynn, would undoubtedly address these concerns with greater depth.

...

Two days elapsed in the blink of an eye.

Following breakfast, Lynn and Red departed the castle early.

They proceeded along the red brick path meandering through the towns.

At this juncture, the Karedi Empire had entered the month of August.

The harvested barley, having undergone a fortnight of sun-drying, milling, threshing, winnowing, and sieving.

By the previous afternoon, it had finally been safely stored.

Through insights gleaned from the [Resource Panel].