Waiting.....

After his successful attempt at wordless casting, Barrett spent the entire week in pursuit of magic. He spent all his naptimes and bedtimes practicing and he discovered a lot, for instance, he now knows that he can use the fire, wind, earth, and water elements.

He also didn't stop observing his maids when they came to take care of him in the mornings and as a result, he picked up a few things, he can now use what he calls cleaning magic, which is just manipulating water and wind magic simultaneously.

Throughout his practice, he made all the spells he saw during his countless years of research (watching anime), the spells ranged from, fireball and ice bullet to wind blade to stone fist. For the first time, he felt truly grateful for being an otaku.

All he could do for now is wait to get older while constantly polishing his magic skills and working on making new spells.

**Meanwhile Across the Border**

"My lord, the army of the Divine Kingdom has arrived and has established their camp in the exact position we previously held before occupying the city," Lady Coaltan reported, her voice filled with concern.

"Have you received any word from Lucius?" Prince Cedric inquired, his tone expectant.

"I haven't, Your Highness," Lady Coaltan admitted a hint of regret in her voice. "But we anticipate his arrival before nightfall."

"I require more than mere assumptions, Lady Coaltan," Prince Cedric stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

"My sincerest apologies, Your Highness," Lady Coaltan responded, her voice laced with remorse. "Since yesterday, we have received no further communication. However, considering the duration of the march from the capital to our current location, it should not exceed eight days. They departed a week ago, as you're aware."

"Very well," Prince Cedric conceded, his expression thoughtful. "Do you possess any intelligence regarding the enemy forces?"

"Our operatives in the capital intercepted a document en route to their Ministry of War, detailing the composition of their troops," Seraphina explained, extending a piece of paper to Prince Cedric.

Prince Cedric accepted the document, his eyes scanning the information meticulously.

"Total Troop Count: 60,000 soldiers," he read aloud,

Seraphina continued, "The forces are divided as follows:

Infantry Division (40% of total troops):

Regular Infantry: 24,000 soldiers

Elite Infantry: 6,000 soldiers

Archery Division (15% of total troops):

Archers: 9,000 soldiers

Skirmishers: 3,000 soldiers

Cavalry Division (20% of total troops):

Heavy Cavalry: 8,000 soldiers

Light Cavalry: 8,000 soldiers

Siege Division (10% of total troops):

Siege Engineers: 6,000 soldiers

Support Troops: 2,000 soldiers

Mage Division (10% of total troops):

Offensive Mages: 4,000 soldiers

Supportive Mages: 2,000 soldiers

Special Forces Division (5% of total troops):

Assassins: 2,000 soldiers

Commandos: 2,000 soldiers

Beastmasters: 1,000 soldiers"

Prince Cedric's expression hardened as he absorbed the information. "They even brought beasts," he snorted disdainfully.

"It appears so, Your Highness," Seraphina acknowledged, her voice filled with a touch of concern.

Prince Cedric's determination solidified. "This battle will not be easy. Have the repairs on the walls been completed?"

"Yes Your Highness and the front gate has been re-fortified"

"Good work, now, gather all our soldiers and have them prepared for combat by tomorrow. Summon all the commanders immediately. We require a comprehensive plan of action,"

"As you wish my lord" Seraphina then bowed respectfully then left the room to execute Prince Cedric's orders.

Later that evening, the commanders of the Brizian army, along with Prince Cedric, convened in the grand room that once belonged to the city lord of Iztil. The air was charged with anticipation as they prepared to discuss the plan devised by their leader.

"Thank you all for gathering here. As you are well aware, we now face the formidable task of battling against an even larger Capatian force. I implore you to listen closely, for the fate of our nation rests on our collective shoulders," Prince Cedric began, his voice commanding attention.

"Our strategy is twofold. Firstly, we shall capitalize on the advantage offered by the high wall we have fortified. Archers and siege weapons will be positioned along the ramparts, creating a formidable defensive line. This will grant us the ability to rain arrows and projectiles down upon the enemy forces, inflicting heavy casualties and sowing chaos amidst their ranks."

Prince Cedric paused briefly, surveying the faces of his commanders before continuing with unwavering resolve.

"To ensure a cohesive defense, we shall divide our army into smaller units, with each assigned to defend a specific section of the wall. This division will foster better coordination, enhancing our ability to cover the entire perimeter and thwart any attempts by the enemy to breach our defenses."

His words hung in the air, the commanders nodding in understanding and anticipation of what was to come.

"Moreover," Prince Cedric declared, his voice gaining momentum, "when the enemy launches their assaults, we shall coordinate counterattacks from multiple directions. We shall strike with precision and perfect timing, catching them off guard and forcing them to retreat. Exploiting any breaches in their formations, we will isolate and eliminate small groups of enemy soldiers, weakening their resolve and crippling their advance."

Prince Cedric's gaze swept across the room, conveying the gravity of the situation and the necessity for unity.

"Furthermore, we must not overlook the importance of a secure and reliable supply line. Provisions, ammunition, and medical support are essential for the sustained defense of the walls. Prepare the necessary measures to ensure their continuous availability. And let us not forget the vital role of a reserve force, they will have the responsibility of responding promptly to any critical areas or breaches in our defense, reinforcing our lines, and repelling the enemy."

A momentary silence hung in the air before Prince Cedric concluded with conviction, "Finally, messengers should be on standby to be dispatched to our nearby allied territories. I hope the Gods are with us during this battle and remember my commanders unity is our strength, and together we shall prevail!"

Prince Cedric surveyed the room, his piercing gaze inviting any objections or suggestions from his commanders but as there weren't any, he dismissed his commanders and went back to the task of waiting impatiently for Lucius to arrive with reinforcements.