Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me-Chapter 103: Varestand City

She expected some resistance—humans always clung stubbornly to their cities. But as they draw closer, there's no movement, no sign of soldiers reinforcing the gates. Then she sees it.

A handful of guards stand atop the walls, their postures slumped. Above them, a white flag flutters weakly in the cold wind.

Sorin halts her mount, her crimson eyes flashing with suspicion. She raises a hand, signaling her forces to stop.

Nyssara beside her grunts. "They surrendered already?"

"Seems that way," Sorin mutters, scanning the surroundings. She doesn't like it. Victory without a fight rarely feels like a victory at all.

From the gates, a frail-looking man steps forward, dressed in hastily donned armor that barely fits. His voice wavers as he calls out, "We surrender! Cras is yours!"

Sorin studies him for a moment before nudging her beast forward. Her soldiers remain tense behind her, ready for any last-minute tricks.

"Open the gates," she orders.

The guards hesitate, then scramble to obey. As the gates creak open, Sorin rides through first, eyes sweeping the near-empty streets. The city is eerily silent. Most of the buildings are intact, but the lack of people is glaring.

"Where is the city lord?" she asks coldly, her gaze locking onto the man in front of her.

The guard swallows hard. "Gone. Fled with most of the citizens. Only those who couldn't leave remain."

Sorin scoffs. "Cowards."

She gestures, and her forces begin to spread through the streets, securing key locations with efficiency. There's no resistance, no hidden soldiers waiting to ambush them. Cras has been abandoned in everything but name.

A shadowy figure slips up beside her—one of her spies. "We confirmed it. Most of the humans evacuated days ago. The Raltheon army pulled back to reinforce Varestand."

Sorin clicks her tongue in annoyance. "So they're smarter than I thought."

She turns to her forces. "Secure the town hall, the gold coins, and any supply caches left behind. We're fortifying this place."

As her soldiers move through the city, ensuring their new territory is secured, Sorin turns to the shadow still standing beside her.

"Tell me about Varestand," she orders, her voice sharp and to the point. "What kind of city are we dealing with?"

The shadow, a cloaked figure with a faintly distorted presence, bows slightly. "Varestand is nothing like Cras. It is one of the strongest border cities under the Raltheon Kingdom's rule. Unlike Cras, which was mainly a trade hub, Varestand is a fortress city."

Sorin crosses her arms, listening intently. "Go on."

The shadow continues, his tone calm but informative. "The city is built on elevated terrain, giving them a natural defensive advantage. Its walls are thick, reinforced with enchanted stone, and there is only one main gate—the rest is sheer cliffs. The Raltheon army has stationed at least fifty thousand soldiers there right now, including elite knights and battle mages."

Sorin frowns slightly. "And their leadership?"

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"Varestand is now commanded by marshal Walric, a peak tier 4 knight. He is a defensive specialist, known for holding ground against overwhelming forces. Reports indicate he is cautious but extremely disciplined."

Sorin exhales, processing the information. "So they are planning to stop us in this city."

The shadow nods. "The most significant threat is the defensive magic cast over the city. The Mage Tower in Raltheon has placed a Tier 5 barrier spell around Varestand. It greatly reduces the effectiveness of direct attacks and negates large-scale magic bombardments."

"Indeed," the shadow agrees. "Breaking through their defenses will not be as simple as marching in. Even with General Varkas, it will take time to destroy it."

Sorin listens in silence, her crimson eyes fixed on the city's direction. A heavily fortified city, a seasoned commander, and a powerful barrier spell—Varestand won't fall as easily as Cras.

She turns her gaze back to the shadow. "Send word to General Varkas immediately."

The shadow bows slightly. "What message should I deliver?"

"Tell him we've secured Cras without a fight, but Varestand is different. If we're to take it, we need him to attack directly. His strength will be crucial in breaking their defenses."

The shadow inclines his head. "Understood. I will ensure he receives the message without delay."

Hours pass, and the air grows thick with anticipation. Sorin stands atop the city walls of Cras, watching the distant horizon. Then, a gust of wind stirs the air, carrying with it the scent of blood and wild earth.

A shadow streaks across the sky. A hulking figure descends, his form silhouetted against the setting sun. With a controlled yet powerful landing, General Varkas touches down.

The Lycanthrope general straightens, his eyes gleaming like molten fire beneath his thick, crimson mane. His presence alone radiates power.

"Commander Sorin," Varkas rumbles, his deep voice carrying easily over the quiet city. "I received the report."

Sorin steps forward, offering a respectful nod. "Yes, sir. We have secured Cras without a fight, but Varestand will not be so easy. We need your strength if we want to conquer it."

Varkas exhales through his nose, sharp fangs flashing as he smirks. "A fortress city, strong defenses, and a Tier 5 barrier spell." He rolls his shoulders, the crack of his bones audible. "Now that sounds like a proper battle."

Nyssara, standing nearby, grins. "You're going to love this one, General. They're dug in tight, ready to fight to the last."

Varkas chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound. "Good. I've had enough of cities that crumble without a fight."

His gaze shifts to the shadowy figure standing silently beside Sorin. The shadow straightens under the general's piercing eyes.

"What about Vaelith? Did he succeed in infiltrating the city?" Varkas asks, his tone curious.

The shadow hesitates for a moment. "No, General Varkas. We've received reports that no matter what they attempt, they can't get past the barrier. It's as if the magic itself detects any attempt to bypass it."

"Hmm... Don't report this to His Majesty," Varkas commands, his voice steady but firm. "I'm sure His Majesty has an item that could shatter that barrier effortlessly. But if we can't do this much, we aren't worthy of being his subordinates."