Fantasy Novel: Paradise

Hotel    21

【TWENTY】General White Wolf Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

71

White Wolf nodded slightly, his expression turning grave as he recalled the encounter he had once had with Stron. “I have crossed swords with Stron before,” he said in a deep and forceful voice. “So naturally, I know what he is capable of. His combat skills are extraordinarily precise, and he has long surpassed the level of an ordinary priest.”

Ghost Soldier C stood in the corner, his hands clasped together, his expression uneasy. There was a trace of anxiety in his voice. “General, are we really going to keep wearing ourselves down against Stron here? If we continue to entangle ourselves with them, we will eventually be wiped out. Please think this through carefully. If this continues, I’m afraid there will be no way out alive.”

White Wolf’s brows drew tightly together, clearly deeply troubled by the situation. A trace of hesitation flashed through his eyes, and he murmured, “Of course I know Stron is not easy to deal with.” He paused for a moment, gazing into the distance as though searching for some way to break through the predicament. “But if we do not keep Stron tied down, he will surely lead his demon-suppression army to Switzerland and join forces with Maria’s group. And once they unite, the main forces on the Leader’s and the Mage’s side will be caught between two fronts.”

He slowly turned toward the ghost soldiers, his eyes becoming sharp and resolute. “You are right. We cannot simply sit here and wait for death, but neither can we act recklessly. I need to think calmly about our strategy and make the most appropriate decision.” He paused, then continued firmly, “Go get some rest. Don’t let your emotions affect your judgment.”

72

Night descended over the intersection on the western side of Florence, shrouding it in deathly silence. A gentle breeze swept through the streets, while the ancient buildings on both sides cast long shadows beneath the dim streetlights. In the distance, the formation of the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard gradually came into view. The Dragon Knight’s flying dragon circled overhead, its wings stirring waves of wind.

The Marine sentry squad stared tensely into the distance. Suddenly, one of the squad leaders grabbed the radio and called out urgently, “Report to the colonel! A strange-looking force is approaching from ahead!” His voice was filled with uncertainty and caution.

Colonel Rinaldo’s voice came through the radio, calm yet authoritative. “What kind of troops are they? Could they be vampire reinforcements?”

“Colonel, they are carrying spears and shields. Their formation is orderly, like a Roman army from the Middle Ages.” Squad Leader A’s voice was low, tinged with confusion and tension.

Rinaldo frowned, his voice carrying a hint of puzzlement. “That’s strange! If they are troops from the Vatican, why would they be using spears and shields? Keep watching them. Make absolutely sure you determine their intentions, and report back as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Colonel!” Squad Leader A turned and hurried away, his steps quick and urgent.

Lieutenant Colonel Fish, a staff officer standing nearby, pondered for a moment before suddenly speaking in a low voice. “Colonel, could they be the legendary Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard?”

Rinaldo looked back at him in confusion, his brows tightly furrowed. “The Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard? What is that?”

Fish nodded slightly and explained with a touch of seriousness, “I once heard about them from an old priest. According to legend, there is a vampire princess named Maria who rules over a group of vampires with kind hearts. This army is her royal guard.”

Rinaldo could not help letting out a soft laugh, his voice carrying a trace of sarcasm. “Vampires with kind hearts? Staff Officer, you really are a joke.”

Fish remained serious, his gaze sharp as a sword. “Colonel, I would rather believe the old priest’s story. Think about it. If they really were vampire reinforcements, how could they fail to notice the heavily guarded troops stationed at every entrance and exit and simply charge in without hesitation? That would not make sense.”

Rinaldo drew a deep breath and replied in a low voice, “War is full of deception, so stay alert. If they have hostile intentions, we strike first.”

Fish thought for a moment before suggesting, “Colonel, how about this? Once they arrive, I will go out and ask them what they want.”

Rinaldo nodded slightly, his expression stern. “All right, but be careful. If anything seems wrong, withdraw immediately.”

Before long, the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard finally reached the intersection. The troops led by the Dragon Knight advanced with steady, disciplined steps, the heavy sound of their horses’ hooves firm and resolute. The Marines immediately tensed, raising their rifles steadily as they watched the approaching force with vigilance.

Lieutenant Colonel Fish stepped out from behind the barricade, standing tall with a sharp gaze. He stopped in the middle of the road and called out loudly, “Are you the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard? I am Lieutenant Colonel Fish, a Marine Corps staff officer.”

Soldier C at the front waved in response. “Yes! We have just arrived from headquarters. Our mission is to support the Italian government and wipe out the Anderson terrorist organization.”

Fish nodded slightly, his gaze relaxing somewhat. He then raised a hand toward the troops behind him, signaling them to lower their guard. “Welcome,” he said as he walked toward them with an elegant bearing. His steps were steady, as though he had complete confidence in the conversation that was about to take place.

Colonel Rinaldo and several other officers then came forward to greet them. Upon seeing the Dragon Knight, Rinaldo extended his right hand and said with a smile, “I am Rinaldo, commander of the Alpha Unit of the Marine Corps. On behalf of General Duccio, I welcome you.”

The Dragon Knight leaped down from the back of a massive flying dragon, his agile movement causing all the Marines to turn their attention toward him. With a light leap, the flying dragon instantly became the focus of everyone’s attention. The Dragon Knight walked up to Rinaldo and shook his hand, his gaze firm. “Colonel, I am the Dragon Knight, chief guard of Princess Maria. On the princess’s orders, I have brought the elite forces under my command to support the Italian government and wipe out the monsters of the Anderson organization.”

Rinaldo smiled slightly, a trace of relief appearing in his eyes. “With your support, our chances of defeating these elusive vampires have greatly improved.”

The Dragon Knight nodded lightly, his voice ringing with determination. “Let my troops take the lead in dealing with these vampires. You remain stationed here and make sure the enemy has no chance to escape.”

Rinaldo drew a deep breath and replied firmly, “All right. I will report this to the general later.”

The Dragon Knight’s forces immediately divided into four units and quickly entered their respective areas of responsibility, moving with speed and precision. Watching them disappear into the distance, Rinaldo could not help but marvel. “Their training and discipline are truly impressive. They have opened my eyes.”

Fish stood nearby, his expression filled with approval. “Colonel, with them serving as the main force, we can relax a little.”

Meanwhile, Generals Black Bear and White Wolf of the Black Bat forces were leading their ghost soldiers in fierce combat against Father Stron’s demon-suppression army and the Dragon Knight’s Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard. After several nights of fierce fighting, both sides had suffered heavy casualties. Although Generals White Wolf and Black Bear were overwhelmed by the situation, they still had not received an order to retreat from Grand Mage Rufus. Therefore, they could only endure the situation, remaining reluctant to make any rash move.