52,

Atessas calendar - 501st year, on the eve of winter.

With over a month left until winter, Sunset City, which has been controlled by dark underground forces, has broken free from its isolation.

Three days ago, after the battle in Sunset City, King Allen successfully forged an alliance with the city, as he saved it from rebellion.

Through this alliance with Sunset City, another major power, the City of Dusk, had to consider forming an alliance with Arlen City.

However, unlike Sunset City, the scale and power of the City of Dusk is comparable to that of the current Allen Army, and it cannot be easily dealt with.

Before officially becoming allies, the leaders of the two nations agreed to demonstrate their power to each other through joint military exercises. This is not just a game for individuals; it involves the distribution of power on the continent.

"Is it over there?"

Mr. Cyclone asked, looking into the distance while riding his horse.

"Yes, Brother Mr. Cyclone," Daniel, a strategist for King Allen and a relative by marriage, replied.

Allen's army settled on the outskirts of the City of Dusk in a village, even though they had not yet signed an alliance treaty with the city's king. Bringing their own army into someone else's capital was considered a form of aggression.

To avoid causing any discontent, Daniel proposed settling here.

The joint military exercise lasts for two weeks and includes various military competitions and joint exercises between the two countries. It concludes with a signing ceremony on the final day.

"On the first day... I can't see anything here!"

Mr. Cyclone complained, unable to participate in the military exercise on the first day and having to stay behind to guard the camp.

"There's nothing we can do. After all, there is still some distance," Daniel said, as they approached the edge of the camp under the pretense of patrolling.

"Ah~ I really want to see it too!"

"Hahaha, Brother Mr. Cyclone, you don't understand military strategy, so of course you can't attend."

"Tch!!"

Of course, Mr. Cyclone knew why he couldn't attend. In fact, he believed that not only on this day, but also in the future military exercises, he would not be able to participate. They would not want Mr. Cyclone to embarrass the Allen Army during the exchange between the two countries.

Furthermore, besides military matters, there would also be various trade exchanges during this alliance, and Mr. Cyclone was classified under that category.

On the third day, various banquets would be held in the City of Dusk, and Mr. Cyclone, Daniel, and other relevant persons would attend.

Even so, Mr. Cyclone still didn't understand.

It wasn't a problem that he couldn't attend the military exercise, but what about Daniel?

Sonja once said that Daniel was King Allen's most trusted strategist, and his mastery of military tactics impressed Sonja.

A person like him, just like Mr. Cyclone, couldn't attend the military exercise?

After thinking it over, Mr. Cyclone could only come up with one answer.

That is, King Allen wants to hide this person's true abilities and use them as his secret weapon.

In terms of a gambling analogy, a secret weapon is like winning back a hundred gold coins in one crucial round, even if you've lost ninety-nine coins. It is considered the ultimate victory.

Either Daniel is useless in military matters, or he is a genius who can win a hundred gold coins in one go.

"I wish it would be the day after tomorrow already!"

"Well... Speaking of which, His Majesty mentioned to me that you, Brother Mr. Cyclone, are training your physical strength."

"Oh yes, every day I am very seriously dedicated to training."

With nothing else to do, they continued chatting with Daniel.

"It's true. Just by looking at your expression, Brother Mr. Cyclone, I can tell that you have been diligently training every single day."

"Hahaha, that's right! I've been working hard every day!"

"...But your training is quite mysterious. I've heard that every night, you don't let anyone near your tent."Daniel unexpectedly revealed a sinister smirk.

"Well, well~ My combat skills are just too weak, I can't embarrass myself in front of others," he said.

But Mr. Cyclone calmly continued, "Hahaha~"

Seeing this expression, Mr. Cyclone felt that Daniel had already guessed the truth. But he still couldn't say it out loud. It was not only the king's order, but also the truth couldn't be casually revealed.

"But I'm really curious, what kind of training is Mr. Cyclone doing?" Daniel asked.

"Just sword training, hahaha~" Mr. Cyclone replied.

"Oh~ So it's sword training~" Daniel nodded.

As they laughed and continued their conversation, Mr. Cyclone tried to pass the time in such a relaxed manner. After all, it had been one of his activities in these past few days.

***