Sometime in the future…
“I can assure you, Usher. This initial attack is merely a diversion.”
Usher turned. He looked at Vione with the utmost seriousness. “You think so?”
“Yes,” Vione replied, taking a deep breath. Her face was incredibly serious. Occasionally, her eyes narrowed as if she were thinking, recalling details of the Nimbria Pack attack they had just fended off. “There are a few things that make me sure this was just a diversion.” She paused for a moment, then nodded confidently. “First, this attack was so sudden and with an intensity that doesn’t match the Nimbria Pack’s usual attack pattern.” This time she turned to the leader of the Frostholm Pack warriors, Storm Meadow. “Don’t you feel the same, Storm?”
Storm furrowed his brow before nodding. “I think you’re right, Luna. The Nimbria Pack has always focused on attacks with precise coordination. Their priority is long-term strategic advantage.” He raised his head and looked at Vione. “For that reason, they usually exploit the weaknesses in our defenses. They attack in a targeted manner, using their strength gradually, making sure we are trapped in a psychological and physical war.”
“This is Nimbria’s usual tactic,” Vione added as she turned to Usher. Then she expanded on Storm’s explanation. “That’s why they choose strategic locations that give them a tactical advantage, like places that give them greater control or access to important resources.” Now her attention returned to the place that had just been attacked. “However, this attack is different in every way. There’s no long-term advantage for the Nimbria Pack to gain here. Besides, the attack seemed poorly planned.”
Usher muttered quietly and crossed his arms. Vione’s first explanation made sense. “So, you think this attack was just meant to confuse us and divert our attention?”
“Exactly.” Vione confirmed Usher’s suspicion without hesitation. “They just wanted to create a temporary distraction that would force us to divert our resources and focus away from more critical areas.”
Storm added, “In other words, this attack was only meant to shock us, but without any deep strategic planning. It’s speculative, poorly structured, and its goal is to break our concentration.” A crucial thought crossed his mind, causing him to look between Usher and Vione. “And also, to cover their main strategy, which might be elsewhere.”
Both Usher and Vione fell silent, absorbing the plausible theory Storm had just presented. They were deep in thought, carefully considering the current situation.
“Besides, there’s something else that strengthens my suspicions about the possible cunning strategy of the Nimbria Pack.” Vione spoke up again, this time pointing to the map spread out on the table, carefully studying the depiction of the region marked by borders that represented the territory of the Frostholm Pack. She pointed to a spot in the southwestern corner. “This is where the first attack took place.” She glanced briefly at Usher, then at the warrior leader named Storm Meadow. “This place has little strategic value to them. Instead, they chose an area that’s easy for us to detect and reinforce. They’re trying to divert our attention.”
That wasn’t all. At least three things made Vione confident that Nimbria’s attack was merely a diversion.
“And finally,” Vione continued, fixing her gaze on Usher without blinking. She was deadly serious. “Last night’s attack did not involve their main forces. They must be hiding their true strength somewhere more strategic.”
Vione’s conclusion made Usher hold his breath. His eyes went back to the map and focused on the forest surrounding the Frostholm Pack territory, studying it intently.
Unfortunately, Usher couldn’t guess. “Do you think they’ve gone back to hiding in the Eresca Valley?”
For Usher knew full well that this was not the first time the Nimbria Pack had attacked them. The Nimbria Pack had tried to conquer them once before, and even though he was only a baby when the war took place, the historical records had told him a lot. So, he also knew that the Nimbria Pack had once used the Eresca Valley as a hideout.
“It’s hard to say,” Vione replied uncertainly. On the one hand, the Eresca Valley had geographical advantages as a hiding place. On the other hand, she doubted that the Nimbria pack would use the same place again. “It’s possible, but it’s also possible that they won’t.” Then she pressed her lips together, trying to contain her frustration. “They’re playing with us.”
That was exactly what Usher had thought. Both possibilities were equally plausible. The Nimbria Pack could very well be using perception manipulation tactics to deceive them.
Their discussion was interrupted for a moment. Storm’s phone rang and he quickly answered it. Usher and Vione waited eagerly.
“What’s going on?” Usher asked quickly after the call ended. “Is there any new information?”
Storm nodded. “Yes, Alpha. Berg reported that one of the mine alarms went off.”
Usher’s eyes widened. “Where is it?”
Storm replied, “On the southern edge of the Amerotha Forest.”
“The southern edge of the Amerotha Forest?” Usher repeated, looking at the map. “That means…” He turned to Vione, his expression changing. “They’re trying to trap us.”
Vione nodded, confirming Usher’s suspicion, for that was exactly what had crossed her mind when she heard Storm’s report.
The Nimbria Pack really did intend to deceive the Frostholm Pack. They cleverly exploited Frostholm’s uncertainty about where they were hiding by dropping false hints that Eresca Valley might once again be their choice.
The Nimbria Pack’s goal was clear: to lure the Frostholm Warriors into attacking Eresca Valley and then ambush them. They would annihilate the Frostholm Warriors in Eresca Valley.
Fortunately for the Frostholm Pack, past tragedies had taught them many lessons. They had increased security, especially in the border areas. Any unusual movement would not escape the surveillance of the advanced technology.
“The Nimbria Pack is trying to trap us, but it won’t be that easy. Instead, we must make sure that they are the ones who are trapped by their own devious plan.”
Usher could feel the undeniable determination in Vione’s words. “What do you mean, Vione?”
Vione looked at Usher with deep seriousness. Determination, courage and passion were vividly reflected in her eyes. “Give me a hundred warriors. Command me to go there, Alpha.”
*