Edgezz

Joshua Martin was a military scientist, a visionary at the forefront of humanity’s greatest technological leap—the creation of a near-limitless energy source. But just as he stood on the precipice of success, his life was cut short. The reason for his death? A mystery he never got to solve.

Now, he awakens in a world of swords and nobility, in the frail, dying body of Aldric Ravensbourne—a disgraced noble known for arrogance, wastefulness, and failure. With his newfound title comes from a prestigious house hold, Son of a Duke, and a people who curse his name. But Joshua now Aldric, is no ordinary noble. Armed with his knowledge of science, strategy, and leadership, he refuses to let this world’s limitations bind him.

If war is inevitable, he will forge weapons unseen by any kingdom.
If famine looms, he will revolutionize agriculture.
If corruption festers, he will tear down the old order and rebuild it anew.

But as he rises, whispers of his miraculous transformation spread. Old enemies lurk in the shadows, and even greater forces beyond his understanding take interest in the man who should have died. In a world ruled by tradition, will innovation be his greatest weapon—or his downfall?

(This book was written with AI-assisted editing and refinement, but all ideas, characters, and storytelling still originate from me.)

The World He Shaped

The war room inside Marquis Gustov's estate carried a heavy tension, yet there was no uncertainty. The mole had been exposed, and the enemy's advantage had crumbled. Now, it was time to refine the final strategy.

Aldric stood at the center of the oak table, surveying the detailed battlefield maps before him. The candlelight flickered, casting deep shadows across the war-torn parchment.

Gustov sat at the head of the table, his fingers steepled, listening intently. His expression remained impassive, but in his mind, he was still processing how efficiently Aldric had unraveled the traitor's scheme.

Tobias leaned forward, hands clasped. "With the mole out of play, the bandits are flying blind. They'll still be expecting us to fall into their trap, but now they won't know we're ready for them."

Red, standing near the door with his arms crossed, smirked. "Which means we can tighten the noose."

Aldric nodded. "And we will." He tapped the map of Ruven Forest, his voice calm but precise.

"Their ambush relied on knowing our movements down to the last detail. Without that information, they're forced to stick to their pre-set formation. That means we can predict exactly where each of their squads will be positioned."

Royce, standing across from Aldric, furrowed his brow. "That also means they'll be more cautious once they realize we aren't where we're supposed to be. If they sense something's off, they might retreat."

Aldric smirked slightly. "Then we'll give them a reason to stay."

Aldric placed a small wooden figurine on the map, marking a ridge overlooking the bandit camp. "We let them think they still have control. Our scouts will feign delays. Our supply wagons will move as expected, just slow enough to maintain the illusion that nothing has changed."

Gustov, for the first time, showed mild amusement. "And when they strike?"

Aldric's smirk deepened. "We'll be waiting."

1. Dividing the Army for a Coordinated Strike

•	Tobias and Red will lead an elite vanguard unit, positioned in Ruven Forest's southern ridge, where they can flank the enemy when the ambush is triggered.

•	Royce will oversee the disguised reinforcements, hidden in the underbrush, ready to cut off the bandits' escape.

•	Aldric, alongside a core force, will bait the bandits by marching into the expected choke point—but with hidden countermeasures in place.

2. Traps and Psychological Warfare

•	Hidden spike pits and delayed explosives crafted by Caelum will be placed along enemy escape routes.

•	False campfires and decoys will make it appear as if Aldric's forces are spread thinner than they really are.

As Aldric finished laying out the final strategy, a moment of silence followed. The plan was bold, meticulous, and undeniably effective.

Gustov watched Aldric carefully, masking his thoughts, but inwardly, he felt something he hadn't expected—genuine admiration.

'This boy isn't just playing soldier. He's orchestrating a war.'

Finally, Gustov leaned back in his chair. He wouldn't voice his thoughts outright, but he couldn't deny the results.

"I expect clean results," he said evenly.

Aldric's golden eyes met his. "You'll get them."

Gustov exhaled, then stood. "Then all that's left is to execute."

As the war council adjourned, Aldric stepped onto the estate balcony, staring out at the distant forests where tomorrow's battle would take place. The wind was cold, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh pine.

Mara approached, standing beside him. "Everything is in place."

From the shadows, Gerrod emerged. "The bandits are making their final preparations. They still believe the ambush is theirs."

Aldric smirked. "Let them believe it—until it's too late."

40- The Final War Council