Chapter 562
Chapter 562: I Always Trust Your Judgment (2)
Ghislaine immediately gave new orders to the commanders of the Allied Forces.
“Let’s split our army as well. However, we won’t chase the enemy. We will secure only the targeted strongholds and plan to encircle the area broadly.”
At that statement, everyone bit their lips, looking a bit uneasy.
It was clear that the enemy was blatantly targeting the supply routes, so the reasoning behind splitting the army to defend made sense.
However, the true strength of the Allied Forces came from their numbers. Splitting the army would be akin to throwing away that advantage.
Marquis Gideon asked with a worried expression.
“There are many superhumans in the Salvation Society. Splitting our forces will put us at a disadvantage. Is there no other way?”
“There isn’t. Since the enemy is clearly intent on this, we must respond. Targeting the supply routes means they want to starve us out.”
Marquis Supork, who had received help from Ghislaine in the Parsali Kingdom, offered a different suggestion.
“Then how about leading as many troops as possible to defend the supply routes? If we have more numbers than them, securing it should be easier.”
If we know where they are aiming, then we just need to defend that point. But Ghislaine shook his head, saying it wasn’t that simple.
“Why do you think the enemy has split their forces with more numbers than supply routes? They’re not just targeting the supply lines.”
“Then…?”
“They’re luring us into fighting split-up. If we don’t take the bait, they will leave the Kingdom of Grimwell and strike another realm.”
“……”
Everyone furrowed their brows upon hearing Ghislaine’s words. There was a possibility, but what if that judgment was wrong?
It could very well be an enemy deception plan.
Once an army is split, it’s hard to regroup. If the enemy had feigned disbandment, we could find ourselves in serious trouble.
Marquis Supork wiped his sweat and spoke.
“Are you… sure? If not, we will be at a disadvantage. Perhaps it would be better to just block the supply route for now and watch the enemy’s movements…”
“I am sure.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because I would have acted that way.”
“……”
I wanted to ask, who do you think you are? But the way he spoke, with such confidence in matters of war, made it feel improper to question him.
Ghislaine continued to elaborate.
“They have nothing to defend here. There’s no need to move a large army. So, they have no reason to invite a situation where they would sustain heavy losses with just one decisive move.”
Ghislaine looked around at everyone and firmly continued.
“Right now, the enemies are planning to torment us by using their mobility, just as they did before.”
The Salvation Society had been wreaking havoc across the continent. With battles erupting left and right, everyone struggled to respond quickly.
Now, tactics had just shifted; it meant a similar situation would occur again.
Ghislaine went on to explain what would transpire next.
“If we delay our response by only guarding the supply routes, they really will escape this kingdom. That would trigger even greater chaos and division.”
Marquis Supork, looking frustrated, spoke again.
“Is it really correct to just concede to the enemy’s intentions?”
“Yes, it’s better to let it go right now. The enemy currently holds two options.”
Ghislaine’s meaning was straightforward: it was better to fight when they chose to confront us.
It was a valid argument. If the motherland were to be attacked, the Allied Forces would have no choice but to scatter to catch them.
Then everything we had done until now would become pointless.
Imagining such a future made the leaders of the Allied Forces pale.
“It’s easy to say, but is that really feasible?”
“It’s extraordinarily difficult unless you are a remarkable commander.”
“Do they possess that level of ability?”
Everyone looked skeptical. To be honest, they had been winning easily until now, so it was hard to believe the enemy had such capabilities.
Having many superhumans and strong battle power wasn’t the same thing. Each unit needed to have outstanding commanders to make that possible.
But under no circumstances could they allow even a slight chance of such a situation to occur. Everyone shared that understanding.
Ghislaine looked at everyone.
“Do you all understand the situation? Now I’ll tell you what we should do.”
Everyone nodded. The leaders of the Allied Forces were both surprised by the enemy’s strategy and felt a chill in their hearts.
“I don’t know who the enemy is, but what a bold and reckless strategy.”
“To divide the army so brazenly in such a large war.”
“That’s impressive. Knowing it’s risky, we still have to follow through. Can we really win?”
Amidst the heaviness in their hearts, Ghislaine pointed to various places on the map.
“For now, I will give up three supply routes. We’ll only defend one of them. Prioritize securing key strongholds to make it difficult for the enemy to escape. Just hold out.”
The sudden statement left the leaders of the Allied Forces in shock.
“You’re giving up the supply routes?”
“No, why? We know what they’re aiming for, so why give it up?”
“Isn’t that why we’re trying to block them?”
But Ghislaine answered nonchalantly.
“Throwing a bait like that will give them confidence to try and overpower us. Don’t you realize the enemy is far from ordinary?”
“……”
While the enemy’s strategy was aberrant, their own plans were hardly conventional either. Both sides were taking dangerously risky approaches.
Marquis Gideon wiped his sweat and asked.
“Then, does that mean we will only defend our strongholds?”
“Yes, they are definitely going to keep dragging out the situation with mobility.”
Another commander asked with a worried expression.
“What happens if we fail to defend the stronghold and it gets breached?”
“Even if that happens, the enemies won’t escape this kingdom right away. They will try to reduce our numbers when the Allied Forces are split.”
“Hmm, I see…”
“If they leave here, it will tire us out, but it’ll tire the enemy out due to lack of supplies as well. Their best scenario is to eliminate us all while we’re divided here in the Kingdom of Grimwell.”
Duke Penris spoke confidently, as if he were familiar with the enemy commanders. He was even willing to throw out bait to ensure they got caught.
Marquis Gideon, feeling some hope at that confidence, asked.
“I understand about securing strongholds and encircling by regions. But who will pursue and fight them?”
“Me, the Penris Mobile Army, and… Yulien will be sufficient.”
Ghislaine looked at Yulien and smiled. Yulien nodded readily.
He had the capability and confidence to execute any strategy perfectly.
“No problem.”
Ghislaine smiled with satisfaction. He really was a reliable fellow.
“Did you hear? The two of us will go catch them. The rest just needs to hold their positions.”
If the enemy reduces their numbers and increases their speed, then they would simply do the same in return. That was more convenient.
Everyone understood, but their anxious expressions didn’t fade.
With the Duke of Penris and Yulien, there was nothing to fear. However, separated from the two, they would have to fight against the enemy’s main forces, which were filled with superhumans. Naturally, it was understandable that they felt anxious.
Seeing their expressions, Ghislaine clicked his tongue lightly before saying.
“Instead, I will reinforce our troops. Claude, send messengers to the surrounding kingdoms and gather everyone.”
“Gather… everyone?”
“If we let them slip away here, then other places will be finished too. So, don’t hold back and tell them to send everyone. As quickly as possible. Otherwise, warn them of the impending invasion.”
“Understood.”
Given the strength of the enemy, more troops were necessary. If reinforcements and mercenaries came, then they could potentially increase the number of forces even more.
Ghislaine’s demands didn’t end there.
“And summon all mercenaries from various regions. Not a single one left behind.”
At that, the expressions of the leaders of the Allied Forces became grim again.
Right now, the other kingdoms were barely carrying on thanks to mercenaries. Such was the dire situation of the kingdoms, and they were heavily reliant on the activities of mercenaries.
Marquis Gideon cautiously asked.
“Do we really need to summon the mercenaries as well?”
“I plan to create a formidable barrier with overwhelming numbers. That’s how we can trap them and strike.”
“……”
Not allowing even a single one of those cockroach-like enemies to escape was Ghislaine’s serious resolve to eradicate the Salvation Society from this place.
Ghislaine’s unwavering will resonated with everyone. Now that they entrusted this war to him, there was no room for dissent.
Even if there were opposition, he wouldn’t listen.
“Now, we will reorganize our forces and tell you where you need to go. We must move as quickly as possible.”
Ghislaine decided to lead 20,000 from the Penris Mobile Army, while Yulien would select the finest cavalry from the Allied Forces to reorganize another 20,000 troops.
The remaining Allied Forces, including the Ruthania Army, were divided into about six legions of 30,000 to 50,000.
In total, eight legions were formed.
Although they had fewer legions than the enemy, each legion had to allocate more troops due to the lack of superhumans.
If reinforcements and mercenaries arrived, the number of legions could increase.
The commanders of the Allied Forces refreshed their resolve. Just moments ago, they were worried, but now they clenched their fists and shouted loudly.
“Since it has come to this, let’s definitely crush them this time!”
“Of course! How long will we be dragged around by those bastards?”
“Peace for the continent is coming!”
Everyone knew it wasn’t something to be afraid of. With the troop reinforcements, they were determined to hold off the enemy no matter what.
Observing the determined commanders, Ghislaine said.
“We need to reach the strongholds quickly and take defensive positions. The enemy will also watch to see where we will go, since for now, they don’t know our destination.”
Everyone nodded.
There were many strongholds that could lead to other kingdoms. If the enemy really intended to try and attack us piecemeal, the Allied Forces would indeed move after confirming where they would go.
Once the meeting concluded, Marquis Gideon suddenly voiced a puzzled tone.
“Isn’t the ‘War Record Scribe’ not here today?”
There was usually one scribe closely following Yulien, recording everything.
At that remark, Ghislaine tilted his head.
The Allied Forces also had scribes, of course. However, they didn’t participate in important strategic meetings.
They recorded the battles only after hearing the details post-fight. It was a necessary procedure to prevent spies.
A person of Marquis Gideon’s caliber surely couldn’t be unaware of such matters. Yet he spoke as if having a scribe was a given.
“Why is there no scribe right now…?”
Just then, Claude shouted as he stepped forward.
“Come on, let’s move! The enemy could be on the move as well! The meeting has gone on too long! We need to act quickly!”
‘Could it be this guy is going to do something strange again?’
Something felt off. Ghislaine immediately looked at Wendy.
Wendy’s eyes widened as she shook her head frantically. It meant she knew nothing.
Before Ghislaine could ask anything, Claude was already making a fuss.
“Oh, we’re busy! Busy! Come on, let’s hurry up! I’ll request the troops as fast as I can!”
Claude forcibly pushed the commanders along.
Everyone couldn’t go against Claude, the ‘number two’ of the Ruthania Army. They simply got swept along with his insistence.
Ghislaine looked at Claude with a patient expression.
“What is it?”
“……”
“Why are you looking like that?”
“……It’s nothing.”
“Then I’ll be going too. Oh, busy, busy.”
“Wait a minute.”
“Why do you keep asking me?”
Claude asked while glancing around. Ghislaine subtly surveyed the area before speaking.
“I’ll give you an additional operation.”
“Eh?”
Didn’t they already plan who would defend which stronghold? And weren’t the higher-ups all gone?
But now he was speaking just to him.
Ghislaine approached Claude. Claude tried to back away, scared, but was quickly caught.
Ghislaine whispered softly into Claude’s ear. Claude’s expression turned dumbfounded as he replied.
“Really? Like that?”
“Proceed that way.”
Hiding it from allies and moving forward felt odd. It indicated there was some reason behind it.
Claude squinted as he asked.
“Is it secretive for a reason…?”
Ghislaine nodded.
“Yes, there are still uneasy factors left.”
Count Bifenbelt was an excellent strategist. And a brilliant strategist doesn’t just rely on a single method.
So he must have other hidden moves up his sleeve.
Ghislaine was now set to uncover that as well.
