Chapter 158.2

VOLUME 3: CHAPTER 158 – CONFRONTATION (1/2)

The feudal lord of the west, Gowen Ranid, moved out with his army. With the reinforcements from the capital, their forces numbered 1700 men strong. They had a lot more soldiers than Gowen expected. As for why, that was because the soldiers that fought under Gowen in the past came as volunteer soldiers.

Gowen’s army currently had 1,000 foot soldiers, 100 archers, 200 cavalry, and 100 chariots. The reinforcements from the capital added 100 mages and 200 light infantry.

The reinforcements from the north and south were yet to arrive, but Gowen has already decided to begin the battle without them.

One reason that led to that was the problem of food supply. The western city did not have enough food to feed this many soldiers, only the colonial city could. The colonial city was made especially to hold during a siege, so it was made with bountiful fields.

Good food could support the morale when under siege.

Another reason was because of the issues of the western city’s design.

The western city was made for the purpose of managing the western region. It was not built to accommodate an army. Hence, it did not have the luxury of accepting an extra 1,700 people.

Without any room to sleep, the soldiers would have no choice but to make camp and sleep outside.

They would do so while looking on at the warm city from their cold camp. Naturally, that would cause displeasure among the soldiers.

Gowen decided it would be counterproductive to have the soldiers pile up such feelings before the war, so he decided to move out even though the reinforcements had yet to arrive.

“The cavalry will lead and act as the scouts. The middle guard will be taken by the foot soldiers, and the rear will be taken by the chariots. At the rearmost will be the reinforcements from the capital,” Gowen said in the meeting with the various platoon commanders.

“Is everyone aware of the current situation?” Gowen asked.

The platoon commanders nodded.

Gowen continued. “Our objective is the rescue of the colonial city and the annihilation of the goblins. Once we’ve entered the colonial city, we will then make our way into the forest,” Gowen said.

“We’re entering the forest again?” A commander asked.

“Yes, otherwise, we’d be putting this big army to waste,” Gowen said without the slightest flicker in his emotions.

“But the soldiers are still afraid of that forest,” the commander said.

“Of course, we will only enter if we manage to wipe out the goblins,” Gowen said.

After settling the commander’s worry, Gowen proceeded to give a logical explanation of their attack route and logistics. Even the magicians from the capital couldn’t help but admire Gowen’s leadership.

In one sense, war could be said to be a competition of resources.

Though magic, skill, and the blessed champions of the gods who could slay a thousand alone existed, they were not the only factors that decided victory. There were so-called preparations to war, such as controlling the land, securing supply lines, and even setting up traps. And even after the war begins, there were many things that needed to be done that a hero could not do so by himself, like searching for the enemy or pursuing them.

Heroes are rare so they often get the spotlight, but the only one in Germion Kingdom who could plan to this extent was Gowen Ranid.

No matter how powerful an individual might be, in the end, what will decide the war is number.

It was a simple but logical path to power.

The iron-armed knight incorporated that into his strategies.

“But isn’t the forest their territory? Wouldn’t it be too dangerous?” A platoon commander asked.

“I see where you’re coming from, but it would be best for you to forget the forest being dangerous,” Gowen said.

Gowen turned to the mage in the room. “It’s possible, right? To use a lot of earth and fire mages?”

The mage nodded.

Gowen continued. “Besides, we have our colonial city. We’d be throwing our advantage if we don’t use it.”

Gowen showed a blue picture, on it was depicted plans to use the lumber from the forest to strengthen the colonial city. Stealing the strength of the forest was the same as weakening the goblins.

In contrast, they would be strengthening the defense of the colonial city, gradually increasing the strength of their forces.

Gowen’s plan did not end there, however, for after one plan came another. It was like a puzzle.

When the platoon commanders heard his plan, their expressions turned to that of confidence.

Gowen looked at them with satisfaction.

“We don’t need a hero in this war. We will grasp victory with our own strength. That is what I intend, so prepare yourselves, men,” Gowen said.

As the platoon leaders left, Gowen took a deep sigh.

“…A hero isn’t needed, huh. But the very reason heroes are heroes is because they are able to overturn the basic concept of strength in numbers.”

No matter how meticulous one tried to weave his plans, there would definitely be an inconsistency somewhere.

“But at the very least, I won’t lose to the likes of goblins.”

With resolve burning in his eyes, Gowen left his room.

The reinforcements Gowen led met the goblins two days later.