Chapter 447: Dividing Forces for Attack

After leaving Black Mountain Castle, Loren began to arrange the deployment of military forces within his territory.

Due to its unique location, the Northern Black Territory could only be invaded on a large scale through the newly constructed Northern Black Harbor.

Though unlikely, for safety's sake, Loren still ordered Regg to station three knight squads there to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

However, even if something unexpected did occur, Loren would not worry, since at the harbor, there was Uncle Simon—a Silver Moon Knight.

His only concern was the isolated, offshore Rapidflow Island.

Currently stationed on Rapidflow Island were less than two knight squads. Even adding the one squad Reese was training at Northern Black Harbor, there were still fewer than three. If a large-scale pirate attack came, it might not be defendable.

Redar and Elron were both headed to Moonlight Valley. Macken was guarding Purple Thunder Territory. The only one left capable of taking on this heavy responsibility was the tool dragon, Kalros.

Moreover, the sea was highly suitable for a dragon to display its power. Imagine enemy ships still miles from the harbor, yet Kalros would burn them with fiery breath. How could they even land to fight?

Unless Screaming Island dispatched enough warships disguised as pirates to overwhelm Kalros, any attack would be futile.

The only inconvenience was that without Kalros, Loren would have to rely on Wind Wings to travel between places, which was considerably slower.

Over the following period, everything was in motion. During this time, Black Mountain Territory appeared calm externally, yet internally, winds were rising and clouds gathering.

Rauns and Loren’s large-scale arrangements and mobilizations had long attracted the attention of other nobles.

Viscounts, barons, and knights from various estates all came to Black Mountain Castle to inquire. Rauns did not explicitly state the reason, but he instructed them to stockpile food and weapons.

Thus, everyone knew Black Mountain Territory was preparing for war.

Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, a month and a half had passed.

After completing all arrangements and preparations, Loren sent Kalros to Rapidflow Island while he himself stayed in Shore City.

During this time, he expended all the attribute points and energy essences he had recently accumulated.

A significant portion of the energy essences was invested in Macken, since he faced threats from the Vera Duchy in Purple Thunder Territory and could not afford low strength.

With the consumption of 6000 energy essences, Macken’s strength progress reached the Silver Moon level (9025/10000).

Of the remaining 2633 points, Loren allocated 1000 to Elron, enabling him to heal more wounded in battle. The rest was all invested in Kalros, further advancing the dragon’s physique.

Inside the great tent of the temporary camp at Black Mountain Territory’s border, heads were crowded.

At the center sat Rauns, Marquis of Black Mountain Territory. To his left stood Loren; to his right stood Redar, commander of the allied forces from Black Mountain Castle and North Black City.

Opposite them were the key leaders: Elron, Sophia, Petro, Hamon, Anilu, Jeffrey, nearby Philip, Baron Solstan, and Viscount Marvin Ironhoof, who refused to stay out of the matter, among others.

Looking at these figures, especially the powerful knights and mages among them, Rauns felt infinite emotion rising in his heart—such a lineup was too magnificent.

He never imagined the Black Mountain family would one day possess so many powerful knights and mages.

"Grandfather, would you like to say a few words?" Loren said cheerfully.

Rauns collected his thoughts and waved his hand with a smile. "Loren, you are the commander this time. As for me, consider me a mascot."

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

Loren nodded, without any false modesty. He took out a map and had Tom and David unfold and hold it up before everyone.

"The main city of Moonlight Valley is Moonlight City, located southwest of us. There are two routes leading there. The upper route passes through Nasca Town, which is longer; the lower route passes through Pisa Town, which is shorter."

Loren pointed at the two routes on the map. "After the annihilation of the fifty thousand Soul Witch soldiers at Tars Town last time, Hersus tightened his defenses. According to Hamon’s reconnaissance, these two towns are garrisoned by seventy to eighty thousand Soul Witch knights and soldiers each, including two or three Meteor Knights forcibly elevated."

"Now we will divide into two routes. The upper route will be led by me, Elron, and Hamon, with the Sixth and Seventh Knight Regiments. The lower route will be led by Redar, Sophia, Anilu, and Petro, with the Fifth Knight Regiment and the allied forces composed of knight squads led by Jeffrey, Viscount Marvin, and others."

Despite the enemy’s seventy to eighty thousand troops, most were transformed from ordinary people. Apart from sheer numbers, they had weaknesses such as rigidity and slow movement, incomparable to well-trained regular armies.

Moreover, Loren’s side included not only knights but also infantry, archers, and recruited militia—numbers were substantial as well.

With this arrangement, both routes would have archmages directly blasting open the town defenses with magic, coordinating with archers for the first wave of attacks, followed by knight charges, infantry, and militia advancing thereafter.

"The evil and horror of the Soul Witch race, I believe all who experienced the Black Serpent City battle understand. Thus, even if the enemy are royal kin, noble counts of the kingdom, for humanity and our own safety, we are forced into this battle!"

Loren solemnly stated, "To prevent unforeseen incidents and interference from external forces, this battle must be swift—a quick resolution! Therefore, at three o’clock tomorrow morning, the army will march. Everyone will carry only one meal’s provisions, no other supplies, aiming to reach Nasca Town and Pisa Town before ten o’clock, and capture the towns before noon!"

"Elron, calculate your mana carefully and prepare to inspire the three armies."

Elron responded with a smile, "Rest assured, my lord. First-tier spells consume very little mana for me now."

After the instructions were conveyed, most people in the tent dispersed to implement the action plan.

"And me?" Rauns asked with a smile. "Where should I go?"

Loren couldn’t help but laugh. "With our strength, the two towns are fully sufficient. Would you like to ensure the safety of the rear grain and supply transport?"

"Good, good, good, I’ll follow your arrangements."

Rauns did not mind. The crucial battle lay at Moonlight City; these two towns were absolutely conquerable.

"I have also arranged for people to spread the news in Gold Feather City that Hersus has turned into a Soul Witch. It should become widely known in a couple of days."

Rauns said, "Early the next morning, Albert will personally take my letter to Gold Feather Palace, deliver it to the king, and let the world know this battle is not betrayal, but to show the king the evil face of the alien race."

Loren nodded and smiled. "We are clearing the court of malign influences, fighting for humanity. The king wouldn’t likely send troops to attack Black Mountain Territory, right?"

"Clearing the court of malign influences..." Rauns murmured, "That is a good term."

But both knew these were essentially excuses.

They needed to display formidable strength, make others wary, make them understand even defeating Black Mountain Territory would cost dearly, thus ensuring safety.

Their task was to capture Moonlight Valley in an extremely short time and arrest Hersus to hand over to the royal family—this was the most powerful means of deterrence.