Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

Chapter 452 - 425: A Split Attack

After leaving Wushan Castle, Ronin began arranging the military deployment within his territory.

Due to Wubei Territory’s unique location, the only way for an enemy to launch a large-scale invasion was by landing at Wubei Port, which was still under construction.

Although it was unlikely, Ronin took the precaution of stationing Rig and three Knight Squads there to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

However, Ronin wasn’t worried even if something unexpected did happen. After all, Uncle Simon, a Silver Moon Knight, was stationed at the port.

His only concern was the isolated Rapids Island, far out at sea.

Fewer than two Knight Squads were currently stationed on Rapids Island. Even with the additional squad Reis was training at Wubei Port, that was still less than three in total. They might not be able to fend off a large-scale pirate attack.

Ridder and Elron were both going to Moonlight Valley, and Macken was guarding Purple Thunder Territory. The only one left capable of this important task was Carlos, the "tool" Dragon.

Besides, the sea was the perfect environment for a Giant Dragon. Just imagine: enemy ships are still several miles from the port when Carlos incinerates them with his Flame Breath. They would have trouble even reaching the shore, let alone putting up a fight.

Unless Screaming Island sent out enough warships disguised as islands to overwhelm Carlos, they would just be serving themselves up on a platter.

The only inconvenience was that without Carlos, Ronin had to rely on his Wind’s Wings to get around, which was considerably slower.

The following period was spent mobilizing troops. During this time, things seemed calm on the surface in Wushan Territory, but internally, a storm was brewing.

Such large-scale mobilizations by Lurans and Ronin had long ago attracted the attention of the other nobles.

Viscounts, Barons, and Knights from the surrounding estates all went to Wushan Castle to inquire about the situation. While Lurans didn’t speak plainly, he told them to return and stockpile food and weapons.

At that, everyone knew: Wushan Territory was going to war.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a month and a half had passed.

After completing all the arrangements and preparations, Ronin sent Carlos to Rapids Island while he himself remained in Shore City.

During this time, he used up all the Attribute Points and Energy Essence he had recently accumulated.

A large portion of the Energy Essence was invested in Macken. After all, he was in Purple Thunder Territory facing the threat from the Villa Duchy; his strength couldn’t be too low.

After consuming 6,000 points of Energy Essence, Macken’s power progressed to the Silver Moon Level (9025/10000).

Of the remaining 2,633 points, Ronin allocated 1,000 to Elron so he could heal more wounded in battle. The rest was invested entirely into Carlos, allowing the Giant Dragon’s body to grow even stronger.

Inside the main tent of the temporary camp on the Wushan Territory border, a crowd had gathered.

Seated at the head of the tent was the master of Wushan Territory, Marquis Lurans. To his left stood Ronin, and to his right stood Ridder, the Commander of the Alliance Army formed by Wushan Castle and Wubei City.

Opposite them were the key leaders of their forces: Elron, Sophia, Petro, Harmon, Anilu, and Joffrey, along with the local nobles Philip and Baron Solstein, as well as Viscount Marvin Ironhoof, who refused to sit on the sidelines.

Looking at the assembled figures, especially the powerful Knights and Mages at the forefront, Lurans was filled with emotion. ’What a dazzling lineup.’

He had never imagined that the Wushan Clan would one day possess so many powerful Knights and Mages.

"Grandfather, would you like to say a few words?" Ronin asked with a smile.

Lurans shook off his sentimental mood, smiling and waving a hand. "Ronin, you are the Commander-in-Chief this time. As for me, you can all just think of me as a mascot."

The others couldn’t help but laugh.

Ronin nodded, seeing no need for false modesty. He took out a map and had Tom and David unroll it and hold it up for everyone to see.

"The main city of Moonlight Valley is Moonlight City, located to our southwest. There are two roads leading to it. The northern route passes through Nasca Town and is longer; the southern route passes through Pisa Town and is shorter."

Ronin pointed to the two roads on the map. "After the fifty thousand Witch Soul Soldiers in Tars Town were annihilated, Jesus pulled back his defensive line. According to Harmon’s reconnaissance, each of these two towns is garrisoned by seventy to eighty thousand Witch Soul Knights and Soldiers. Among them are likely two or three who have been forcefully elevated to the rank of Meteor Knight."

"We will now divide our forces into two groups. I, along with Elron and Harmon, will lead the Sixth and Seventh Knight Orders on the northern route. Ridder, Sophia, Anilu, and Petro will lead the Fifth Knight Order and the allied forces, composed of Knight Squads under Joffrey, Viscount Marvin, and others, on the southern route."

Although the enemy numbers seventy to eighty thousand, do not be deceived. Most of them are just converted commoners. Aside from their sheer numbers, they are plagued by weaknesses like rigid movements and slow reactions, making them no match for a well-trained, professional army.

Furthermore, Ronin’s forces included not just Knights, but also a considerable number of Infantry, Archers, and conscripted militiamen.

With this arrangement, both columns would have a Magic Master to blast open the town’s defenses with Magic, coordinating with the Archers for the first wave of attacks. The Knights would then charge, with the Infantry and militia following close behind.

"I believe those of you who experienced the Battle of Black Python City understand the evil and terror of the Witch Soul Race. Therefore, even though our enemy is a member of the Royal Family, a noble Kingdom Count, we are forced to fight for the sake of humanity and our own survival!"

Ronin declared solemnly, "To prevent any unforeseen incidents or interference from outside forces, this battle must be swift and decisive! Therefore, the army will march at three o’clock tomorrow morning. Everyone is to carry only a single meal’s worth of rations and no other supplies. We will strive to reach Nasca Town and Pisa Town before ten o’clock and take the towns before noon!"

"Elron, manage your Magic Power. Be ready to rally the troops."

Elron replied with a pleasant smile, "Don’t worry, My Lord. A First-level Magic spell consumes very little of my Magic Power now."

After the briefing, most of the leaders dispersed to put the plan into action.

"And me?"

Lurans asked with a smile, "Where should I go?"

Ronin couldn’t help but laugh. "We have more than enough strength to take the two towns. Why don’t you take responsibility for securing the supply convoys in the rear?"

"Very well, I’ll do as you say."

Lurans didn’t argue. The decisive battle would be at Moonlight City; taking these two towns was practically a certainty.

"I’ve also arranged for people in Golden Feather City to spread the news that Jesus has become one of the Witch Soul Race. I believe it will be common knowledge within the next two days."

Lurans continued, "The morning after next, Albert will personally take my letter to the Golden Feather Palace and deliver it to His Majesty the King. He will also let the world know that our campaign is not an act of betrayal, but an effort to make the King see the true, evil nature of the Alien Race."

Ronin nodded and smiled. "We are ’cleansing the King’s court,’ fighting for the sake of humanity. His Majesty the King wouldn’t go so far as to send his army to attack Wushan Territory for that, would he?"

"’Cleansing the King’s court...’"

Lurans murmured, "That is a good phrase."

However, they both knew that this was, in reality, just a pretext.

Their only path to safety was to project an image of strength, to make others wary, and to let the world know that even defeating Wushan Territory would come at a grievous cost.

What they needed to do was conquer Moonlight Valley in the shortest time possible and hand the captured Jesus over to the Royal Family. That would be the most powerful deterrent of all.