111: Participating in the war

The following afternoon, in the Star Sea Fortress Council Hall.

On both sides of the long, Obsidian conference table, the core high-ranking officials of the Star Sea Territory had gathered. Thanks to the rapid communication of the Griffon Knights, even the supervisors of the most remote outposts or ports arrived within the specified time. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and solemn, broken only by the occasional crackle of wood burning in the fireplace and the steady breathing of the occupants.

Linn sat in the main seat, his gaze slowly sweeping over every face present: the rock-steady Angus, the Battle Intent-restrained Karl, the profound and imposing Ocean and Shirei, the spirited Elise, the quick and capable Clay, the achievement-seeking Evan, as well as Chief Steward Morton, Alchemy Great Master Henry, and others.

“Gentlemen,” Linn's voice rang clearly in the hall, breaking the silence, “We have just received definite intelligence. The main forces of the Kingdom and Federation coalition have advanced deep into the Great Wilderness Forest. The war has begun, and they achieved victory in the initial battle.”

These brief words instantly lifted everyone's spirits, and their eyes sharpened. They had waited so long; finally, the time had come.

“The Kingdom's Conscription Order has been issued. The eastern landing operation, for which our Star Sea Territory is responsible, must commence immediately. There is no time to lose.” Linn's tone became decisive, carrying an unquestionable authority. “Now, I command!”

His gaze first fell upon the person in the seat of honor on the right: “Angus!”

“Your subordinate is present!” Angus stood up abruptly, his armor clanking.

“I order you to lead all 2,000 Divine Arrow Army soldiers aboard the warships, serving as the first wave of landing troops, departing within three days. Your mission is to clear out all Non-human strongholds, outposts, and wandering tribes within fifty li of the chosen landing point. You must ensure the safety of the beachhead and establish a preliminary defense line. Remember: focus on eliminating threats; do not advance rashly.”

“Understood! The Divine Arrow Army will not fail your expectations, my Lord!” Angus responded in a deep voice, a hawk-like glint flashing in his eyes.

“Karl!”

“Present!” Karl straightened his back.

“You will lead 3,000 soldiers of the Star Shattering Legion as the second wave of landing troops, following immediately after the Divine Arrow Army. After landing, immediately rendezvous with Angus's unit and, utilizing favorable terrain, establish the prototype of a solid port fortress as quickly as possible. The fortress does not need to be massive in the Early Stage, but it must be stable and capable of resisting small to medium-scale attacks. Gaining a firm foothold is the primary objective.”

“Understood! The Star Shattering Legion will build the most solid ramparts!” Karl pounded his chest, brimming with confidence.

Linn nodded and looked at the heads of the Navy and the City Defense Army: “Ocean, Shirei.”

“My Lord!” The two responded simultaneously.

“Both of you will each draw five thousand elites from your respective units to be stationed aboard the transport and escort fleets, serving as mobile naval forces and strategic reserves. You are not permitted to land without my command. Your mission is to ensure the smooth flow of the sea lines of communication, await definitive news, and be ready at any moment to support the landing forces and launch a large-scale offensive.”

“Yes!” Ocean and Shirei accepted the order in unison. This arrangement surprised them slightly, but they immediately understood that it was the Lord's profound intention to preserve key forces to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

“Elise.”

“Young Master.” Elise rose gracefully, her Magic Robe shimmering with the movement.

“The entire Star Sea Mage Corps is to immediately relocate to Shattered Star City for final pre-war adaptive training and tactical coordination. Once the landing operation begins, you will act as the core support force, moving with the main army. The specific timing of deployment and the battle plan will depend on the actual situation at the front line, so you must be fully prepared.”

“Elise accepts the order! The Mage Corps has yearned for battle for too long.” Fighting spirit shone brightly in Elise's eyes.

“Clay.”

“My Lord!” Clay reacted swiftly.

“The Griffon Sky Knights are the eyes, ears, and fastest messengers of this war. I want you to deploy in a scattered formation, establishing a three-dimensional communication network covering the landing zone, the naval fleet, Shattered Star City, and even the direction of the Kingdom's main force under Young Master Payson. Ensure that all critical intelligence and my orders are delivered promptly. Simultaneously, you will undertake reconnaissance and early warning duties.”

“Rest assured, My Lord, the Sky Knights will not allow any message to be delayed!” Clay guaranteed solemnly. This mission was exactly what the young men under his command, who soared through the Sky, desired.

At this moment, Evan couldn't help but stand up. The Vice Commander of the Dragon Scale Horse Knight Regiment behind him also showed eagerness: “My Lord! My Dragon Scale Horse Knight Regiment request to join the battle! Our thousand knights are fully coordinated and ready to capture cities and break through enemy strongholds!”

Linn looked at Evan, his tone gentle yet firm: “Evan, I understand your Battle Intent, and I have no doubt about the strength of the Dragon Scale Horse Knight Regiment. However, the operational area in the Early Stage is the eastern edge of the Great Wilderness Forest, where the terrain is complex and the woods are dense. It is not suitable for large-scale cavalry deployment, especially for heavy mounts like the Dragon Scale Horse. Forcing them in now would yield half the results for twice the effort, or even cause unnecessary losses.”

He paused briefly, giving Evan time to process: “Your stage is not here. Wait patiently; there will certainly be future battlefields better suited for your charge and decisive strikes. When that time comes, you will be the first ones I send out.”

Although Evan was somewhat disappointed, Linn's analysis was logical and reasonable. He also knew that the Lord never spoke carelessly, so he nodded heavily: “Yes! Evan obeys the order. The Dragon Scale Horse Knight Regiment are standing by!”

Having assigned the main combat forces, Linn turned to logistics and technical support: “Great Master Henry.”

The old Alchemy Great Master adjusted his glasses: “My Lord.”

“The progress and inventory of the magic crystal cannon relate directly to our ability to breach defenses and defend after landing. What is the current status?”

Great Master Henry showed a hint of pride: “Reporting to My Lord, thanks to the continuous supply of ample resources you provided and the application of new Smelting Technology, the Star Sea Territory currently possesses twenty magic crystal cannons ready for combat! Ten of these are fixed heavy-duty models, offering the longest range and greatest power; the other ten are improved vehicle-mounted models. While slightly less powerful, their mobility is greatly enhanced, making them more suitable for field operations or rapid deployment. Ammunition reserves are also quite sufficient.”

“Twenty units... excellent!” This number greatly satisfied Linn and boosted the morale of the commanders present. They had long heard of or personally witnessed the power of the magic crystal cannon; it would be a Sharp Weapon for tearing open strong defenses.

“Ocean,” Linn addressed the Naval Commander again, “After the fortress is established upon landing, you will be responsible for transporting the magic crystal cannon ashore and handing them over to Angus and Karl for command, using them to strengthen the fortress defenses and support their clearance operations outward. The heavy fixed models will remain on the ships for now; their deployment location will be decided based on subsequent battle conditions. You must ensure the safety of the artillery personnel and the ammunition.”

“Understood! The Navy guarantees the completion of the mission and the safe delivery of the cannons!” Ocean responded solemnly.

Finally, Linn's gaze fell upon Logistics Chief Steward Morton: “Morton.”

“My Lord, your old servant is here.” Morton bowed slightly.

“Your burden is the heaviest and the most crucial. Food, armaments, medicine, building materials... the collection, transportation, and allocation of all supplies must be planned in advance to ensure smooth operation. Consumption will be massive in the Early Stage of the landing, and the sea transport line is the lifeline. Cooperate closely with Ocean and Shirei, and simultaneously mobilize all available civilian transport resources in the territory. I do not wish to hear that the front line is hampered by supply issues.”

Beneath Morton's graying hair, his eyes remained sharp and capable: “Rest assured, My Lord, your old servant has already drafted several contingency plans, and the warehouses are stocked with the first batch of supplies. We will mobilize the entire territory's strength to ensure the army's logistics are flawless!”

Linn stood up, placing his hands on the edge of the table. He took one last look around at everyone, his voice deep and full of power: “Gentlemen, this battle concerns the future of the Star Sea Territory, and more importantly, whether we can truly establish a firm foothold in this chaotic world and win respect and autonomy. Within the Kingdom, there are also petty individuals watching us. This battle is our time to respond. I hope everyone works together, performs their duties, and showcases the might of our Star Sea Territory!”

“We respectfully obey your command, My Lord! We fight for the Star Sea Territory!” All the high-ranking officials rose together, their resounding voices merging into one, echoing in the Council Hall, sounding like the prelude to war drums already beaten.

“Mm. Very good!” Linn nodded slightly. “Next, I have something I must attend to. Once I emerge from seclusion, it will be our turn to proactively collect some 'interest.'”

“The Commander-in-Chief for this campaign, until I emerge from seclusion, will be Angus. All Legion Commanders must obey Angus's command! No one else is permitted to launch unauthorized attacks.”

The usually steady Angus hadn't expected the command position to fall to him! Although surprised, he did not refuse. Instead, filled with Battle Intent, he spoke in a deep voice: “Your subordinate obeys the Lord.”