116: On the eve of the decisive battle

During the month-long war of attrition, the Thorn Barricade Fortress gradually bore the scars of conflict. The wooden walls were covered in charred marks and dense arrow holes, yet its structure remained standing, constantly being repaired and reinforced.

Under the command of Angus, the soldiers of the Star Sea Territory operated like precise gears, systematically rotating defense, repairing fortifications, and maintaining the operational integrity of the defensive system.

Inside the council hall, the light of the oil lamp flickered across the faces of the four generals, each displaying a different expression.

"The 50,000 allied forces of the two races have launched thirteen assaults." Karl forcefully carved a mark onto the map with his short knife. "The Pig-Headed People have learned to use dispersed charges, while the Minotaur are advancing within two hundred steps of the wall using reinforced wooden shield formations. Their adaptability is stronger than anticipated."

Shirei added in a deep voice, "Our arrow reserves are 40% depleted. The magic crystal cannon has not fired a single shot, strictly following the General's orders."

Angus, the Divine Arrow Army commander known for his calmness and acuity, and also the Temporary Commander-in-Chief of the battlefield, silently tapped the table with his fingers. "The Divine Arrow Army has eliminated over four hundred enemy scouts, but they are gradually figuring out the terrain on both sides of the fortress. Three days ago, an elite Minotaur squad almost breached the trap zone on the eastern mountain path."

His gaze lingered on the map, his brows tightly furrowed. The continuous pressure exerted by the 50,000-strong army, even if only hundreds were lost in each attack, caused massive erosion to the morale and spirit of the defenders. Unmistakable fatigue had begun to show on the soldiers' faces.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and Clay strode in, covered in dust from travel.

"Generals," he said, taking off his dusty gloves, his tone urgent yet clear, "Latest intelligence from the North. The Human Race Allied Forces have advanced over three thousand kilometers north, crushing the main Orc forces on the Great Wilderness Forest plains, and are now continuing to push further north."

The council hall suddenly fell silent.

"The Great Wilderness Forest..." Angus repeated softly, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "That area is less than two thousand li from the Dwarf Kingdom border."

"Exactly." Clay quickly walked to the map, pointing his finger at the vast northern region. "The main forces of the Dwarf Kingdom are gathering massively towards the border. This means that in the short term, we don't need to worry about pressure from the Dwarves. Their entire focus is now firmly locked onto the Northern Front."

Karl slammed his fist onto the table, his excitement obvious. "What a chance! General, is the time right?"

All eyes immediately focused on Angus.

The Temporary Commander-in-Chief remained silent for a moment, his gaze repeatedly sweeping over the critical points on the map, finally settling firmly on the marker representing the Thorn Barricade.

"Issue the orders."

His voice was steady and firm, carrying undeniable decisiveness.

"First, General Ocean and General Shirei, immediately lead the two Reserve Legions waiting at sea, totaling ten thousand men, to land under the cover of night. The operation must be concealed, entering the fortress silently in three batches."

Ocean and Shirei stood up simultaneously and solemnly. "Understood!"

"Second," Angus looked at Clay, "Commander Clay, immediately return to the Sea Supply Point and mobilize the full transport capacity of the Griffin Knights. I give you five days to secretly deliver all members of Miss Elise's Mage Corps, along with Batu's Orc Legion, to a hidden mountain valley twenty li southeast of the fortress. There must be no mistakes."

Karl's eyes lit up. "Two elite forces, all Bronze Rank! General, are you planning to..."

"Third," Angus continued giving instructions without pausing, "Starting tomorrow, the fortress defense will switch to a 'Fatigue the Enemy State.' During the day, use regular forces for rotating defense, and at night, organize multiple small units to frequently harass the enemy camp. We need them to believe that our army's morale is low, supplies are tight, and we are barely holding on."

He stood up, resting his hands on the edge of the rough wooden table, his gaze burning brightly as he swept across every colleague.

"Gentlemen, the objective of the month-long war of attrition has been achieved. Although the Pig-Headed People and Minotaur Allied Forces still number fifty thousand, the frustration of repeated failed attacks has eroded their fighting spirit. Their assessment of us has solidified into 'hiding and stubbornly defending, relying on favorable terrain.' This is precisely the moment we have been waiting for."

"Miss Elise's Mage Corps are all Bronze Rank, specializing in large-scale destruction and Battlefield Control." Angus's finger landed heavily on the open area in front of the fortress on the map. "Batu's Orc Legion is also composed entirely of Bronze Rank combatants, and their frontal assault capability is enough to match the Minotaur's most elite troops. Once these two sharp blades are in position, combined with the fortress's current forces, we will possess the strength to crush, or even annihilate, the enemy forces in a frontal engagement."

"But what we want is far more than just crushing them," his voice dropped lower, yet gained more penetrating power. "What we want is to annihilate their main force in one battle, ensuring that Boar King Kustu and that 'Bedrock' Chieftain can never organize a second decent attack. If this battle is won, no one will be able to shake the Star Sea Territory in the Eastern Coastal Region!"

Ocean nodded thoughtfully. "Then, the timing for using the magic crystal cannon..."

"It is set for the dawn of the Decisive Battle Day." Angus's finger accurately pointed to several preset markers on the map. "Targets: the enemy command center and the elite assembly areas. A rapid volley in a short period will serve both as the horn for the General Offensive and as a thunderous strike to completely shatter their Battle Intent."

Clay then asked, "How should the Griffin Knights be deployed?"

Angus looked at his old comrade-in-arms, his deployment plan clear and decisive. "The Griffin Knights have a strong carrying capacity. At that time, members of the Mage Corps will form groups of five and ascend on Griffons. After the magic crystal cannon fire covers the area, you must immediately launch a Joint Spell Bombardment from the air, delivering a second round of devastating strikes to the enemy. Following this, legion commander Batu will lead the Orc Legion as the vanguard, striking directly into the heart of the enemy camp."

He turned his gaze to the other generals. "General Ocean, you will lead your main legion to flank early and cut off the allied forces' retreat route. Karl, Shirei, and I will then lead the remaining main forces to follow closely behind Batu and launch the General Offensive amidst the chaos."

"A meticulous plan, exactly right!" Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Now, execute the orders immediately." Angus emphasized finally, his eyes blazing. "All actions must be absolutely concealed. We need the allied forces to firmly believe that we are barely holding on, clinging to the illusion of aid from the unreachable Human Race main forces on the Northern Front. Let them continue to underestimate us, and continue to fruitlessly waste patience and manpower before this barricade. In this battle! Take no prisoners, and strive to annihilate the maximum possible number of the enemy's effective forces!"

"Yes, sir!" The generals responded solemnly, bowed, and turned, quickly departing with the resolve for the decisive battle.

Silence returned to the council hall, leaving only the markers symbolizing slaughter and victory on the map, faintly reflecting the oil lamp's light.

Angus clenched his fists, whispering softly, "My Lord, the Star Sea Territory will surely win this battle!"