138: Military system reform

The appointment of the Star Legion was settled, and the surging emotions in the council hall gradually calmed down. Linn, however, did not announce the end of the meeting. Instead, he sat back down, his gaze sweeping over every General present.

"Gentlemen, the establishment of the Star Legion is only the first item on today's agenda," his voice was steady and powerful. "Next, we will discuss a more far-reaching reform concerning the future of all armies in the Star Sea Territory."

Everyone's expression became serious, and they all sat up straight.

Linn raised his hand, and the image of the airship on the Magic Sandbox dissipated, replaced by a complex army organizational chart. The chart centered on the Star Sea Territory's Hundred Star Banner Emblem, radiating multiple branches outwards.

"The Star Sea Territory currently has a standing army of 136,800, supplemented by 10,000 slave auxiliary troops from the East Sea Prefecture, totaling nearly 150,000 armed forces. Later, personnel drawn from the Star Legion will also need to be replenished," Linn slowly began. "As the territory continues to expand and the army grows larger, the original legion-battalion-company structure has become crude, the command hierarchy is vague, and coordination efficiency needs improvement."

He pointed to the organizational chart: "Starting today, the entire Star Sea Territory army will implement a new organizational system. This system will span all branches, achieving standardization, hierarchical structure, and professionalization."

As Linn explained, clear text and lines began to appear on the chart:

"Basic combat unit: twenty people form a squad, led by a squad leader, usually a veteran NCO or a Bronze Rank warrior."

"Five squads form a platoon, one hundred people, led by a platoon leader, requiring strength above Silver Rank and basic command ability."

"Ten platoons form a company, one thousand people, led by a company commander, requiring Gold Rank or above, with the ability to independently execute Company-Level tactical missions."

"Five companies form a regiment, five thousand people, led by a regiment commander, requiring High Gold Rank or equivalent military merit at Earth Rank, capable of commanding Regimental-Level battles."

"Two regiments form a brigade, ten thousand people, led by a brigade commander, requiring Earth Rank or exceptional command talent, responsible for strategic directions."

"Three brigades form an army, thirty thousand people, led by an army commander. This is the highest regular combat unit."

Linn paused, allowing everyone to digest the information, then continued: "Army commander level is granted the rank of General. An army commander is a Major General, and a deputy army commander is a Senior Colonel. This is the standard promotion path."

He changed the subject: "In addition, a 'Special Forces' structure will be established. The Divine Arrow Army, Orc Legion, Dragon Scale Knights, Guard Army, Griffin Knights, and Mage Corps, due to their special functions, elite nature, or unique troop types, are designated as Special Forces. The commanders of each Special Force are all granted the rank of Major General, directly subordinate to the Lords Mansion or the Group Army Headquarters."

This announcement caused a stir among the Special Forces commanders present. Especially Clay, Evan (the Orc Legion Commander), and others, for whom it meant that although their troop numbers might not match those of regular army commanders, their status and honor were equivalent.

Linn did not stop; the organizational chart continued to expand, revealing three larger blocks.

"To meet the future needs of multi-front, three-dimensional warfare, starting today, three major group armies—Navy, Army, and Air Force—will be established."

"The Naval Group Army." Linn pointed to the blue block on the left side of the chart. "Composed of the Star Sea Legion and the Star Shattering Legion, totaling sixty thousand people. During wartime, it will be under the unified command of the Supreme Naval Commander, responsible for all maritime operations, amphibious landings, coastal defense, and escorting sea lanes."

His gaze turned to Ocean: "General Ocean."

Ocean stood up abruptly: "Your subordinate is present!"

"I appoint you as the Supreme Commander of the Naval Group Army, with the rank of Lieutenant General. Effective immediately, you will oversee the integration, training, and war preparations of the two major naval legions."

Ocean's chest heaved. This General, who was originally a pirate and one of Linn's earliest followers, now had eyes gleaming with excitement. To leap from an Intermediate General to a commander leading sixty thousand naval forces—what immense trust and honor!

"I will not fail your great trust!" Ocean's voice was firm and resounding.

"The Army Group Army." Linn pointed to the earthy yellow block in the center of the chart. "Including the Star-Moon Legion and the Po Jun Legion, totaling sixty thousand people. This is the main force for ground operations, responsible for sieges, field decisive battles, and key defensive positions."

His gaze shifted to Yilman. The veteran General, whose arms had long since recovered, had already stood up, his eyes burning with fervent flames.

"General Yierman."

"Your subordinate is present!"

"I appoint you as the Supreme Commander of the Army Group Army, with the rank of Lieutenant General. Your many years of military experience and profound understanding of continental warfare are precisely what the Army needs. The Dragon Scale Knights, Divine Arrow Army, and Orc Legion will serve as auxiliary forces for the Army during wartime, under your unified deployment."

Yilman bowed deeply, his voice trembling with emotion: "The Lord's kindness in recognizing my talent is something Yilman can never repay, even with death! I will surely forge an iron-blooded army for the Star Sea Territory and flatten all enemy strongholds!"

"The Air Force Group Army." Linn finally pointed to the silver-white block on the right side of the chart, where the Star Legion's emblem had just been added. "With the eleven thousand strong Star Legion as the main force, supplemented by the Mage Corps and Griffin Knights. Responsible for air superiority, strategic bombing, aerial reconnaissance, and rapid deployment."

Sebastian had already stood at attention, awaiting his appointment.

"General Sebastian, in addition to your position as Star Legion Commander, you will concurrently serve as the Supreme Commander of the Air Force Group Army, with the rank of Lieutenant General. Your burden is heavy; you must not only build the brand new Star Legion but also develop a complete aerial combat theory system."

"Your subordinate understands!" Sebastian performed a standard Star Sea Military Salute. "The Sea God Clan will bear witness in the Sky, forging an aerial blade for the Lord!"

With the appointments of the three group army commanders complete, the atmosphere in the council hall was solemn yet impassioned. Everyone understood that this was not merely a simple organizational adjustment, but a thorough modernization reform of the military, a crucial step in transforming the Star Sea Territory's army from a traditional lord's private army model to a professional, integrated modern army.

Just then, Linn's gaze turned to Clay, who had remained silently by his side.

This knight, who was his earliest follower, had been his right-hand man since the Star Sea Territory only had a few hundred soldiers. He was loyal, steady, and brave, stepping forward many times in times of crisis. More importantly, Clay was not just a General, but Linn's most trusted comrade and brother.

"The final appointment." Linn's voice softened slightly, yet carried an undeniable weight.

Everyone held their breath.

"Clay."

Clay stepped forward, kneeling on one knee: "My Lord."

"Since the establishment of the Star Sea Territory, you have been by my side. Guarding my safety, commanding my most trusted troops, repeatedly achieving military successes, and remaining loyal." Linn stepped down from the main seat and personally helped Clay up. "Today, I appoint you as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the entire Star Sea Territory army, with the rank of General."

"Whoa!"

Although somewhat expected, when the word "General" actually came from Linn's mouth, everyone couldn't help but let out a low gasp. General—this was the highest military rank in the entire army, below Linn himself! The commanders of the three group armies were only Lieutenant Generals!

Clay's body trembled, and he suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Linn placed a hand on his shoulder and continued: "You will directly command the Elite Troops directly subordinate to the Lords Mansion—the Guard Army and the Griffin Knights. These two units are the sharpest sword and the strongest shield in my hands, and only those I absolutely trust can wield them. In wartime, you have the authority to coordinate the three group armies, and in my absence, you will act as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire army."

This trust was as heavy as Mount Tai.

Clay's eyes instantly reddened. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out, so he could only kneel on one knee again, pressing his fist to his chest, and bowing his head deeply.

Linn helped him up and turned to the others: "Gentlemen, the new organizational system and new command structure will take time to adapt. I give you half a year. Within half a year, each group army must complete internal integration and tactical coordination training. After half a year, I want to see the Naval, Army, and Air Force capable of seamless cooperation in large-scale joint exercises."

His voice turned cold, his gaze like a blade: "Because we don't have much time. After the Marquisate of the Golden Peacock annexed the Former Lawson Territory, they continuously squeezed our trade routes in the north; the Iris Family spread rumors in the royal capital, slandering the Star Sea Territory; and some forces in the royal family, wary of our development, are secretly colluding."

"The rise of the Star Sea Territory has touched too many people's interests. Peace will not last forever." Linn walked to the window, his back to everyone, gazing at the scene of Star Sea City outside the window. "What we need to do is to sharpen our swords sufficiently and forge our shields strong enough before the storm arrives."

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over every General: "Today's reform is for tomorrow's war. I hope you all strive together."

"We swear allegiance to the Lord unto death! We fight for the Star Sea Territory!" Everyone roared in unison, their voices echoing in the secret chamber, like war drums beating.

The meeting concluded, and everyone left in excited spirits. A heavier burden was placed on each person's shoulders, but the fighting spirit burning in their eyes was more vigorous than ever.

Linn finally called Clay back.

In the empty council hall, only the two of them remained.

"Under a lot of pressure?" Linn looked at his old friend.

Clay gave a bitter smile: "My Lord... no, Lord. The rank of General, the position of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Entire Army, your subordinate... I fear I am not capable."

"I believe you can." Linn patted his shoulder. "You are not fighting alone. Angus is astute in statecraft and can advise you; Yilman is experienced and can assist with the Army; Sebastian, though newly appointed, is meticulous; Ocean is brave, Barton is steady... What you need to do is coordinate them and unite everyone's strength into one."

He paused, his tone deep: "Clay, the future of the Star Sea Territory lies not only with me but also with all of you. When I must look further ahead, I need someone to stabilize the rear and wield the sharp sword for me."

Clay took a deep breath, all hesitation and unease suppressed, leaving only resolute loyalty: "Your subordinate understands. I will not fail your trust."

"Go, begin your work. First, draft a detailed timetable for army reorganization for me."

"Yes!"

Clay saluted and withdrew.

Linn stood alone in the council hall, the Magic Sandbox still slowly operating, displaying the vast territory of the Star Sea Territory and the complex surrounding situation.

The Naval, Army, and Air Force were taking shape, a modernized military system was established, and airships were about to enter service... The Star Sea Territory's war machine had completed its most crucial upgrade.

He walked to the sandbox, his finger gently tapping the location of the Marquisate of the Golden Peacock on the continental map, then tracing over the Iris Family's territory, finally stopping at the royal capital of the Aolai Kingdom.

"Soon," Linn murmured softly to himself, a cold light in his eyes like stars.

Outside the window, the setting sun dyed Star Sea City a golden-red.

And the new era belonging to the Star Sea Territory was officially commencing with this thorough military system reform.

The sharp sword was forged, awaiting its moment to be unsheathed.