166: Chapter 166 Countermeasures

"The Orc Race are invading on a large scale?"

The smile on Odinton's face froze instantly, and a look of astonishment appeared on his face.

If it were an ordinary Orc invasion, he would never have been this shocked, but things are different now.

It is currently the dead of winter, let alone for a race with low productivity like the Orc Race.

Even a powerful human kingdom with high productivity like the Pedan Kingdom would not be willing to start a war in the middle of winter.

Since ancient times, winter has never been a good time to start a war; for both sides, it is accompanied by a large number of deaths.

If the number of casualties in a war during other seasons is ten thousand, then the number of casualties in a war during winter would increase several times over.

Among them, it can be said that almost half, or even more, do not die at the hands of the enemy, but die from the "Winter Demon" that seems to have come from the underworld.

Furthermore, the biting cold winds of winter all blow from the extreme cold lands of the north.

This also means that the Orc Race residing in the north face the harassment of winter directly, and it is much colder for them compared to the human kingdoms.

Even though the Orc Race have a much stronger resistance to cold than humans, the power of winter treats every creature equally, even if you are a magical beast.

Therefore, from all realistic conditions, the Orc Race usually would not actively start a war in the middle of winter.

Instead, when winter descends, they actively shrink their defensive lines to cope with counter-invasions from hostile forces.

After all, the Orc Race are also highly intelligent creatures and would not foolishly increase the risk of their own deaths.

Accompanied by the pleasant sound of dripping snow water outside the window, Odinton, who had just managed to react, swallowed subconsciously.

He looked at Lister and said: "Lord Lister, the actions of the Orc Race are truly too counterintuitive; not only did they start a war in winter, but it is also a large-scale invasion."

"Are they not afraid of the threat of winter anymore?"

Compared to Odinton, Lister's expression appeared extremely calm.

After all, he is the lord who rules this land; he needs to remain calm at all times and also maintain his lordly dignity.

If the ruler reacts with alarm to unexpected events, how can those below him maintain a composed heart?

Not showing one's emotions on one's face is one of the most useful abilities he has learned since becoming a lord for so long.

And his calmness did indeed influence Odinton; a few breaths after his words fell, the look of astonishment on his face also calmed down.

Placing the finished letter gently on the table, Lister said in a deep voice: "Afraid, of course they are afraid!"

"Compared to us humans, the Orc Race are more aware of the power of winter and have suffered more invasions from winter."

"But this time their actions are indeed counterintuitive and have exceeded everyone's expectations."

"If we are to speak of the reason for this invasion—besides the sudden Cold Wave that caused them to lose a large amount of winter supplies internally."

"I cannot think of any other reason that would make them willing to risk the death of a large number of their tribesmen in the dead of winter to launch this large-scale invasion."

"Perhaps there are other unknown reasons, but only the northern fortress and the kingdom's high-level officials would know."

Odinton nodded continuously, expressing his agreement with Lister's analysis.

After thinking for a moment, Lister raised his voice slightly and commanded: "Thomas, immediately notify Red and Spartacus to come to the conference hall for a meeting."

"Yes, Lord Lister."

As soon as the words fell, Thomas's magnetic response came from outside the tightly closed wooden door.

Five minutes later, in the conference hall.

Lister sat at the head of the small round table, with Odinton on his right, and Red and Spartacus on his left, while Thomas automatically retreated outside the door to keep watch.

There were not many people, but they were all the absolute high-level officials among his subordinates at present, and they were also people who absolutely trusted and were loyal to him.

Now, unless it is a major mobilization before a war, Lister would not summon all the knights for a meeting.

In his view, as long as the person in charge of managing the knights and the Soldier group is present, then his orders can be conveyed level by level afterwards.

Facing the somewhat puzzled gazes of Red and Spartacus, Lister said: "I just received news from Brutus that the Orc Race in the north have launched a large-scale invasion."

"What!" "How dare the Orc Race do this!"

Red and the other immediately showed looks of surprise; compared to Spartacus, Red's emotions were much more intense.

As a knight who has experienced many life-and-death battles with the Orc Race in the north, Red is more aware of what this means.

Lister was not surprised by their shock and restated what he had said to Odinton earlier.

Red and the other also quickly returned to a calm state during his retelling.

They knew that Lister calling them here was certainly not just to tell them this news.

After finishing the retelling, Lister paused and continued: "As for what we need to focus on now, it should not be the north, but the Western Frontier Territory."

"The north is too far from us; we cannot intervene in matters there unless the northern defensive fortress truly faces a crisis."

"At that time, the kingdom will naturally summon all lords in the country to go, but obviously it has not reached that point yet."

"Whether this will happen in the future, we do not know for now."

"But there is one thing I can be certain of now, and that is the only Orc tribe outside the Western Frontier Territory, in the northwest direction—" The Beast Tribe!

Before Lister could say those words, the three people listening carefully on both sides immediately had their expressions tighten; they already knew roughly what Lister was going to say.

"That's right, just as you thought, since the northern Orc Race have launched a large-scale invasion, then the Beast Tribe, as one of the Orc tribal forces, will naturally not remain quiet."

Taking a sip of warm milk, Lister continued: "The Beast Tribe, as a powerful force that the Orc Race spent great effort and resources to send outside the Western Frontier and stationed there stably for a long time."

"Its role is naturally not just to act as a nail, but to act as a sharp blade that can take the initiative to attack at critical moments."

"Now that the north is under large-scale invasion, the kingdom's overall defensive focus will inevitably shift toward the north."

"And according to the kingdom's internal geographical environment, the closest place to the Northern Territory is the Western Frontier, and there are no large natural obstacles in between."

"In contrast, the Eastern Territory and the Southern Territory are both further away; the former is blocked by lakes from the Northern Territory, and the latter naturally goes without saying."

"Therefore, according to the usual situation, once a war breaks out in the Northern Territory, the Western Frontier is definitely the fastest to provide support."

"But that was many years ago; now with the existence of the Beast Tribe, if the Western Frontier wants to ignore external forces and support the Northern Territory recklessly, it is definitely not as simple as before."

"This time the Orc Race dared to launch a large-scale invasion in the north during winter, and one of the reasons is definitely relying on the existence of the Beast Tribe."

"Based on this situation, I can conclude that the Beast Tribe will definitely take corresponding actions in the near future."

"And most of the lords in the Western Frontier Territory will definitely bear the brunt of the impact."

"Even though our territory is in the southwest of the Frontier Territory and is still some distance from the Beast Tribe, we cannot guarantee that we will be safe and sound."

"Lord Lister is right." Red said with a look of agreement: "Since the Beast Tribe came to the Western Frontier, apart from launching some small-scale attacks, they haven't had any major movements."

"This also makes the strength of their internal forces a mystery within the kingdom; perhaps the kingdom's high-level intelligence department knows, or perhaps those great lords know."

"But these are all speculations and have nothing to do with us, and even if we knew, it wouldn't be of much help."

"Therefore, if we want to survive this crisis that is highly likely to occur, we still need to make preparations in advance ourselves."

"Correct." Lister nodded and said: "Besides that, those tribal forces outside the Frontier Territory will definitely have corresponding actions."

"As for whether this action is against us or against the Beast Tribe, it is also something unknown."

"So, the reason I summoned you this time is to convey the countermeasures for later."

Upon hearing this, the three people straightened their backs even more, their gazes looking at Lister in unison, waiting for his orders to be issued.

Nodding slightly, Lister ordered: "First is the defensive deployment of the territory; upgrade from the previous level two patrols to level three, implementing all-day alternating shift patrols to ensure the response to sudden dangers."

"Then is the training of the knights and the Soldier group; continue to follow the usual intensive training, and those with extra energy can increase the intensity according to themselves."

"In addition, recruit Soldiers within the territory; judging from the population the territory has absorbed during this period, this can be fully satisfied."

"The tentative number is twenty Apprentice Knights and fifty Soldiers; it would be best if the Apprentice Knights can be fully recruited, but if not, there is no need to force it."

"The above series of deployments and tasks are to be led by Red, with Spartacus assisting, and strive to complete them in the fastest time."

"Of course, under the various major actions in the territory, it may cause some Serfs to feel uneasy, which is not conducive to the normal development of the territory, so the usual pacification work will be led by Odinton."

"Later, I will, depending on the situation, transfer personnel from the Ironthorn Territory to supplement our strength; the above orders, except for the defensive deployment, will also be executed in the Ironthorn Territory."

"Of course, the primary defensive direction within the territory is still facing the tribal forces to prevent them from raiding during the chaos, after all, they are the ones closest to us."

"Understood." The three responded respectfully in unison.

Nodding, Lister stopped continuing this topic and looked at Red, asking: "Red, how is the progress of extracting the essence blood of the Earth Dragon Fish? About how many portions can be extracted?"

"Because we don't have an alchemist, the extraction method is slower, but it can be completed before this evening."

Thinking for a moment, Red continued: "As for the quantity of essence blood extracted, without harming the foundation of the Earth Dragon Fish, it can be extracted to about no more than five portions."

"No more than five portions—that is indeed quite a lot." Lister muttered, then continued: "After it is extracted, you and Spartacus take one portion each, and send the rest to me."

As the words fell, Red and Spartacus were immediately filled with tears, excitedly saying: "Thank you, Lord Lister, for your grace!"

It is no wonder they were so excited; the value of the Earth Dragon Fish's essence blood is too high, even if they used all their current savings, they would likely not be able to afford it.

Not to mention, the Earth Dragon Fish's essence blood is at a level that is priceless and unmarketable.

Moreover, compared to other transcendents, the Earth Dragon Fish's essence blood has the best effect on knights.

After all, in the path of knight cultivation, the most important things are the Breathing Technique and bloodline.

Who wouldn't hope that the bloodline in their own body is stronger?

Therefore, even though they have followed Lister for such a long time and are extremely familiar with his temperament, the two still couldn't help but show such a posture.

Still wearing a faint smile, Lister didn't say much else.

He has never had any doubts about their loyalty, so he has never been stingy in rewarding rare resources.

Moreover, according to their level of contribution, they should also receive this reward.

Perhaps by comparison, this reward might seem more valuable, but he believes it is worth it.

And after obtaining resources, aren't they meant to be taken out and used? What is the difference between keeping them in hand and letting them gather dust?

Lister firmly believes in one thing: as long as his power becomes stronger and stronger, then what he gains in the future will definitely not be comparable to the little resources he gives away now.

Turning his head to look at Odinton, Lister said: "Odinton, you haven't cultivated, your body cannot withstand the energy of the essence blood, but ordinary Earth Dragon Fish blood also has many benefits."

"The work you have to do in the future will become more and more, and having a good body is very important, so later you should also go and take a portion; it will just help you strengthen your physique and can also lay the foundation for your future cultivation."

"I, can I also cultivate?" Odinton did not expect Lister to take the initiative to bring up the matter of letting him cultivate, and was immediately full of surprise.

A transcendent, ah, who doesn't want to become one?

Although when he was at the Church Academy, the academy also offered various classes for transcendents, but those were exclusive to the children of nobles.

Students from ordinary families, even if they wanted to learn, could not afford the high tuition fees, so he could only suppress the thought of becoming a transcendent in his heart, and the same was true for Brutus.

Facing Odinton's excited gaze, Lister nodded with a smile and said: "That's right, you can also cultivate; not just you, but Brutus and Thomas as well."

When mentioning Thomas, Lister's voice couldn't help but raise a notch.

"After all, you are my right-hand men; although I don't need you to help me fight on the front lines, the management of the rear is sometimes no different from fighting on the front lines, and it requires a good body."

"And who can guarantee that hostile forces won't target you for assassination? So becoming a transcendent can also enhance your self-preservation ability."

"Therefore, no matter from what perspective, you are all destined to embark on the path of cultivation, not only for yourselves, but also to better follow me, and for the entire Ironthorn Territory."

"This subordinate will definitely not fail Lord Lister's high expectations!" Odinton stood up and performed the most sincere kneeling salute of the kingdom, saying with teary eyes.

Thomas, who was waiting outside the door, also shed tears of gratitude.