After the imperial edict announcing Todd's advance into Ulster was issued, the entire city of Froststone was like a war machine that had been activated, running at full speed.
The leaders of the various warbands rushed to the temple, gathered with the shamans to listen to the Valkyrie's analysis of the frontline battle reports, and then began to formulate battle plans overnight.
The warriors, who had been idle at home for a long time, sharpened their swords and polished their shields, regarding this war against the Kingdom of Ulster as the best opportunity to wash away the shame of their previous defeat.
However, many more people with a keen eye have linked this battle to the formation of the Crusader.
Many believe that this battle, personally initiated by the Sons of God, was in fact a test and trial. Its purpose was to select the bravest and most devout believers from among mortals, to incorporate them into the Crusader's army, and to reserve a place for them in Valhalla.
Therefore, based on this speculation, more and more believers in Froststone City, whether warriors, civilians, or slaves, came to the vicinity of the temple, requesting to join the operation against Ulster.
At first, the shamanic assembly did not pay much attention to the huge crowd of petitioners outside the temple, but as more and more people arrived, they had to take it seriously.
After repeated attempts to persuade her failed, Minnie had no choice but to approach Todd and tell him about the situation.
"You mean, tens of thousands of people came to the temple hoping to join the war, just to secure a position in the Holy Crusade?" The black dragon shook his head, his tone incomprehensible. "I've repeatedly emphasized that joining the Holy Crusade would mean completely losing one's human form, being separated from family and community, and possibly even losing one's life during the conversion ritual. Don't they know that?"
Minnie found Todd's question rather strange.
"The supreme son of the gods, isn't this the most natural thing to do? In this world, there are countless things more important than life, but faith in you is like the jewel at the top of an ivory tower, forever shining brightly. I believe that if we could follow you into the Holy Land, no matter what dangers we face, your followers would forge ahead without hesitation."
Todd fell silent.
In his previous life, he had also witnessed fanatical faith influenced by religion.
Indeed, once believers have faith in God, everything, including life itself, becomes insignificant and no longer important.
Todd lowered his dragon head and looked at Minnie: "We don't need that many people to attack Ulster. Besides, most of those petitioners are civilians who have not been trained in combat... Tell them in the name of the divine decree that the power of the gods comes from piety, and that they should stay in the temple during this war to pray for the victory of the gods."
Minnie smiled and nodded in agreement.
"How are the chapters preparing?"
“As of yesterday, a total of 140 regiments have requested to join the battle,” Minnie said, recalling the events. “13,000 warriors are fully equipped and ready to go, and food, livestock, equipment, and slaves are all prepared.”
"What about the tactical arrangements?"
"According to the discussion between the chapter leaders and the Valkyries, all chapters will be divided into three routes. The northwest route will attack the port of Ulster, Gugu City, to open up the sea supply route; the north route will attack the capital of Ulster, Ammar City, to capture the enemy's main camp as soon as possible; and the east route will go to the border of the Kingdom of Connaught to block the enemy's reinforcements."
Todd asked, "Who is in charge of the Eastern Route Army?"
"The main force consists of the two largest warbands in Froststone City—the Redbran Gladiator Warband and the Falcon Warband, while aerial reconnaissance will be led by Ivy."
After listening to Minnie's explanation, Todd considered it over and over again.
There shouldn't be any problems with tactical arrangements and troop deployment.
"Next week, the shamans will hold their final ritual before the war. Then, the major war groups will proceed to their respective battlefields along the predetermined routes."
Minnie looked at Todd: "Son of the Supreme Gods, do you have any further decrees regarding this war?"
Todd landed on his forelimbs, sprawled on the ground, and fixed his golden pupils on the old woman before him: "If this war takes an unexpected turn, do you know what to do?"
Minnie paused, then looked at Todd with a hint of helplessness in her eyes: "The shamanic gathering will place Deirdre's safety above all else... The bloodline of the gods cannot be lost."
Todd nodded, stood up again, and said softly, "May the glory of the gods return to this land."
Minnie knelt down: "It is all your will."
After Minnie left, thick steam billowed from Todd's scales, instantly filling the entire square.
An hour later, Todd, completely naked, slowly emerged from the mist in human form.
"The dragon form is still more comfortable. The human form feels more like wearing an ill-fitting bodysuit on my skin."
Todd muttered to himself as he deftly picked up a fur coat from the ground and put it on before heading toward the small building.
Seeing a dozen or so Valkyries standing outside, Todd suddenly realized that Evie and Deirdre were probably giving more attention and care to his unborn child than he was.
Todd's appearance caused the Valkyries to kneel down.
Under the latter's gaze, Todd pushed open the door and saw Deirdre walking slowly in the living room on the first floor.
The beautiful woman, who was already pregnant, was wearing a loose, moon-white robe. Because she was still in the early stages of pregnancy, her belly was not very noticeable.
Supported by two Valkyries, she took each small step carefully, as if her body contained fragile crystal.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com