In the soul space, Todd is discussing the details of the northward campaign with Rachel.
Looking at the map of the North on the screen, Rachel raised her question: "The first issue is reconnaissance. Given this is a long-range raid and a large-scale military operation, both naval navigation and troop movement require real-time information on the enemy's movements. Therefore, for the reconnaissance team, we need to prepare several fast ships and organize some scouts..."
Todd shook his head: "There's no need for that. I have a better option. Do you remember those griffins?"
"Griffin?"
“They are in the air, making them the best scouts. And I can obtain the latest intelligence from them at any time through my soul-linking ability.”
After thinking for a moment, Rachel confirmed the idea: "So, the second question is, what are your plans regarding troop deployment?"
"I have already spoken with the West City cabinet, and Brunhilde will lead the North Island Knights in this battle."
Rachel looked up at Todd: "Brynhildr? That Valkyrie of the North Isles? I remember the kingdom sent her to mediate the North Isles conflict..."
Todd nodded: "There are several reasons for choosing the Knights of the North Island. First, the personnel in charge of the fleet's operation and combat need to be capable of both naval and land warfare, and the Knights of the North Island are the best choice. Second, the Grand Master of the Knights of the North Island, Brunhilde, as the Valkyrie of the North Island, can assist in handling the North Island's affairs during this operation. Finally, the Knights of the North Island are quite familiar with the geography and hydrology of the Northern Territory."
Rachel looked somewhat worried: "But I've heard that the Northern Island Knights have some issues with their loyalty to the Kingdom of Muxi. Many of them have even deserted the army and returned to their respective tribes to fight for them."
“That’s one of the reasons I chose them.” Todd pointed to his head. “Have you forgotten that we just ‘rebuilt’ Asgard and wanted to gain the loyalty of the North Islanders? This is the perfect opportunity.”
Rachel shrugged. "Alright, as you said, let the Knights of the North Island be the main force for this attack. So, who do you plan to bring to the camp?"
“Alfonso and the Royal Guard, I plan to have them remain at the camp. After all, cavalry can't effectively deploy formations, whether at sea or in the city.” Todd stroked his chin. “I intend to bring all the tribal warriors, and of course, the gladiators. Most of the slaves rescued during the raid on Ancient Gully were their tribesmen and friends. With them around, things will be easier. Also, I'll bring Vulgar…”
Rachel paused, interrupting Todd: "Volgar? That Ulster favorite! Are you sure?!"
"According to his law, there is a war beast breeding ground beneath the ancient city of Gugu, where the greatest secret of the Kingdom of Ulster is hidden. If we can find and unlock these secrets, the Kingdom of Muxi can begin to cultivate a war beast legion, which is a very important opportunity for us."
Rachel shook her head. "Even so, that's too risky! Can you guarantee it's not a trap?"
“I know it’s very risky to bring him along, but the secret of beast breeding is just too important for Muxi City right now,” Todd advised Rachel. “If we can acquire this technology, the military strength of the Muxi Kingdom can be greatly enhanced.”
“Deirdre stays, but I have to go!” Rachel straightened up and stared intently at Todd.
Todd looked at her for a moment and said softly, "If this raid succeeds, tens of thousands of slaves will be freed. Everything in the camp needs to be arranged in advance. Alfonso is only suitable for charging into battle, and Ackerman can only be in charge of logistics. No one else has the ability to manage the camp. Rachel, I can only rely on you."
Rachel bit her lip and remained silent.
Todd said casually, "Don't worry, if things really get out of control, Henry the Griffin can take me and we can escape the battlefield safely from the air at any time."
“You’re just trying to comfort me. You’re not the kind of person who would run away on your own,” Rachel said helplessly. “The third problem is time.”
“Once the first wave of troops lands, the garrison of Gugu City will signal, and the slave-hunting army stationed outside the city will immediately enter to provide support.” Rachel pointed to the city's structure on the map: “Gugu City has only one gate. Even if our troops march at full speed from the port, it will take them twenty minutes to reach the gate. Note that this is assuming no troops are blocking their way. In reality, the port, the city, and the gate are all guarded. Even in the best-case scenario, it would take an hour and a half to defeat these enemies and reach the gate. The slave-hunting army, on the other hand, can occupy the gate in just half an hour. Once the enemy enters the city, capturing the gate will become much more difficult.”
Todd waved his hand, and an image of griffins soaring through the air appeared on the screen: "Twilight City currently has ten griffins at its disposal, and their taming work has already yielded some results..."
The quick-thinking Rachel immediately guessed Todd's idea: "You want to use these griffins to carry an elite squad and parachute down to attack the city gate?"
“That’s right, but the airborne team can only have ten people, so this group must be an absolutely elite force.”
Rachel closed her eyes and shook her head helplessly: "Let me guess, besides those incredibly skilled Valkyries from the North Island, you're also planning to personally take to the field, right?"
Todd smiled and nodded.
"Are you really going to do this? You need to understand that once the Griffin sends ten of you into the enemy lines, you will not only have to face the counterattack from within the city, but also deal with the attack of thousands of enemy troops outside the city, and you will have to hold out for at least an hour. This is simply suicidal!"
Todd revealed a calm expression: "The airborne troops attacking the city gates must have a strong force to quickly suppress the enemy, and in this regard, no one in the kingdom is more suitable for this position than me. As for holding out for reinforcements, you don't need to worry about that for this battle. I specifically instructed the Twilight City Cabinet to prepare a large amount of explosives and supernatural equipment, which can greatly reduce the pressure on the city's defense."
"but……"
Todd gave Rachel a firm look, forcing the latter to swallow the words that were about to come out.
“You are probably the bravest but also the most insane king I have ever met. Even the King of Holy Guard, known as the ‘Lion Father,’ pales in comparison to you.” Rachel sighed deeply. “I guess nothing I do can change your decision.”
Todd gently pulled Rachel into his arms: "Don't worry, I won't do anything I'm not sure I can handle."
Rachel gently rested her head against Todd's chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, and quietly closed her eyes.
A moment later, she suddenly opened her eyes, looked down in surprise at Todd's lower body.
The latter was somewhat embarrassed: "This... this is the first time I've realized that things beyond one's control can happen in the soul space..."
Rachel reached out and gently touched Todd's face. After a moment, she seemed to have made up her mind and gave him a light peck on the lips: "Come to my room tonight."
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