When Loran Hill returned to Cranscia, it was already the end of July, and then the whole country began to mobilize for war.
In early September, the weather turned slightly cooler, and the Frost Rose's army crossed the border of New Wilga and marched westward, causing Hopeland to be in danger.
Charites Headquarters, Council Hall.
A lacquer nightshade pattern with black petals and purple stamens is printed in the center of the hall wall, and below it is a large oval table.
A representative read the report at the top.
"According to the intelligence we've obtained, the enemy's vanguard this time consists of approximately 200,000 troops, 30,000 of which are cavalry. They are also accompanied by five golem legions, comprising approximately 800 golems, with combat power ranging from Sequence 4 to 6."
"The commander of the army is Jenkins, a former Lurna general. He is 57 years old and a graduate of the Lurna National Military Academy. He has served as a border defense officer and mop-up corps commander, and has now been promoted to the rank of major general."
"Currently, our New Wilga's standing army is only over 50,000 men. Adding the private armies of the major chambers of commerce and temporary mercenaries, we can probably gather about 100,000 men. Thanks to the constant demand for trade, our horse reserves are still sufficient. If we recruit temporarily, we can gather 50,000 cavalrymen."
After listening to this analysis, the people below discussed in a low voice, and then a representative asked.
"So, we only have 150,000 soldiers with sufficient military training, of which at most 50,000 are cavalry, correct?"
"Yes, but in terms of the equipment of ordinary soldiers, there is no obvious difference between the two sides."
"Due to our early trade with Lurna, the armor, swords, and other items we obtained were all made of the finest steel. This is superior to other countries in the Seven Kingdoms of Xuehua."
"Now, if we only talk about ordinary soldiers, we are not much different from the enemy, and we have the advantage of local operations. 150,000 and 200,000 are on par."
"However, regarding transcendents, golems, and airships, the other party has a clear advantage."
"In a conventional battle, the enemy can rely on golems to defend against long-range fire like bows and arrows, then advance their lines and destroy walls and towers. Meanwhile, bombardments from mages and airships can also massacre densely packed troops. Without an equivalent countermeasure, our army's morale will quickly collapse after engaging in battle."
After hearing this analysis, someone asked, "Have Clancy and the Hinayue Council sent any additional aid?"
"Clancia has already mobilized. It's said that the army has already marched towards the border. Meanwhile, the Frost Rose has dispatched warships and airships to patrol and intercept the Quiet Moon Strait to prevent them from providing us with assistance."
"Considering the Frost Rose's size, the Hinayue Council may not fully agree to stand with us in the resistance. Since they are an archipelago nation, it's difficult to achieve complete domestic consensus. It would be very difficult for them to fully stand with us without being attacked."
"Previously, only a small number of extraordinary people were needed to provide assistance, but now the Frost Rose is in a war that will devastate the entire nation. If they continue to provide assistance to us, it would mean becoming a mortal enemy of the Frost Rose, which is something the nobles in their country do not want to see."
"Although the mages of the Hinayue Council have occupied many seats, the nobles of the former Cranberry Duchy still retain a considerable amount of power. They will not make decisions that carry great risks but little benefit."
"Previously, support was only possible because it was mainly provided by the mages of the Hinayue Council and was relatively small. Now, it's not that easy."
"It seems that we will have to hold on alone for a while this time." A representative said with emotion.
"Yes, it will take at least two weeks for Clancy's reinforcements to arrive. Even if they do, our predicament won't be resolved immediately, as Frost Rose's follow-up troops will gradually enter the battlefield."
"Airships and golems are still the problems we have to face."
"However, this is the only way now. Fortunately, the Hinayue Council secretly left a number of mages on our side to help resist the enemy's attacks."
"Hoppland's walls aren't very high. Due to the continuous expansion over the years, a lot of them have been demolished, and the newly built walls aren't very thick either. If the enemy uses golems to bombard them, it won't take more than half a day to tear them down."
"Therefore, it is best for us to fight in the open air, relying on the mobility of our cavalry to disrupt the enemy's supply chain, slow down their advance, and then wait for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack."
"This is the only way for now." Everyone present gradually reached a consensus.
"Also, I have some additional questions." A representative raised his hand.
"Within the New Wilga Alliance, many forces or large chambers of commerce lack a firm sense of resistance. They are very likely to suddenly surrender during the battle. This is something we need to be vigilant about."
"Right now, the only families who truly stand with me and have a strong sense of resistance are the Helis, Agatilin, and Lamia families. The rest are not reliable."
Someone sighed and said, "This is due to internal and external troubles."
"Things never go as planned, and we can only do our best."
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A small town on the Frost Rose Border, formerly Wilga.
The usually bustling town was unusually quiet today. On the streets one could see some guards wearing iron-studded armor maintaining order. They were all locals and wouldn't do anything evil. They were just preventing any anomalies from occurring in the town. After all, this was an extremely critical moment.
Many townspeople stood by the roadside, looking at the army advancing across the land in the distance.
These soldiers, carrying long spears, formed a long column with no end in sight. As they advanced, the ground raised clouds of dust, gradually blurring the view.
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