March 1
Under the scorching sun, the transport of provisions became a striking sight.
A convoy laden with food supplies and equipment advanced slowly yet steadily along its lengthy route.
The wheels pressed deeply into the muddy road, each rotation stirring up a cloud of dust.
The transport team consisted of dozens of wooden grain carts, each covered with heavy canvas tightly bound around the loaded grain and hay.
The wheels made a deep rumbling sound as they traversed the muddy road, and the creaking of the axles occasionally mixed with the gentle breeze.
The soldiers of the logistics unit wore durable clothing, their faces covered in dirt and sweat as they drove the oxen and horses.
Each horse and ox bore a heavy burden on their shoulders.
The sounds of labored breathing mingled with the creaking of the wheels, creating a heavy rhythm.
They periodically checked the loads to ensure there were no loose ropes or damaged axles.
The provisions themselves were a mix of various dried grasses, grain sacks, and wooden crates.
Each grain sack was wrapped in coarse cloth, securely tied with ropes, and the markings at the sack's opening indicated the types of grains inside.
The wooden crates carried weapons and armor.
The transport team's progress was slow but steady.
Due to the uneven terrain, the convoy had to cautiously navigate every muddy spot.
In some places, they even needed to lay down planks to prevent the wheels from getting stuck in deep mud pits.
Whenever they encountered difficult sections, everyone worked together to push the wheels through.
The escort team patrolled slowly along the front and rear flanks, their eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Their duty was not only to ensure the safe transport of the supplies but also to guard against potential attacks.
As dusk began to fall, the transport convoy was approaching the designated position at the front lines.
The sound of wheels and the heavy breathing of the horses echoed under the open sky.
As the frontline troops met with the logistics unit by the river, the logistics commander immediately drafted a report and had it sent to the rear headquarters.
The frontline soldiers quickly and orderly began setting up camp, taking a moment to rest.
However, the atmosphere inside the military tent was tense.
Several officers sat around a large map table, which was covered with flags, markers, scrolls, and other items.
A staff officer, dressed in a simple, worn-out uniform, stood upright, his finger lightly tracing a path on the map, pointing towards the direction of Celestoria.
"The troops advanced another 48 kilometers today. With our supplies now replenished, we should reach the town near Celestoria by tomorrow night."
The fire flickered, and several pairs of eyes were fixed intently on the map before them.
"But the terrain ahead is complex, especially this mountainous area, narrow and rugged. According to the scouts' reports, there are many magical beasts that come out at night. We must remain cautious."
The terrain and climate of Celestoria differ significantly from those of Stormhaven.
To ensure the smooth progress of this mission, every battalion has dispatched multiple reconnaissance teams ahead to gather intelligence on Celestoria.
Celestoria, an inland city, is characterized by diverse vegetation, high elevation, and is surrounded by mountains, with uneven terrain and limited flat land.
This provides numerous hiding spots for magical beasts.
In contrast, Stormhaven is a coastal city prone to continuous rain or heavy downpours, with high humidity and frequent storms, such as hurricanes and typhoons.
At this point, the commander of the second battalion spoke up.
"Is there any alternative route? This operation to eliminate the magical beasts is of utmost importance.
Many units have been equipped with heavy anti-beast crossbows, and if we are discovered by a large group of magical beasts, this mountain terrain would make both attacking and quick withdrawal difficult."
The staff officer nodded and pointed to a forested area on the map.
"This forest could serve as a concealed route. Although it will be a detour, it will allow us to avoid both the beasts and the mountain path. However, it will slow our march."
The battalion commanders did not immediately respond, instead quietly studying the map.
Because not long ago, their leader had repeatedly emphasized that they must be the first to reach Celestoria, no matter what it takes.
At this point, the commander of the third battalion, Bennett, spoke up.
"We'll send a small team ahead to assess the situation, and then the main force can quickly follow, shortening our marching time."
The other battalion commanders agreed with this proposal.
A scribe on the side carefully documented the plan, and soon the communication officer was dispatched to the main camp to deliver it.
The communication officer quickly handed the documents to the priest.
In the main camp, a priest was reviewing the logistics unit's reports.
"The transportation of supplies is proceeding smoothly, with only a small amount of hay falling into the river during the crossing; the rest have been safely delivered."
The priest nodded with satisfaction as he reviewed the logistics report.
He placed the documents on the table, which was already piled high with similar papers.
Seeing the priest, the communication officer knelt down and bowed before presenting the report to him.
"Father Thomas, intelligence from the front lines has arrived."
"Good, good. We must reach Celestoria before any other battalion," the priest replied, clearly pleased.
"Very good, everything is in place now."
Next was the time to draft the strategy.
Pointing to a route on the map, he continued, "To expedite our march, we will employ a segmented rapid advancement strategy.
The entire unit will be divided into several small teams, each responsible for a specific mountain path segment.
The advancing teams will quickly clear obstacles to ensure the next team can pass through smoothly."
A scribe nearby quickly recorded Father Thomas's words.
"Each team will consist of elite infantry and swift scouts. Their mission is to rapidly scout and clear the mountain paths.
We will use the natural terrain of the mountains as cover, avoiding direct confrontation with the magical beasts."
A staff officer asked, "If we encounter unexpected situations, such as a sudden attack by magical beasts, how do we respond?"
The priest pondered for a moment before replying, "Each team will be equipped with a signaler who will carry drums or horns to raise alarms and call for reinforcements.
The sound of drums and horns can carry over long distances to alert other teams to take appropriate actions."
Thomas glanced at the logistics transport list and continued, "Those heavy anti-beast ballistae will travel at the rear of the formation."
The priest and several staff officers continued to refine and elaborate on the strategy.
"Very well, this will be the action plan for tomorrow morning."
The communication officer quickly took the strategy and returned to the front-line positions.
Upon receiving the detailed strategy, the commanders and staff at the camp immediately gathered their troops to prepare for the night march.
Meanwhile, the operations of the legion at Aetherhaven were not going as smoothly.
Blocking their path was the fast-flowing Green River.