Chapter 562: I Always Trust Your Judgment (2)

Ghislain immediately issued new orders to the commanders of the allied forces.

"Let us divide our forces as well. However, we won't pursue the enemy. Our goal is to secure strategic points and encircle the area broadly."

At those words, the others pursed their lips tightly, seemingly uneasy.

It was clear that the enemy aimed to target the supply lines. Thus, splitting the forces to block them made sense.

But the true strength of the allied forces lay in their overwhelming numbers. Dividing the army meant giving up that advantage.

Marquis Gidion asked with a worried expression, "The Salvation Church has many superhumans. If we split our forces, we will be at a disadvantage. Is there no other way?"

"There isn't. If the enemy has resolved to act this way, we must respond. Targeting our supply lines means they intend to starve us out."

Marquis Suffolk, who had previously received Ghislain's help in the Farsali Kingdom, offered a different opinion.

"In that case, wouldn't it be better to mobilize as many troops as possible to defend the supply lines? With superior numbers, wouldn't it be easier to defend?"

If they knew where the attack would come, it would be enough to block just that spot. However, Ghislain shook his head, explaining that it wasn't such a simple matter.

"Why do you think the enemy divided their forces more extensively than ours? They're not just after the supply lines."

"Then...?"

"They're trying to bait us into a split battle. If we don't respond to their provocation, they'll leave the Grimwell Kingdom and attack another kingdom."

"..."

Everyone frowned upon hearing Ghislain's reasoning. That possibility existed, but what if his judgment was wrong?

Couldn't this be a deception tactic by the enemy?

Once the army was divided, regrouping would be nearly impossible. If the enemy's dispersal was a ruse, it could result in a catastrophic loss.

Marquis Suffolk wiped sweat from his brow and said, "Are you... certain? If you're wrong, we'll be the ones to suffer. Wouldn't it be better to just defend the supply lines and watch their movements for now?"

"I'm certain."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because that's what I would do."

"..."

They wanted to ask, Who do you think you are? But given Ghislain's proven expertise in warfare, it was hard to argue.

Ghislain elaborated further. "The enemy has nothing to defend here. They no longer need to move as a large force. Thus, there's no reason for them to risk significant losses in a single confrontation."

Ghislain looked around at everyone, speaking decisively.

"The enemy intends to exploit their mobility to harass us, just as they've done in the past."

The Salvation Church had risen up in various places, plunging the continent into chaos. Battles erupted everywhere, making it difficult to respond quickly.

Now, though the tactics had shifted to military strategies, the scenario was unfolding similarly.

Ghislain explained in detail what would happen next.

"If we focus solely on defending the supply lines and respond slowly, the enemy will indeed leave this kingdom. Doing so will cause even greater chaos and division."

Marquis Suffolk, looking frustrated, asked again, "Is it really right to just go along with the enemy's intentions?"

"Yes, it's better to let them proceed for now. The enemy has two choices, and we must force their hand."

Ghislain's point was simple. It was better to engage when the enemy sought a decisive battle.

It was a reasonable argument. If the homeland were counterattacked, the allied forces would have no choice but to scatter in pursuit.

That would render all their efforts so far meaningless.

Imagining such a future made the leaders of the allied forces grow pale.

'It sounds simple, but can it really be done?'

'This would require an extraordinary commander to execute in reality.'

'Do those guys even have that kind of capability?'

Everyone appeared doubtful. Given how easily they had won so far, it was hard to believe the enemy could pull off such a sophisticated strategy.

The presence of many superhumans was separate from the question of whether every unit had an exceptional commander capable of orchestrating such maneuvers.

However, even the slightest chance of such an outcome could not be allowed. On this, everyone agreed.

Ghislain looked around and said, "You understand the situation now, right? I'll tell you what we need to do."

Everyone nodded. Though surprised by the enemy's strategy, the allied commanders felt a chill run down their spines.

'Whoever the enemy commander is, their strategy is bold and audacious.'

'To divide their forces like that in such a massive war—what a nerve.'

'Amazing. We know what they're doing, but we still have to play along. Can we truly win this?'

As the tension mounted, Ghislain pointed at various spots on the map and spoke.

"We'll abandon three of the supply routes. Focus on defending just one. The rest of you, prioritize holding key strategic points. Your only job is to hold out."

The sudden statement left the allied commanders visibly shocked.

"Abandon the supply routes?"

"Why would we do that? If we know they're targeting them, why give them up?"

"Isn't the point of this to block them?"

But Ghislain responded nonchalantly, "Offering that bait will make them overconfident and push harder to defeat us. Don't you see how unusual the enemy's tactics already are?"

"..."

The enemy's strategy was far from normal, but so was this side's response. Both parties were engaging in an exceptionally dangerous game of war.

Marquis Gidion wiped his sweat and asked, "So, we're just supposed to defend the strategic points?"

"Yes. The enemy will undoubtedly rely on mobile warfare to prolong the situation."

Another commander asked worriedly, "What if we fail to hold the key points and they break through?"

"Even then, the enemy won't immediately leave the kingdom. Their primary goal is to thin out numbers while we're divided."

"Hmm, I see..."

"If they leave this kingdom, it'll be tough for us, but the enemy, short on supplies, will struggle too. Their best option is to annihilate our divided forces here within Grimwell Kingdom."

Duke Fenris confidently added, as if familiar with the enemy commander, "They're trying to ensure we're completely cornered by setting up this bait. It's all calculated."

Marquis Gidion, gaining some hope from Duke Fenris's confidence, asked, "I understand the plan to secure strategic points and encircle them. But who will pursue and fight the enemy?"

"Fenris mobile army and I, along with Yulian, will handle that."

Ghislain glanced at Yulian and smirked. Yulian nodded without hesitation.

"No problem."

Ghislain smiled in satisfaction. As expected, Yulian was reliable.

"You heard him. The two of us will hunt them down. The rest of you only need to hold your positions."

If the enemy reduced their numbers and increased their speed, this side would simply do the same. In fact, it would make things easier.

Though they understood, the commanders couldn't hide their unease.

Seeing this, Ghislain clicked his tongue lightly and added, "We'll reinforce your troops. Claude, send messengers to all neighboring kingdoms and gather every available soldier."

"Every soldier...?"

"If we lose them here, the rest of the region is doomed anyway. Tell them to spare nothing and send them immediately. Warn them they'll be invaded otherwise."

"Understood."

The stronger the enemy, the more troops were needed. Reinforcements would help ease the other commanders' anxieties.

But Ghislain wasn't done.

"Also, summon all the mercenaries from everywhere. Don't leave a single one out."

This order darkened the expressions of the allied commanders further.

Many kingdoms were barely sustaining their economies through mercenaries. They were heavily dependent on their activities due to the dire state of the kingdoms.

Even Marquis Gidion cautiously asked, "Do we really need to call in the mercenaries?"

"We'll create a line of defense with overwhelming forces. That's the only way to trap and crush them."

"...."

Not a single one of those cockroach-like bastards could be allowed to escape. Ghislain was fully resolved to annihilate the Salvation Church forces here.

His unyielding determination resonated with everyone. Having entrusted this war to him, no one dared to oppose his decisions.

Even if they did, Ghislain wouldn't listen.

"Then, let's immediately reorganize the troops and assign everyone to their designated locations. We need to move as quickly as possible."

Ghislain decided that the Fenris mobile army would consist of 20,000 troops, while Yulian would lead another 20,000 composed of the allied forces' most elite cavalry.

The remaining allied forces, including the Lutania army, were divided into six corps, each ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers.

Thus, a total of eight corps were formed.

Though fewer in number than the enemy's units, the allied forces lacked superhumans, so they had to assign more troops to each corps.

If reinforcements and mercenaries arrived, they could increase the number of corps.

The allied commanders renewed their resolve. Just moments ago, they had been worried, but now they clenched their fists and shouted with determination.

"Now that it's come to this, let's crush them completely this time!"

"That's right! How long are we going to let them drag us around?"

"Finally, peace will return to the continent!"

They knew fear wouldn't accomplish anything. With reinforcements on the way, the best course of action was to muster all their strength to block the enemy.

Watching the commanders steel their resolve, Ghislain said, "You must reach your designated points as quickly as possible and establish defensive positions. For now, the enemy will monitor where we're heading."

Everyone nodded.

There were many strategic points from which the enemy could retreat to other kingdoms. If they truly intended to attempt piecemeal annihilation, they would first observe the allied forces' movements before making their move.

As the meeting ended, Marquis Gidion suddenly asked in a puzzled tone, "By the way, where's the 'war record officer' today?"

Yulian always had a record officer at his side, meticulously documenting everything. Yet today, there wasn't a single one present.

Ghislain tilted his head at the remark.

The allied forces, of course, had record officers. However, they never participated in critical strategic meetings.

The officers would receive the details after battles and then document them, a procedure meant to prevent espionage.

It was hard to believe someone of Marquis Gidion's stature wouldn't know this, yet he spoke as if it were natural for a record officer to be present.

"Why bring up the record officer now…?"

At that moment, Claude stepped forward, shouting loudly.

"Alright, let's move! The enemy must be on the move already! This meeting has gone on too long! You need to act quickly!"

'Could this guy be up to something strange again?'

Something seemed suspicious. Ghislain immediately glanced at Wendy.

Wendy widened her eyes and shook her head vigorously, indicating she knew nothing.

Before Ghislain could ask anything, Claude began fussing again.

"Ah, so busy! So busy! Hurry, get moving! I'll request reinforcements as quickly as possible!"

Claude forcibly pushed the commanders out.

No one dared to argue with Claude, the "second-in-command" of the Lutania army. They simply followed his lead as he urged them out the door.

Ghislain watched Claude with a sharp gaze.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"..."

"Why are you glaring at me?"

"...Never mind."

"Alright then, I'll be off. So busy, so busy."

"Wait a moment."

"What now?"

Claude asked cautiously, sensing something. Ghislain glanced around before speaking.

"I'll give you additional instructions."

"Excuse me?"

The assignments for each strategic point had already been planned. The leadership had already left.

Yet now Ghislain was giving him special instructions?

Ghislain stepped closer to Claude. Claude, uneasy, tried to back away but was quickly caught.

Leaning in, Ghislain whispered softly into Claude's ear. Claude's face filled with confusion as he asked, "Really? Like that?"

"Yes, proceed as I said."

It seemed strange to hide the plan even from their own allies, suggesting there was a reason for it.

Claude narrowed his eyes and asked, "You're not going to do this in secret..."

Ghislain nodded.

"Exactly. There's still something bothering me."

Count Bipenbelt was a brilliant strategist. And any great strategist never relied on just one plan.

There had to be a hidden move left in reserve.

Ghislain was now intent on uncovering it.

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