Chapter 186 There's No Need For Strategy—Just Charge

In theory, the Orlando Fortress housed a formidable force of 150,000 soldiers: 100,000 from Lania's reinforcements and 50,000 from the fortress's existing garrison. However, the reality was far less impressive. Only slightly more than half of that number was truly operational.

The 30,000 soldiers gathered from the northeastern provinces under Michael's command had been rigorously trained and were now elite troops. In contrast, the soldiers from the southern and central regions were far less capable. Despite the royal conscription order, able-bodied men had evaded the draft, leaving only the unfit and inexperienced to be sent.

Some foresighted nobles had selected competent soldiers, bolstering the military's strength, and many of these troops had undergone extensive training under Michael upon arriving at the fortress. Unfortunately, many others had not. The situation among the Elonian garrison troops was no better.