Episode 562 I always trust your judgment. (2)

Ghislain immediately gave new instructions to the Allied commanders.

"Let us also divide our forces. Instead, we will not pursue the enemy. We will secure only the targeted strongholds and surround a large area."

Everyone pursed their lips as if they were a little uneasy at those words.

It was clear that the enemy was openly targeting the supply route. So it was understandable that they had to divide their forces to block it.

But the true value of the Allied Forces lies in their strength in numbers. Dividing the army would mean giving up that advantage.

Marquis Gideon asked with a worried look.

"There are many superhumans in the Salvation Church. If we divide the army, it will be disadvantageous for us. Is there no other way?"

"None. Since the other party has decided to do this, we must respond as well. Targeting our supply route means they are trying to stop us and kill us."

The Marquis of Suffolk, who had received help from Ghislain in the Kingdom of Parsali, expressed a different opinion.

"Then how about leading as many troops as possible to guard the supply route? Wouldn't it be easier to guard more water than the enemy?"

If you know where they're aiming, you just have to block that spot. But Ghislain shook his head, saying it wasn't that simple.

"Why would the enemy divide his army into more units than supply lines? The enemy is not only after supply lines."

"then...."

"They are trying to lure us into a proper fight by dividing you into groups. If we don't respond to this provocation, they'll just leave the Kingdom of Grimwell and attack other kingdoms."

"…...."

Everyone who heard Ghislain's words frowned. That's possible, but what if that judgment was wrong?

Could this be a deception operation by the enemy?

Once an army is divided, it is difficult to reunite. If the enemy had falsely dispersed, it could have suffered great humiliation.

The Marquis of Suffolk said, wiping away the sweat.

"Are you sure…? If not, then we'll be the ones to suffer. It's better to just block the supply line for now and watch the enemy's movements ...."

"I am sure."

"How can you be sure?"

"If it were me, I would have moved like that."

"…...."

They wanted to say, "What are you?" but felt it was a bit difficult to argue with someone who only cares about war.

Ghislain continued to explain a little more.

"They have nothing to protect here. They have no need to lead a large army. So there is no need to invite a situation where they will suffer great losses in a single fight."

Ghislain looked around at everyone and continued speaking firmly.

"The enemy now intends to use their mobility to harass us, just like they did before."

The Salvation Church arose in various places, throwing the continent into chaos. Fights broke out here and there, and no one was able to respond quickly.

It just means that the situation is similar now, just with a change in military tactics.

Ghislain explained in detail again what happened next.

"If we delay our response by only protecting the supply line, they will really leave this kingdom. That will only cause greater chaos and division."

The Marquis of Suffolk spoke again, his expression filled with frustration.

"Does that mean we should just give in to the enemy's intentions?"

"Yes, it would be better to just let it go for now. The enemy has two choices now."

Ghislain's point was simple: it is better to fight when the enemy asks to fight.

It made sense. If the home country were attacked in return, the Allied forces would have no choice but to disperse to hunt them down.

Then all the work done so far will be in vain.

Imagine such a future and the faces of the Allied leaders turn pale.

'It's easy to say, but is it really possible?'

'It's actually an incredibly difficult task to carry out unless you're a truly great general.'

'They have that much ability?'

Everyone looked hesitant. To be honest, I couldn't believe that my opponent had that level of ability since I had been winning easily up until now.

It was a separate story from the fact that there were many superhumans and thus strong fighting power. This was possible only if there was an excellent commander in every unit.

But everyone agreed that we absolutely must not allow something like that to happen, even if it were just one case.

Ghislain looked around at everyone and said.

"Do you all understand the situation? Now, I'll tell you what to do."

Everyone nodded. The Allied leaders were slightly surprised by the enemy's strategy, but their hearts were chilled.

'I don't know who the opponent is, but this is a truly radical and bold strategy.'

'How fearless to divide up your army like that in such a big war.'

'This is really amazing. Knowing this but still having to follow it. Can I really win?'

As his heart grew heavy, Ghislain pointed to various places on the map and spoke.

"I'll give you three supply routes for now. You'll just defend one. You'll have to defend the main base first so that the enemy won't have a hard time escaping. All you have to do is hold out."

The Allied leadership looked shocked at the sudden words.

"You're giving us a supply route?"

"No, why? You know they are after it, so why are you giving it to us?"

"Aren't you trying to stop that just now?"

But Ghislain answered with an expression as it was no big deal.

"Wouldn't we need to offer them that level of bait so they'd gain more confidence and try to defeat us? Don't you know that our opponents are no ordinary people?"

"…...."

The opponent's strategy was not normal, but this side was no joke either. Both sides were trying to fight dangerously to the point of being on the edge.

Marquis Gideon asked, wiping away the sweat.

"So, does that mean we just need to defend the stronghold?"

"Yes, they will definitely continue to prolong the situation through mobile warfare."

Another commander asked with a worried look.

"What happens if we fail to defend the stronghold and it gets breached?"

"Even so, the enemies will not leave this kingdom right away. They will try to reduce our numbers somehow when the Allied Forces are divided."

"Hmm, I see…...."

"If we leave this place, we will both get tired, but the enemy will also get tired because they are short on supplies. The best situation for them would be to capture and eliminate all of us within the Kingdom of Grimwell, where our forces are divided."

Duke Fenris was speaking confidently, as if he knew the opposing commander well. Rather, he was even offering bait to catch him for sure.

Marquis Gideon asked with hope at the sight.

"I understand what you mean by securing a stronghold and surrounding them by region. Then who will pursue them and fight them?"

"Me, the Fenris Mobile Force, and…...Julien is enough."

Ghislain looked at Julien and smiled. Julien nodded obediently.

He had both the ability and the confidence to execute any strategy perfectly.

"No problem."

Ghislain smiled with satisfaction. As expected, he really is a dependable guy.

"Did you hear? The two of us will go and catch him. The rest of you just have to stay in your positions."

If your opponent reduces their numbers and increases their speed, you can do the same. It's actually more convenient.

Everyone understood, but their anxious expressions still did not go away.

Thanks to the Duke of Fenris and Julian, I had nothing to fear. But now that I was separated from them, I had to fight the main force of the enemy, which was full of superhumans. Naturally, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

After seeing that, Ghislain clicked his tongue slightly and said.

"Instead, I'll give you more troops. Claude, send messengers to the surrounding kingdoms and bring them all back."

"What ...are you talking about?"

"If we let those guys go here anyway, the other places will be finished too. So tell them not to spare anything and send them all. As fast as possible. Otherwise, tell them we'll be invaded."

"All right."

The stronger the enemy, the more troops were needed. If the troops were replenished, the anxiety of other commanders would be somewhat relieved.

Ghislain's demands didn't end there.

"And call all the mercenaries from all over. Don't leave out a single one."

At those words, the expressions of the Allied leaders darkened again.

At the moment, other kingdoms were barely able to keep their economies going because of the mercenaries. The kingdoms were in such dire straits that they were heavily dependent on the activities of mercenaries.

Marquis Gideon also asked cautiously.

"Do we really have to call in mercenaries?"

"We plan to create a barrier with overwhelming force. That way, we can trap them and beat them."

"…...."

Not a single one of those cockroach-like bastards could be missed. Ghislain was truly determined to eradicate all the Salvation Church bastards from this place.

Ghislain's firm will was conveyed to everyone. There could be no opposition since this war was entrusted to him.

Even if he had opposed it, there was no way Ghislain would have listened.

"Then I will reorganize the troops right away and tell you where to go. We must move as quickly as possible."

Ghislain was to lead the 20,000-strong Fenris Mobile Force, while Julien was to lead the 20,000-strong army, which was reorganized from the best cavalry in the Allied Forces.

The remaining Allied forces, including the Ruthanian army, were divided into six legions, each with about 30,000 to 50,000 men each.

In this way, a total of eight legions were created.

Although the number of legions was smaller than the enemy, the shortage of superhumans meant that each legion had to be assigned more troops.

If reinforcements and mercenaries come, we can increase the number of legions.

The Allied commanders reaffirmed their resolve. They had been worried until just a moment ago, but now they were clenching their fists and shouting loudly.

"Since it has come to this, let's really step on it this time!"

"Of course! How long are you going to be dragged around by those guys?"

"Now peace has come to the continent!"

Everyone knows that it is not something that can be done by being scared. Since they say that more troops will be added, the best thing to do is to somehow muster up your strength and block the enemy.

Ghislain said as he watched the commanders strengthening their fighting spirit.

"We need to get to the base as quickly as possible and take up a defensive stance. They won't know where we're going for now, so they'll just watch the situation."

Everyone nodded.

There are many strongholds that can be used to escape to other kingdoms. If the enemy really intends to defeat them individually, they will first check where the Allied Forces will move and then move.

As the meeting ended, Marquis Gideon suddenly asked in a questioning tone.

"No, but I don't see the 'War Record Officer' today?"

There was not a single officer around Julian to keep a close eye on everything.

At those words, Ghislain tilted his head.

The Allied Forces, of course, have officers, but they do not participate in important strategic meetings.

They record the details after hearing them after the battle is over. This is a natural procedure to prevent spies.

There is no way that a man as great as Marquis Gideon could be unaware of such facts, yet he speaks as if it were a given that there should be officers.

"Why the officer now…...."

Then Claude stepped forward, shouting loudly.

"Come on! Let's get moving! The enemies must be moving even now! The meeting has been going on for too long! We must get moving!"

'Is this guy doing something weird again?'

Something is quite suspicious. Ghislain looked straight at Wendy.

Wendy opened her eyes wide and shook her head wildly, indicating that she had no idea.

Before Ghislain could ask anything, Claude started to fuss.

"Ah, I'm busy! I'm busy! Come on, hurry up and move! I'll request troops as soon as possible!"

Claude forced his commanders to retreat.

No one can treat Claude, the 'second in command' of the Ruthanian army, lightly. They just get pushed aside as Claude pushes them.

Ghislain looked at Claude wearily.

"why?"

"…...."

"Why are your eyes open like that?"

"...no."

"Then I'll go too. Oh, I'm busy. I'm busy."

"wait for a sec."

"Why do you keep doing this?"

Claude asked, looking around. Ghislain looked around briefly and then said.

"I'll tell you about additional operations."

"yes?"

Haven't they already planned out who will block which stronghold? And the leaders have all left.

But he is only saying this to Claude.

Ghislain approached Claude. Claude was frightened by his feet going numb and tried to run away, but was quickly caught.

Ghislain whispered softly in Claude's ear. Claude looked puzzled and asked back.

"Really? Really?"

"Go ahead and do it that way."

It was strange that he was proceeding while hiding it from his allies. It meant that there was a reason.

Claude asked with narrowed eyes.

"I don't think you're going to do this in secret…...."

Ghislain nodded.

"Yeah, there's still something uneasy about it."

Count Biffenveldt is a brilliant strategist. And brilliant strategists don't think of just one way.

So there must be other numbers hidden away.

Ghislain now intended to catch that too.