Chapter 9: Planning
“Do you want to use the Greenland Forest Trail as an ambush point?” Rebrí asked thoughtfully. Though he wasn’t very knowledgeable about military affairs, it was obvious to anyone what kind of military action Homer might take against Leon and the Caucasus. With over ten thousand regular infantrymen, a small group of magi, and a squad of knights, it seemed highly unlikely that the Caucasus-Leon Self-Defense Forces, composed mainly of half-orcs, could withstand such forces. An ambush using their advantages was expected. The path in the Greenland Forest was known for its roughness and twists, posing significant risks for ordinary merchants and caravans, which was why it was called the Forest Trail. But for an army of over ten thousand, it was the most suitable route—at least for them; no one would expect an attack along that path.
“That’s right. You know as well as I do that our Caucasus currently lacks the strength to confront Homer. If Homer’s army appears unscathed on Leon’s soil, we are doomed to defeat. So we can’t just sit idly by—we must take the initiative. The Greenland Forest Trail is the obvious ambush point,” Komer nodded, his expression showing no emotional fluctuations, as if Homer’s army’s movements had no impact on him.
“Lord, I must remind you that the enemy has over ten thousand soldiers, including magi and knights. The Greenland Forest Trail is a good ambush point, but the attackers also need to be strong enough.” Rebrí frowned slightly. Ever since he came to the Caucasus, he had been forced to get involved in these wars among ordinary people, which wasn’t pleasant for a mage. But to be honest, the Caucasus had treated him well, fulfilling almost all his needs. And Fort Damorensk had become a place he cherished—at least for now, Rebrí had no plans to leave.
“Of course, I’m not very familiar with the strength of Philip’s mage corps. I believe Mr. Lebray, having been in Calais, must also be somewhat acquainted with Homer’s mages. As for their knight corps, I know a bit about it—they’re quite strong, but not invincible. As for their soldiers, well, they haven’t experienced real warfare in many years. The previous Battle of Leon has proven that I don’t think their combat capabilities will improve drastically in just a few months.” Komer laughed. “Besides, I’m not expecting to wipe them out entirely with our ambush forces. My plan is to undermine their morale, strike at their fighting spirit as much as possible, and eliminate their mages and knights. With nothing but ordinary infantry, I don’t think they stand a good chance.”
“What do you plan to do?” Lebray had to admit that the other party’s plan was thorough and cruel. Komer’s targets were the mages, knights, and infantry officers. If these key figures in warfare could be effectively eliminated, the army would become like a snake with broken bones, posing little threat.
“It’s simple. I’ll drive the magical beasts in the Greenland Forest to migrate and attack them, while taking the opportunity to assassinate their mages, knights, and officers.” A cold smile appeared on Komer’s lips. His plan indeed matched Lebray’s assumptions.
“Hmm, it’s similar to what I guessed. Driving magical beasts to migrate isn’t easy, but I recall you mentioning encountering migrating wolves in the Greenland Forest. It seems that’s your plan. I wonder if there are any other formidable pack magical beasts in that forest besides wolves?” Lebray smirked slightly. Driving magical beasts to migrate was something that rarely happened. This lord spoke of it so casually—how could it be done in that vast primeval forest?
“Mr. Lebray, it seems you’ve forgotten our energetic Miss Shatima. I think she’d be happy to take on this task. After staying in the Caucasus and freeloaded for so long, aside from causing me plenty of trouble, she hasn’t done a single proper thing. Assigning this task to her would not only satisfy her desire for adventure but also provide us with significant help. I believe Miss Shatima will deliver a satisfactory result for us.”
Komer laughed. He had long considered this issue. Shatima’s identity could not be hidden from experts like Rebrí and Mihajić. Years of interaction had already allowed Rebrí and Mihajić to figure out who this mysterious guy, Shatima, really was. What really interested them was how Komer could tame this ice dragon incarnated as a human. With the power of dragons, it would be easy to stir up those pack-based magical beasts hidden in the Greenland forests, but getting them to attack Homer’s army precisely as intended was not so simple. Yet, seeing Komer’s confidence, Rebrí said nothing more. He believed Komer must have already made plans. Even if Shatima failed to complete the mission, the attack on Homer’s mage corps and knights would still proceed. This lord was not someone who would easily give up on his goals.
“Hmm, Miss Shatima’s personality is indeed a great help for this ambush. Still, I must remind the lord not to underestimate Homer’s mage corps. Though they are not large in number, as far as I know, they have a few notorious but highly skilled members. If we’re unaware of this, we might suffer heavy losses,” Rebrí nodded.
“Mr. Rebrí, it then depends on your introduction and arrangements. Being prepared or unprepared—we already have a decisive advantage in this regard. They have strong fighters, but we’re not weak either. You, me, Mr. Mihajić—the three of us, plus Sorenberg and Vladkov. As long as we make proper arrangements and aim for a decisive strike, it should work. I also have some friends who can help out. Their strength is no less than ours. Once we can take out their mages, everything will be easy.”
Under Rebrí’s somewhat shocked gaze, Komer’s eyes gleamed faintly. Relying solely on Rebrí and Mihajić was not trustworthy. One must have backups—without a second plan, ruling as a lord would be too dangerous.
Rebrí also had doubts. This lord seemed increasingly mysterious. Did he have friends to help? Who? Could it be those mercenaries? Or that weird, eccentric man?