Chapter 74: The Greenvein Calculus
Seven months slipped by like water through cupped hands. Winter's grip loosened, replaced by the burgeoning life of spring across Dragonsden County. On the northern border, the sounds of construction gave way to the disciplined routine of a garrison; the fortified border town commissioned by Tatsuo stood complete, a bulwark against the Blackhorn Duchy. Chief Vanguard General Rota Uno, commander of the 1st Flame Division stationed there, had aptly named it Flamegate Fortress. Throughout the county, the Black Dragon Corps trained relentlessly, integrating the tens of thousands of soldiers into the new Divisional structure, honing their skills and cohesion.
It was during this period of consolidation that a comprehensive intelligence report, compiled by Sir Reeldos Umbra's network and delivered via Clash Commander Anya Stillfire, landed on Tatsuo's desk. Unfurling the scrolls, Tatsuo absorbed the detailed assessment of his next target: Greenvein Viscounty.
Greenvein Viscounty Intelligence Summary:
Settlements: Veridian City (Small City), Mossbrook Town, Ashford Town, Iron Creek Village, Westwood Village. Leadership:Viscount Karael Greenvein: Age 35, Cultivation: Sovereign Burst Realm (SBR) Stage 3. Commands a personal brigade of 2,000 men. Wife:Major Laylah Greenvein: Age 34, Cultivation: Sky Gate Realm (SGR) Stage 1. Serves in the Viscount's brigade. Sons: Egelwin (15), Eluric (10), Randal (8). Baron Volkbert Selfridges: Age 45, Cultivation: SGR Stage 3. Baron of Mossbrook Town, commands 700 men under the Viscount. Baron Reimar Blackburn: Age 50, Cultivation: SGR Stage 3. Baron of Iron Creek Village, commands 700 men under the Viscount. (Viscount's direct command: remaining 600 men of his brigade).Ducal Reinforcements: 1,000 soldiers sent by Duke Blackhorn. Commander:Sir Lorcan Blackhorn: Age 40, Duke's youngest brother, Cultivation: SBR Stage 1.
Tatsuo traced the lines on the map accompanying the report. The Viscount himself was a capable cultivator, and the addition of the brother of the Duke, Sir Lorcan Blackhorn, also an SBR expert, with 1,000 ducal troops significantly bolstered the Viscounty's defenses. This wouldn't be a simple conquest.
"Anya," Tatsuo called, his decision made. "Send word to Chief Vanguard General Rota, Senior Vanguard General Valerius, and Junior Vanguard General Ragnar. Summon them to Dragonsden City. We hold a war council in three days to finalize our strategy for the Greenvein campaign."
"Yes, Major General," Anya acknowledged, immediately dispatching the messages.
Three days later, the great strategy hall once again hosted Tatsuo's highest commanders. Rota had traveled swiftly from Flamegate Fortress, Valerius joined from his command within the city, and Ragnar arrived from his post guarding the southern forests. Hui Cheng stood beside Tatsuo as the intelligence regarding Greenvein was laid bare.
"As you can see," Tatsuo began, gesturing to the map and summaries, "Viscount Greenvein commands roughly 2,000 men, supported by Barons Selfridges and Blackburn. However, the Duke has reinforced him with 1,000 soldiers led by his own brother, Lorcan Blackhorn, another Sovereign Burst Realm cultivator. Total enemy strength approaches 3,000, with two SBR commanders."
Rota nodded grimly. "A significant force, Your Highness. Flamegate Fortress is secure, but a direct assault will require careful planning."
"Indeed," Valerius added. "Their defenses will be centered around Veridian City and Mossbrook Town."
Ragnar grunted. "More skulls for my axe."
"We need more than just brute force, Ragnar," Tatsuo cautioned, though a smile touched his lips. "We need overwhelming firepower and specialized units to break them quickly and minimize our losses." He looked around the table. "Therefore, adjustments are necessary."
He turned to Valerius. "Senior Vanguard General, for this campaign, I need superior ranged capability. I am temporarily assigning the Range Regiment under 1st Class Clash Commander Gust Farstrike from your Blackrose Division to the main assault force."
Valerius inclined his head. "Gust Farstrike's gunners and archers will serve you well, Major General. The Blackrose Division will maintain vigilance in the west with our remaining forces."
Tatsuo then faced Ragnar. "Junior Vanguard General, the Hobgoblins' strength will be crucial for breaking their infantry lines. I need you to personally lead 1,000 Hobgoblin Heavy Infantry, drawn from Baron Kael's command within your Guard Division, to join the northern campaign. Kael will assume full command of the Guard Division's duties in your stead."
Ragnar grinned fiercely. "The Hobgoblins will feast! It will be done, Your Highness!"
Tatsuo nodded, satisfied. "Excellent. The core assault will be Rota's 1st Flame Division, augmented by Gust Farstrike's Range Regiment and Ragnar's Hobgoblin Heavy Infantry detachment. I will lead the Corps headquarters and my Prince Guard north to oversee the campaign personally."
He rose, his gaze sweeping over his Vanguard Generals. "Return to your commands. Make final preparations for war. Mobilize the designated units. In two weeks, the Black Dragon Corps marches north. Greenvein Viscounty will fall."
A determined silence filled the hall as the Vanguard Generals absorbed their orders, the intricate machinery of war clicking into place across Dragonsden County.