Tatsuo leaned back in his newly constructed office chair, the polished wood creaking softly. Eight and a half months. Eight and a half months since he'd left the opulent confines of the capital, since he'd traded the gilded cage of royalty for the harsh realities of the battlefield. He gazed out the window, observing the bustling activity of Greywall Town. The once ravaged settlement was now a hive of industrious energy, a testament to the resilience of its people and the efficacy of his plans.
The past months had been a whirlwind of activity. He'd transformed a ragtag group of soldiers into a disciplined fighting force, forged alliances with unlikely allies, and laid the groundwork for a thriving community. He had also learned a great deal about the true nature of war, the burdens of leadership, and the complexities of human nature.
His gaze drifted to the reports scattered across his desk. Leon's meticulous updates, Kelt's detailed accounts of the town's security, and the engineering team's progress on the fortifications. Each document represented a piece of the intricate puzzle he was assembling.
He thought of the 50 former prisoners, now integrated into the town's workforce, their hands calloused but their spirits lifted. He remembered the first time he'd demonstrated the hand cannons, the awe and disbelief on his men's faces. He recalled the countless hours spent training the Agile and Range platoons, honing their skills with the new weapons.
He considered the progress of the town. Leon had proven to be an excellent mayor. Trade routes were slowly opening, and the town's economy was showing signs of recovery. The departments he'd established were functioning smoothly, each contributing to the town's overall well-being.
Yet, a sense of unease lingered in the back of his mind. The war with the Skylance forces was far from over. He knew that Greywall Town, despite its newfound strength, was still vulnerable. He needed to continue to fortify its defenses, expand its military capabilities, and prepare for the inevitable clash.
He also pondered the larger political landscape. He had received sporadic updates from the capital, but he was largely isolated from the inner workings of the empire. He wondered how his family was faring, what his father, the Flame God Emperor, was planning.
He picked up a report from his desk, the parchment rough against his fingers. He had to keep moving forward. He had to ensure the safety and prosperity of Greywall Town. He had to prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead. He was no longer just a prince; he was a leader, a commander, a protector. And he would not fail.
…..
Two days after Leon Veridian's report, Tatsuo received a sealed letter bearing the Vanguard General's insignia. Upon breaking the seal, he read the orders within. The general had successfully captured Ashgrey Town and Blackwatch Town, pushing further into Blackthorn Duchy territory. Now, he commanded Tatsuo to prepare for an assault on a town closer to Blackrose City, the seat of Earl Bane Blackrose's power.
Tatsuo immediately summoned his majors: Senior Major Rota, commanding the elite Tatsuo Company; Senior Major Anya, leading the Hawkseye Company (Range); Junior Major Theron, commanding the Stalwart Company (Sword and Shield); 1st Class Major Ragnar, leading the Stonefist Company (Hammer, Axe, and Club); and 1st Class Major Reeldos, commanding the Swiftwing Company (Scouts, Logistics, and Medics). He also called Mayor Leon Veridian to join the meeting.
"Gentlemen, Anya, Leon," Tatsuo began, his voice firm, "we have received orders from the Vanguard General. We are to prepare for an attack on a town near Blackrose City."
He unrolled a map of the region, pointing to the general's current positions and the surrounding towns. "The general has secured Ashgrey Town and Blackwatch Town. Now, we must strike a decisive blow to further weaken the Blackthorn Duchy."
"Considering our position and the general's objectives," Tatsuo continued, "I have decided that we will target Stonebridge Town. Its strategic location at the river crossing makes it a vital point for the Blackthorn forces. Capturing it will disrupt their supply lines and open a path towards Blackrose City."
"Rota, Anya, Theron, Ragnar, Reeldos," Tatsuo commanded, "I want each of you to prepare your companies for a full-scale assault. We will move with all haste. Rota, you will lead the initial assault, securing the bridge, Anya, provide ranged support from a distance. Theron, Ragnar, you will move in to secure the town. Reeldos, ensure our supply lines and medical support are prepared."
He then turned to Kelt, who had entered the room. "Captain Kelt, I need you to prepare the town's defenses. Strengthen our garrison and ensure that Greywall is secure while we are away. Leon, coordinate with Kelt to ensure the town is well supplied and protected."
"We will give ourselves one week to prepare," Tatsuo declared. "In seven days, we will march on Stonebridge Town."
The majors and Leon acknowledged their orders, their expressions resolute. The room buzzed with activity as they began planning their respective roles in the upcoming assault. Tatsuo, his mind focused on the task ahead, meticulously reviewed the map, strategizing every detail of the attack.
Tatsuo, his brow furrowed in concentration, received the intelligence report from 1st Class Major Reeldos. Reeldos, ever meticulous, had gathered detailed information on Stonebridge Town's structure, defenses, and key personnel.
Reeldos began, his voice clear and concise, "Your Highness, Stonebridge Town is primarily a trading hub, centered around the vital river crossing. Its defenses are more focused on deterring bandits and small raiding parties than withstanding a full-scale assault."
He then detailed the town's power structure:
Mayor:
Name: Borin Fellwood
Role: Oversees the town's daily administration and trade.
Cultivation: Mortal Ground Realm (Late Stage).
Notes: More concerned with trade and commerce than military matters.
Lord:
Name: Baron Elmsworth
Role: Holds the town as a barony under the Blackthorn Duchy, responsible for its defense.
Cultivation: Clashing Light Realm (Early Stage).
Notes: Relies heavily on the town's militia and a small garrison of Blackthorn soldiers.
Military Power:
Town Militia: Approximately 200 men, mostly equipped with spears and light armor.
Blackthorn Garrison: 50 archers and 100 infantry, stationed in a small fort overlooking the bridge.
Cultivation levels of the soldiers are mostly Mortal Ground Realm, with some Clashing Light Realm soldiers within the garrison.
Fortifications: A wooden palisade surrounding the town, with a small stone fort guarding the bridge.
Defense: The bridge itself can be raised, creating a significant obstacle.
Key Locations:
The Stone Fort: Overlooks the bridge, the primary defensive structure.
The Market Square: Center of trade and town activity.
The Baron's Manor: Located on a hill overlooking the town.
Reeldos concluded, "The town's defenses are adequate for local threats, but they are not prepared for a concentrated assault. The fort guarding the bridge is their strongest point, but it is relatively small."
Tatsuo studied the report, analyzing the information. He noted the baron's relatively low cultivation level and the limited size of the garrison. He saw an opportunity to exploit the town's weaknesses and seize the bridge quickly.