"Reeldos," Tatsuo commanded, his voice sharp and precise, "I require a comprehensive assessment of Blackrose City's military strength and the Blackrose family. Cultivation levels, ages, ranks, familial ties – everything. Leave no detail untouched."
Reeldos, ever efficient, produced a detailed dossier. "Your Highness, I have compiled the requested information."
He began with the Blackrose family:
Blackrose Family Details:
Lord Valerius Blackrose:Age: 55Cultivation Level: Sovereign Burst Realm (SBR) Late StageMilitary Rank: Earl, Commander of Blackrose City Garrison.Marital Status: Married to Lady Seraphina Blackrose.Children: Commander Damien Blackrose, Major Vivian Blackrose.Lady Seraphina Blackrose:Age: 52Cultivation Level: Sky Gate Realm (SGR) Early stage.Commander Damien Blackrose:Age: 30Cultivation Level: Sovereign Burst Realm (SBR) Middle Stage.Military Rank: Commander, Second-in-Command of the Blackrose City Garrison.Marital Status: Single.Major Vivian Blackrose:Age: 26Cultivation Level: Magisterial Court Realm (MCR) 3rd Level.Military Rank: Major, in charge of the city watch.Marital status: Single.
"Blackrose City's garrison consists of approximately 2,000 soldiers, a mix of heavy infantry, archers, and cavalry," Reeldos continued. "They also maintain a militia of roughly 500, with cultivation levels ranging from Mortal Ground Realm (MGR) to Sky Gate Realm (SGR). The city's defenses are formidable, with thick walls and strategically placed watchtowers."
Key Personalities:
General Markus Horned:Cultivation Level: Sovereign Burst Realm (SBR) 1st Stage.Military Role: Commander of the city's heavy Calvary.Commander Lyron Fane:Cultivation Level: Sky Gate Realm (SGR) 1st Stage.Military Role: Commander of the city Archers.Mayor Theron Vales:Civilian role: City Mayor.Cultivation level: Clashing Light Realm (CLR) Late Stage.
"The city's infrastructure is well-maintained, and their supply lines are robust," Reeldos added. "They are prepared for a prolonged siege."
He detailed the city's layout, noting key strategic locations and potential vulnerabilities. "They have a network of scouts and spies, so we must proceed with caution," he reiterated.
Tatsuo absorbed the information, his mind working through potential strategies. "This is valuable intel, Reeldos. We need to assess our own forces and devise a plan that exploits their weaknesses."
He issued new orders. "Send scouts to Riverbend and Stonebridge. Summon Rare Generals Edald and Rudy to Oakhaven immediately. We will convene a war council to discuss our approach to Blackrose City."
"We need to begin to plan for a assault that will take the city quickly, and with minimal casualties. We also need to prepare for any counter attack that may come from other areas of the Skylance Kingdom."
Tatsuo convened a war council in the mayor's office, the atmosphere thick with strategic tension. Rare Commanders Rota, Edald, and Rudy, alongside Reeldos, gathered around the war table, their eyes fixed on the intelligence reports spread before them.
"Reeldos's intel paints a clear picture," Tatsuo began, his voice sharp and decisive. "Blackrose City is a formidable fortress, well-defended and heavily garrisoned. We must devise a strategy to overcome their strong defenses."
He gestured to the maps and troop deployments. "As you can see, their garrison numbers around 2,000 soldiers, with an additional 500 militia. They are well-equipped and experienced, and their cultivation users pose a significant threat."
"Our forces," Tatsuo continued, "currently number over 2,200 soldiers, with an additional 950 militia from the conquered towns. However, we must consider the inherent advantage of defenders. They hold the high ground, fortified walls, and established defensive positions. Even with a numerical advantage, an offensive assault will be challenging."
Rota spoke, his voice filled with concern. "Your Highness, even with our combined forces, we are still at a disadvantage. They have a well-coordinated defense, and their cultivation users can disrupt our formations."
Edald, ever the strategist, added, "We could attempt a siege, but that would take time, and we risk being flanked by reinforcements from other Skylance territories."
Rudy, known for his swift tactics, suggested, "Perhaps a swift, decisive strike? We could use our cavalry to create a diversion, while our main force breaches their defenses at a vulnerable point."
Tatsuo considered their suggestions, his mind racing. "We need a plan that maximizes our strengths and minimizes our weaknesses," he said. "We cannot afford a prolonged siege, and a direct assault would be costly."
He turned to Reeldos. "Reeldos, what is the status of the Vanguard General's forces?"
Reeldos replied, "They are stationed along the border, Your Highness, but they are currently engaged in securing other territories. Requesting reinforcements would take time, and we would need to justify the request."
Tatsuo nodded. "We must consider all options. Asking for reinforcements would be a sign of weakness, but it could also be the key to a swift victory. We need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully."
"We will discuss this further," Tatsuo concluded. "In the meantime, I want you to focus on gathering more intelligence. Identify any weaknesses in their defenses, any potential allies within the city, and any possible routes of infiltration."
The commanders nodded, their expressions determined. They knew that the battle for Blackrose City would be a defining moment in their campaign.
As the Rare Commanders dispersed, each returning to their respective duties, Tatsuo remained in the mayor's office, his thoughts consumed by the looming assault on Blackrose City. He knew they faced a formidable challenge, and the current forces might not be sufficient for a decisive victory.
"Perhaps," he mused aloud, "it is time to seek reinforcements."
The thought of requesting aid from his father, the Emperor, was not one Tatsuo relished. It felt like admitting a weakness, a failure to overcome the obstacles before him. However, the strategic importance of Blackrose City, and the potential losses a failed assault would incur, outweighed his personal reservations.
"It is a necessary step," he concluded.
Activating his Dimension Gate skill, Tatsuo transported himself to Harbor Town, seeking out Anne. He found her overseeing the bustling activity of the port, her expression focused and efficient.
"Anne," Tatsuo said, his voice urgent, "I need to contact the Imperial Family. I require a secure and swift method of communication."
Anne, recognizing the gravity of his request, nodded immediately. "Your Highness, I can arrange that. We have established secure communication lines with the capital."
Tatsuo produced a letter, sealed with his personal signet. "This letter must reach my father. It contains vital information and a request for reinforcements. Ensure it is delivered with the utmost urgency and discretion."
Anne accepted the letter, her expression determined. "It will be done, Your Highness. I will personally oversee its delivery."
"Thank you, Anne," Tatsuo said, a sense of relief washing over him. "Your assistance is invaluable."
With the letter entrusted to Anne, Tatsuo returned to Oakhaven, his mind now focused on preparing his forces for the impending battle. He knew that time was of the essence, and every moment counted.