Chapter 34 - Preparations.

Zooming in and out on the holographic landscape, Stiles noticed some obvious details that would have been ignored if he had not seen the holographic map.

What separated the Xadora kingdom and Locuria dynasty from Kynburgh, was a dense forest that spanned kilometers. It was the forest that Stiles noticed when he arrived at the outskirts of Kynburgh—a place filled with wild and dangerous creatures.

'Phew…' Stiles exhaled. 'This forest should prevent them from sending large land troops—and only the infantry would be able to pass through the forest unhindered unless they plan on creating a path by cutting down trees…'

Stiles analyzed the situation of the Western and Southern war front, silently praising himself for reading books on war tactics.

From his short conjecture, they would only be able to send small infantry to ensure agility as they passed through the dense and dangerous forest.

'I should not forget about air support. The Fedore family of Xadora kingdom surely have air-based machinery—and the Edward family of the Locuria dynasty would surely offer financial support to create a substantial number for use.'

Stiles immediately narrowed down the number of combat aircraft the enemy would use for the operation.

Immediately, he lightly touched a part of the holographic image which transformed into an air defense artillery—a mortar with two muzzles.

Stiles lightly placed it above the walls of the fortress, replicating the same weaponry throughout the western and southern walls of Kynburgh.

'This should fend off the combat aircraft, leaving the soldiers to handle their infantry…' A smug smile manifested on Stiles' lips as he deemed the plan perfect.

'From the records, Kynburgh still possesses other types of air defense artillery. I should add them to these, creating a complex attacking style to prevent the enemies from seeing through our formation…'

After he was done settling the southern and western walls of Kynburgh, Stiles looked at the eastern wall on the holographic map. He could notice a mountain range in the holographic image—the boundary between the Bura civilization and Kynburgh. The Bura civilization was ruled by the Bhagwant family and believed in the law of the jungle.

To Stiles, it was likely that the Bhagwant family had sent their warriors to the Locuria dynasty and Xadora kingdom; that way, they could utilize the machinery of the Fedore family to travel with ease through the forest.

Still, he decided to emphasize air support, placing enough air defense artillery to deal with the situation.

'Even though they are well equipped, their ground troops should suffer a little from the creatures that lurk in these regions…

Still, the combat aircraft can help the infantry avoid serious danger by charting a safe route using their recording system…

No need to think too much, Stiles… Kynburgh soldiers should be able to handle them… after all, our best weapon is the wall.'

"For us, this is a test of our defensive ability," Stiles said to the individuals present. "Our main purpose is to survive, not win—without life, there shall be no victory."

Stiles sounded like a war veteran, who had witnessed countless deaths and survival. Even General Kirigan could not help but acknowledge his words.

From the corner of his eyes, Stiles noticed something—something that made him think of an important fact.

'To the north of Kynburgh lies the Mist Sea—a place that people fear to voyage through. But the danger does not start from the coast. Instead, one would have to travel kilometers into the sea to find any threat.

Bura civilization and Locuria also have a connection to the Mist Sea, so they can easily use ships to travel the edges of the water to arrive at the northern gate of Kynburgh.

Though these two communities lack high-end machinery, the Xadora kingdom can supply it to them—in a very conspicuous manner for that matter.'

"Has the Xadora kingdom sent any goods to the other two communities?"

Stiles knew the question had an obvious answer, but still decided to inquire for further clarification.

"They are allies, it's only normal that they do that," the lieutenant general, who Stiles had used as an example, retorted.

Stiles did not reply to the angry lieutenant general, saying. "This changes our plan. Some air defense artillery should be allocated to the northern wall, with few land troops and personnel to handle the artillery functionality."

"Why?!" General Alexander inquired, feeling the decision was unnecessary.

"Kynburgh's northern entrance is not safe, they can still use ships—traveling by the edge of the Mist Sea to get to the northern entrance."

Hearing Stiles' words, the participants tensed up, scared of the new probability.

"You can still back down."

Stiles directed his words at those who were quivering like children that had heard of a ghost story.

Immediately they heard Stiles' words, they clenched their fist and gritted their teeth, forming brave expressions to shun the fear that crept on their souls.

'Good! At least, they have strong convictions to protect their home—Kynburgh…' Stiles observed the situation quietly, only deciding to continue after seeing their resolve.

"Apart from the Royal family, we have two Level 7 Rankers—General Kirigan and Rebecca."

Stiles decided to exempt his caretaker, Alexia, from that list, since he felt her power level was not public knowledge and she was also shrouded in a thick fog of mystery.

"I hope you don't mind helping the military, Rebecca?" Stiles looked in the direction of the silent redhead.

He didn't bother with honorifics, after all, he was the ruler—why should he bother addressing them as such?

"No, My Lord. Your will is my command," Rebecca surfaced a beautiful smile as she uttered with respect, rising and bending her back slightly to the front.

"The Royal family won't offer any support, so we'll make do with the personnel we have.

From my consensus, Rebecca is well suited to guard and oversee the operation at the eastern wall of Kynburgh.

While General Alexander is well suited for the western wall of Kynburgh

Lieutenant general…"

Stiles paused for a moment, not knowing the big guy who he had used as an example name.

"Tareef—lieutenant general Tareef," the lieutenant general said, figuring out the issue.

"Alright," Stiles uttered. "You will take command of the southern wall, though more military officials would be assigned to your post.

I'm sure a group of Level 8 Rankers can handle a single Level 7 Ranker."

Stiles' emotionless voice resounded in the war room, but to Tareef, the new ruler of Kynburgh was mocking his capabilities.

"We can…" Tareef paused for a second, only realizing the intense gaze given to him by the other members of the gathering. "My King."

He dare not pretend to be ignorant. He knew very well what those stares implied—'Show respect to the great ruler of Kynburgh!'

'Why have they become so loyal in a short span? Fuck my muscles, this kid is dangerous—no, I'm sure it's some old monster inhabiting the kid's body… possibly George Louis Albert.'

The conspiracy theory Tareef thought of, made sweat escape from all pores of his body.

In a sense, he was correct—after all, Stiles had read a lot of books that granted him knowledge even an old monster would envy.

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A/N: Good day, Readers.

This is the first war/battle arc in this novel, so please be lenient in your judgment and lend your advice where you see fit.

Thanks, and I hope you keep supporting this work.