Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 966: The Winning Strategy Against Carthage

Plintors smiled and nodded at him.

Alexis returned the smile.

At this moment, Davos spoke up. "I was somewhat tempted by this proposal at first, but I ultimately discarded it. Why? According to our intelligence, the mountains of Western Sicily centered around Kephaloidion are higher and more rugged than those in the east. For the Daionian army, which relies primarily on heavy infantry, marching and fighting there would be quite difficult. Furthermore, because it is so far from Catana, transporting supplies would be a massive problem."

"In addition, you should all be aware that the Carthaginian army includes over forty thousand Iberian troops. These soldiers are either from the mountain tribes of Iberia or have spent years campaigning there alongside Carthaginian generals, so they possess formidable combat strength in mountainous terrain. More importantly, their current military commander, Mago, was appointed governor of Iberia ten years ago. Having waged war in those savage mountains for a decade, he has extensive experience in mountain warfare.

"If we engage the Carthaginians in a pitched battle in the mountains, we might avoid their superior cavalry, but the outcome would remain unpredictable. Since we already hold an absolute strategic advantage, there is absolutely no need to risk a large-scale mountain battle—especially one that could very well decide the fate of the kingdom!"

Davos's prudent words plunged Alexis, Oliphus, and the others into deep thought, while leaving Amyntas, Matonis, and several others confused. What absolute advantage did they possess?

"The navy, of course! Our fleet holds the absolute advantage!" Secilian declared loudly with total confidence.

"Secilian is right. Our advantage lies with the navy!" Davos affirmed firmly. He then pulled out a Papyrus Scroll. "Just as the banquet began, I received a battle report from the Third Fleet. Two days ago, they defeated the New Carthaginian Fleet in Sardinia!"

Hearing this news, everyone was overjoyed. Secilian rushed forward to take the report. After quickly reading it over, he couldn't help but offer his praise. "Well done, Midorades! To think he actually inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Carthaginians, even when caught in the perilous situation of being pincered by a superior number of enemy Warships!"

"Your Majesty is right! As long as our Sicilian Fleet completely severs the Carthaginian maritime transport routes to Sicily, we won't need to fight them head-on at all! No matter how many soldiers Carthage has, they will just starve to death on this island!" Secilian interrupted loudly.

Davos did not mind the interruption. Instead, he looked at him with a serious expression. "So next... once the Sicilian Fleet is supplemented with the newly built Warships, I require you to tighten the blockade on Western Sicily. Intercept every ship that comes and goes!

"This task will not be easy to complete. Although our navy holds the upper hand, Carthage will undoubtedly try everything possible to reopen the sea routes—both for the sake of winning this war and for the lives of those hundred thousand Carthaginian soldiers. The Sicilian Fleet will inevitably face an all-out naval assault from Carthage! Secilian, can you accomplish this mission?!"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will make sure the Carthaginian fleets never return!" Secilian answered confidently.

"I believe you can do it," Davos encouraged him, before gently adding a reminder. "But I hope you will be more cautious this time. Do not let the fleet be destroyed by a storm again."

"Yes..." Secilian lowered his head in response.

"Your Majesty!" Amyntas asked eagerly. "According to your plan, does this mean our troops won't need to take the initiative to attack?!"

"That is—correct!" Davos's resolute answer brought varying degrees of disappointment to the faces of senior commanders like Amyntas, Matonis, and Oliphus.

Taking in all their expressions, Davos turned to the silent Alexis and asked, "Alexis, what are your thoughts?"

Alexis glanced around and spoke in a heavy tone. "Your Majesty, this war has already lasted for more than a year. The soldiers fought bitterly in the north first, and now they have marched south without any time to rest, suffering considerable casualties along the way. From what I know, almost the entire populace of the Thurii Region is wearing black mourning veils...

"Now we are about to fight the even more powerful Carthaginians. I originally believed the casualties would inevitably be greater than ever before. However, your strategy will not only reduce the casualties among our soldiers but also secure ultimate victory. This is exactly where Your Majesty far surpasses us in military matters!" Alexis offered his heartfelt praise.

Hearing these words, Davos felt somewhat ashamed. In truth, before the banquet, he had harbored the idea of waiting for all the armies to converge and seeking an opportunity to wage a decisive battle against the Carthaginian army. This was perhaps the grand ambition of any commander holding a massive military force. However, while the Third Fleet's victory report brought him joy, it also made him realize the absolute advantage their navy held, solidifying his determination to carry out this alternative plan to the very end.

Coughing lightly, he said, "Alexis makes an excellent point. The purpose of war is to protect the interests of the kingdom, not to pursue the thrill of slaughter. We must do our utmost to ensure that these soldiers, who trust us completely and fight with all their might for the kingdom, can return home safely."

Davos swept his gaze across the faces of Amyntas, Matonis, and the others, continuing. "Just because our army isn't taking the initiative to attack doesn't mean we can drop our guard. The Carthaginian army is highly likely to launch an offensive against us just to survive. Because of this, we must speed up the construction of our camps and build more defensive structures, giving our soldiers an absolute advantage in defense.

"Furthermore, even if we defeat this Carthaginian army on the Island of Sicily, this war will probably not end immediately. You all must prepare to march on Africa and Southern Iberia. During this time, you must think of every possible way to maintain the soldiers' morale. You absolutely cannot let them slack off. Moreover, you must intensify the training of the soldiers from Rome, the Samnium warriors, and the Potentia warriors. Get them accustomed to our banners, orders, and tactics as quickly as possible to facilitate our future campaigns."

Davos's words invigorated the generals. When he asked, "Does anyone else have any objections?" everyone unanimously agreed to execute the plan he had outlined.

Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Davos smiled. "Executing this plan gives us one more benefit. We can use a smaller force to defend against an attack from a much larger Carthaginian force. Depending on how the battle develops, we can then dispatch a portion of our soldiers to reinforce Selinus, Henna, or Prosous, or even launch a surprise attack on the Carthaginian army's vulnerable rear.

"Gentlemen, because we hold the advantage on the sea routes, we may appear to be taking a passive defensive stance, but we actually hold the initiative. The Carthaginian army is destined to be defeated by us!"

...

On the western bank of the Platani River, inside the camp built by the Carthaginian army, Mago's furious roar echoed from the central command tent. "Damn that Annobas! That absolute fool!..."

Rushing over upon hearing the commotion, Bomilcar stepped into the tent just in time to see Mago draw his waist sword and hack viciously at the desk.

"What happened?" Bomilcar asked softly.

"Look at this! This is the man you all trusted, the so-called most capable naval general in Carthage!" Mago furiously hurled a Papyrus Scroll from the desk at him.

Bomilcar picked it up. After reading it, his expression changed drastically. "Is this true?" he asked in shock.

"This was written by a clansman of our Magonid family who serves as a captain in the newly formed fleet. Of course it's true!" Clutching his gleaming waist sword, Mago plopped back down into his wooden chair, glaring furiously at Bomilcar. "Annobas is utterly incompetent! He deployed the wrong naval formation, leading to the fleet's crushing defeat, and even caused Admika to go missing! According to my clansman, after they fled back to the Port of Saros, Annobas even lectured them, threatening them to keep quiet about the entire course of the naval battle. He is clearly trying to escape punishment!

"In his dreams! I am going to write a letter to the Senate explaining the truth of this naval battle, demanding that he be escorted back to Carthage to face trial and punishment! You will sign it with me!"

"Well..."

The moment Bomilcar showed a hesitant expression, Mago let out a heavy snort. "You refuse?!"

"The new fleet suffered a defeat despite holding the advantage. Annobas ought to face an inquiry from the Senate anyway, so I am willing to sign it with you," Bomilcar said, his face lined with worry. "However, we are in the middle of a war right now. Suddenly replacing the naval commander might have a massive impact on the entire fleet..."

Mago sneered coldly. "In my view, replacing him will only be a tremendous help to the navy! Let me ask you: ever since he became the naval commander, has our fleet—which once dominated the western Mediterranean—won even a single victory?!"

Bomilcar had nothing to say in response, because it was the absolute truth. Since the outbreak of the war, the Carthaginian Fleet had suffered defeat after defeat. Now, they could only cower in their ports, not daring to challenge the Daonian Fleet.

"After the fleet was destroyed by the storm, Annobas shouldn't have been allowed to continue serving as the naval commander, and the painstakingly built new fleet certainly shouldn't have been sent to Sardinia Island. This all happened because of Hanno's selfish motives, yet it has cost Carthage such a massive price! It cannot go on like this! It absolutely cannot go on like this! Otherwise, once the entire sea is controlled by the Daonian Fleet, our army will be completely finished!!" Mago hammered the desk forcefully, heartbroken and enraged.