System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 906 - 277: Wildfire (10,000) (3)

~4 minute read · 912 words
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
Centurion Earl ensures Agricultural Officer Gavin is escorted into Morgan Town with military courtesy while the Free People watch. Meanwhile, Lynn observes the use of newly delivered stone rollers to thresh barley in the Lord's Square. His routine is interrupted by the return of scout Gasper, who reports on Viscount Jon Zuck's military strength in Kakasong City.
The command was issued: deploy an additional thousand soldiers, soldiers clad in either minimal armor or simple cloth! This contingent significantly bolsters the military might expected of a Viscount.Gasper expressed a moment of hesitation before speaking, "But, Master.""The precise allocation of these troops into cavalry, archers, and other specialized units requires further investigation..."Lynn responded with a wave of his hand, "We can continue that investigation later.""How many manor lords have officially pledged their allegiance to Jon Zuck?"If measured solely by troop numbers, the current forces under his command already surpass Jon Zuck's by a factor of two. However, as a Viscount, Jon Zuck is undoubtedly backed by a considerable number of manor lords. Even if these lords do not command vast armies individually, their combined strength, should they rally together, represents a formidable military force.Gasper affirmed with a nod, "Master, to the best of my knowledge, there are eight such manor lords!""These include the lords from Pulder Town, Rasio Town, Boxi Town, and Alba Town, all situated around Morgan Town.""Given the sheer number of people involved and the limited timeframe, the exact armed strength of these manor lords remains unknown..."A familiar frown creased Lynn's brow once more. Eight identified supporters already, and perhaps more yet to be uncovered. Even assuming a modest force of two hundred soldiers per manor lord, whether armored or not, and regardless of their combat role—be it cavalry or infantry—eight manors translate to approximately sixteen hundred soldiers. Combining these with Jon Zuck's own troops, the total nears three thousand six hundred soldiers! While their numbers still fall short of Lynn's own forces, it's crucial to remember that Kakasong City is a formidable fortress. The towering and robust defensive walls provide a significant advantage, allowing them to hold their ground effectively. Consequently, the numerical superiority Lynn originally possessed is effectively nullified, potentially even shifting into a disadvantage. With strong defenses, the city's defenders inherently hold the upper hand.Observing Lynn's thoughtful silence, Gasper quickly reassured him, "Master, please rest assured.""I have already dispatched spies to several smaller towns.""Their mission is to infiltrate the manors and ascertain the number of armed soldiers each manor lord commands."Lynn gave a slight nod. "Very good.""Once the reports are finalized, proceed to Steward Kuisi to collect twenty gold pounds. This is for your living expenses and for fostering necessary connections."Gasper bowed slightly, about to express his gratitude, when a thought struck him, prompting him to speak again to Lynn. "Master, I almost forgot, there is another significant matter I must report to you.""A few days ago, the Sword and Shield Corps of the Ducas Clan initiated an assault on Spirit Reef Port!"A flicker of surprise crossed Lynn's eyes upon hearing this. He prompted Gasper, "Continue!"Without delay, Gasper resumed his account. "According to traveling merchants who recently arrived in Kakasong City, the densely packed soldiers of the Sword and Shield Corps numbered at least twenty to thirty thousand.""They exploited the cover of night to approach Spirit Reef Port and launched a full-scale assault.""It appears Spirit Reef Port was caught entirely off guard, its defenses were lax, and no warning was issued. Within a mere few hours, it was breached and subsequently occupied by the Sword and Shield Corps.""The flag of Marquis Leo Polk was removed from the city walls, replaced by the distinctive flag bearing the Sword and Shield Badge of the Ducas Clan."Lynn nodded, awaiting further details from Gasper. Internally, however, he began to form a suspicion.Gasper continued, "That very night, Marquis Leo Polk declared war upon the Ducas Clan!""He has commenced troop deployment and is organizing an army to prepare for a counter-offensive against the Sword and Shield Corps occupying Spirit Reef Port, aiming to recapture the port."At this juncture, Gasper paused his report. "Master, this is all the intelligence we have gathered thus far..."Lynn remained silent, his mind actively processing the information. After a few seconds, he addressed Gasper, "Is Marquis Leo Polk a supporter of Caesar Carolin?"Gasper hesitated before replying, "My apologies, Master.""I am genuinely unaware of this, and cannot provide you with a definitive answer..."Lynn nodded and inquired further, "Beyond this, is there any other intelligence?"After a brief mental pause, Gasper confirmed, "Master, that is all for the moment."Lynn replied, "I understand. There are two tasks you must now undertake.""The first, and of utmost importance, is to investigate Jon Zuck’s detailed military strength, including the troop deployment map of Kakasong City.""Additionally, ascertain the military strength of his supporting manor lords.""I require a figure that is reasonably accurate."Gasper nodded earnestly in acknowledgment.Lynn continued, "Secondly, within the scope of your capabilities, strive to gather intelligence regarding Spirit Reef Port." "Report all gathered intelligence to the territory immediately and keep me updated." Gasper readily agreed after Lynn's decree, responding, "Yes, Master." Following his instructions to Gasper, Lynn promptly dismissed him. As Lynn watched Gasper depart towards the town, a wave of helplessness washed over him. His current capacity for intelligence acquisition was undeniably lacking. Significant events unfolding within the Karedi Empire were primarily learned through merchants frequenting his territory and through widely disseminated local rumors as intelligence. If he hadn't deployed Gasper and his team of spies in Kakasong City for intelligence gathering...