System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 912 - 278: All-Out War
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
Engulfed by raging wildfires, they resembled meat chunks sizzling in an iron pot...
Still, victory was theirs in this hard-fought campaign.
And presently, Spirit Reef Port lay conquered under their control.
Remarkably, after enduring a bitter cost, the port fell into their hands in less than a single night.
Had it been otherwise.
Not only would they face ridicule, but the entire Ducas Clan would become a laughingstock.
This triumph wasn't solely due to Lawrence's forceful assumption of command and his brilliant tactical orders.
But rather, it was the soldiers of the Sword and Shield Corps who executed Lawrence's commands with unwavering courage.
They nearly compensated for the lack of siege equipment by throwing soldiers into the fray.
Furthermore, it was Lawrence's almost unbelievable decree—the human wave tactic!
Thirty thousand soldiers from the Sword and Shield Corps were unleashed in a full-scale assault on Spirit Reef Port!
Such a human wave tactic inevitably resulted in staggering casualties.
Godfrey's gaze shifted, looking further into Spirit Reef Port.
Upon the docks by the Seine River, ships were moored in continuous succession.
Despite the intense battle that had raged at Spirit Reef Port.
It had not hindered the port's development in the slightest.
With the dawn, trade and navigation would resume as usual.
The only alteration was the change in the territory's leadership.
From the initial breach to the complete takeover and occupation by the Sword and Shield Corps soldiers.
The city's inhabitants had offered no significant widespread resistance.
In fact, they had collectively retreated into their homes, seeking refuge from the conflict.
This outcome was advantageous for both the Sword and Shield Corps soldiers and the Ducas Clan.
The populace's passive stance expedited the war's conclusion and minimized damage to the city's infrastructure.
Godfrey mused.
This clearly demonstrated.
That Marquis Leo Polk held little sway among his own people.
Not a single resident was willing to defend the Marquis's domain and assets!
Shortly thereafter.
Another thought dawned upon Godfrey.
As Lawrence had previously noted.
Spirit Reef Port's importance could not be overstated.
Whether as a crucial hub for merchant shipping and trade.
Or for the Ducas Clan's future expansion of its naval might, its strategic value was immense.
Of particular concern.
Once Mitchell and Caesar were fully engaged, could Caesar's longboats, tasked with troop transport, effectively rendezvous at the earliest possible moment?
Such a vital port.
Would either Marquis Leo Polk or Caesar Carolin be willing to relinquish it so easily?
Godfrey harbored a growing suspicion.
That holding this strategically vital point, coveted by many, would prove excessively challenging for these Sword and Shield Corps soldiers alone!
Should a large enemy force approach, with their current strength of only twenty-seven thousand Sword and Shield Corps soldiers.
Could they truly mount a successful defense?
While Godfrey was lost in contemplation.
His attention was drawn to a point several miles beyond the confines of Spirit Reef Port.
There.
Torches flickered, casting an unsteady glow along a dimly lit road.
Even with the obscuring effects of darkness and distance, making precise observation difficult.
Judging by the speed at which the lights moved, it was unmistakably cavalry on horseback.
As time progressed, the approaching cavalry drew nearer to Spirit Reef Port.
Illuminated by the torchlight, one could clearly discern from the city walls.
That the riders were clad in armor bearing the distinct emblem of the Ducas Clan!
Under Godfrey's vigilant gaze, the group of horsemen stirred up dust and kicked up small stones as they galloped past.
Danke, who was coordinating soldiers in the grim task of burying the fallen beneath the city walls, also spotted the charging cavalry.
He took steps to intercept the riders as they neared the city gates.
The cavalry dismounted their steeds.
Appearing to relay a message to Danke.
In the very next moment.
Danke, unable to dedicate further time to overseeing the burial detail, swiftly led the cavalry towards the city gate.
Observing this scene unfold from the ramparts, Godfrey's brow instantly knit together.
A palpable sense of unease began to stir within him.
Within a mere two minutes.
Danke, guiding the cavalry, ascended the stairs and reached the city's elevated walls.
Danke surveyed the surroundings and spotted Godfrey in the distance.
Without a moment's hesitation, he advanced directly towards Godfrey.
The cavalry accompanying Danke followed closely behind.
Upon reaching Godfrey, Danke spoke with urgency: "Sir, this individual is an envoy from the Marquis."
"He carries instructions from the Marquis and has urgent matters to report to both you and Lord Lawrence!"
Godfrey gave a nod. "Lord Lawrence is currently resting, having overexerted himself."
"I can relay the Marquis's directives in his stead."
Upon hearing Godfrey's response.
The envoy wasted no time, immediately commencing his report.
"Commander Godfrey, the Marquis has instructed me to convey to both of you..."
"Marquis Leo Polk has formally declared war upon Marquis Duca!"
Godfrey's brow furrowed slightly.
Given that the Sword and Shield Army had just occupied Marquis Leo Polk's Spirit Reef Port, it seemed quite natural for the Marquis to declare war on Marquis Duca.
However, the envoy's somber tone continued, his words not pausing.
"The Duke of Red Dragon has declared war on Duke Cangyu."
"The cause is Duke Cangyu previously sent troops into the Duchy of the Red Dragon and committed atrocities, harming the residents of his territory." "Concurrently, Caesar Carolin initiated a declaration of war against His Highness Mitchell!" "The grounds for this conflict are Mitchell Carolin's regicide in his pursuit of the throne, coupled with his subsequent false accusations and slander."