System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 983 - 290: March With Me (10,000 Words) Part 2

Lynn lifted his right hand, and the soldiers' unified response immediately halted.

Merely a few seconds passed.

The rectangular formation, comprised of 3,800 soldiers, descended into complete silence.

It became so quiet that each person could distinctly hear the thrumming of their own heart!

Lynn shifted his right hand, his fingers closing around the hilt of the one-handed sword at his waist.

With a metallic rasp, the blade was drawn, its point aimed directly toward the heavens.

Lynn guided the reins with his left hand, altering their course, and then thrust the one-handed sword forward with his right.

He bellowed with great force, "Advance with me!"

Lynn sharply tugged on the reins, and Mo Ying surged forward, galloping towards the outer gate of Weng City's fortifications.

Red, Rose, and the soldiers arrayed around them were instantly filled with renewed vigor.

Urging their mounts beneath them into a trot, they followed in close pursuit.

The formation of 3,800 soldiers proceeded through the Inner City and over the ramparts, their march commencing on the meticulously laid red brick road.

This road, a testament to the efforts of Avery and the stonemasons, proved invaluable.

The soldiers' ranks moved with both speed and unwavering stability.

The metallic clang of armor pieces resonated across the grassy expanse.

From the fifty light cavalry units forming the vanguard to the Pan Rock Iron Guard bringing up the rear, the marching column extended for two to three hundred meters!

Although the night had begun to encroach upon them.

Yet, by the faint ambient light still present in the sky.

The imposing phalanx of 3,800 soldiers was clearly visible, advancing like a dark, surging tide.

They marched resolutely towards the distant outpost fortress and the encroaching forest.

As they neared the edge of the woods and the outpost fortress, the soldiers on patrol atop the walls observed the remarkably long column.

Within its ranks, they recognized their lord astride a magnificent horse, accompanied by Lord Rose and Captain Red at his sides.

Their expressions were serious, their bodies held ramrod straight, and they offered a solemn salute from afar.

The sentiment was not limited to them alone.

The dozens of soldiers garrisoned at the outpost fortress, upon hearing the heavy, synchronized cadence of approaching footsteps outside, nervously congregated near the gate.

They initially feared that a substantial enemy force had breached the defenses of Morgan Town, successfully evading the patrols within the forest's depths.

And had now reached their outpost fortress.

Poised to assault the walls.

However.

Upon observing the direction of the soldiers' advance and noting that they were clad in the identical armor as their own contingent.

The expressions of the stationed soldiers shifted dramatically from apprehension to astonishment.

Such a formidable assembly of troops, representing nearly the entirety of their mobilized forces, was clearly not merely for the defense of Morgan. They were marching to war!

Without a moment's hesitation, they promptly exited the outpost fortress.

Their immediate task was to clear the path of any cheval-de-frise and sharpened barricades, ensuring an unimpeded route for the advancing army.

Once these duties were completed, the stationed soldiers resumed their positions.

Offering a salute to the approaching troops and their lord.

Riding his warhorse, Lynn cast an approving glance their way as he passed.

Instantly.

The soldiers stationed there straightened even further, standing taller.

Even a simple nod of approval from their lord was sufficient to exert immense pressure upon them.

Furthermore, their hearts swelled with a potent mix of excitement and pride.

For their lord, who commanded an army of four to five thousand soldiers and oversaw twenty to thirty thousand townsfolk, to bestow an approving glance upon them was, in itself, a profound honor!

After their lord had led the army past the outpost fortress.

They remained standing, their previously tense expressions easing slightly.

As they watched the army recede into the gathering darkness of the forest, utterly vanishing from sight.

Only then did they lower their gaze, exchanging brief, meaningful glances amongst themselves.

While collaboratively moving the cheval-de-frise and spiked barricades, they engaged in animated conversation.

"Did you witness that? The lord actually glanced in my direction!"

"What do you mean, 'your direction'? Clearly, his gaze was intended for me!"

"Enough, enough, what are you two arguing about? The lord was looking at me!"

"Chaz, you truly have no shame! Hahaha..."

"Speaking of which, when will we have the opportunity to charge into battle alongside the lord, just like them?"

Amidst their spirited exchange, a voice imbued with authority cut through their merriment.

"Why ponder such matters? Even if our current duty is to remain stationed at the outpost fortress, we are nonetheless the lord's soldiers."

The stationed soldiers immediately fell silent, offering a respectful acknowledgment.

"General Banner, sir!"

The middle-aged man, identified as General Banner, continued his address.

"Different roles within our domain necessitate different townsfolk to fulfill them!"

"Some townsfolk dedicate themselves to farming, bearing the responsibility of cultivating the land within the territory."

"Others become skilled artisans, overseeing the production processes within the various workshops."

"And some, due to their inherent physical capabilities, are selected to become soldiers, engaging the enemy directly, much like the lord's elite troops."

"Or, as is our case, fulfilling our posts at the outpost fortresses."

"Should any enemy attempt to infiltrate the forest and advance upon our walls, we serve as the initial line of defense, tasked with igniting the warning signal fires to alert the watchtowers!"