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Chapter 286: Heading to the Outpost
🕑 Added 2024-10-04 05:19:49 +0000 UTC[Simulation ended. Would you like to continue the simulation?]
"No!"
After reviewing this simulation, Rhett felt at ease. Nothing had occurred that was beyond his expectations, and for him, stable development was more valuable than anything. Time was more precious to him than to anyone else.
Not only had the changes he made before the simulation yielded the desired results, but the war would also end by the following year, rather than dragging on for years or even decades as he had initially feared.
The fact that the Dragonkin eventually conceded was surprising, but also a welcome development. As a royal bloodline, their withdrawal would weaken the orcs' overall strength, and without this race, the suffering of the human soldiers might be somewhat alleviated.
After some thought, Rhett could only conclude that the extinction poison had dealt a severe blow to the Dragonkin, and they had no way to counter it. Even their attempt to attack Essad and sabotage the alchemy workshop had failed, leading them to this decision. Otherwise, continuing the fight would eventually deplete their remaining forces. Even with their Sanctum warriors, they would eventually face their downfall, unable to change the fate of their entire species.
As the light screen fully dissipated, Rhett noticed that all the sounds behind him had ceased. He turned around to see that the entire unit was ready to move out.
This time, without any lengthy speeches, Rhett simply waved his hand and gave the order:
"Move out! To the Coldstream Front!"
Over a month later.
Rhett led his troops to a damp, muddy area. The sticky ground clung to everyone's iron boots, which, though not a major issue, made marching more difficult. To alleviate this, Rhett solidified the surrounding earth elements, hardening the ground.
At this moment, as far as the eye could see, there was a range of continuous mountains ahead. They were standing at the foot of these mountains, and the snow-capped peaks indicated the coldness of the region. The ground was wet due to the meltwater flowing down from the mountains.
After scanning the area for a while, Rhett noticed several Coldstream Front flags at a mountain spring crossing not far from the summit. The sky-blue flags fluttered in the wind, with a few knights standing guard beside them. Rhett also scanned the surrounding area and noticed similar flags atop other distant mountain peaks.
Seeing this, Rhett knew they were close to the Coldstream Front. Crossing the mountains ahead would bring them to their destination.
While it was possible to take a longer route that was easier to traverse, cutting directly through the mountains would be quicker for this group of superhumans. Climbing a mountain was like walking on flat ground, barely slowing them down.
When they reached the summit and met the group of knights on guard, Rhett identified himself. After a brief exchange, one of the knights sped off, using Earth Knight speed and wind-based Dou Qi, to report their arrival to the Coldstream Front.
Rhett and his troops continued their march. After descending the snow-capped mountain, the ground leveled out, revealing a wide, man-made stone path.
They marched forward, and as the sun began to set, the deep blue flags of the Coldstream Front finally came into view.
Stretching endlessly was a metallic fence with no visible end in sight, guarded by well-trained knights who turned their attention to Rhett’s group as they approached.
A figure in the distance caught Rhett’s attention—a person watching them and waving. Rhett immediately recognized him as Ambiru, the deputy commander of the Canyon Defense Line.
He called out to his troops behind him, "The Coldstream Front is just ahead. Keep up; we’re almost there!"
He then quickened his pace to meet Ambiru, saying with a sense of nostalgia, "It’s good to see you again, Ambiru... Commander, you look more weathered than when we were at the Canyon Defense Line."
"Haha, weathered? Just a few more scars..." Ambiru replied with a familiar smile. He looked at Rhett, a hint of amazement in his eyes, and said, "Now... I can’t quite gauge your strength. How powerful are you, really? No matter, the answer isn’t important. Let’s get you to the deputy commander."
"Thanks," Rhett replied with a smile.
"Sorry I can’t stay and chat longer. If I weren’t back at the camp to rest, I wouldn’t have known you had arrived," Ambiru said with a shrug. "And I’ve got other tasks to attend to soon."
Rhett waved off his concern, saying, "I understand. The situation at the Coldstream Front is tense. The greater good comes first."
As they talked, Ambiru led Rhett into the military camp. Rhett’s identity was quickly verified, and he easily gained entry.
He first led his troops to the training grounds before heading to the Frost Fortress, the headquarters of the Coldstream Front, similar to the central war fortress of the Canyon Defense Line.
As expected, the Frost Fortress was quiet inside, and Rhett noticed similarities in its layout to the central war fortress of the Canyon Defense Line.
At the far end of the hall, an elderly man with a blue cloak was standing with his back to Rhett, leaning over a tactical map. As Rhett approached, the man slowly turned around.
The man had brown eyes and a slightly aged face with a few faint wrinkles. Seeing Rhett approach, he smiled and said, "Marquis Rhett, on behalf of the Coldstream Front, I welcome you. You’re even stronger than the rumors suggest..."
"Ahem, you flatter me. It’s mostly luck," Rhett replied modestly. "Commander Bomir, how is the situation at the Coldstream Front? I’ve brought 837 superhumans with me, hoping to contribute to the situation here."
Bomir’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression as he said, "It’s not looking good. The Dragonkin’s attacks are becoming increasingly fierce. They seem to be aiming for a quick, decisive victory to avoid prolonged suffering. Hmph, but they’re deluding themselves if they think we’ll back down. We’ll fight them to the end, never surrendering!"
"Indeed, until the Dragonkin are extinct!" Rhett responded with righteous indignation.
"Marquis Rhett, given that you now possess the strength of a Grand Magus, it would be a waste for you to remain a mere captain. Coincidentally, the position of deputy commander of the Sixth Legion has been vacant since the previous deputy was killed in action. With your strength and battlefield experience, you’re the perfect candidate for the role," Bomir said, moving a blue flag on the southeast corner of the tactical map. "This is the area the Sixth Legion patrols, at the edge of the Coldstream Front’s battlefield. The orcs often try to bypass the front line here, using it for cover and flanking maneuvers. With a Grand Magus of earth magic like you, defending it should be easier."
Rhett studied the battlefield map, noting the terrain of mountains, hills, and streams, with few plains—a situation well-suited to his abilities. Regardless, he had no intention of refusing the assignment and replied decisively, "Thank you for your trust, Commander Bomir. I’ll take care of it. As long as I’m here, the orcs won’t get past this sector!"
"Good, I’m confident you can handle it!" Bomir nodded. "The Sixth Legion has a temporary outpost in the area, located at coordinates (103, 98). The legion has been stretched thin in recent months, so I’ll have someone show you around the logistics department before you head there for support."
Bomir then added apologetically, "I’m sorry to give you such an urgent task right after you’ve arrived, without much time to prepare..."
Rhett shook his head dismissively. "No need to apologize. On the battlefield, the enemy won’t give us time to prepare. I’m ready for anything. I’ll report to the outpost immediately."
"However, before I report, I have a separate request..."
"No problem, go ahead. Are you requesting additional logistics supplies? That’s not an issue. The Canyon Defense Line might have been tight on resources, but we’re different here at the Coldstream Front. Since the nationwide draft, the royal family has given us substantial support. Supplies are plentiful, and there’s no shortage for your troops," Bomir replied generously with a wave of his hand.
Rhett was momentarily surprised but smiled and said, "Well, that’s good to know. But that’s not what I wanted to discuss. I’d like to have Tyrus assigned to the prison as an executioner."
"Tyrus? Your son?" Bomir looked at the young man beside Rhett, who bore a strong resemblance to him, and after a moment of contemplation, nodded slowly. "Alright, while we don’t have an open position for an executioner, adding one won’t be redundant. I’ll approve your request."
"Thank you, Commander Bomir!"
"No need to thank me. Tyrus can stay here and won’t need to accompany you to the outpost. I’m heading to the prison myself soon, so I’ll take him with me."
"No problem!" Rhett agreed with a nod.
The two then discussed the battlefield situation and other details before parting ways.
After leaving the Frost Fortress, Rhett led his troops out of the camp, passing through layers of checkpoints as they ran across the cold, windswept plains.
The Coldstream Front was named not only for its freezing temperatures but also for the relentless, howling winds that swept through the area.
The icy wind howled constantly, echoing like the horns of demons, urging humans and orcs to battle on this land.
Leading his troops at the forefront, Rhett guided them across the plains and into a series of rolling hills. After traversing numerous slopes, they followed a muddy creek filled with ice, heading southeast toward the Sixth Legion’s temporary outpost.
As dusk fell, shadows enveloped the surrounding area, and a light mist swirled in the cold wind. They slowed their pace as they neared the base of a rocky hill. In the distance, they could see watchtowers and patrolling soldiers, as well as several man-made cave entrances in the hills.
They had reached the Sixth Legion’s temporary outpost, where they used the hollowed-out mountains as their base. There were many such hills, capable of housing tens of thousands of troops.
In the darkness, Rhett led his hundreds of soldiers forward, creating quite a commotion. Soon, a group of knights approached them at high speed, stopping in front of them.
"Halt! State your name and legion!" a knight in light armor ordered, holding out his hand to signal them to stop, his voice loud and clear.
"Rhett Green, newly appointed deputy commander of the Sixth Legion. Here is my letter of appointment," Rhett replied seriously, handing over a letter given to him by Bomir.
The knights were shocked to hear that he was the new deputy commander, their expressions growing more serious as they regarded Rhett.
The lead knight carefully examined the letter, then returned it to Rhett with a more formal salute and an even louder voice, "Welcome, Deputy Commander Rhett! On behalf of the Third Patrol Squad, I offer you our warmest congratulations!"
Standing at attention, the knight added respectfully, "Please follow me. The legion commander is in the camp, and I will take you to meet him!"
Rhett nodded. "Thank you."
"It’s my duty, Deputy Commander Rhett. My name is Bono. Please feel free to call on me if you need anything."
"Is that so? I happen to have a task for you," Rhett said thoughtfully.
"Please, Deputy Commander Rhett, tell me what you need!"
Rhett pointed to the troops behind him. "These soldiers include many who are new to the Coldstream Front and have never been in battle before. I need you to take them on a tour of the area, familiarizing them with the terrain, so they’ll be prepared for future patrols and guard duties.
Additionally, they need to learn the special codes used here at the Coldstream Front. That’s essential for them."
Bono paused for a moment, then nodded firmly. "You can count on me for that, Deputy Commander. In fact, over the past few months, I’ve trained many new recruits and others who were transferred here from other fronts. I’ve done this plenty of times before!"
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