Chapter 390 - 386: The Army Moves Out
Once the new year celebrations were over, the five kingdoms on the Shadow Mist Continent began mobilizing their troops. Some of the nobles farther from the front lines had already set out before the festivities.
For the nobles of the Akutas Kingdom, this was a battle with their backs against the wall, the outcome unknown.
But for the nobles of the Four Great Kingdoms, including Pruck, this was a guaranteed victory. Many had already begun secretly discussing how to seize a larger share of the post-war spoils.
It wasn’t that they were underestimating the enemy, but the situation simply didn’t allow for failure. With a four-kingdom alliance that included the mighty Kasa Kingdom, they truly couldn’t imagine any reason for defeat.
Duane was also actively mobilizing.
He had already transported a batch of grain to the granaries in Mountain Village for storage, while also moving another batch to Silver Jade Ridge to serve as a transfer station.
This should have been a troublesome affair, but for him, it wasn’t complicated. He didn’t even need to make many trips by boat.
Because Duane had a special method.
First, his Perfection-level Soaring Technique allowed him to fly at two hundred kilometers per hour for three hours, which meant a total distance of six hundred kilometers.
This was almost exactly the distance from Black Forest Island to Silver Jade Ridge.
Second, his Perfection-level Void Space had a volume of one hundred cubic meters. He could use it to transport up to seventy-five tons of grain in a single trip, enough to feed three thousand people for half a month.
After just a few round trips, Duane had transferred most of the required wartime provisions to Starlight Town.
In early February, hundreds of ships, large and small, were moored at Jade Crossing. They flew not only Duane’s Starburst Banner, but also the Sail Banner of the Kennedy Clan and the Clover Banner of the Whiteman Clan.
It turned out that the ships of Count Kais and Baron Uriel were also using Jade Crossing to dock.
At this moment, inside a temporary command post on the shore, the key leaders of the three factions had gathered.
At the head of a long table, Duane sat in the main seat as the Commander. Given his status and power, not to mention Count Kais’s recommendation, no one would object to him holding the position.
On his left sat several Celestial Tier Warriors from the Silent Shore: Baron Cruz, Baron Jick, and Knight Marles.
On his right sat Baron Uriel of Coral Island and his two knight vassals.
Kaelon, Raymond, Simone, Barrett, and others sat in order behind them, while a number of Earth Tier Warriors stood flanking the long table.
"For this offensive, our three factions have combined forces. We have eight Celestial Tier Warriors, eighteen Earth Tier Warriors, and as many as thirty-three Human Tier Warriors. The Star Sea Clan may be long-established, but by any calculation, the advantage is ours."
Duane looked at the massive map spread across the table. It clearly marked the locations of the Star Sea Clan’s major ports, the largest of which was named the "Crown of Tides," located at the southernmost tip of the Starfall Islands.
"Therefore, in this battle, I want to destroy the enemy’s intercepting fleet and their coastal defenses with maximum speed. We will land on their largest island, Crown of Tides, in a single, decisive strike!"
Marles rubbed his hands together eagerly. He had been promoted to Baron for his merits in the last attack on the Fire Source Territory, earning him the right to compete to become the first Viscount of the Silent Shore. This time, he had no intention of falling behind.
"Commander, my soldiers and I have been waiting for months. Give me the vanguard for this battle!"
Baron Jick said with a smile, "Commander Marles’s Navy is indeed formidable, but we’ve all lived on the Silent Shore for many years. The Buchanan Clan’s fleet is nothing to scoff at either."
He then looked at Duane. "I also request to lead the vanguard!"
"Hahaha, since you’re both fighting for the vanguard, I can’t be left behind!" Baron Cruz, whose Territory wasn’t even on the coast, also vied for the position.
Marles was displeased. "I can understand Jick competing with me for the vanguard, but why are you getting involved? You just play with birds!"
Cruz’s expression darkened. "What do you mean, ’play with birds’? I raise Silver Gales! They’re Magic Beast Messengers!"
In private, their relationship was actually decent, but anyone with eyes could see that with Duane leading, the probability of winning this battle was extremely high. So, naturally, no one was going to pass up a chance to earn significant merit.
And that merit had to be fought for.
Duane raised a hand and pointed at the harbor on the map. "The Crown of Tides port is massive. There are several potential landing sites."
His voice was firm and powerful. "Marles, Jick, Cruz, and Kaelon. The four of you will each lead a fleet. You are all part of the main assault. There are no support roles!"
The men exchanged glances, and smiles broke out on their faces.
Only Baron Uriel frowned. "Duane, you’ve assigned tasks to everyone. What about me?"
He pointed to the knight beside him. "Riley is also a Celestial Tier Warrior. He’s the commander of Coral Island’s Navy and is more than capable of leading part of the main assault."
"Yes, Commander!"
Riley stood up. The waters around Coral Island were perennially calm; a rare war like this was a prime opportunity for him to prove himself.
’Perhaps after the war, Baron Uriel will become a Viscount. Then I might be lucky enough to become the sole Baron in his new Viscount’s Territory!’
"Please assign me to the main assault!"
Duane smiled. "This will be a long war. There’s no need to rush."
"Then what is our mission?" Baron Uriel asked.
Duane said, "I will place the heavy weaponry, such as the Siege Crossbows and Fel Energy Bombs, as well as all the provisions, onto your ships. You will launch the first wave of the attack."
"Afterward, the Mages will conjure favorable winds. The main assault fleets, unburdened by heavy cargo, will strike quickly and land at the port with maximum speed."
He then looked at Knight Riley. "At that time, your forces will land after the initial assault and be responsible for logistics—tending to the wounded, protecting supplies, and so on."
Riley glanced at his master, and Baron Uriel nodded. "We can do that," the Baron said. "But let’s be clear: once we’re ashore, you’ll need to assign some of the main assault missions to us!"
Duane smiled and agreed, then gave an order to Riley. "When the battle horn sounds, you must launch all the Fel Energy Bombs as quickly as possible. Sir Calum, the Vice Director of the Kennedy Magic Research Institute, has already taught you how to use this new weapon. I’ll ask you, sir, to personally supervise the training and ensure there are no mistakes!"
Launching the Fel Energy Bombs required careful aim, but with their safety mechanisms and conspicuous directional markings, it would be difficult for a team operating a Siege Crossbow to make a mistake.
"Yes, I understand!" Riley knew that although the task sounded simple, it was absolutely crucial. He accepted the order in a solemn tone.
Only then did Duane continue, "I will provide support from the air, destroying the port’s sturdiest fortifications to minimize our losses. After landing, the primary objective will be to take prisoners and secure the port."
Next, the group discussed the fleet’s route and formation.
Marles was an expert in this area; he was the one who had led the fleet to intimidate the Scorching Wind Territory back then.
Duane didn’t pretend to know what he didn’t, so he proactively let Marles handle the military deployments within the broader framework he had laid out.
Just then, the sound of light, hurried footsteps echoed as Owington rushed in from the direction of Starlight Town.
"My lord, a Silver Gale just delivered a letter. It’s from her ladyship, written without code." He respectfully handed the letter to Duane.
Duane nodded and took it, a hint of surprise on his face. He then looked at the others and announced with a smile, "The Kasa Kingdom’s army has entered the Golden Plain and has engaged the forces of the Akutas Kingdom and Duke Cindy Pike in the first battle of the war!"
This was much earlier than the agreed-upon start date in March, but wars rarely go exactly as planned. Half a month ahead of schedule wasn’t that significant.
"Commander, this means we can set sail too!" Marles said, his voice filled with excitement.
The other nobles and officers also nodded in agreement. They had already been stationed at Jade Crossing for three to five days.
"Alright!"
Duane stood up. "I’ll give everyone two days to prepare. In three days, we set sail and attack the Crown of Tides!"