Merchant From Earth in the Magical World-Chapter 449 - 373 Earl’s Decision_2

Now, with the increased production of the ammunition lines, the reserves at various ammo depots are extremely abundant. In addition to a rise in the number of cannons and aircraft, the infantry squads at the front can call for bombing support at any time. Bullets, grenades—there’s ample supply. It can be said that under normal circumstances, the efficiency of firepower deployment in the Eternal Domain has increased by at least fivefold. Moreover, the plains terrain of Outpost Fort is more suitable for saturation attack tactics with artillery. If it weren’t for concerns about the Cloud Tower behind Anderson, the Eternal Domain, with its precise strikes and relentless bombing, could easily crush the enemies before them.

"Mentor..." Yan Xing tried to phrase it as tactfully as he could, "Thunderous Swamp’s target opponent is Cloud Tower. Even if Anderson has obtained weapons from Cloud Tower, he’s still not in the same league as Thunderous Swamp. His existence now is because Thunderous Swamp is not yet ready to face Cloud Tower directly. I need Anderson to continue fighting us for a while to implement strategic deception against Cloud Tower as much as possible."

The confidence in Yan Xing’s tone made Count Theodore realize that the Eternal Domain indeed had the strength to easily eliminate Anderson. Far from being reassured, this revelation only caused the old Earl to look even more worried. Count Theodore and Anderson were not only father-in-law and son-in-law but also comrades in arms. Even though rifts had developed between them, their relationship wasn’t something that could be so easily dissolved. He knew that Anderson was preparing for a strong attack on the Eternal Domain, and he was also aware that substantial aid from Cloud Tower had arrived in Storm City. But what he couldn’t fathom was that this military strength, which he himself would not have dared to imagine before, seemed so insignificant in Yan Xing’s eyes. Thinking about how Anderson was gearing up for war at this moment seemed rather ludicrous and lamentable.

"Ah... between Thunderous Swamp and Cloud Tower, we are all insignificant. Anderson wants to change things, but in the end, it’s all in vain. If I help you, can you forgive his crimes?"

Yan Xing did not think twice, responding, "It depends on how you help. If you’re just going to advise me from behind the scenes, if I let Anderson go, I wouldn’t be able to explain it to my soldiers. But if you openly join my army, ensuring Anderson’s safety would pose no problem at all."

Yan Xing’s requirement placed Theodore in a difficult position. After pondering for a long while, the old Earl finally replied, "No, I cannot join your army as it would inevitably bring warfare to Nuta City. However, I can have Hibel join in a personal capacity, as well as my butler Attlee. Hibel was incorporated into the Storm Knights during the defense of Storm City. If you have a special combat team composed entirely of heroes, she could take them on against the Storm Knights. Attlee, my aide on the battlefield, is not an excellent general, but he’s definitely a good butler. He also has thorough knowledge of the Wildwind Highlands Legion, which will certainly be of great help to you."

Count Theodore’s decision not to join left Yan Xing somewhat disappointed. But at his age, he was also no longer fit for the rigors of war. Securing Hibel and Attlee was an unexpected gain nonetheless.

"Alright, Miss Hibel and Attlee will join my army, and I assure you of Anderson’s safety after the war. I will also fully protect Miss Hibel, ensuring she’s not placed in harm’s way," Yan Xing promised.

Count Theodore appeared to have come to terms with it. "I protected her before because I had the capability to do so. But times have changed, and she needs to learn to protect herself. You don’t need to go out of your way to look after her. I want to see how high this eagle from the Theodore Family can fly." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Yes, Mentor. I understand what to do..."

Next, since Theodore had decided to side with Thunderous Swamp, he began to explain in detail the structural composition of the original Wildwind Highlands Legion to Yan Xing: the characteristics, strengths, and war decision-making habits of commanders at all levels; the composition and combat effectiveness of personnel in different units within the Legion. He especially focused on explaining to Yan Xing the troop deployments of the Wildwind Highlands Legion on the battlefield and the tactics that would be used subsequently.

...

In the previous war, although the Eternal Domain’s high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drones could monitor the forces of the Wildwind Principality, on such a vast battlefield, combined with the extensive release of war fog by the Wildwind Principality, Yan Xing’s understanding of the battlefield remained shrouded in mist. It meant he lacked an overall perspective of the battle situation and could only respond where the enemy attacked, passively defending each position. This was a very passive approach, leaving him unable to actively control the battle’s direction. Therefore, despite his solid foundation, Yan Xing found himself plagued by indecision due to his newfound strength. He constantly worried about gains and losses, unsure how much power was appropriate to deploy.

Now, after Count Theodore’s explanation, it was like clearing the fog for Yan Xing, and he could clearly see Anderson’s deployment. Even if Count Theodore’s analysis was not entirely correct in some aspects, a mature army cannot change its major traits in a short time. The information provided by Count Theodore was very valuable. How to fight the next phase of the war gradually became clear in Yan Xing’s mind.

Yan Xing and Count Theodore had discussed around the map for a long time, even having their lunch and dinner while talking. In the end, Count Theodore let out a deep sigh and said to Yan Xing, "You go out for a bit, I have some family matters to discuss with Hibel and Attlee."

Yan Xing knew that letting Hibel join the Eternal Domain was a difficult decision made by Count Theodore. After all, Thunderous Swamp had advantages over the Wildwind Principality, but it was at a clear disadvantage against Cloud Tower. Count Theodore’s decision concerned the future of the entire family, and it was tantamount to sending his daughter, whom he had always protected, into a battlefield of uncertain life and death. There must be many things to explain.

Yan Xing saluted Count Theodore. "Yes, Mentor."

Yan Xing left the room; outside, it was already deep into the night. However, the Eternal Commerce Guild had long since electrified the Lord’s Mansion and installed light bulbs, so the place was brightly lit everywhere. Yan Xing didn’t wander around inside the Lord’s Mansion; instead, he found a quiet garden and sat down on a stone chair to meditate. Even if he was busy with work every day, Yan Xing never dared to slack off or delay his practice. External power, no matter how great, was never as reliable as one’s own inherent strength. Whether it was the research direction of the Eternal Domain’s Alchemy Laboratory or the mysteries of the world, everything pointed to the future being dominated by transcendent individuals. Yan Xing knew he was still a long way from his estimated goals, and the actual goals might be even further.

Sometimes Yan Xing also wanted to rest, but whenever the thought of slacking off crossed his mind, he would observe Chui Chui at work. In his consciousness, Chui Chui always looked busy. As the Eternal Domain developed, the tasks Yan Xing assigned to Chui Chui kept piling up: production, research and development, territory management, military coordination... Compared to Chui Chui’s round-the-clock working schedule, Yan Xing felt that being able to sleep every day was sheer bliss.

"Master, Miss Hibel is here."

Chui Chui suddenly turned around and startled Yan Xing, who had been stealthily observing her.

"I know, you carry on with your work... I’ll go see Hibel," Yan Xing hurriedly left his conscious space, as if caught in the act of peeping.

"Yes, Master... Chui Chui will work hard."

Chui Chui turned her head back, her face wearing a smile as she continued to rapidly tap on the keyboard.

Yan Xing came out of meditation and opened his eyes to see Hibel standing nearby with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her eyes revealed very complex emotions; he wondered what Count Theodore had told her.

"Miss Hibel, good evening!" Yan Xing stood up and saluted Hibel.

Hibel, with a stern face, said to Yan Xing, "I never thought that one day... my father would actively let me participate in a war. Nor did I imagine that he would have me wield my sword against Anderson. Your appearance has caused Nuta City, Wildwind Highlands, and the whole world to undergo earth-shaking changes. I wonder, if I kill you, would my family return to the way I am familiar with?"

Yan Xing hadn’t expected Hibel to hold such deep resentment towards him. Indeed, helping the Eternal Domain fight the Wildwind Highlands Legion, which included comrades with whom she had once fought Orcs, was undoubtedly a heavy psychological burden.

"Hibel, if it weren’t for Anderson’s relentless pressure, things wouldn’t have come to this. I think... Count Theodore has already made it very clear to you why you should fight for me. The Earl is a respectable person. He wants this city to keep shining brightly, not to return to the previous darkness."