Firefly Journey

Chapter 295 The World's Attack on Chu (5)

After Mond Toby left the tundra, the Imperial Northern Expeditionary Force gradually decreased in strength. Eventually, there was no longer a need for the Vagri Alliance spies to gather intelligence, as everything was out in the open.

It can only be said that in order to secure the conquest of the Chu Kingdom, the empire mobilized all its forces and concentrated all its troops to advance eastward.

The consequence of launching a full-scale attack on Chu was a weakening of control over the remaining regions. The Kingdom of Delos temporarily restored peace, and the northern borders were left unattended. With Cassius's help, the troll daughter Afra easily took control of her tribe, purged the elders who had ties to the empire, and successfully consolidated her rule.

Having witnessed the empire's brutality since childhood, Afra held a very strong stance of resistance against it. So, persuaded by Cassius, she also joined the Valkyrie Alliance.

The Valkyrie Alliance is not a nation or a tribe, but rather a peace-loving organization whose main purpose is to oppose war and liberate the tundra.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. In the current situation, the State of Chu, far to the east, is also an ally of the Wagri Alliance.

The State of Chu was at a critical juncture, and every bit of strength it possessed was invaluable. Cassius contacted Lü Jianming through the little clay figure, expressing his views on the Seven Gods' Eastern Expedition and his willingness to offer assistance.

Cassius's offer was a timely and much-needed relief; the State of Chu was overjoyed and would never refuse.

Thus, the two sides quickly reached an agreement and formed an alliance. Despite the long distance and the fact that they never even had a chance to meet, the State of Chu held this verbal alliance firmly in mind.

The reason is simple: the great and virtuous teacher has a renowned reputation, and there is no reason for him to break his promise. Of course, this is not enough to convince people, but in the State of Chu, there are two people who are his students, and another person who is his close friend from school, so there is no rift in trust.

When the enemy advances, we retreat; when the enemy retreats, we advance. Since the Debasa Empire has launched a campaign to the east, leaving the northern forces weak, the northern tribes, having suffered enough from war, will undoubtedly take advantage of the situation and launch a counterattack against the empire.

The empire had anticipated this situation; although the troops were redeployed, they were not crippled and sufficient defensive strength was preserved.

The most important city in the empire's northern border was undoubtedly Sériol.

This is a military base that has been established since the empire's northern expeditions.

It can be said that the city of Seriol was the northern gateway to the empire, and was therefore of great importance.

Despite Mond Toby's departure, this crucial location remained impregnable, with a large number of Imperial soldiers amassed, ready to defend against attacks from the northern tribes at any moment.

In the main tent of the Wagri Alliance, tribal leaders gathered to discuss how to send troops to aid the State of Chu.

"In my opinion, we should concentrate our superior forces and take over the city of Seror with all our might, and teach those savage dogs of Debasa a lesson!"

"This was said by Chief Iru of the Black Mountain tribe."

The Empire, with its overwhelming superiority in equipment and logistics, has always disregarded the northern tribes in its conquests.

Now that we've finally gotten the chance to take advantage of the Empire's lack of attention, if we can launch a preemptive strike and achieve a major victory, we can not only severely damage the Empire but also boost the morale of the resistance forces in the North.

There were many other orc chieftains like him who had been suppressed for a long time, and they all supported his statement, believing that now was the time to concentrate forces and take over the city of Seror in one fell swoop, cutting off the empire's arm in the tundra.

Cassius, however, did not think so.

"Serlior has undergone more than ten years of renovation, with high walls and deep fortifications. With the elite Imperial Army guarding it, it is not easy to take."

"Even if we take it, we will pay a very heavy price. I don't think it's worth it for a city."

"You should know that the Empire has countless fortified cities like Seror. If we take one, there are countless more waiting for us."

“You chieftains are mistaken. In fact, we don’t necessarily have to launch a full-scale attack on Seror. We can bypass it and attack the rest of the Empire’s towns in the north, using guerrilla tactics.”

Cassius's words made sense, and the chieftains listened patiently. Among them, the troll queen Afra, who had her own ideas, strongly agreed.

She said, "The leader is right. The other towns don't have the same defensive capabilities as Seror. If we keep harassing them, they will become isolated and eventually fall without a fight."

Cassius nodded approvingly.

Who says orcs are all physically strong but mentally weak? Afra is an exception; she is both intelligent and skilled in martial arts.

“Why don’t you all take a longer view?” Cassius smiled. “By bypassing Seror, we can not only attack other towns the Empire has established in the tundra, but we can also launch an attack on the Empire’s homeland, which will complement the Chu Kingdom in the east, making it difficult for them to fight on two fronts.”

"This is my idea. If any chiefs have any objections, please feel free to raise them. Everything can be discussed."

After a flurry of chatter in the tent, the chieftains ultimately decided that Cassius's idea was the best. Firstly, it would allow them to launch a preemptive strike against the Empire and avenge their previous defeat. Secondly, it would yield considerable results without sacrificing too many men.

It's important to understand that every warrior is a resource for the tribe, and no chieftain would willingly weaken his tribe's power unless it's a matter of life and death.

The crowd erupted in another uproar, discussing the specifics of sending troops.

……

The tribal chiefs dispersed, leaving the large tent empty. Cassius was the last to emerge from the council tent.

“Your Excellency, I have a question,” said Xiu, who was waiting outside with his arms crossed.

"Please say."

"Orc warriors are quite powerful, but they are still just mortals. They have no chance of winning against well-equipped Imperial soldiers."

The Seven Churches are determined to conquer Chu in this joint campaign, and the forces of the northern tribes are likely a drop in the ocean, having little impact on the actual situation.

“I understand what you mean,” Cassius said. “The Allied Forces not only have the Imperial Army, but also the superhumans of the Church of the Seven Gods. This is an extremely terrifying force, and there is no force on the continent that can rival it.”

"Can……"

At this point, Cassius paused.

"You have to try, don't you? If you don't even dare to try, then this world is truly doomed."

Knowing there are tigers in the mountains, yet still venturing into them, the result, or even the process, is not important; what matters is the attitude.

Even if the Ancestral God Church were to wage war out of greed, there would still be someone to resist. Otherwise, a dark cloud would hang over the land, and all the races of the continent would become slaves to the gods, forever living in a vortex called lies.

"Perhaps there are other ways."

Cassius suddenly smiled shrewdly: "That's exactly what I've been waiting for you to say."

"What do you mean?" Hugh was stunned.

"The 'fraudster' was so well disguised, but unfortunately, he was too eager for quick success and was bound to be exposed."

Hugh remained silent for a moment.

“No one gets up early for nothing. Tell me, what exactly are you planning to do by sneaking into the Valkyrie Alliance? Where exactly is the Deathwhisper Grove?” Cassius continued to press.

Hugh reached out and touched his face; in an instant, he returned to his original appearance.

It was a pale face.

The Deadwhisper Grove is the realm of the dead, and its members are naturally beings who should no longer exist in this world.

"According to the Pan-Ancient Calendar, the Ancestral Gods perished one after another while conquering demons, and the Church of the Ancestral Gods was founded by their followers."

"That record is not entirely accurate, for I am the master of death, and I am an eternal and indestructible being."

Cassius pondered for a moment and said, "Let's talk in private."