Chapter 139: Strategy

"Ten days seems less. The back-up troops from other regions might not be able to make it before the war." Troops from around the country were slowly re-grouping at the border regions. Time was a crucial factor.

"You are underestimating the urgency of this matter. Due to the compromise of our stronghold, we are currently blind within the forest regions. IF we delay any further than this, they would be able to set-up enormous amounts of ambushes within the path."

"We can't take that risk. The war will be lost if you are exhausted and eliminated by the time you reach the enemy's doorstep."

The situation demanded immediate action. The council of ministers was called.

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The Crimson Lord world-

"The creation of bombs and grenades is going well. We would be able to achieve the required numbers within the next 15 days." The Keeper reported the current situation to Long Tao.

"We need to have as many as possible within seven days. We can't delay any further than that. "

"Why is that? The enemy is blinded. They will first try to gain some eyes within the forest regions. We have lots of time to prepare.". No general would lead an army through unknown terrain. It is too risky during the time of war.

"The reason for the haste is for that particular reason. Since they don't have any eyes within the forest region, we get the upper hand while setting up ambushes and implementing our battle plans."

"If there is a smart guy within the Chu military, he would advise them to start the war as soon as possible. It was better to take the risk of unknown terrain, rather than walking through an ambush.". When comparing the risk factor and the possible damage to be incurred, it made sense.

"But you won't be able to cover the entire region." The battle-fields were spread throughout the border regions. Long Tao couldn't cover the whole place.

"We need to prioritize the main battle-fields. We will be setting the ambush in those areas only. We will try to deal maximum damage within these locations."

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The forest regions-

Su Menqi came up with three-hundred soldiers. They finally reached the location marked by the Black-buck squad. Their arrival was greeted with a warning.

"State your name, rank, and purpose of visit to this location."

"I am Vice-general Su Menqi from the 4th battalion. We are here in response to the request made by the black-buck squad for help."

A figure soon appeared and greeted Su Menqi. Her team was directed towards the main camp of the Black-buck squad.

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"What is the current situation of Tamar?" The person in charge inquired from Su Menqi.

"The battle preparation is on its way. We have already managed to rendezvous with back-up troops from all over the country. The general asked me to provide you with the necessary human resources."

"I thank you for the quick response. We do have a crucial need for the workforce."

"Is there any news from vice-general Long Tao." Su Menqi was worried about him.

"We have failed to establish contact until now, but we are positive regarding his survival. The plan is already set-up and guided by the current handler of the black-bucks."

"Who is the current handler?"

"His name is Di Tao. He is a trusted subordinate of vice-general Long, and the only Qi general present in here."

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At the workshop –

Su Menqi's request to meet Di Tao led here to here.

"I am happy to see miss Su here. I suppose you are here to help with our operations."

"My team is numbered at 300 soldiers. I hope it satisfies the requirement."

"It is more than enough. Long Tao instructed me to ask for your help in case of emergencies. You were the last handler of the Black-bucks right."

"I was, before taking up my current position. What is the current situation within the forest regions?"

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"I hope you are informed about the elimination of enemy stronghold that Long Tao carried out." Su Menqi nodded in agreement.

"Well, Long Tao forecasted that the enemy would make a move soon. As they no longer have an eye within the forest region, they would start the war at an earlier date."

"It was agreed upon by both the countries. They couldn't just break the deal."

"They can. The reasoning behind starting the war would be the destruction of their stronghold. They are not required to play by the rules."

"But hastening the process would mean an inadequate distribution fo resources through-pout the region. The ambush will not be as effective."

"Long Tao decided to prioritize ceratin location and leave the other ones.". Di Tao pointed at the marked regions within the map.

"The red-areas are the concentrated zones. The blue areas signify regions which will have a small amount of resource allocation. The green areas are a pass." Su Menqi had to appreciate Long Tao's fore-sight.

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The Chu country borders-

"This is a violation of the deal between the countries." General Unrivaled was not in support of starting a war on an earlier date. "We won't be having any back-up."

"The back-up troops will arrive soon enough. We need to start the march into the forest regions. The later we start, the more will be the underlying danger. The would get a lot of time to set-up ambush, and we are like a blind fish swimming around the river." 

"We need to take a step to prevent them from gaining the upper hand before the war starts. The support troops will arrive by the time you reach the battle-field."

"Can't we send a large number of spies to get us info regarding the activity?". The leaders within the military were still not convinced.

"They must have set up multiple camps within the forest. The spies would be eliminated instantly."

The discussion finally reached a plausible conclusion. The Chu military began its march towards the forest regions. 

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Tamar-

"Are you certain about the Chu country's action." The military tribunal was having a strategic meeting. 

"This is a detailed report formulated by the vice-general dragon himself. The plan is enclosed with it. He insists on preparing the troops and begin the march towards the battle-field within the next six days."

"We shouldn't rush the decision. We need to plan properly. War is not to be taken so lightly." One of the wing-commanders spoke out.

"We have confirmed sights on the Chu country's movements. They are preparing to march towards the forest regions within the next week. Is that enough to force you to hasten the decision."

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"The elimination of their base has forced them to choose this strategy. The ambush is under preparation as we speak.". A map of the whole region was the center of attraction in the meeting.

"The red regions will be an area of the real offense. We have large scale ambush in these areas. The blue areas will have milder preparation. The green areas are the regions where no ambush will be set-up."

"The commanders are requested to concentrate the workforce in the green regions. The red regions will have the least workforce in it, while the blue areas will have an intermediate concentration of troops."