Chapter 1199: Chapter 25 The Great Alliance Moves Forward (10)_2

However, the stronger the riverbank defenses repaired by the Colonel, the more anxious Woods became.

Regarding the direction of the enemy’s attack, Woods and the Colonel came to the same conclusion–both unanimously agreed that “the apex of the river bend is the most likely breakthrough point, and it must be the main direction of the enemy’s attack.”

Outside of this, their judgments differed greatly.

Lieutenant Woods anxiously twisted the riding whip in his hand, his speech unconsciously becoming rapid: “Sir, with all due respect! I still believe defending the riverbank is meaningless! We can’t hold it!”

The lieutenant lowered his voice with great effort to prevent nearby soldiers from hearing their conversation: “But we could take a step back, turn River Valley Village into an ambush ground. We could utilize every house, every wall to initially hold back the enemy’s momentum, force them to retreat for reorganizing, then cut off their rear, breaking them down piece by piece.”

Colonel Gaisa listened to the lieutenant’s advice without comment, glanced at the four-quadrant flag fluttering atop the church’s bell tower, and turned to his most trusted subordinate, replying with a simple yet undeniable response: “No, Lieutenant Woods, we must keep the enemy at the riverbank.”

“If you’re worried about Colonel Bod’s safety, leave a military flag on the bell tower so Colonel Bod can move outside the village to command.” Woods all but pleaded, “Wouldn’t it be enough just to let the enemy believe Colonel Bod’s command is at the village church?”

Gaisa Adonis couldn’t help but laugh heartily, laughing so hard he leaned back and forth, gasping for breath.

After laughing, he wiped his tears and patted the lieutenant on the shoulder: “I will be stationed on the southern battlefield, and once the battle begins, this place will be yours, Lieutenant Woods.”

“Hold the riverbank.” Colonel Gaisa said.

Lieutenant Woods hesitated before finally raising his hand in salute: “Yes.”

Colonel Gaisa silently returned the salute to his subordinate.

“Since we are to defend the riverbank,” Woods was no longer as anxious as before, “then the defenses in the other three directions must also be strengthened–we must make the best preparations for a possible siege. If the enemy fails to break through from the front, there is a high probability they will attempt to flank us on both sides.”

“You decide, from now on, you are the commanding military officer of the First Battalion of Mont Blanc County and the First Battalion of Thunder Group County.”

“I hope to receive support from the Cavalry units.”

“Certainly, I will communicate with Colonel Bod and Colonel Skool.”

Lieutenant Woods thought carefully for a moment, decided to make no further requests, and raised his hand again in salute: “Good fortune, Colonel.”

“Victory.” Gaisa returned the salute with pleasure and ease: “Frank.”

Above their heads, the sun had already reached its zenith, and the distant dust was becoming clearer. The sound of war drums and horns wafted over the hills, swept across the river, carried by the warm and comfortable breeze, and pierced everyone’s ears.

The soldiers stood straight almost instinctively, their stiff and numb bodies, and looked toward the direction from which the sounds of war were coming.

“Don’t stop!” Colonel Bod stepped forward, his shout overwhelming the approaching drumbeats: “Every spade of dirt you dig now could mean one less drop of blood you shed today!”

The figures of three riders appeared on the horizon, with the leader holding a green flag.

Alliance light cavalry, shoulders adorned with white ribbons, immediately rode up to them. Without engaging in combat, they surrounded the enemy messenger and headed straight toward River Valley Village.

Colonel Gaisa squinted his eyes at the green flag.

“Go fetch Colonel Skool.” he instructed the messenger.

…

The small river outside River Valley Village has never had a name, and nobody has ever cared what its name might be.

Perhaps many years later, people will grant it a significant official name due to today’s battle. But for now, it remains the “Nameless Small River.”

The open field on the north bank of the Nameless Small River was cultivated many years ago, growing countless crops, feeding generations of children.

Under the scorching noon sun, this ripe but unharvested wheat field steamed with mist.

Three Paratu officers stood in the midst of swirling yellow dust, quietly waiting for their classmates, their old friends, their enemies.

In the distance, two riders dressed in officers’ uniforms appeared at the edge of the hills; like the three officers waiting for them, they carried no guards.

The two rode at a leisurely pace toward the three in the center of the wheat field.

This might be a heaven-sent opportunity to easily deal with the enemy commander–for both sides.

But ultimately, neither ambush nor assassination occurred; the two officers loyal to the Grand Council arrived safely before the commanders of the Tri-County Alliance.

“Bod Senior.” Colonel Sanel primero took off his military cap, first bowing in greeting.

Chloe Toriel also silently removed her cap and saluted.

Colonel Bod merely nodded lightly, seemingly not very close to the two.

“Didn’t Lieutenant Colonel Magash from Riverside County come?” Sanel asked with a smile.

“Magash is from the ninth period.” Gaisa answered indifferently: “And doesn’t want any part of this spectacle.”

No hint of annoyance showed on Sanel’s face: “But as far as I know, Lieutenant Colonel Magash stayed in Riverside County, not joining you in the campaign.”

Gaisa lifted his chin, choosing not to respond further.

The remaining hint of amiable atmosphere between the two sides also vanished, the rolling light brown wheat field became eerily quiet.

It was the ever-silent Colonel Chloe who broke the silence.

Chloe looked in poor condition, as if he hadn’t enjoyed proper rest for a long time. His lips were cracked, his cheeks sunken, his eye sockets also caved in with his cheeks, and his eyes were bloodshot.