Chapter 617: Stealth Invasion? Who Wouldn't Know!
The cool sensation seeped into her body little by little.
Famir woke up abruptly, quickly scanning her surroundings.
Simple furniture, a familiar magic television, and a few strands of green potted plants.
"I made it through?"
She raised her hand, looking at her noticeably larger palms, feeling the resilience of her bones and the strength of her muscles.
Famir felt that her perception of the world had undergone a dramatic change.
Clearer. More detailed.
When she focused her attention, she could even see the faintly glowing magic patterns on the green potted plants.
Wait, are these also a type of magical plant?
Realizing this, Famir gently patted her forehead, thinking she must have been foolish for not noticing earlier.
Given Bay Territory's style of doing things, they never engaged in pointless projects for mere appearances.
Even the flowers and plants by the roadside were pruned and maintained to generate some sort of value.
Not to mention these potted plants that absorbed magic and were meticulously cared for.
Famir flipped through the planting guide beside her and noticed that the ideal annual yield could reach 1 gold coin. An idea suddenly flashed in her mind.
"Is this to ensure that even if someone doesn't want to work, doesn't want to learn, and only wants to laze around, they can still survive in Bay Territory?"
"Has Bay Territory's policy planning considered things to this extent?"
"Free housing, free child-rearing, job arrangements, daily training to enhance strength, and even consideration for those who don't want to leave home?"
"Isn't this a bit too thorough?"
Even in the Cole Elven Kingdom, this kind of consideration for the well-being of citizens in daily life was practically impossible.
For those in power, they did not want others to accumulate more wealth.
They only wanted people to be barely alive, yet unable to progress.
This way, the lower classes could only obey them, serving as tools for their continued nobility.
Famir never felt anything wrong before, because she was also one of the beneficiaries.
She didn't feel that she was infringing on others' interests, believing it was all rightfully hers.
However, after joining the Shadow Council.
She began traveling to various places, assassinating talented figures from different races.
She started weaving intricate schemes, weakening the strength of threatening territories and nobles.
She began to believe that the Cole Elves were invincible and destined to be the masters of the Northern Continent.
But the 'disaster' that ended in failure because of an 'accident' completely shattered Famir's beliefs.
She finally realized that when the Cole Elves only wanted to solve problems through violence and slaughter, they gradually let go of their bottom line.
When conflicts arose with enemies, they acted this way. When conflicts arose among themselves, they habitually raised their deadly blades.
That was not an accident!
This was what Famir pondered over during her leisure time at the Ruins Outpost.
The knowledge she learned in Bay Territory gave her a sudden epiphany.
And it was precisely because of this that she felt her life should be in her own hands.
At the very least, she wanted to choose her own way to die.
While Famir was examining her living space, the door was knocked open by Sera.
Meeting Sera's expectant gaze, Famir couldn't help but blink and ask:
"What's the next stage of training?"
"Targeted enemy training!"
Over the next two days, Famir underwent unprecedented training.
Aside from occasionally entering the underground laboratory for data detection and registration, which made Famir somewhat anxious.
She had basically adapted to the lifestyle of Bay Territory.
Even though she had been modified, her figure had changed, and she was still an elf.
Famir didn't experience any discrimination or strange looks.
Although she was reluctant to admit it, this feeling made Famir very comfortable.
However, just as Famir thought that this peaceful life would continue.
The blaring alarms of Bay Territory shattered that tranquility.
"Alert, alert, Territory has issued a Level Two alert."
"The Territory and its outposts are now in combat mode. Please adhere to wartime regulations during work and daily activities."
Famir, who had paused her training, stared blankly at the display screen on her wrist's magic communicator.
The softly blinking red text displayed her mission.
"Combat Zone 1253 in War Zone 5, please proceed to your designated combat area and complete the assigned mission."
"You have two days to prepare. You may purchase Level 4 (10,000 merit points level) combat items."
"New Level 4 combat items and equipment are available. This is classified information. Please sign a magical contract after reading."
"The enemy information for War Zone 5 has been updated. Please review it as soon as possible..."
"..."
Various pieces of information made Famir feel incredulous. She turned to face the calm-faced Sera and couldn't help but ask:
"Have you always been able to get this kind of information before?"
Sera, with a higher information level, didn't look at it now. She nodded lightly and answered softly:
"That's right, but it wasn't so convenient before. Now it can be directly sent to everyone's communicator."
"The territory never hides information. All tasks are openly accessible."
"Even for missions with deadly risks, the relevant personnel are informed and provided with the best conditions and support..."
From Sera's extremely proud tone, Famir could clearly feel her deep feelings for Bay Territory.
Time has never been the decisive factor in measuring the depth of feelings.
Even Famir herself couldn't help but be deeply attracted by such a system.
The territory trusts soldiers and citizens.
Soldiers and citizens, in turn, support and trust the territory.
Even with just a short and in-depth interaction, Famir felt an indescribable longing.
"Let's go, we have a lot to do next."
Sera's eyes flashed with a hint of regret, but she didn't treat Famir badly because of her past identity as a Cole Elf. Instead, she continued to speak in an orderly manner:
"Before preparing for combat, you still have a few days to select teammates and train them."
"You can slowly learn how to command troops. After all, you are assigned a very capable deputy who will assist you in command."
"Your upcoming learning tasks will be heavy. Whether mastering your body or attempting to command battles, it will put considerable pressure on you..."
Not far away, Leon saw the two leaving and couldn't help but smack his lips. Under Arnold's teasing gaze, he asked:
"Did the Lord summon us back not only to complete the new weapon equipment lineup but also to lure them in?"
Feeling the slight increase in strength brought by the exoskeleton combat armor, Arnold shrugged nonchalantly, revealing an eager and battle-hungry expression, and said enthusiastically:
"There's no other way. Instead of letting them keep plotting in the dark, it's better to provoke them to attack."
Thinking back on the fierce series of pre-war preparations, Leon glanced at the elite soldiers training nearby.
Leon, somewhat envious, stretched his shoulders, feeling the fit and comfort of the protective suit, and said confidently:
"They think they're being very discreet, but in reality, every move they make is under our surveillance."
"After more than a month of preparation, gathering over 500 warships, they still dare to attack us. They really underestimate us!"
The old village chief, Field, who had walked over, glared at him unceremoniously and said:
"The biggest taboo is arrogance. Every task and order you give carries the lives of soldiers and citizens!"
Shrinking his neck, Leon quickly nodded, patting his chest and assuring:
"Don't worry, Chief. I'm just talking. I take those little devils more seriously than anyone else and absolutely won't let my guard down..."
Confirming that he wasn't lying, the old chief snorted lightly, showing a hint of relief in his eyes. He nodded with satisfaction and said:
"You must maintain this mindset. Your responsibility is heavy!"
After chatting for a while, they soon resumed their rigorous training.
The more they trained and learned now, the more confident they would be in the upcoming battle.
Soon, Bay Territory's full military operations meeting began.
Angela, who commanded the entire army, presided over the meeting.
She quickly analyzed the current situation.
She thoroughly analyzed the number and approximate strength of each enemy surrounding Bay Territory.
She also encouraged everyone to speak freely about their views on the enemies.
Finally, they unified their opinions and arranged the combat strategy.
"Although the number of barbarians in the northeast is large, their factions are fragmented and cannot form a unified force."
"They will attack from various directions, but the pressure won't be too great..."
"In the early stages, focus on defense, depleting their vital forces, while training newly recruited soldiers to mature quickly."
"Once we've dealt with other surrounding enemies, we will concentrate our forces to fight them."
"As long as we eliminate one or two of their units, it will greatly weaken their morale. At that point, we can encircle and eliminate them in one go!"
Hearing this, everyone showed a hint of excitement and enthusiasm on their faces.
They clearly knew that over the past two years, the number of barbarians fleeing to Bay Territory had been increasing, now numbering nearly a million.
For Bay Territory, which urgently needed population and labor, these relatively harmless barbarian forces were like a piece of meat delivered to the door.
However, this piece of meat needed to be marinated first.
After removing the stench and preparing the cooking tools, they could enjoy a hearty feast.
After solving the relatively easy barbarian issue, the enthusiasm for discussion naturally grew stronger.
Soon, it was time to address the problem of the Wokou pirates.
The most vocal person, Leon, also emphasized Bay Territory's defensive counterattack strategy.
Bay Territory had trained many new recruits and built many new combat ships.
First, use more secure defensive battles to train and improve their combat capabilities step by step.
Once Bay Territory had more freedom of movement, they could concentrate forces for a thorough cleanup.
Of course, doing so also posed challenges.
Unlike the territorial advantage when defending against barbarian soldiers.
The Wokou pirates, who could always mobilize forces for encirclement and division, could focus their active forces to besiege crucial islands or fortresses.
The key was to manage defense without being gradually wiped out by the enemy, which was the next problem to solve.
Leon, brimming with confidence, stated that the camp had prepared new combat weapons, which had been transported to various islands and fortresses in the fishing island area.
After preparing for the Wokou pirates.
Bay Territory would then discuss the orcs and the trolls in the Dark Forest...
The entire meeting lasted only half a day.
The Bay Territory, which had already formulated battle plans and tasks, quickly arranged and dispatched at an astonishing speed.
In the massive warehouses, mountains of supplies were loaded onto golem trains and transported to various fortresses and strongholds.
One container after another was sent out to sea on enormous transport ships.
The teleportation arrays across different regions flashed with dazzling light.
Only the precious and confidential supplies would use such a resource-consuming method.
The fully operational Bay Territory displayed extraordinary execution and terrifying transportation capabilities.
All material transportation arrangements were not only fast and orderly but also ensured confidentiality and safety.
At this time, the enemy's gathered army and forces slowly set off under the 'watchful eyes' of the Bay Territory.
The people within the territory also became aware of the Bay Territory's opponents and enemies.
Although there was some worry in their hearts, there was more confidence and excitement.
The Bay Territory had never failed before, and it wouldn't this time either.
Along with the materials being sent to the front lines, naturally, there were also a large number of soldiers.
The number of Bay Territory soldiers was already approaching two hundred thousand.
They just needed some qualified and suitable enemies to test their learning and growth during this period.
The newly upgraded weapons and equipment also needed the blood and lives of enemies to further enhance and adjust.
The soldiers, full of fighting spirit, smiled and bid farewell to their families.
In the farewell ceremony arranged by the territory, they hurried to the battlefield with a firm belief in victory.
November 11.
The Wokou pirates, with 580 warships, over 2000 small warships, and a total combat force of 350,000, were the first to provoke the Bay Territory.
They surged in, surrounding the islands and seas occupied by the Bay Territory, launching an attack without hesitation.
The Wokou pirates had received sponsorship from the Cole Elves, equipping almost every large warship with magic cannons.
Although their magic cannons couldn't match the Bay Territory's 800-meter range, they had a staggering 10,000 cannons.
Such formidable production capability fully reflected the Cole Elves' foundation and strength as the dominant force of the Northern Continent.
However, the Wokou pirates' combat methods were very outdated.
The large warships with a certain degree of long-range attack capability faced the Bay Territory's fortresses and bunkers head-on, using sheer numbers to retaliate.
Although their attacks did not cause significant damage, they also failed to break the meticulously built fortifications of the Bay Territory.
However, they successfully covered the approach of many Wokou pirates, who rode nimble small warships and approached the Bay Territory's islands en masse.
Compared to the simple siege equipment like ropes and ladders used last time.
The Wokou pirates, funded by the Cole Elves, upgraded to assembly-type catapults and large crossbows.