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Chapter 459: Orc Night Raid
Just as the soldiers were feeling quite pleased, Bay Territory gave them a "pleasant" surprise.
Half a day of formation training and marching drills.
The soldiers' previously high spirits instantly turned into exhaustion and helplessness.
They never expected that Bay Territory would train them for an entire day.
In the past, they would train at most once every three days, as everyone would need extra meals after training.
Most lords were unwilling to bear this additional expense.
After all, the militia didn't permanently belong to them. They were recruited to do work for them or to occasionally fulfill imperial conscription tasks.
Besides, once the militia joined the conscription tasks, even the compensation for sacrifices would be provided by the empire, saving them some money.
Thanks to the precarious situation in the eastern province and the prior warnings from Knight Harley, the lords had no choice but to increase their investments.
However, after the strenuous training, the soldiers were once again beaming with joy when mealtime arrived.
Richly flavored dried fish, ample chunks of meat, and even the luxury of two eggs per soldier.
Many soldiers were somewhat uneasy before eating.
"Could this be our last meal?"
"Pfft, don't say that. I've already asked around. This is the standard meal for regular soldiers in Bay Territory."
"I only get to eat this kind of food during festivals. Do they eat like this every day?"
"This treatment is too good! No wonder they're so strong!"
"That's nothing. I heard that the Professional soldiers even get some magical food."
"I know about that. Those things are truly valuable. Each portion can sell for dozens of silver coins or even several gold coinsā¦"
"Hissā¦ If we could eat this well every day, the training might actually be bearableā¦"
"Haha, of course!"
"Don't get too excited. This is just basic training. The difficulty will increase later onā¦"
"Huh? The hard part is still ahead?"
"I heard the better food is also ahead. By then, everyone will get an extra piece of beefā¦"
"Beef too? If only I could take some home for my kids to tryā¦"
"Don't think too much. Focus on training well. Staying alive is the most important thing."
"ā¦"
The ample food captured the hearts of all the soldiers.
The temporary commander from Bay Territory would also provide guidance on combat techniques during the evening rest.
They trained while on the march.
Leading independently, the lords and troops of the nearby main force could only hear occasional noises from them.
Having learned from previous "lessons," the major lords no longer thought Bay Territory was just putting on a show.
After all, they had real battle achievements.
If they voiced any idiotic opinions, it would only make them a laughingstock.
After years of peace and under the Netheril Empire's spellcaster-dominated environment,
most ordinary lords lacked the ambition and drive for excellence, and naturally failed to develop their abilities.
However, they received decent education and wouldn't act poorly.
Some lords showed great interest in the military changes and intended to investigate and imitate them.
But after a couple of attempts, their recruited militia were utterly exhausted.
They didn't have Bay Territory's advantages in gaining loyalty or the means and experience to enforce strict rules.
Soon, their actions faced resistance and non-cooperation from the militia.
After a few days of futile effort, they had no choice but to give up.
Especially after learning about the benefits Matthew provided to his soldiers, many nobles sourly remarked:
"Why spend money on these cannon fodder soldiers instead of using it for oneself?"
"If they were personal troops, it would be one thing, but why care so much about these temporary soldiers who will have nothing to do with him later?"
These discontented remarks, intentional or not, reached Matthew's ears through various channels.
The lord of Bay Territory paid them no mind, as he was focused on using the Fate Power acquired from the Underdark to research the fourth surgery transformation spell bit by bit.
After completing the fourth surgery, the physical enhancements for the modified Warriors would essentially be complete.
Even if there were improvements in the future,
they would be based on this foundation, enhancing effectiveness and increasing success rates.
It could be said that completing the first four surgeries was the mark of a truly mature "Modified Warrior."
With rigorous training and resource investment, it would basically ensure the Modified Warriors had extraordinary physical capabilities.
By then, even if their Professional level talent caps weren't high,
they could still significantly improve their combat effectiveness through Bay Territory's teaching of specialties and skills, effectively boosting their Professional levels!
This was the true reversal of fate!
June 8th.
Northern part of the Eastern Province.
This area borders the Carl Plains and is essentially part of its terrain.
Verdant green grass barely covered the horses' hooves, enticing them to graze leisurely.
Nearly 50,000 troops of Bloodmoon City's army were busy on the flat ground.
Nightfall approached.
They had to cook and set up tents before the Crimson Moon rose.
With their large numbers, the flat terrain, and no danger encountered in the ten days of marching, the various lords and soldiers had grown complacent despite Knight Harley's repeated warnings to remain vigilant.
Three hundred meters away on a hill, Bay Territory's soldiers were building a sturdy camp as usual.
Thick logs were driven side by side into pits, then backfilled and compacted.
For added strength, crossbeams were placed behind the logs for support.
Everyone in the team worked together, greatly enhancing efficiency.
Within two hours, they completed temporary watchtowers, enclosed wooden walls, and neatly arranged tents.
By then, the rich aroma of meat spread throughout the camp, and everyone could enjoy a hearty meal after their work.
Feeling the pulse of Fate Power, Matthew turned his gaze toward the distant plains and said to Angela, who was arranging patrol duties:
"Send more patrols, but don't let them stray too far from the camp. Emphasize safety."
Matthew's sudden reminder immediately put the previously relaxed Angela on alert.
Dissatisfied with her complacency, she promptly began reorganizing the outposts.
The new soldiers didn't think much of it.
After twenty days of marching and completing the prescribed tasks, they didn't show any signs of impatience.
However, the veterans clearly sensed something unusual.
Night fell.
The sky was overcast with dark clouds.
The brilliant crimson light turned a dull gray.
On the gloomy plains, pairs of bloodthirsty eyes emerged.
Like a tide, they surged at full speed straight toward the army camp.
The orc night raid had begun!