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Chapter 511: Planning the Drow Elf Encampment
September 9.
Bay Territory.
Clear skies.
Golden waves of wheat rippled gently under the cool autumn breeze.
One after another, harvesting golems advanced side by side through the wheat fields.
Their intricate mechanical harvesting structures efficiently collected the grains.
Grains and straw were separately discharged at the back, forming two neat piles, which were then loaded into containers by following farmers.
The entire process was simple and swift.
Two harvesting golems could harvest one acre of land in just 15 minutes.
However, collecting and transporting the food still required more manpower.
Even so, the harvesting speed was at least ten times faster than using manual labor alone.
Sean watched the harvesting golems in action and grabbed a handful of slightly damp grains, a happy smile spreading across his face.
Nearby, a young assistant recorded various data while noting the strengths and weaknesses of the harvesting golems.
"The average yield per acre is 680 pounds, 4.5% higher than expected..."
"The movement speed needs improvement, by approximately 20%–25%, to achieve optimal harvesting efficiency..."
"The process of grain discharge and transportation still requires loading; simplifying this step is recommended..."
"Considering the golems' energy consumption, after 8 hours of operation, 45% of their energy remains. Enhancing harvesting speed could maximize energy utilization..."
"..."
Sean glanced at the report. He understood some parts, but the technical aspects left him bewildered.
Unable to help himself, Sean rubbed his temples and immediately decided to study Bay Territory's latest work manual upon returning.
If he didn't catch up on his learning, he might soon fail to understand these young people's work.
That was unacceptable.
This year, Bay Territory experienced favorable weather. With improved seeds, fertile soil, and proper fertilization,
a bountiful harvest was predictable.
...…
Underground World.
Bay Territory's Forward Operating Base.
Bay Territory's Military Camp.
Various weapons and equipment were stacked in wooden crates according to a predetermined order and loaded onto carts.
Increasing amounts of military supplies were delivered via the camp's teleportation arrays.
A growing number of soldiers were silently transported into the camp.
Bay Territory's officers were also gathered here.
With the increasing number of soldiers, the total count had reached 24,000.
After discussions, Matthew and Angela finalized the structure of Bay Territory's army.
Five soldiers formed a combat squad.
Two wielded shields, two carried spears, and one operated a crossbow.
Twenty soldiers formed a platoon.
A sergeant served as the platoon leader.
Five platoons made a company, comprising 100 soldiers.
A senior sergeant served as the company commander.
Three companies formed a battalion, with 300 soldiers.
A lieutenant served as the battalion commander.
Three battalions plus one specialized company formed a regiment, totaling 1,000 soldiers.
The specialized company included engineering teams, golem units, scout squads, and cavalry.
A major served as the regimental commander.
Three regiments plus one specialized battalion formed a brigade, totaling 3,500 soldiers.
A brigadier general served as the brigade commander.
Three brigades plus one specialized regiment formed a division, totaling 12,000 soldiers.
A major general served as the division commander.
Three divisions plus one specialized brigade formed a corps, totaling 40,000 soldiers.
A lieutenant general served as the corps commander.
Three corps plus one specialized division formed an army, totaling 150,000 soldiers.
A general served as the army commander.
Bay Territory's forces were organized into two divisions.
Angela commanded the First Division, while Arnold commanded the Second Division. During wartime, Angela held overall command.
At present, both divisions of Bay Territory's forces were fully assembled.
While the soldiers gathered here, Bay Territory's defenses were not compromised.
Bay Territory had activated its militia training program.
All professionals and citizens aspiring to become soldiers had the opportunity to participate in two days of training each week.
The training provided meals and accommodation and offered merits, serving as a key source of merit for citizens.
Even some adventurers chose to join, enjoying the benefits of free training and strength improvement.
With Bay Territory's development fully on track,
Matthew decided to initiate the expansion into the underground world.
Instead of waiting for the drow elves to enslave the Karaya Gnoll Kingdom and lead their armies against the surface world, he chose to strike first.
In a heavily warded meeting room.
"According to reports from adventurers and the inspection team, the drow elf army is locked in intense combat with the Karaya Gnoll Kingdom."
"Their battlefield is about 100 kilometers away from here."
"The drow elves have deployed an army of 200,000, including slaves, while the gnoll kingdom commands 800,000 troops, though their average strength is low..."
"The drow elf camp in front of the forward base now has fewer than 20,000 soldiers remaining..."
The intelligence painted a clear picture of the underground world's current state for Matthew.
The timing was perfect.
Bay Territory's officers focused intently on the two sand tables before them.
Updates from the frontlines arrived every hour, ensuring the sand tables reflected the most recent battlefield developments.
Angela pointed her staff at four passages connecting the drow elf camp and the main battlefield, then posed a question to the officers:
"To eliminate the drow elf camp, we must control these four passages. What are your thoughts?"
As Matthew had always advocated, every combatant in Bay Territory was expected to have their own insights and ideas.
They weren't required to act independently but at least needed to understand orders and battle plans without hindering operations.
This approach also allowed Bay Territory's officers to grow through successive battles.
"Passage 1 is the widest and serves as the drow elves' main supply route."
"To seize it, we could intercept the enemy's transport units right after they've resupplied the camp."
"The central Lava Ravine and the far-end Dark Gorge can be held with minimal forces to block large reinforcements."
"Passage 2 connects directly to the main battlefield, making it the most likely route for reinforcements to reach the drow elf camp."
"We could draw gnoll troops to this area near the battlefield to conceal our movements."
"Passage 3 is wide but longer, with three controllable choke points along the route."
"Passage 4 is the shortest but highly dangerous, with over ten Terrorclaw Beast nests along the way."
"We could set up ambushes in advance to intercept messengers from the drow elf camp..."
Feili detailed her plans, surprising many with their thoroughness and precision.
Her meticulous strategies showcased significant growth compared to her earlier experiences with warfare.
Over the past two months, Feili had spent significant time in the underground world, making extensive preparations.
After Feili concluded, other prepared Bay Territory officers presented their battle strategies as well.
Clearly, everyone was ready for a major offensive!