Chapter 236: Military Conference
The Gurubashi trolls are an exceptionally bloodthirsty and savage race.
Their diet also includes their own kind.
The Troll Valley under their control is essentially their breeding ground.
This information was obtained by adventurers at great cost, with over ten mid-level wanderers killed or wounded.
Bay Territory paid over 3,000 gold coins in bounties for this information.
Due to the looming orc horde, Matthew had also studied this significant enemy, the Gurubashi trolls, in detail.
Now, combining the current data, Matthew understood how the Gurubashi trolls had replaced the Rotten Moss Clan.
"In about six months, the northeastern barbarians will arrive, clashing with the other two troll factions."
"The Gurubashi trolls took advantage of their mutual destruction, eliminating the other two troll forces."
"Afterward, the Gurubashi trolls summoned a terrifying projection of an evil god."
"They allied with several other troll clans, joining forces with the northern orc army to launch a two-pronged assault, breaking through the Scarlet Fortress and triggering the eastern orc horde!"
At that point, countless trolls will pour out, and Bay Territory might not be able to withstand it.
Even if they did hold, it would likely result in severe losses!
After all, Matthew's preparation for the orc horde was meant to turn it into an opportunity for Bay Territory's growth, not to become a sacrificial offering.
"It seems we must attack the northern stronghold of Troll Valley in advance!"
Waiting passively was never Matthew's way!
Matthew stood up, drawing everyone's attention.
He pointed to the troll stronghold and, under the astonished gazes of everyone, said:
"Our objective in this battle is to take this troll stronghold, thereby bringing all of Troll Valley under our control."
Hearing this, Elona thought she might have misheard.
She double-checked the data, confirmed the troll numbers, and felt a bit panicked.
The small voice of Gogo, hiding in her hair, whispered:
"8,000 trolls, can we really beat them?"
The soft voice spread throughout the conference room, and all eyes immediately turned toward them.
Realizing what she had done, Gogo quickly shrank back into Elona's hair.
Elona awkwardly showed an apologetic expression, nervously glancing at Matthew, afraid the lord would be angry.
But instead of being upset, Matthew chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the room as he spoke with anticipation:
"We have 2,000 soldiers, and the enemy has 8,000 trolls. This will be a test for Bay Territory's proactive strength."
"Considering the possibility of reinforcements from the Gurubashi trolls, we must cleanly and swiftly deal with them within five days."
"Moreover, our casualties must be minimal so we can hold the stronghold against the Gurubashi trolls' counterattack."
"This is the challenge of today's military conference."
"If we solve it, we will have a 30% greater chance of success!"
Five days!
2,000 against 8,000!
And with minimal casualties!
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room turned to look at the lord.
Meeting the calm gaze of their lord, they understood his intent and began thinking carefully.
Elona curiously glanced around, gently stroking the timid Gogo.
If she were to speak again, she would be sure to cover her mouth first.
Leon, the most knowledgeable about trolls, pointed to the stronghold and the three nearby troll groups, marking them with lines:
"According to the intelligence we've gathered, although they're all trolls, they're not united."
"If we attack one group, the others may not react."
"I suggest we eliminate the scattered trolls first before besieging the troll stronghold."
"Initially, the trolls will undoubtedly launch an attack. We'll feign weakness and take out a portion of them."
"Then, using heavy crossbows and blockades, we'll trap the remaining trolls and finish them off!"
Recalling what he had seen during his reconnaissance, Leon added confidently:
"Trolls never stockpile food. If we surround them for just two days, they'll have to come out and fight."
"At that point, we'll have the upper hand!"
Most people in the room nodded in agreement with Leon's suggestion.
Picking off the trolls one by one would indeed ease the pressure.
After all, Bay Territory's soldiers gathered at the troll camp totaled only 2,000.
Against an equal number of trolls, they were confident.
But facing four times their number of trolls was daunting.
Leon glanced at the lord, only to see him gently shake his head.
"The lord doesn't agree?"
"Then where did my plan go wrong?"
Leon was puzzled and began to ponder deeply.
He didn't insist he was right because he never believed the lord could be wrong.
Beelzebub scratched his head and, catching Matthew's gaze, shrank back slightly.
Despite his recent progress, facing such a massive challenge still made him feel inadequate.
Felicia, who had also joined the meeting, decisively shook her head.
She had been diligently training and learning every day, constantly seeking out battles, never missing an opportunity to gain combat experience.
However, when it came to strategic matters like this, she still found it hard to grasp.
She needed more time to grow.
Next to her, Elio opened his mouth but hesitated to speak.
Encouraged by Old John, he nervously replied:
"I think the strategy of breaking them down one by one is good, but the idea of besieging the trolls might be flawed."
Seeing everyone's attention shift to him, Elio suppressed his nervousness, recalling the scene of hunting those trolls:
"If the trolls fail to break through in the first wave, they'll likely hold the fortress and wait for reinforcements."
"They have their comrades' corpses, so they won't run out of supplies."
"Five days won't be enough to kill them all..."
Hearing Elio's explanation, the others brightened, and Leon nodded, feeling a bit frustrated.
"Right, the enemy isn't human, they have no concept of morality or justice, and they frequently cannibalize their kind."
"Starving them out won't work on trolls..."
As everyone began to rethink the plan,
Angela, who had been studying the map, suddenly had an idea after hearing Elio's words.
Gurubashi trolls!
Troll fortress!
Troll Valley!
She marked an X on the fortress and circled the entire Troll Valley, calmly stating:
"Breaking them down piece by piece is correct!"
"But we should take out the trolls in the fortress first!"