Chapter 237: Finalizing the Plan
Hearing Angela's words, Elona showed a look of disbelief.
Two thousand soldiers attacking five thousand trolls?
And the enemy has the advantage of castle defenses?
Is that even possible?
The others began to think harder, trying to grasp Angela's strategy.
The half-elf knight didn't hesitate as she pointed to the three scattered troll settlements below the castle, speaking confidently:
"These three troll settlements are already very familiar with us and know our strength."
"When they see our army move, they will surely withdraw and fortify their defenses."
"Therefore, we can use the nearly 2,000 adventurers to surround them first!"
"These trolls and the Gurubashi trolls in the castle are enemies."
"Even if they realize we are attacking the castle, they won't send warnings or reinforcements."
"So, when we attack the castle, we can use all our forces!"
Elio nodded in agreement after hearing Angela's reasoning.
Indeed!
The trolls are not a united force!
The valley trolls are treated as livestock by the Gurubashi trolls.
There is an irreconcilable conflict between the two groups, and they see each other as mortal enemies.
As long as we deal with the castle trolls within five days.
The valley trolls will be trapped like fish in a barrel.
The approach seemed sound, but there was still the major challenge.
How to eliminate 5,000 trolls in five days?
After breaking down the goal, Angela zoomed in on the castle and carefully explained the plan:
"According to our intelligence, the troll castle doesn't store food."
"Every day, they send out a hunting party of 2,000 trolls to the forests on both sides."
"Even in the best season, they don't return until noon."
Beelzebub licked his lips while flipping through the information given to him.
Leon seemed to catch on to something, studying the castle that would have only 3,000 trolls left.
There's half a day.
How should we deal with this?
Angela thought back to Leon's earlier tactical suggestion, and the more she spoke, the clearer her thoughts became, continuing smoothly:
"Then, we use bait tactics to lure some of the trolls out of the castle."
"However, we don't intend to eliminate that batch of trolls."
"Instead, we gather all our forces, with the help of Lady Yaya, Beelzebub, Elio, and other elites, to take the walls and the gate directly."
"Once some of the 3,000 trolls in the castle are scattered, the castle will be at its weakest."
"If we defeat the remaining troll soldiers, we can use the gate and walls as defensive positions to block the returning 2,000 trolls!"
"At that point, we can use a small teleportation array to bring in golem guardians, heavy crossbows, alchemical fire oil, and other defensive tools, turning it into a defensive battle where we excel!"
"We can rotate between resting and defending, minimizing our losses while depleting the trolls' forces."
"Once we're rested, and the trolls' fighting strength is severely weakened with no resupply, their combat effectiveness will be at its lowest!"
"Finally, we can charge out of the castle, combining forces with the adventurers surrounding them for a decisive annihilation!"
After Angela finished explaining her entire plan, she reviewed it thoroughly, making sure there were no major flaws before letting out a breath, feeling a sense of clarity.
The meeting room fell silent as everyone mulled over Angela's plan, chewing on it carefully.
With a slap on his bald head, Beelzebub gave Angela a thumbs up, exclaiming with admiration:
"This plan is brilliant, I can't see any holes in it…"
Old John nodded in amazement, impressed by how quickly Angela had grown. Even as a seasoned warrior, he found it inspiring.
He made a mental note to push himself harder next time.
Felicia nodded in sudden realization, her gaze toward Angela filled with admiration.
Elio reflected on Angela's plan and realized his own oversight.
Deeper understanding of the trolls.
Clearer interpretation of the target.
Better use of their own resources.
It all left Elio feeling both inspired and eager for the challenge.
The strategy had a high chance of success!
Leon nodded with equal admiration, realizing his own thinking had been too straightforward, not as meticulous as Angela's.
However, he had made up his mind to learn more and think deeper, determined to perform better next time.
Satisfied, Matthew praised Angela's progress but didn't allow anyone to relax, tapping the table and saying to everyone:
"Angela's offensive plan is excellent, but it's not yet perfect."
"Now, everyone in this room needs to come up with one or two more detailed ideas to supplement it."
Beelzebub blinked in confusion, about to ask a question, when a small, surprised voice whispered:
"Huh? Does that include me too…"
Everyone turned to see Elona, who was embarrassedly covering Gogo's mouth.
Sitting next to her, Yaya suddenly raised her hand, cheerfully adding:
"Kobolds are fast! While they can't help in battle, they can quickly build many defensive structures on the walls!"
That's right!
Yaya fully trusted her minions!
"Hehehe…"
Seeing Yaya's mischievous grin, Matthew shrugged slightly and signaled Leon to sit down:
"That's a good idea. We'll discuss whether to implement it shortly…"
Soon, the meeting room buzzed with lively discussions.
...…
Beneath the northern cliffs of Troll Valley.
A burly troll reverently placed a fresh heart on the blood-red altar.
He wore shiny leather armor, carried four rare metal spears on his back, and respectfully sheathed his bloodstained short blade.
The dim yellow sunset cast a glow on his body.
He was a standard troll, strong-bodied and long-limbed.
But his otherwise unmarked face bore burn scars, which slightly twisted and shifted with every breath.
He knelt devoutly, muttering strange, incomprehensible words.
The blood-red altar began to glow, enveloping the fresh heart.
The heart quickly shriveled, turned gray, then crumbled into dust.
However, the shadow hunter's anticipated response never came.
Only cold silence!