Chapter 276: Taking the Initiative
"The social structure of the barbarians is relatively loose, organized in small family units that gather into a larger collective."
"Typically, the ratio of people to soldiers in a tribe is about 4:1."
"However, that's under normal circumstances; these wandering barbarians were driven away as failures."
"While they do have elderly, women, and children, the majority are still young and able-bodied, with the soldier ratio around 2:1."
"This means that out of the 60,000 wandering barbarians, approximately 30,000 are combat-capable soldiers."
"Most of these soldiers have never received formal training; at best, they possess basic hunting and shooting skills."
"However, the physical strength of barbarian soldiers is quite formidable, and in one-on-one combat, we might be at a disadvantage."
"..."
As Beelzebub spoke at length, Macaron couldn't help but wonder.
This guy is so tall; he looks just like a barbarian warrior himself!
Otherwise, how could he know so much?
Sensing Macaron's doubts, Brown patted his shoulder and whispered in his ear:
"Don't be surprised; Beelzebub is one of the strongest professionals in Bay Territory."
"He once killed 100 trolls single-handedly in a battle two months ago!"
100 trolls?
Macaron quickly collected himself and cautiously looked at Beelzebub, careful not to offend him.
But even if there aren't 60,000 barbarian soldiers, 30,000 is still a lot!
As Macaron fretted, Beelzebub continued to explain the tactics and abilities of barbarian soldiers in detail.
He heard their conversation but didn't feel embarrassed or awkward; he firmly believed that what he was doing was right.
The term "barbarian" is a broad classification, encompassing several kingdoms and hundreds of major tribes.
Tribal conflicts and skirmishes between different regions are exceedingly common.
Drawing swords and fighting at first sight is not unusual!
Beelzebub's small tribe was overrun by other barbarian tribes.
To avoid enslavement and save the lives of the men, they chose to flee.
During their arduous journey, Beelzebub led his remaining soldiers in fierce battles against other barbarians to survive.
They fought continuously, suffering heavy casualties.
From the initial 8,000, only about 1,000 survived a few months ago.
Now they've joined Bay Territory and are very satisfied with their new home.
So when facing the invading barbarians, they won't be showing any mercy!
"According to the information, the vanguard of the wandering barbarians will reach the river mouth in three days."
"Our troops will arrive tonight, giving us two days to build defensive fortifications."
"Inform everyone to get ready to move out!"
Without further detailed information on the barbarians, Matthew issued a straightforward order to go on the offensive.
The commanders quickly filed out.
Macaron, caught up in the movement, opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.
As they left the barracks, Brown nudged Macaron and gestured for patience, pointing to the long lines of soldiers:
"You didn't want to take these untrained, poorly equipped soldiers onto the battlefield, right?"
"You can leave them in Bay Territory; they can find work here, earn money, and wait."
"After the two-month imperial conscription ends, you can safely take them back to your territory."
Not going to battle?
Really? Is that even possible?
Could there be such a good thing?
Hearing Brown's words, Macaron felt a genuine joy, though it was soon followed by confusion:
"Why is Bay Territory doing this?"
Despite his thoughts, Macaron still handed over his 1,000 soldiers to Lyon, who had arrived to take them.
Lyon led the soldiers to the office outside the city.
After witnessing the Bay Territory soldiers' impressive demeanor, Macaron's troops were all obedient and compliant.
Especially after learning they wouldn't be going to war, they became even more cooperative.
It was clear they would have a pleasant two months in Bay Territory.
"Come with me and see how Lord Matthew plans to arrange things for you."
Brown motioned for Macaron to follow him toward the lord's mansion.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Macaron exhaled deeply, setting aside his fears and following Brown.
"Considering how wealthy Bay Territory is, they surely wouldn't value my ragtag bunch..."
"Plus, these guys came with me knowing it was a death mission, and now that they've survived, they're lucky."
"I'm still a baron, and a registered mid-tier mage; Bay Territory can't just do anything to me..."
"So what if it costs me a few hundred pounds? I'll just deal with it here if I have to!"
With this clarity, Macaron felt more at ease, shedding his earlier worries and fears.
He took the initiative to ask Brown about Bay Territory.
If it couldn't be avoided, he might as well understand it!
Quietly trailing behind, Lin Qi listened intently, his eyes gleaming with curiosity about Bay Territory's situation.
Inside the study.
After assigning tasks to Mountain, arranging Leanna's upcoming studies, and urging Elona to focus on her research, Matthew entered the secret chamber with Yaya.
A few seconds later, their illusions emerged.
Before entering the study.
Lin Qi, Brown, and Macaron watched the soldiers assembling in neat ranks on the central avenue.
Uniform, synchronized steps.
Gleaming, ornate armor and weapons.
Loud and resonant battle cries.
All of this left them deeply impressed.
With such a powerful army, it was no wonder Bay Territory chose to take the initiative.
The three exchanged varied looks before entering the study guarded by Steward Ralph.
Upon stepping inside.
They were greeted by Yaya happily munching away, with a spread of food filling half the table.
The mouthwatering aroma immediately caught their attention.
Unlike the silent, imposing figure he had been in the barracks, Matthew greeted them with a warm smile, like a young host welcoming friends:
"Welcome to Bay Territory; I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?"
"My name is Matthew Ser, 18 years old, Level 7 Arcanist, member of the Ser Family."
Arcanist!
And Level 7!
The Ser Family!
Hearing this, the three were filled with disbelief, staring at the smiling Matthew, each lost in their own thoughts.