The conference room was brightly lit. In the warm fireplace, flames roared, casting a cold gleam on the weapons hanging on the walls. A huge sandbox table stood in the center, with the terrain surrounding Blackwood Fortress roughly outlined on it.
When Colin said, "The North must be unified under the wolf banner of Blackwood Fortress," he sat at the head of the table—
There was not a trace of fatigue on his face from his return from the expedition. Those azure eyes appeared exceptionally deep under the firelight, like two bottomless, frigid pools!
Lena was the first to stand up. She did not look at any records; clearly, all the data was already imprinted in her mind. Her crisp and firm voice echoed clearly in the silent conference room:
"Leader, everyone! According to the statistics, as of today, our available Werewolf Warriors total two thousand one hundred and thirty! Among them, thirty have been trained and can skillfully ride warhorses (apologies, I forgot to write about horses when I wrote about construction earlier), which can be used as a small-scale mobile force!"
This number caused many present to subconsciously straighten their backs—over two thousand well-trained Werewolf Warriors, this was already a terrifying force capable of keeping any human count from sleeping soundly!
Colin's fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, making a rhythmic tap-tap sound, as if measuring the pace of the future. He spoke calmly, his voice low, yet it suppressed everyone's heartbeat:
"Since we have taken initial shape, we must establish regulations! We cannot continue as before, swarming up in a mob when a battle starts! That kind of reckless courage—winning once is luck, but winning a hundred times is impossible! Starting today, the army will implement the 'Hundred-Ten System'!"
"Ten men make a squad, led by a squad leader; ten squads make a company, led by a Centurion! Officers at all levels must be appointed from those who perform most bravely in battle and are most loyal to Blackwood Fortress! Merit in battle is the only standard for promotion!"
These words were like throwing a giant stone into a calm lake—many of those present were accustomed to relying on personal courage and prestige to lead their clansmen. This organization, detailed down to groups of ten, was a brand new concept full of a sense of order for them!
Colin's gaze turned to the oldest werewolf among those present. His hair and beard were already graying, and his face was etched with the marks of time, but his eyes were still as sharp as a hawk's, and his frame was as sturdy as a pine tree.
"Goff!" Colin said in a deep voice.
"Present!" The old werewolf Goff stood up immediately, his posture upright, carrying an air of seasoned, fierce courage!
"You have the most experience, and you are an old hand at Blackwood Fortress; your prestige is enough to command respect! For this newly reorganized Wolf Fang Legion, you shall hold the position of Legion Commander! You will be responsible for daily command, training, and the defense of the fortress walls!"
Goff was clearly stunned for a moment, a flash of astonishment appearing in his cloudy eyes, but then that astonishment transformed into a heavy sense of responsibility! He slammed his fist against his chest, making a dull sound, his voice hoarse yet firm: "Leader's trust, Goff will carry it with this old life of mine! As long as I have a breath left, this army will not let you down!"
Colin nodded slightly, his gaze turning to Anna, who was sitting beside Lena.
"Anna!"
"Present, Leader!" Anna stood up immediately. There was not a trace of unnecessary expression on her face, and her eyes were as sharp as blades!
"You are meticulous, brave, and resolute! I order you to serve as the Deputy Commander of the main werewolf legion, assisting Goff! At the same time, you will be in charge of the entire army's discipline and reconnaissance training! I need an army that can not only fight but also absolutely obey orders! Any act of betrayal against Blackwood Fortress will be judged and executed by you! I grant you the power to execute first and report later!"
Anna met Colin's gaze and replied decisively: "Yes!"
Her voice was cold and clear, carrying an unquestionable majesty!
Colin's deployment continued. His finger pointed to Hask, who was sitting on the other side:
"The three hundred Snow Giant Wolf Cavalry are the sharpest blades in my hand, the spearhead to tear thru enemy lines! They will form an independent unit, designated 'Wolf Riders Vanguard', and you, Hask, will have full command, also following the Hundred-Ten System!"
Hask's face, which always carried a hint of arrogance, was now filled with fanatical fighting spirit! He stood up abruptly, his right hand clenched into a fist, and slammed it heavily against his left chest, over his heart, emitting a deafening sound: "Wherever the Wolf Riders point, all shall turn to dust! Thank you, Leader!"
Colin paused slightly ifts! Our south must be as stable as Mount Tai! "