Ajiket knew that Yang Yu was not the type to boast recklessly, but he was still surprised when Yang Yu reported the number of people needed.

Carefully inspecting Yang Yu, he couldn't detect even the slightest hint of joking from Yang Yu.

Ajiket said, "Five people and two Silver Wolves, is that really enough manpower?"

Yang Yu nodded in confirmation:

"The two elves guarding me are not included. I need mages who can manipulate the Memory Crystal. If one person can handle multiple Memory Crystals, this number can be further reduced.

On the way, I've already confirmed the number of Memory Crystals with General Dongmu.

Although the records in the Memory Crystals can be copied, it seems to take a long time...

With too many people taking action, it's hard to care for all of them.

So, five people are most suitable."

Ajiket pondered for a moment, then said, "After such an attack, can you really quickly end this war?"

"I cannot guarantee absolutely.

But even if it cannot quickly end the war, the war will inevitably head in a favorable direction for us.

The giant dragon doesn't restrict individual growth because it hopes to cultivate someone who can completely turn the tides of battle.

However, it's extremely difficult for an individual to turn the tides.

Since the Luo Ze Empire doesn't wish to see someone who can completely turn the tides, then 'create' someone who can turn the tides.

This operation.

What needs to be shattered is the will of their army."

Yang Yu's words were sonorous and powerful, revealing determination from beneath the mask.

Seeing this, Ajiket no longer questioned and planned to support Yang Yu's operation wholeheartedly, saying:

"What can I do for you?"

"If our whereabouts are exposed, we will be very dangerous.

So, I hope the main forces don't stray too far from us, as there is still much to handle afterwards.

I need your strength to facilitate negotiations.

I hope you can save as many soldiers of the Luo Ze Empire as possible after our attack, even if they are our enemies."

Sensing the heaviness in Yang Yu's words, Ajiket nodded emphatically,

"Understood. Go ahead and act freely, I'll cooperate with you.

Have you decided on the first target?

That way, we can also prepare."

Yang Yu barely hesitated before responding:

"Our first target is Benliang City."

...

...

Lux Calendar Year 415, December 16th.

A thick layer of snow had accumulated on the walls of Benliang City. Early in the morning, under the organization of their respective officers, the soldiers defending Benliang City began to clear the snow on the walls to ensure the cannons on the walls could operate normally.

Benliang City is a strategic location on the Sailuomen Plain.

Even though the Beastmen are still far from this city, the soldiers of Luo Ze guarding Benliang City dare not slack off and rigorously train every day.

This year is particularly important.

Though last year was said to be the same, this year is particularly different.

This year, the officers guarding Benliang City mostly wore stern expressions, even during rest, without any change, seldom smiling.

The lower-ranked soldiers did not know what kind of orders the higher-ups of the Luo Ze Empire gave to their officers, nor would they inquire.

The soldiers had only one duty: to obey, obey, and obey.

However, even in such a solemn army, human warmth still existed.

Most people chose to bury this warmth in their hearts, only when they made true friends would they open up to each other.

A genuine friendship was established between an old soldier and a new recruit.

With just one casual conversation, the distance between them was closed.

After clearing the snow, the soldiers defending Benliang City welcomed a brief yet beautiful break.

To always be ready for battle, most Luo Ze soldiers dined on the spot, with specific personnel responsible for transportation and cleanup.

With their allocation, sitting atop the gun mount, the old soldier finished his meal in minutes, while the new recruit slowly ate, taking longer than the old soldier.

The old soldier chuckled, "I have fought more battles than the salt you have eaten.

Not just city defense fights, I've fought others too, during those times, there wasn't much time to eat.

In battle, you don't know how long it will last. Eating quickly allows you to scoop more food into your mouth, giving you more strength to kill a few more enemies.

You're far from becoming a true soldier, there's still a lot to learn."

The new recruit listened and couldn't help but quicken his pace, but ended up choking on his food, uncontrollably coughing.

The old soldier climbed down from the gun mount and patted his back, stopping the cough:

"Don't rush; you'll have time to gradually adapt.

These things are what the instructors should be teaching you; if there weren't enough personnel, the Empire wouldn't send inexperienced recruits like you to the front."

Recruits like you would likely die on the battlefield?

The old soldier didn't speak this thought aloud; he just scratched his head and sighed:

"Blame that damned Colorful-haired Masked Man. Previously captured soldiers would quickly be returned.

But starting from this spring, only officers have been exchanged, otherwise, recruits like you wouldn't be sent here."

"If I can be of service to my country, I'm quite willing to come here early. I'm here to stand out and impress my family," the recruit said.

"How youthful….."

"Senior, what brought you to participate in this war?"

The old soldier gazed at the sky after the snow, answering wistfully, "Not exactly for noble reasons.

It's just that the pay here is better.

My damned old man amassed a huge debt due to gambling, implicating my wife and children.

The pay is better here, so I came."

In his few words, the recruit could detect the old soldier's helplessness. Just as he was about to offer comfort, he heard the old soldier continue:

"No need to comfort me. This is a battlefield.

No matter what sentiments one brings here…

Whether it's patriotism, aspirations, or other reasons, war doesn't care about those.

War only constantly exposes cruelty and ugliness.

To survive, the only thing you can do is continue to fight."

"Senior, I've remembered what you said. To survive, I'll keep fighting."

After finishing the last bit of food on his plate, the recruit returned the plate to the logistics personnel.

But before he could return to his post, the urgent assembly bells of the Luo Ze Empire rang out.

The recruit turned his head and saw two Silver Wolves bearing people from afar.

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