A Realistic Mount & Blade Game

Originally, Shen Mu had planned to use those prisoners he released back into the Diesel Company as inside agents, intending for them to be useful at a crucial moment.

He just didn't expect that crucial moment to arrive so quickly.

The main reason was that Shen Mu could no longer afford to wait.

He dared not wait.

Continuing to wait would be no different from gambling.

He was betting that the Diesel Company's so-called accumulation of strength was merely to make up for the losses incurred from previous defeats.

Of course, that was certainly part of the reason.

But the bigger reason, as anyone could guess, was undoubtedly that the heavily damaged Diesel Company, like a wounded wolf, was licking its wounds, waiting for the opportunity to strike again.

Therefore, Shen Mu dared not continue to wait.

Although his growth rate was rapid.

But facing the Diesel Company, which had accumulated three years of resources under the rules of the undead and possessed various foundations, its overt strength far surpassing his own.

While not wanting to wait, Shen Mu also intended to eliminate the Diesel Company, this hidden danger, as soon as possible.

After all, having just used an item to replenish his forces, increasing his available combat troops to a scale of 3,000, he was confident in launching a proactive, surprise attack on the enemy.

And a decisive battle!

"As long as we can open the enemy's city gates, charge in, and before they can react, kill the leader of the Diesel Company, the chieftain lord who is a human, the core of the entire Beastman tribe territory..."

Shen Mu slowly clenched his fist: "According to the rules of the Blue Star world, as long as the anchor points of the spirit realm territory and followers are severed, then the spirit realm creatures mainly following that Diesel Company's general manager will be rejected by the Blue Star rules, and even the territory will slowly disintegrate!"

This was the opportunity.

And Zhang Cai Dong, the inside agent Shen Mu had planted before, was the source of this opportunity!

Originally, Shen Mu had wanted to develop his territory, making his strength even greater, before engaging in a decisive battle with the Diesel Company, and then seizing those Blue Star humans gathered by the Diesel Company who could provide faith points.

"But now, since time is running out, then I can only strike first!"

Shen Mu's eyes were firm.

Then he turned around and quickly walked out of the noble's residence.

Outside the noble's residence, Fatis and Alayen, the two Swadian and Vaegir knight generals, were already waiting there with the 10 Holy Tree Knights and 10 Swadian Knights.

Seeing Shen Mu come out, Fatis personally led Shen Mu's Holy Tree Warhorse over, handing him the reins.

"Well, is everything ready?" Shen Mu asked as he flipped onto the horse.

"Everything is ready," Fatis replied.

"Very good."

Shen Mu scanned the knights in front of him, then nodded, and waved forward: "Follow me."

"Go," Fatis and Alayen immediately shook their reins and followed Shen Mu's back.

Behind them, the 20 knights didn't say a word, all silently shaking their reins, following behind Shen Mu, Fatis, and Alayen, their faces solemn.

Including when they arrived at the western barracks area, where the soldiers densely packed, filling all the open space.

Their expressions were equally solemn, making the scene extremely solemn.

Because everyone knew.

Next.

There was going to be an extremely fierce battle!

Without needing to say much, many soldiers understood in their hearts that everyone had undergone the tempering and trials of war in various Mount \u0026 Blade worlds, possessing their current status and combat skills, how could they not know that such a full army assembly represented war?

But no one was afraid, and no one was daunted.

Instead, they all stood neatly in formation, watching Lord Shen Mu on horseback, surrounded by knights, arrive on the city wall.

Watching their figures conducting the inspection.

Their eyes were even more fervent.

Eager to try.

And, there was an uncontrollable excitement!

War would certainly kill people, and they could all be wiped out due to defeat.

This was the worst-case scenario.

But once they succeeded in achieving victory, they would not only receive generous rewards, glory enough to boast about.

Even their status would be adequately promoted, becoming higher-ranking, more respected soldiers.

If there was an opportunity.

Perhaps, they could even be granted a piece of land, becoming manor lords comparable to gentlemen.

That was truly wonderful to even think about.

Therefore, the eyes of these Mount \u0026 Blade soldiers all flickered with a kind of ambition, eager to try.

For Shen Mu, who had just arrived on the city wall, watching these 2,790 soldiers neatly lined up, standing in place according to their respective troop types and levels, their eyes full of desire for war, his heart was also full of confidence.

"Lord, our troops have all completed their formation," Fatis reminded.

Shen Mu looked over carefully.

The 270-strong cavalry unit, composed of 10 Swadian Knights, 150 Swadian Heavy Cavalry, 10 Holy Tree Knights, and 100 Holy Tree Cavalry, was at the front.

The 1,600-strong infantry formation, composed of 100 Swadian Sergeants, 300 Swadian Infantry, 500 Swadian Light Infantry, and 500 Swadian Militia, as well as 200 Lake Rat Gang Destroyers, was in the middle and on the left side.

On the far right was the 900-strong archer and crossbowmen unit, composed of 100 Mercenary Crossbowmen, 100 Rhodok Veteran Crossbowmen, 300 Vaegir Archers, and 100 Holy Tree Foresters.

"270 cavalry units, 1,600 infantry units, 900 archer and crossbowmen units."

Fatis introduced them one by one, following the direction of the troops.

Of course, even without the introduction, it didn't matter.

Because Shen Mu knew everything.

"Yes," Shen Mu only nodded at this time and said, "Very good."

He understood that Fatis was introducing them to him out of respect, and sometimes Fatis did reveal a sense of ritual from the noble class.

This was a military parade.

Just extremely simplified.

"Let's go," Shen Mu didn't hesitate, and arranged for Fatis: "You will lead the cavalry units."

"Understood," Fatis nodded.

"Alayen, you are responsible for commanding the infantry units," Shen Mu looked at Alayen and instructed.

"Understood," Alayen nodded calmly as well.

"Bandak, the ranged shooter units, you command them," Shen Mu spoke again.

"Understood," Bandak also nodded in a deep voice in response.

"James, you and the 20 Devotees, follow me," Shen Mu looked at James.

"U-Understood," James was slightly stunned at this time, but holding the staff in his hand, he still nodded in a deep voice and said: "If we are needed, we can join the battle at any time."

Having understood during this period of time, James clearly knew that the 20 Devotees from Aiden Garde could also fight.

The Yang Yan rays that could be released from their hands at any time were no less powerful than bows and war crossbows.

Against unarmored units, they could still be shot and killed directly on the spot.

"Yes, I know."

Shen Mu looked at James, and the 20 Aiden Garde Devotees who were standing in a row not far below the stairs, and said: "I have my own arrangements for you, if there are any situations, I will arrange you at any time, but now just stay by my side at any time."

Of course, Shen Mu had arrangements.

Although he also knew that these Devotees who could cast spells had good combat power.

The Yang Yan rays shot out were also worthy of extraordinary power.

Even wooden shields could be destroyed.

However, the range of only about 30 meters was really too close.

If the Lake Rat Gang Destroyers tried their best to throw, they might be able to throw that distance.

If they tried their best, they might even be able to throw 50 meters.

Not to mention those archers and crossbowmen, for this distance, they could easily reach it.

Even if they encountered infantry, at a distance of 30 meters, as long as they sprinted forward, they could rush over in just ten seconds, or even less time.

Therefore, on the battlefield, the status of these Devotees was indeed awkward.

Shen Mu didn't want to use them as the main force either.

Let them go.

The purpose was to gain experience.

Scrape some experience, and upgrade as soon as possible, that's all.

"Understood," James nodded.

"Alright," Shen Mu waved his hand at this time and said: "Everyone, we can set off."

"Yes!" The generals present responded in a deep voice, then turned around and walked down the stairs, quickly walking towards the soldier units they should command.

Soon, with their respective shouts, the soldiers standing in place immediately took action.

"Manid," Shen Mu saw the only remaining general at this time.

Manid, proficient in commerce, had been appointed as the town's mayor by Shen Mu.

"Lord," Manid said, lowering his head in a humble display of obedience.

"Stay here and watch over the home; I'm entrusting Deherim to you."

Shen Mu paused slightly, then added, "After we leave, have both the Swadian and Vaegir villagers go up onto the city walls and act like they are patrolling. Then, close the town gates and refuse entry to anyone."

"Understood," Manid replied with a serious expression.

"Mm."

Shen Mu nodded, placing his trust in Manid.

After all, this was a general he had summoned himself.

Moreover, he had witnessed Manid's conscientious and responsible work ethic during this time.

This time, he was practically emptying the town, so leaving Manid behind was a form of insurance.

Shen Mu turned and went downstairs.

Fatis and the cavalry unit he led were waiting for him, not having left completely.

"Lord, please mount your horse," Fatis said, holding the reins of Shen Mu's warhorse.

"Let's go," Shen Mu said, mounting his horse.

He then led the cavalry out of the town's west gate, past the soldiers still marching along the main road, and continued onward.

Behind them, the gates of Deherim were heavily shut, the bolts firmly locked in place.

Simultaneously, with the rattling sound of iron chains, the drawbridge was raised, blocking the entire gate opening, just like the gate itself. Only the moat, still stained with dried blood and burn marks, remained, a dark and chilling sight.

On the city walls, groups of Swadian villagers armed with long-handled scythes were patrolling.

There were also Vaegir villagers standing guard.

Thanks to the cover of the battlements and the height advantage of the square towers, and with 2000 villagers armed with pitchforks and long-handled scythes filling every position, there was an illusion of numerous soldiers, giving the entire wall and castle the visual impression of being heavily guarded.

Especially with the patrol teams passing back and forth behind the battlements, their figures flickering in the gaps.

It was impossible to tell who was behind them.

It just felt like soldiers wielding weapons.

And not...

A group of villagers who only knew how to farm!

But this was the effect Shen Mu wanted.

Although the Diesel Company was unlikely to attack, it was better to be safe than sorry. Having some defenses was always a good idea.

Moreover, these villagers from Calradia had received basic military training.

They knew how to patrol and stand guard.

They had some semblance of soldiers.

This was also why the villagers didn't show much fear when they knew they needed to stand guard and patrol.

Instead, they took it very seriously, patrolling and standing guard in a very professional and responsible manner.

"Not bad," Shen Mu muttered, turning his head to look at the figures moving on the city walls, and the figures standing straight on the square towers and city gates. Even he couldn't see clearly, giving the impression of a fully guarded town.

A smile appeared on his lips: "Sometimes, using an empty fort strategy can be quite effective."

"Lord."

At this moment, Fatis reported, "Based on our normal riding speed, we can reach the Diesel Company in about 30 minutes. However, the infantry will need about 80 minutes."

"That is, about 1 hour and 20 minutes," Shen Mu said, withdrawing his gaze and instantly entering a focused state.

He pondered slightly.

Shen Mu looked at the long line of troops on the main road and asked in a low voice, "When we reach the vicinity of the Diesel Company, we will need a simple 30-minute rest to recover our strength, right?"

"Yes, Lord," Fatis nodded.

This was basic war knowledge.

"Well, let's take this opportunity to get there as quickly as possible," Shen Mu said thoughtfully. "Then, find Zhang the Rich and have him start the operation."

Hearing Shen Mu's arrangement, Fatis pondered and said, "Mr. Bunduk has already told me how to contact Zhang the Rich. We need to go to a certain apartment building and hang a worn-out GG cloth strip on the roof. Once he sees it, he will personally or arrange for someone to come and meet us."

"Then that's what we'll do," Shen Mu nodded. "Then, we'll lead the cavalry unit over as quickly as possible."

"Understood," Fatis responded.

However, Shen Mu didn't directly spur his horse forward. Instead, he looked at the numerous residential and apartment buildings on both sides of the main road ahead, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Regarding those remaining Blue Star buildings, he knew that there were definitely still many scattered Blue Star humans inside.

Maybe there were also informants from the Diesel Company inside.

Or some Blue Star humans who had a good relationship with the Diesel Company.

If they saw his troops heading towards the Diesel Company, they would definitely inform them in advance.

"Lord, what's wrong?" Fatis asked, noticing the pensive look on Shen Mu's face.

"Later, I'll take you another way."

Shen Mu looked at a fork in the road ahead, and after thinking about it, he said, "Let's take Binhe Avenue, which runs along the edge of the Xiao Long River. There's also an original scenic road there, with many trees on both sides. If we go that way, we can effectively reduce the chance of being discovered."

"Understood," Fatis immediately nodded, and after asking for detailed directions, he explained the situation to the Holy Tree cavalry behind him.

Then, the Holy Tree cavalry relayed the message to the infantry and ranged units behind them.

The route of march was immediately changed.

In less than ten minutes.

They had gone from the bustling urban area to the bank of the Xiao Long River, where Shen Mu had previously led troops to fetch water.

Within the embankment was the Xiao Long River, still flowing gently.

And across the 30-meter-wide river was a relatively open area.

The north bank of the Xiao Long River was Angang Street, which was also one of the three major streets in the Linhe District.

Not only was that street full of factories and logistics warehouses, as well as a small number of companies, but there were also few residential and apartment buildings, and even fewer high-rise buildings and commercial complexes.

Therefore, when the Undead Rules descended, there were fewer places to hide.

As a result, basically no Blue Star humans survived in that street.

And no one went there.

After all, at night, Undead monsters would appear in the empty factory buildings.

Unlike apartments or commercial housing, where finding a room, closing the door, and lighting a bonfire created a closed space that served as a safe room.

Once discovered by Undead monsters.

The consequences would be very serious for ordinary Blue Star humans and humans with only a small number of Spirit World followers.

Everyone was not stupid, so in terms of safety, it was wisest to find a safe place to live.

The central city and Huan'an district were both bustling urban areas of Longcheng City.

Various underground buildings and dense high-rise buildings gave rise to more terrifying Undead monsters.

The suburbs, on the other hand, lacked hidden safe houses, making it difficult to hide from Undead monsters.

It just so happened that the Balihe Street in the Linhe District had high-rise buildings, but they were not dense.

There were open spaces, but not completely open.

It was at just the right threshold.

Therefore, so many people gathered here.

"However, on both sides of this Binhe scenic road, because it is too open, usually no one comes here."

Shen Mu spurred his horse forward, looking at the infantry and ranged shooter units quickly following on the embankment road behind him, and nodded slightly.

Marching here would prevent being discovered.

"Let's go," Shen Mu said, shaking the reins and urging the warhorse under his crotch to run faster. "Find Zhang the Rich, and have them start acting according to plan, striving to resolve the Diesel Company in the shortest possible time!"

Behind him, 270 cavalry units quickly followed, with Fatis shaking the reins among them.

In less than 30 minutes, they arrived in the area near the Diesel Company.