The Annihilation Plan

"At least three days, at most five days!"

Mayor Nick's answer was resolute, his expression firm, his gaze calm, and utterly sincere.

But Kang De did not trust people; instead, he trusted facts and logic.

He asked, "Where will the reinforcements come from, and will they be able to defeat the elves?"

Nick answered without hesitation, "Yes!"

Kang De raised his hand and said, "Please elaborate."

Mayor Nick looked at Leona, frowned, and said, "This is also a military secret. Although we can tell Mr. Dong Zhuo, those Imperial people over there, please leave."

Leona slammed her hand on the table and roared, "This is my territory!"

Nick calmly replied, "No, it's mine."

The two stared at each other, neither willing to back down. After a moment, Leona withdrew her gaze, gave a cold snort, and already showed signs of retreating. She turned away disdainfully and said, "I can't be bothered to listen anyway..."

Kang De grabbed her arm and said, "It's alright, stay."

Leona was taken aback, looking at Kang De in surprise. After a moment, her gaze softened, and she said softly, "It's alright, you know that's good. I believe you."

Nick frowned as well. "Mr. Dong Zhuo, forgive my bluntness, but the war is dangerous. You must know what it means if the news leaks out. This matter concerns the safety of countless lives. Please don't use such a crucial matter to please a woman at this time, especially since she is an Imperial citizen."

Kang De pressed Leona's shoulder, forcibly pushing her back into her seat, and then said, "Mayor, a good friend of mine told me not to blindly trust all Goth People because of him, and not to hate all Imperials because of the actions of some Imperials. I will listen to everything he says, including this one."

"In fact, I don't judge whether I trust someone based on their country of origin or background. And if I may be frank, Mr. Mayor, I trust her more than you do now because you rationally and ruthlessly use every person's life precisely. This may be correct, but it lacks humanity, which frightens and terrifies me."

"And this Miss Vidar, though she speaks in coarse language, has come here for her old friend, even getting herself caught up in the war. Judging from the two of you, I would rather be her friend."

Mayor Nick's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Although he valued honesty and frankness, he still instinctively felt uncomfortable being told such a blunt truth by Kang De to his face.

He said coldly, "It's your freedom to be friends with whomever you want, but what does that have to do with her, an Imperial citizen, staying here to eavesdrop on military secrets?"

Kang De said, "Of course it's related. I don't want to deceive the mayor. Even if she leaves now, I will still tell her the information you gave me later, and the same goes for Hong San. Because I don't quite trust you, I need to consult with my two friends to avoid being used as cannon fodder or pawns by you."

The mayor took a deep breath, his tone growing increasingly somber. "But what if the news leaks out..."

"If the information leaks, just hold them accountable. Even if this secret is top secret, Leona is still in Valentan. Even if she leaks it to the elves outside the city, can't you kill her before they breach the city walls? Besides, with your methods and backup plans, is it difficult to spread the news of the Vidal Chamber of Commerce 'Vidal Chamber of Commerce betrayal and put them on Goth's revenge list?"

Kang De casually pressed Leona's head down and gestured to Nick, "You see, even from a purely self-interested perspective, she doesn't dare to leak the information, right?"

--This time, even though Kang De held her head down and shook it back and forth, Miss Fenfang didn't get angry.

Nick looked at Kang De for a moment, then suddenly sneered, "True."

He glanced around but found no map. However, he knew the maps of Valentan and the region by heart. The mayor dipped his finger in tea and sketched a rough map on the table, then arranged the tea set and snacks to indicate their positions. He said, "This is Valentan, and these three cities..."

"Kunke City, Tanyin City, Red Creek Valley."

After pointing out the locations one by one, the mayor said, "When the elven advance was discovered, I already sent out the news. If reinforcements depart from these three cities, they can reach Valentan in three to five days."

Kang De had already quietly turned on his phone's camera mode, then leaned over and pretended to take a few glances—after all, he didn't understand warfare and couldn't read military maps.

But the greatest skill that modern education taught him was not the messy knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, language, history, geography, and English, but rather the way of logical thinking, the approach to problem-solving, and the ability to accept new things. After a little thought, he understood the key to the matter. What he needed to figure out was not military issues such as the army's march, but whether the city lord's words could be trusted.

Kang De then asked, "Reinforcements will arrive in three to five days—but will they even come?"

Mayor Nick said, "Of course."

Kang De asked, "Why? Is there any reason to save Valentan? The three cities are not far apart and are about to face the Elven offensive. Why would they decisively send troops without considering preserving their own strength?"

Furthermore...

He leaned forward, pointing to Valentan, which the teacup represented. "If I were the elven commander, I would surround Valentan, fight casually, adopt a siege posture, but not launch a full-scale attack. Instead, I would concentrate my elite forces to wipe out the reinforcements from the surrounding cities one by one, thus eliminating the region's reinforcements... What do you think?"

Nick was slightly taken aback at first, then laughed, revealing an expression of admiration. "This kind of war strategy is truly remarkable. I am amazed and impressed that Mr. Dong Zhuo could come up with such a move."

Kang De said calmly, "I dare not take credit; this is the outstanding military strategy of the heroic ancestors of my hometown."

"Cathay is remarkable, but unfortunately, exchanges between East and West were interrupted long ago," Nick sighed, then said, "However, I can assure you that the situation you described will not occur in this battle. In fact, if the Elves really intend to do so, all the better."

Kang De's expression shifted. "Why?"

Nick glanced at Leona again, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Because His Highness Landisidun, the second son of the Grand Duke, is about to arrive in this region with his Gladiolus Legion!"

As he spoke, a sense of confidence and reassurance involuntarily appeared on his face.

It was as if things would be settled once that prince arrived.

Even Leona couldn't help but let out a soft "Huh?"

Kang De felt nothing was real. Although Tina had mentioned her older brother and sister before, it was from the perspective of an innocent, pampered girl talking about her family, and there was nothing useful to hear.

In other words, his first reaction upon hearing the name of this Second Prince was...

Ah, my brother-in-law is here.

But then, he seemed to be deep in thought.

Mayor Nick said, "The Gladiolus Legion, led by Prince Landisidun, is one of Goth's most elite forces. They have been following the Second Prince in his battles against the elves in this province. I have already spread the word, and the Gladiolus Legion has responded. Prince Landisidun will not let this opportunity slip by."

"Once the Gladiolus Legion arrives, the elves who are banging their heads against the walls of Valentan will not only fail to capture the city, but may also be surrounded and annihilated by several reinforcements."

The mayor picked up a few pastries, placed them on the table, and divided them into several groups, advancing towards Valentan: "In fact, once the news of the Dusk Warband's invasion was confirmed, a large net had already been quietly cast. Prince Lansididun's war instincts are incredibly sharp; with his status and prestige, he will surely be able to command the surrounding cities to send reinforcements and formulate this hunting plan."

"At that time, with the Gladiolus Legion as the main force, reinforcements from the three cities on the flanks, and Valentan City providing support, even the powerful Dusk Warband will only suffer defeat."

"Being able to severely cripple or even annihilate a pure-blooded champion elf team would not only greatly alleviate the military pressure on the region, but also significantly dampen the morale of the Dragonfang Army."

The mayor's tone grew increasingly enthusiastic as he slammed his hand on the table, declaring resolutely, "Therefore, as long as we hold Valentan at all costs before reinforcements arrive, and exhaust the exhausted elven forces as much as possible, we can create a golden opportunity to annihilate the Dusk Warband. If we succeed, it will be a monumental achievement!"

He smiled at Kang De and said, "Mr. Dong Zhuo, you can rest assured now."

Kang De simply stared at him, his gaze somewhat complicated.

The mayor asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

Kang De finally spoke, his tone somewhat cold. "So, all of this... was a setup? A strategy to annihilate an entire elven main force? It was all part of your plan?"

His words were relatively restrained, while Leona couldn't contain herself.

After all, she harbored deep prejudice against Nick.

The girl coldly replied, "Annihilating the entire elven warband would be a great achievement. As the Valentan commander responsible for drawing away and delaying the elven forces, Mayor, that's the most meritorious deed! Goth will surely reward you and your family handsomely. The expenses and sacrifices made in defending the city will definitely be recouped double. What a good deal! Mayor, you should be a businessman—no wonder you've been running around like a headless chicken these past few days, not caring about the lives of civilians. Indeed, what are their lives worth? As long as we can hold off the elves, it doesn't matter how many die, right?"

Nick sneered.

He stared at Leona and said coldly, "What? Did I send the elves to invade Goth? Did I suggest the Dusk Warband attack Valentan?"

"Defending this city will not only save countless lives but also wipe out this invading force. Why wouldn't I do it? What else should I do? Surrender?"

"Since we're going to defend the city anyway, we have to fight with all our might and use every means possible. You only see the reward of promotion and wealth after a successful defense and the annihilation of the enemy, but have you ever considered that if we fail and the entire city perishes, my family, my ancestral property, and all my glory will vanish with the wind... But that's not the most important thing!"

"The crucial point is that if the elves capture the city and hold it, the tide of war in the region will turn instantly, the entire plan will fall apart, the Gladiolus Legion will return empty-handed, or even worse! Valentan is a crucial transportation hub and transit point. If the elves continue to reinforce their troops, the city will fall on the verge of collapse, and even the Gladiolus Legion will be in danger. This will also trigger a shockwave across the entire strategic level—and all of this is my responsibility!"

He spoke with a fierce and menacing tone, his face contorted with rage. "Do you understand? Imperial man, you're just a merchant. How can you possibly understand us Goth People? The destruction of our families and the loss of our honor are minor matters. If this leads to strategic instability in the nation, I will die a hundred times over. Today I can tell you, even if the entire city of Valentan is wiped out, we will still hold the Dusk Warband firmly beneath its walls!"

War is dangerous, but it has always been far removed from the girl's life. When has the apple of the Vidal Family's eye ever experienced a real war? Until now, she has seen a hysterical madman.

The other person's words, anger, and madness secretly alarmed the girl.

Leona instinctively shrank back.

Kang De reached out to shield her, then said, "Mayor, you don't need to vent the pressure you've been carrying on on a young girl. She has a grudge against you because you forcibly conscripted these foreigners into the army. Although the Empire did wrong to Goth, it has nothing to do with the Vidal Family. It's rather unreasonable of you to be hostile to all the people of the Empire."

Nick's anger subsided slightly, but he still sneered, "When have the elves ever reasoned with us when they invaded our country? Where can we reason with them? Goth is facing the danger of national subjugation; if the country is about to perish, who will reason with her?"

Kang De sighed.

Well, how should I put it?

The first person to fall in the war was named Daoli (meaning "reason").

He said, "I think I understand now, the plan, and the importance of defending the city."

Nick nodded slowly, then looked at Kang De and said seriously, "So, your decision?"

Kang De extended his hand. "I am willing to lend you a hand... Putting aside the plan to annihilate the Dusk Warband, defending the city is a very necessary matter, and I am willing to help you defend it."

The mayor sincerely said, "Thank you... Words of gratitude are too insincere. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will absolutely not refuse."

"I will if needed," Kang De said, "But there's one thing right now."

"Please speak."

Kang De said calmly, "If the defense of the city is successful, or even if the elves are annihilated, you will have rendered such a great service, and a reward is a given. When you, Mayor, enjoy unparalleled glory, please do not forget those who sacrificed their lives for this cause."

The mayor said, "Of course, I will."

Kang De glanced at him and said calmly, "I hope so, Mr. Mayor, and I hope that what you have said today is the truth and that you have no malicious intent to deceive or exploit me; otherwise, you will surely regret it."

This is already a very blunt threat.

But Nick just smiled slightly.

"Just watch."

He said in a relaxed tone, "Mr. Dong Zhuo just said that you would rather be friends with this young lady of the Empire than with me. I hope that after this battle, you will change your mind."

Then he took his leave.

The mayor was quite adept at handling people, as he didn't rush to take Kang De and Hong San to meetings or business. He knew that Kang De would likely need to discuss things with Hong San and Leona.

And indeed, it turned out just as he had predicted.

"Go check if Hong San has woken up... and tell him what Nick just said."

Kang De's tone was somewhat annoyed and uneasy.

Leona nodded in agreement, then asked, "What's wrong? Do you suspect him?"

Kang De paced back and forth a few times, then said, "Hmm, I feel he wasn't telling me the truth, or at least he was hiding something. There were some things in his words that confused me, but his final outburst of emotion, his roar at you, his agitated expression—it couldn't be faked at all... That's why it's so strange."

Leona nodded. "Really? I'm very prejudiced against him, so my opinion is definitely not objective. Let Hong San discuss it with you..."

"Um."

The two walked out of the conference room together. Leona turned to look at Kang De's profile, her face suddenly flushing red. After hesitating for a moment, she stammered, "And... and... thank you..."

Kang De turned his head and said, "What?"

The girl lowered her head and mumbled, "Thank you. He wanted to kick me out and wouldn't let me listen, but you insisted on keeping me here... Thank you for trusting me."

Kang De said, "It's nothing. Like I said, even if you leave, I'll tell you afterwards."

Leona, secretly pleased with herself, scoffed, "You trust me that much?"

"Trusting you is a decision I made after careful consideration and observation, and I take responsibility for it."

As Kang De walked, he casually remarked, "So, if you really did leak the secret, Nick won't need to bring people to kill you; I'll just chop you up with an axe first."

"..."

"..."

A moment later, Lady Leona suddenly moved behind Kang De, jumped up, and delivered a vicious chop to his head.

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PS1: Ah, the wind tonight is a bit muggy... (gazing into the distance)

PS2: Damn it... why is this happening...?

PS3: Yes, it must be the upstairs renovation that woke me up at nine o'clock this morning and made me feel listless all day... I'm so sleepy, I'm going to sleep now.

PS4: Tomorrow I'll continue! I fucking refuse to believe it...