To Do a Job Well, First Sharpen Your Tools

"It will take anywhere from three to five days..."

A map lay on the table, Hong San bent over to examine it closely, his finger tracing the area around Valentan.

Kang De leaned against the table, while Leona sat on the other side. After seeing Mayor Nick off, Hong San, who had been healing in his room, finished his practice and was called to the security office with a map.

Hong San already knew the whole story and was currently studying the map.

Leona, on the other hand, crossed her arms and turned her head to the side, sulking.

Seeing her like this, Kang De frowned and said, "I'm saying, rather than deceiving and misleading you with sweet words, wouldn't it be better to tell you the truth openly and honestly? I say this because that's truly what I think..."

Leona snorted loudly and turned her head to the other side, "So Tina really did take a liking to you, you must have used some kind of evil magic! Don't you know anything about how to talk to girls?"

"How could that be?" Kang De glared. "I'm not some clueless straight man—if I were truly so unromantic, I would have grabbed your arm and given you an Argentine slam when you chopped my head with a chop—but I didn't, did I? I let you throw your tantrums, didn't I?"

Leona retorted, "When have I ever lost my temper?"

Kang De truly lived up to his reputation as a champion of equality; he would never compromise or yield to someone simply because they were a woman. He knew that such behavior would be the greatest prejudice and offense against women.

He countered sharply and logically, saying, "Come on, let's go over the facts..."

Just then, Hong San suddenly turned his head and said, "Master..."

This caught their attention. After all, everyone knew the importance of priorities. Kang De asked, "So, strategically speaking, did Nick lie?"

He doesn't understand military strategy, command, or the art of war; he should consult a professional.

Hong San replied, "Judging from the map, it's indeed possible that Kunke City, Tanyin City, and Red Creek Valley will send reinforcements, and it would take them three to five days to reach us. However, it's only a possibility, because the information Mayor Nick mentioned about the Gladiolus Legion moving towards Valentan cannot be verified, and there's no guarantee that they can successfully command their army to join forces with the reinforcements from the three cities to encircle the Dusk Warband... It's still an intelligence issue."

He picked up the phone on the table, examined it for a moment, and looked troubled. Kang De took it, turned it on, and pressed play. Mayor Nick's eloquent voice rang out again, the picture was clear, and the scene was reproduced.

The recording function of electronic products is common knowledge to modern people, but to the natives of this other world, it is like a miracle, capable of reproducing fragments of the past. This means of time travel is a divine skill, a problem that the Arcane Council been unable to solve for thousands of years by hanging the Wall of Knowledge.

Even capturing and preserving a fragment of an image requires extremely profound magical skills.

But now it has been accomplished by an exquisite and magical object.

In the scene, Mayor Nick is speaking, and even though it's the second time they've seen it, Hong San and Leona are still completely engrossed. Then, the eldest daughter of the Vidal Family finally succumbed to the profit-driven nature of a businesswoman. After a fierce internal struggle, she took the initiative to ask, "Do you still have this alchemical artifact? Can you sell it?"

Kang De said in a low voice, "War is dangerous, so don't think about such things. After we've defended the city and everyone is safe, I'll discuss a few small business deals with you."

Leona smelled the scent of money and instinctively showed a happy expression.

Then, as if she had thought of something else.

Something's not right...

When they met at the city hall, the guy remained indifferent to her overtures.

After chasing after him, in that alley, facing himself, he swung his axe down.

After leaving a terrible impression, he surprisingly behaved politely and respectfully in the subsequent negotiations, saying things like "I will guarantee your safety," which successfully won back his goodwill. But then he said something like "If you betray me, I'll kill you," which was absolutely infuriating.

The rest of their interactions followed the same pattern: first, he would be warm, reliable, and understanding, frequently saying and doing heartwarming things to move her deeply. But after doing so, he would inevitably say something insensitive that would make her angry. After she got angry, he would then try to make her happy again...

This cycle of giving a sweet treat after a blow with an axe seemed very familiar to her.

This is how a mother disciplines servants, and the servants respect and revere her; this is how a brother pursues a noble lady, and the girls all obey him; and this is how a father trains hunting dogs, which, needless to say, are fierce and violent, but lick their father with great enthusiasm.

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

Could this guy actually be a master of disguise and a master of seduction?

Thinking of this, Leona looked at Kang De warily. "You... you're not trying to play me, are you?"

Kang De asked in bewilderment, "What??"

Leona narrowed her eyes, staring at Kang De from all angles.

Kang De felt a little uneasy and casually added, "I don't sleep with women."

"..."

"..."

This statement was somewhat ambiguous, so much so that Hong San, who was watching a video while lying on the table, quietly shifted his position.

Upon realizing this, Kang De immediately added, "Don't get me wrong, I mean, I've never been with a woman... That's not right either!"

Leona couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Kang De snapped, "What are you laughing at?"

The eldest daughter of the Vidal Family looked at him with a beaming smile and asked, "Are you a virgin?"

Upon hearing this, Kang De threw his head back and laughed wildly, his voice shaking the surroundings and even causing some dust to fall from the ceiling and the chandelier to sway violently. He glanced arrogantly at Leona, completely disdainful of answering the question.

Leona was taken aback, her heart filled with doubt and uncertainty.

Just then, the video was nearing its end, and Hong San straightened up and let out a long breath.

The slight smile that had been playing at the corners of his lips vanished quickly, disappearing without a trace.

Kang De immediately asked, "How is it?"

Hong San's expression quickly turned serious. He pondered for a moment, then replied, "Don't trust them too easily."

Kang De thought so too, and he said, "What's the reason?"

Hong San looked at Miss Leona: "You said before that when the mayor initially wanted to reveal the whole plan, he wanted Miss Leona to recuse herself, but after your objection and persuasion, he no longer insisted."

Kang De frowned and said, "You also think there's something wrong with his attitude?"

"Yes," Hong San said. "We'll use a counter-strategy, forming an encirclement, coordinating from within and without, to ambush the Dusk Warband. Once successful, this powerful Elf Champion Army will suffer heavy losses or even be annihilated, which will have a huge and far-reaching impact on the war situation... This is undoubtedly a top secret, even more important than the city's food reserves and troop strength. It must never be leaked."

At this point, the Cathayan frowned. "The fact that he told you about this plan could be interpreted as him vaguely guessing your identity and needing your help, so he was showing sincerity. But it's a bit strange that he didn't mind telling me about this plan, especially considering what he did on the city wall... but that's still explainable. However, I can't understand why he initially wanted Miss Leona to stay away, and then did this..."

Hong San said slowly, "He compromised too easily and too quickly."

Kang De asked, "So, is this a trap? Or is he deceiving us? What is his purpose?"

Hong San pondered for a moment and said, "I don't know, but I can speculate a bit. In the worst-case scenario, if I harbor resentment towards Mayor Nick, or if Miss Leona really is colluding with the elves, and either I or she manages to get this news to the elven forces outside, what would the consequences be?"

Kang De said, "The elves will use a counter-strategy, feigning an attack on the city while simultaneously launching surprise attacks and ambushes on reinforcements, even setting traps, thus inflicting heavy losses on the Gladiolus Legion?"

Hong San shook his head and said, "No, this is simply impossible to implement. The Dusk Warband boasts a full complement of 12,000 elite troops, which sounds like a lot, but it includes a logistics unit, druid teams and veterinary corps responsible for treating and caring for war beasts, a field medical battalion responsible for medical rescue, even bowsmiths and swordsmiths, a team of artisans responsible for forging and repairing equipment, and there must also be engineers and alchemists..."

He listed the logistical aspects. "Although the Elven military reforms have greatly reduced the cumbersome supply transport through technological advancements and ideological innovations, the legion will certainly not bring a large but poorly organized auxiliary force to serve as support troops when it marches here. Although their military strength is elite, it is limited."

"This means that the elves cannot use tactical deception to launch feints. The amount of force they have invested can be estimated entirely through the intensity of the attack or even by visual observation... Dividing their forces will definitely be detected."

As Hong San finished speaking, he stole a glance at Kang De and, seeing that the other man showed no anger but instead listened attentively, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He continued, "As for an ambush, that's impossible too. Although I only arrived in Goth these past two months, I've already heard of the Second Prince Goth's great name. Given the overall unfavorable situation in the war, the Gladiolus Legion is one of the few forces that has been able to maintain its advantage and win against the powerful Elven army. Ambushing this army would be extremely difficult."

"Unless the quality and quantity of the Elven mage contingent far surpasses that of the Gladiolus Legion, only then can they employ atmospheric concealment to prevent the Gladiolus Legion's mage sentry teams from detecting the ambush."

At this point, Kang De suddenly understood.

Yes, the situation in another world is very different from that of ancient Earth, so we can't simply apply the experiences of ancient Earth... Because of the existence of magic, the form of war has changed dramatically, and a series of tactics, strategies, and decisions must revolve around magic.

He thought for a moment and said, "It sounds like if the Gladiolus Legion and the reinforcements from the other three cities arrive, the elven army will be doomed to defeat, with virtually no chance of turning the tide?"

Hong San nodded and said, "There are no absolutes in war, but generally speaking, the first thing to consider when two sides clash is the balance of power between their mage corps. The side with more and stronger mages holds a significant advantage. They can conjure up torrential rain to soak the enemy's bowstrings and arrows, or summon mud to immobilize the enemy's cavalry... Even without using lethal spells for ranged support, simply altering the battlefield can greatly influence the outcome of the battle."

"And if the encirclement is successful, the strength of Goth's mage force will far surpass that of the elves."

Kang De pondered for a moment, "Then, what would happen if the news leaked to the elves?"

Hong San said, "The enemy commander will first be suspicious, wondering if this is a tactical deception and trick from Valentan. They will try to verify this intelligence. Once confirmed, they will make a decision: either they will launch a full-scale attack on Valentan and take the city before the Gladiolus Legion arrives, or if they suffer too heavy losses or cannot take it in a short time, they will..."

Kang De and Hong San said at the same time, "Run!"

The two looked at each other, and the room fell silent for a moment.

After a long silence, Kang De slowly said, "In that case, the siege of Valentan will be lifted, the people will be liberated from the Shadow of war, and the flames of war will cease..."

Hong San remained silent, as did Leona.

Upon realizing this, both of them wavered for a moment.

This war was Goth's war, a war to save the nation, but it had nothing to do with Leona or Hong San. The two of them and their companions were innocent victims caught up in the war.

The elves withdrawing their troops—that's really tempting...

Hong San was overwhelmed with mixed feelings of sorrow and joy. Thinking of those who had died today, he felt a pang of bitterness. His voice turned bitter as he whispered, "Is this Mayor Nick's plan? Deliberately leaking it to us...?"

Kang De tapped the table. "Snap out of it... Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment."

Hong San was taken aback.

Kang De said, "It's obvious. You're just harboring resentment; you might not have the courage to send a message outside the city. Whether Leona is colluding with the elves is also ambiguous. How could he entrust such a plan to uncertain probabilities? If he had such intentions, why didn't he do it himself?"

Upon hearing this, Hong San murmured, "That makes sense... But why would he do that?"

Kang De didn't speak. He sat on the edge of the table, picked up his phone, replayed the video, and slid the progress bar to the part where Mayor Nick had his emotional outburst.

Leona mocked him for disregarding the lives of ordinary people in order to get promoted and make money. While it was indeed a sarcastic remark made by Eldest Miss Vidar out of prejudice and hatred, Mayor Nick instantly exploded, roaring in response, completely different from his usual calm and composed demeanor, as if the pressure and madness in his heart were being released in an instant.

Kang De pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Do you think he's willing to participate in the plan to hunt down the Dusk Warband? Using Valentan as bait, fighting to the death to defend the city, all for a greater strategic goal and the hope of victory..."

Leona said calmly, "Whether he liked it or not, he did it anyway."

"But doing it is one thing, thinking about it is another."

Kang De said, "Just like what he did to defend the city, although I can understand the behavior, I cannot accept it emotionally, and this is the same reason. Although he believed that the opportunity to hunt the Dusk Warband was once in a lifetime, and was willing to defend the city to the death for Goth, did he really want his hometown to be engulfed in war, and his familiar city to be sacrificed...?"

The two fell into thought.

After a while, Leona said with a complicated expression, "What kind of thing is this? On one hand, he decided to defend this city to the death, regardless of everything, and then he deliberately did this, hoping that the elves would hear about it and run away... What was he thinking?"

Before Kang De could speak, Hong San sighed softly, "They're just people who have no choice in what they do; life isn't easy for anyone."

Kang De said, "But this is just our speculation, and it may not be correct... Only Mayor Nick himself knows what he is really thinking, what his plans are, and whether he is hiding anything."

Hong San murmured, "If this guess is true, it could indirectly confirm that reinforcements are on their way... that's why the mayor is in a dilemma."

"I hope so..." Kang De said calmly, "Because even if reinforcements don't come, we still have to hold this city. Otherwise, you all understand, no matter what, as long as Nick isn't a traitor to Goth, we have to help him hold this city for the time being, but necessary vigilance and precautions are also necessary."

"But the problem is..." Hong San said worriedly, "How do we defend it?"

He simply couldn't think of anything the two of them could do.

"Let's do our best," Kang De said. "Hold on, and wait... I called for help; they're probably on their way now. If they get here in time, our chances of winning will be much higher."

Upon hearing this, Hong San's eyes lit up. "How many people?"

Kang De thought for a moment, then held up one finger and said, "Only one."

The Cathayan were initially startled, but then filled with anticipation. "That must be an unparalleled expert!"

Kang De shook his head. "Far from it. Iron Son has limited ammunition. He can easily take down a few dozen elven rangers on his own, but he's no match for an elite battle group of twelve thousand."

After all, it no longer has any heavy firepower.

Hong San finally gave in to disappointment and couldn't help but ask, "Then why is the chance of winning so much greater?"

Kang De smiled proudly, like any parent in the world who speaks of their successful son. He said, "Because this child is hardworking, capable, and highly efficient. My bloody battles may only allow me to hold a small section of the wall, but his hard work one night can temporarily boost the fighting capacity of an entire garrison. As the saying goes, 'To do something well, one must first have the right tools...'"

Hong San didn't understand.

But it didn't matter. Kang De said to Leona, "Speaking of which, there's something I need you to do right now. Send someone to the town hall to find Nick and have him send over two sets of elven armor that we've taken from the city. It would be even better if he also sent one or two veterans with extensive experience fighting elves. Also, have him send over some weapons for the city's defense forces, including javelins, arrows, and spears..."

Leona snorted, "You seem quite adept at ordering me around..."

He complained once, but he still went out himself.

Only Hong San and Kang De remained in the room. Kang De looked at the door and frowned, saying, "I feel like Leona has become more and more temperamental, quite different from before. With a major battle approaching, how did she become like this?"

Hong San hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering whether to speak or not, before finally making his decision. He said casually, "Sir, Miss Leona has maintained her original demeanor towards me, the people of the Chamber of Commerce, and even Mayor Nick —polite yet dignified, neither servile nor arrogant... You don't know, girls are usually so reserved in front of strangers. The fact that she's like this with you shows she doesn't consider you an outsider..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Kang De paused for a moment, then understood, and a smug smile appeared on his face.

But the next moment, his smile vanished, and he frowned, saying, "Wait a minute, why is she being all fussy now that she likes me? It's not as good as before. If she likes me, she should be more sensible in front of me. Besides, I haven't gained anything from this, so why should I let her act like this every other day?"

Hong San was stunned, then a wry smile appeared on his face, "Sir, it's best to keep these thoughts to yourself. Please don't say them to Miss Leona directly. Besides, although she said a few things, she didn't cause any problems. You said you could just have someone else do it, but she clearly intends to arrange and oversee it personally. And didn't she send a lot of things without hesitation before? You'd better not be too... well..."

Kang De waved his hand and said, "I know, I know, I'm not a blockhead."

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PS1: Five thousand five hundred words, split into two chapters... Damn, I started writing early, but I'm stuck now. Time for bed.