Retreat Without Fighting

"My lord, twenty thousand against eighty thousand is completely unwinnable. Our army's current training level is actually about the same as the Empire's central army. Our discipline is only slightly better."

Forget fighting at a one-to-one ratio—even at a casualty ratio of one to four, Mel could not fight this battle. If they fought, his entire foundation would be wiped out.

To defeat a larger force with fewer troops, they had to win through surprise. The problem was that most of the Gard Empire consisted of plains, unless they could use rivers to launch an ambush.

"Damn it, we obviously have firearms, so why can't we use them? And we have to guard against creatures we can't even see." Mel was growing irritated. If he had not read what those diaries said, he would have wanted to bring guns directly into this era.

With firearms, he could suppress this entire age. This world's forging techniques were quite impressive as well. As long as he hired some dwarven craftsmen at high pay, the precision of firearm components would not be a problem.

The biggest problem was still that he had not broken through level 90. As long as he could reach level 90, it felt as though everything would fall into place.

"Grev, Pond, you two have been with me the longest. Say whatever you're thinking. And you too, general of the Bearman race."

Grev and Pond both remained silent. They both felt that they should not fight this battle. No matter how they fought, with the enemy coming prepared, they would certainly suffer terrible losses.

But if they showed cowardice before the battle had even begun, they might anger Lord Westland.

While the two hesitated, the Bearman general spoke first. "My lord, I don't think we should fight this battle!