Into the Forest Again (4)

Ang nodded, gaining a deeper understanding of these reinforcements and their equipment. He then asked about the commanders of the Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments. Jack told him that the commander of the Second Regiment was the burly man with the red beard, Poppy Locke; the commander of the Third Regiment was Marvin Gene; and the commander of the Fourth Regiment was Amos Sto. Marvin and Amos were both blond and shared the same bloodline—they were cousins.

Jack said, "The commanders sent as reinforcements are closely connected, especially Marvin and Amos. Not only are they cousins, but they also train and fight together often. That close relationship will allow them to coordinate more smoothly during missions."

Ang also asked Jack whether he knew how the tasks would be assigned among the four regiments. Jack shook his head after hearing the question, saying that he did not know and had not managed to learn anything about it.

After listening to Jack's introduction, Ang had gained a basic understanding of the overall situation. The Duchy had sent nobles, especially one from a Marquis Family, which showed that it had begun taking the war before them seriously and was preparing to make a major move. These reinforcements had brought not only abundant supplies but also a large number of personnel. For a road-clearing mission, the number of reinforcements was more than twice the usual amount.

Ang thought to himself, It seems the noble lords have made up their minds to accomplish something on this battlefield. He knew that an investment of this scale and these resources meant the coming mission would be more grueling, but it also offered greater hope.

Before leaving, Ang gave Jack a Silver Wack, which delighted Jack greatly.

Thinking back to the Green Mane Horses and the huge amount of supplies Jack had mentioned, Ang felt both surprised and invigorated. These supplies and equipment would undoubtedly greatly improve their combat capabilities and logistical support. Ang decided to familiarize himself with these newly arrived resources as soon as possible, ensuring that he could make full use of these advantages during the mission.

Ang left Jack's tent, intending to look around elsewhere and learn more as he prepared. He knew clearly that this mission would be a hard fight, but with adequate preparation and teamwork, they would surely overcome the difficulties and complete it.

In the camp, people busily sorted and distributed the newly arrived supplies. Although the atmosphere was tense, it was filled with drive and hope.

With ample resources available, dinner in the camp became much more plentiful. Bread was no longer rationed, and Ang even found meat in the soup. Nearly everyone got to eat meat, which thrilled many of the soldiers. Since the Ninth Logistics Regiment had arrived on the Maple Sugar Plane, they had not eaten meat. Those who had eaten any had generally hunted their own game, which was consumed within their small groups.

During dinner, Commander Queby and the other three commanders all came to inspect the mess hall. Seeing that everyone had meat to eat, Queby smiled in satisfaction. Turning to the other three commanders, he expressed his thanks to them.

Before long, the commanders left together.

After dinner, Ang wandered aimlessly around the camp for a while. He walked through its various corners, watching his comrades busily at work and enjoying the rare peace and quiet. When he finished his walk, Ang decided to visit Lika and Enbei.

After several days of rest, Lika and Enbei had recovered considerably, but their spirits remained low. When Ang found them, they were sitting outside their tent with lonely expressions. Ang walked over and sat with them for a while.

Ang began telling them what he had learned from Jack. He described the reinforcements in detail, especially the Green Mane Horses from the Marquis Family and the abundant supplies. Ang said, "The Duchy has sent nobles this time, especially the Marquis Family. That shows the Duchy has begun taking the war before us seriously and is preparing to make a major move."

Lika and Enbei listened intently, their expressions gradually changing as Ang spoke. Ang saw a spark of excitement appear in Lika's eyes, as though his hope to fight had been rekindled. Hearing about the vast supplies and reinforcements, Enbei clearly felt a long-lost sense of security.

Ang continued, "The supplies brought this time are abundant, and there are many personnel. This will be very beneficial for our upcoming mission. We will definitely complete it and protect ourselves and our comrades."

After hearing Ang's account, Lika and Enbei's moods clearly improved. Lika patted Ang on the shoulder and said gratefully, "Thank you, Ang. Your news has let us see hope." Enbei also smiled and nodded in agreement.

The three sat together and talked at length about preparations for the upcoming mission and their hopes for the future. Although the road ahead was still filled with challenges, their hearts no longer felt so heavy. Seeing his two comrades in better spirits, Ang also felt a measure of relief.

Night gradually fell, and the camp slowly quieted down. Ang, Lika, and Enbei returned to their respective tents, preparing to face new challenges.

In the morning, the assembly call sounded, and the entire camp immediately erupted into activity. The soldiers quickly put on their equipment and hurried to the training ground. The morning air was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere. Everyone knew that today would be an important day.

On the training ground, the four commanders stood on the platform facing the soldiers lined up in neat ranks. Commander Queby, Poppy Locke of the Second Regiment, Marvin Gene of the Third Regiment, and Amos Sto of the Fourth Regiment began assigning tasks to their subordinates in turn. Every commander wore an especially solemn expression, understanding the importance of this mission.

Following Brigade Leader Grunak's previous orders, the First Brigade, where Ang and his comrades were stationed, was responsible for guarding the road-clearing operation. Grunak stood before the formation, looking steadily at his soldiers as he shouted, "Our First Brigade will be responsible for guarding the road-clearing operation and ensuring everyone else's safety. Stay alert at all times, and report any unusual situation immediately."

The other brigades were assigned different tasks. The soldiers would chop down trees, level the ground, and embed the felled trees into the earth to build a sturdy road. The cavalry units of the Second, Third, and Fourth Logistics Regiments would handle reconnaissance ahead and guard against sudden developments. Poppy Locke commanded his cavalry, emphasizing the importance of their scouting mission and ordering them to be ready at all times for possible enemy attacks.

As tasks were assigned, the four commanders repeatedly emphasized cooperation and efficiency. Commander Queby said, "This mission is of great importance. We must work closely together and ensure the road is opened successfully. Not a single step can go wrong."

Standing among the ranks, Ang silently listened to the commanders' speeches. He felt a surge of tension in his heart. Once the commanders had finished speaking, the soldiers split up and began moving. Ang and his comrades from the First Brigade quickly assembled, ready to depart for their guard duty.

After quickly finishing their food, Ang and his teammates immediately packed their gear and prepared to set out. Soon, they crossed the grassland outside the camp and entered the edge of the forest. The troops behind them followed closely, and the entire force advanced in an orderly formation. Looking at the dense forest they were about to enter, Ang and his comrades exchanged glances. Determination shone in their eyes as they resolutely stepped into the woods.

The First Brigade was responsible for guarding the front. Ang and his teammates advanced cautiously, their eyes vigilantly sweeping the surroundings to ensure there was no potential danger. The troops behind them quickly began work. Soldiers swung axes and saws, felling the towering trees. The trees came crashing down with dull thuds, and before long, a broad road gradually emerged, wide enough for ten Green Mane Horses to travel abreast.

Ang felt the tense atmosphere, but he was also proud of everyone's efficiency. Every person gave their all to ensure the speed and quality of the road-clearing work. Brigade Leader Grunak constantly patrolled at the front of the formation, directing both the guard duty and the clearing work. His gaze was filled with the importance he placed on the mission and his trust in his subordinates.

Since this road needed to stretch deep into the battlefield, its total length would be nearly ninety gongs, making the workload enormous. Ang heard the comrades beside him whispering, "We need to pick up the pace and finish the mission as quickly as possible." He nodded, his heart also filled with urgency.

As time passed, the light in the forest gradually grew dimmer, but no one's drive weakened in the slightest. Ang and his teammates continued patrolling at the front, ensuring no enemies approached, while the soldiers behind them hurried to clear the road. Every swing of an axe and every pull of a saw was filled with strength and determination.

As one great tree after another fell, the road gradually extended forward, and everyone's confidence grew stronger. Watching his comrades work hard beside him, Ang's heart filled with gratitude and respect.

As everyone became more skilled, the road-clearing work grew faster and faster. The soldiers became more efficient at felling and processing trees, and everyone worked closely together to ensure the road advanced smoothly. The sounds of falling trees rose and fell without pause as the road rapidly stretched onward under their efforts.

The First Brigade, responsible for guard duty, also began adjusting its strategy, extending its patrol range one gong farther ahead. Ang and his teammates cautiously advanced, ensuring there were no potential threats ahead. Brigade Leader Grunak was satisfied with their performance. He knew that safety ahead was crucial to the smooth progress of the entire mission.

During guard duty, Ang remained highly alert. His eyes constantly swept the surroundings, while his ears carefully listened to every sound around him. The forest ahead remained dark and mysterious, but Ang and his comrades did not retreat. They knew well their duty and mission.

The road-clearing work behind them also continued in a tense but orderly manner. The soldiers swung their axes as saws rang out in bursts. The felled trees were quickly processed and embedded into the ground, forming a broad road. Though the task was arduous, everyone was filled with drive and determination.

Ang and his teammates continued patrolling at the front, ensuring the safety of the forward line. Their steps were light and swift, their gazes sharp, and they were ready at all times to deal with any sudden situation. As the patrol range expanded, their task became more complicated, but they coordinated seamlessly, supporting one another as they completed this difficult mission together.

In this tense yet efficient atmosphere, time passed swiftly.