The Centipede Army swept all the way through, bringing ruin upon the small and mid-sized nobles along its path. Everywhere it passed was littered with bleached bones.
Even the powerful great nobles suffered heavy losses when caught off guard, able only to cower trembling inside their castles.
It was not as if the nobles along the way had failed to organize resistance, but most of it ended in defeat. Only a very small number achieved decent results.
The steadily worsening situation helped the Black Forest government make up its mind.
With the flames of war reaching their doorstep, even those with vested interests lost their nerve.
The most panicked were not the nobles whose lands had become war zones, but those close to the fighting whose own estates had not yet been touched.
Thanks to the lobbying efforts of these nobles, the Black Forest government quickly agreed to all of Hudson's terms.
After assembling in Gutterland Province, the allied forces officially declared their formation. Hudson became the alliance commander, while Marquis Simoni and Count Pierce served as deputy commanders.
It was obvious who held the real authority. Even though the Black Forest Kingdom had sent more troops, its voice within the allied forces remained limited.
"Marquis Simoni, your army's organization is far too chaotic. The serf soldiers are severely dragging down the combat effectiveness of the elite troops.
"This is no longer an era where sheer numbers can secure victory.
"What matters in soldiers is quality, not quantity!
"The enemy is still rampaging. Vast stretches of your country's territory are falling every moment, and we do not have time to waste.
"I'll give you two days to reduce your army of five hundred thousand to fewer than one hundred and fifty thousand. Even one hundred thousand will do.
"Better too