Master Andrei's Joining
Next, Karl personally led Master Andrei and Charlotte to begin a detailed inspection of Carnford's defensive system.
They first arrived at the massive construction site of the outer city wall at the foot of the mountain, where construction was in full swing.
Karl pointed to the rammed earth wall that was already taking shape and was constantly rising, and explained to Andre, "Master, look here. Originally, according to the initial plan, this area was intended to serve as a buffer zone in the event of war. If necessary, it could be abandoned, and troops could be withdrawn back to the castle on the mountain for final defense."
He then changed the subject, saying, "But after the last defensive battle, I discovered that, relying on our pre-established fortifications, and especially utilizing the concentrated firepower of our muskets, we are fully capable of inflicting heavy casualties on the Sauron from the foot of the mountain! Not to mention, we now possess this precious Six-pound Cannon gifted by the Count!"
He pointed to the heavily guarded carriage in the distance.
"Moreover," Karl's gaze deepened, "I don't want to abandon the outer perimeter at the outset and retreat directly to the castle. If we do that, the Sauron can easily block all our routes down the mountain with just a small force, completely trapping us on the mountain."
"This completely contradicts our strategic objective as a Northern Territory outpost, to tie down and deplete Sauron soldier for Fran City."
He pointed to the outline of the extending city wall. "While expanding this defensive line at the foot of the mountain greatly increases the width and difficulty of the defense, it is far more strategically advantageous! For the Sauron to completely encircle us, they would need to commit at least ten or even a hundred times more troops than we do!"
"More importantly, this strong outer defensive line will inevitably attract the main force of the Sauron to attack. We can rely on the fortifications to wait for them to tire themselves out, and use muskets and Cannon to inflict heavy casualties on their manpower in the siege warfare they are least skilled at!"
He then shifted his focus, pointing to the treacherous mountain path leading to the hilltop castle. "Of course, we won't fight to the death on the outskirts. We'll wait until this defensive line achieves its intended purpose of slowing down and attrition, or until the enemy's forces are overwhelming and the line is on the verge of collapse."
"We will proceed according to the established plan, retreating to the castle above in an orderly and phased manner. And this only passage leading to the castle, that narrow tunnel, will be the next killing field we prepare for the Sauron!"
Karl's eyes flashed with a cold light. "We have secretly stockpiled a large amount of defensive equipment on the mountain walls on both sides of the tunnel: huge rolling stones, bundles of heavy Battering Logs, and countless earthenware jars filled with Fire oil! Once the enemy forces rush into the tunnel to pursue us, they will face annihilation! It will be a true road to death!"
Finally, he turned his gaze to the majestic main walls of the castle in the distance. "And the castle itself is our last and most fortified position. Its walls were reinforced layer by layer with the strongest bricks and stones by my Lord over decades, making it far more solid than any temporary walls we have built at the foot of the mountain!"
"There are ample supplies of food and weaponry there. We will hold out there until we exhaust the enemy's last ounce of strength, or until a turning point appears."
Master Andrei listened quietly, his cloudy yet sharp eyes following Karl's guidance, as if sketching out the entire tragic yet meticulous defense blueprint in his mind.
After listening to Karl's explanation, he nodded deeply.
"Your arrangements... are excellent, very thorough." Andre's voice was steady and powerful. He bowed respectfully, his gaze fixed intently on Karl. "Lord Karl, when the battle comes, please do not consider my age or past status at all."
"I will obey your every command. Please send me wherever you command me, as you would an ordinary soldier. Send me wherever it is most dangerous, wherever manpower is most needed."
His tone carried an undeniable resolve and a sense of entrustment. "I beg you, sir!"
Upon hearing this, Karl's expression turned solemn, and he bowed slightly respectfully. "Very well, Master. With a strongman like you joining us, our defense system will undoubtedly be more solid, and the morale of our soldiers will be greatly boosted. Your experience and strength will be one of Carnford's most valuable assets."
Master Andrei waved his hand, a calm yet firm smile on his face, "Your Lord flatters me. Power only proves its worth when it is most needed. So, let's begin now."
"Please don't arrange special accommodations or treatment for me. Just treat me like a new recruit and assign me a regular barracks. I hope to get to know my future comrades as soon as possible, understand their thoughts and difficulties, so that we can fight side by side better in battle."
Looking at the unwavering determination in the master's eyes, Karl felt an even deeper respect for him.
He stopped insisting and nodded, saying, "I understand, Master. We will certainly respect your wishes."
He then turned to Edgar, who was standing to the side, and instructed him, "Edgar, immediately arrange a clean bed for Master Andrei in the combat camp, equipped with all his daily necessities. Inform all platoon and Platoon Leader that the Master will be joining as an ordinary volunteer soldier, and that he must be treated equally, but at the same time, ensure that the Master's basic needs are met."
"Yes, sir!" Edgar accepted the order and immediately went to make the arrangements.
Master Andrei nodded and bowed to Karl again. "Thank you, Lord. I will go to the barracks to settle in now, and then I will familiarize myself with the defenses and get to know my comrades. If you have any orders, just send someone to the barracks to find me."
After saying that, he followed Edgar, walking steadily toward the military camp, his figure blending seamlessly into the ranks of ordinary soldiers.
Karl gazed in the direction the master had left, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
With the addition of such a strong yet humble player, Carnford's defense has undoubtedly gained another solid pillar.
His decisive, pragmatic, and low-key style left a deep impression on everyone.
Charlotte watched her teacher's departing figure and whispered to Karl, "That's just how Teacher Andre is. He always puts duty and practical experience first. With him around, the castle's defenses will be even stronger."
Karl nodded in deep agreement, feeling even more confident about the upcoming battle.