Earl Connor's premonition soon came true. From the very first probing attacks on the following day, the Holy Cross Kingdom's army began bleeding without end.
Beneath Birch Castle, corpses piled up in heaps, so many that the corpse collectors felt like vomiting every day.
Earl Connor repeatedly advanced to the foot of the castle, trying to lure the troops inside into launching a surprise attack. But Derek remained as steady as a rock. Whether he held the advantage or disadvantage, he simply stayed put.
Derek knew that if he dragged things out, he would win. Why take risks?
Those skilled in war achieved no dazzling feats.
Outsiders only saw the glory of defeating many with few, unaware of the dangers involved.
One careless mistake, and everything could collapse.
If he had a choice, Derek would rather crush the few with the many.
Besides, he had not been idle.
Taking advantage of the Holy Cross Kingdom's friendly participation, he turned Birch Castle directly into a lesson in offensive and defensive drills.
How should defenses be arranged? How should morale be raised? If you were the attacker, what would you do?
This was teaching, but it was also a process of learning for himself.
"War is never isolated. We need to understand the purpose of war.
"A strategic victory will always surpass a tactical victory.
"Look at Earl Connor over there. Why does he keep risking himself at the front lines?
"I dare guarantee that if we went out, even if we wiped out a batch of Holy Cross Kingdom officers, he would be grinning from ear to ear.
"Why? Tactically speaking, perhaps you would have achieved the goal of striking the enemy.
"But if the losses were severe, Birch Castle changed hands, and we lost the territory behind us—even Saint Myra