Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The allied forces, a disorganized mix of soldiers and farmers, charge towards the city gate.
• They encounter a surprise cavalry charge led by Daniel, a Legendary Warrior, and his knights, including powerful warhorses called Gale Colts.
• The allied forces' chaotic formation and lack of preparation lead to a one-sided massacre.
• Count Bruce, the temporary commander, faints in despair, and his elite soldiers are among the first casualties.
• The remaining allied forces, mostly farmers, try to flee but are easily overwhelmed by the knights' charge.

Character Developments

• Daniel: Proven to be a formidable and ruthless commander, leading a powerful cavalry charge.
• Count Bruce: Revealed to be more concerned with his own wealth and safety than the well-being of his troops, leading to their disorganization and eventual defeat.

Significant Themes

• Disorganization vs. Formation: The allied forces' chaotic charge contrasts with the knights' disciplined formation, highlighting the importance of military strategy and organization.
• Power Dynamics: The cavalry's overwhelming power demonstrates the Duchy of Oslo's military hierarchy and the consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Daniel and the Knights: They work together seamlessly, demonstrating their training and camaraderie.
• Count Bruce and his Soldiers: Despite being his subordinates, Bruce's soldiers are not loyal to him, as seen in their lack of defense when he faints.

Key Plot Points and Events

• King Ferdinand leads an army to siege Fengyu City in Province of Hailan.
• Count Golde, the commander of the Western Military Region, is captured and imprisoned by Ferdinand.
• Ferdinand receives news of demon attacks in Gannan Province and Province of Hailan, and dispatches troops to reinforce Jinlan County.
• Renard receives a letter informing him of Prince Hood's rebellion in the Kingdom of Lindberg.
• Renard also receives updates from Magic Messengers:
  • Daniel's successful campaign in the Duchy of Oslo.
  • The Pope's divine descent ritual to confront an evil god, with potential imperialistic intentions.
  • The Orc Empire's invasion of the Constantinople Empire's Mandala Province.
  • Internal strife in the Heluo Duchy following the Grand Duke's death.

Character Developments

• King Ferdinand shows ruthlessness and strategic thinking in his military campaigns.
• Renard demonstrates strategic planning and adaptability in response to various challenges.

Significant Themes

• Power struggles and political intrigue (Ferdinand's campaign, Prince Hood's rebellion, Pope's ambitions).
• War and its consequences (demon attacks, Orc Empire's invasion, internal strife in Heluo Duchy).
• Information gathering and intelligence (Renard's use of Magic Messengers).

Character Interactions

• Ferdinand's interaction with Count Golde highlights their power dynamic.
• Renard's receipt of updates from Magic Messengers shows his connection to various fronts and his ability to respond to changing situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard receives intelligence about the Papacy's completed divine descent ritual and imminent southern campaign to purge heretics.
• A military meeting is held at 2 PM to discuss the implications of the Papacy's campaign.
• Alice and Vivian attend the meeting, expressing their concerns and insights about the campaign.

Character Developments

• Renard: Realizes the gravity of the situation and begins to prepare for potential threats, showing strategic thinking and determination.
• Alice: Advances to Epic level, demonstrating growth in power and responsibility.
• Vivian: Reveals her knowledge of the Papacy's internal divisions and her opposition to the southern campaign, showing political acumen.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Papacy and other nations.
• The consequences of religious extremism and the pursuit of power.
• The importance of strategic thinking and preparation in the face of potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Robertson: Renard delegates tasks to Robertson, showing trust and reliance on his subordinate.
• Renard and Alice: Renard allows Alice to attend the meeting, acknowledging her growth and input.
• Renard and Vivian: Renard lets Vivian participate in the discussion, seeking useful information from her while keeping a guard up.
• Alice and Vivian: Both express their views on the Papacy's campaign, showing unity in their concerns despite their differences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Arthur Empire's military, led by Governor Renard, prepares for a large-scale counterattack against the demon invasion.
• Renard holds a military meeting to boost morale and outline the operation's importance.
• The seventy-thousand-strong Gannan Province army advances towards the Ambrisset Mountains.
• Renard visits the Anti-Demon Alliance's native branch at the foot of the Gellan Mountains.

Character Developments

• Renard demonstrates strong leadership and determination in his speech at the military meeting.
• Chief Oru's tribe grows significantly due to Renard's support, increasing his status within the Anti-Demon Alliance.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against demonic forces and the defense of the Arthur Kingdom.
• The importance of unity and cooperation among different races and factions in the face of a common enemy.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Chief Oru reunite, showing camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Renard is greeted with mixed reactions from the native chieftains, ranging from joy to hostility, reflecting their varied experiences with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Human armies from Gannan Province engage in a large-scale battle against demons in the Ambrisset Mountains.
• The battle lasts for eight days, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
• On the eighth day, a human battalion is ambushed, but reinforcements led by Earl Edward arrive in time to save them.

Character Developments

• Austin: Initially desperate, he charges into the demon army, inspiring his comrades to follow suit. After the rescue, he maintains military discipline and reports to Earl Edward.
• Earl Edward: He arrives with reinforcements, turning the tide of the battle. He shows concern for Austin and understands the challenges of navigating the mountains.

Significant Themes

• Courage and Conviction: Austin's bravery inspires his comrades, demonstrating the power of conviction in times of crisis.
• Discipline and Leadership: Earl Edward's arrival and his concern for Austin highlight the importance of discipline and leadership in maintaining order and morale.
• The Challenges of Warfare: The battle's duration and heavy casualties illustrate the difficulties and dangers of fighting demons.

Character Interactions

• Austin and Earl Edward: Austin reports to Earl Edward, showing respect for military hierarchy. Earl Edward, in turn, shows understanding and concern for Austin's situation.
• Austin and his Comrades: Austin's charge into the demon army inspires his comrades to follow suit, demonstrating the power of example in rallying troops.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter describes a strategic canyon, Grizzly Valley, through which demons travel to reach Gannan Province.
• Berserker Demon Panita, a subordinate of Viscount Malgarni, leads an army of 20,000 demons through the valley.
• Panita senses an ominous feeling but dismisses it as caution.
• The demon army is ambushed by humans led by Renard, who use arrows, gunfire, and explosives to massacre the demons.
• Panita realizes the futility of escape and is killed by arrows.
• Renard orders the cleanup of the battlefield, confiscating weapons and ensuring all surviving demons are killed.

Character Developments

• Berserker Demon Panita: Initially confident and dismissive of the danger, he becomes increasingly fearful and desperate as the ambush unfolds. His death marks a significant loss for the demon forces.
• Renard: Displaying strategic prowess and ruthlessness, he orchestrates the ambush and ensures no demons survive.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hubris is evident in Panita's initial dismissal of the danger, leading to his downfall.
• The chapter also highlights the brutal and unforgiving nature of war, with both sides showing no mercy.

Character Interactions

• There's minimal interaction among demons, as they prioritize self-preservation over comradeship.
• Renard's orders to his troops demonstrate his command and the humans' disciplined response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard's army suffers heavy losses in the Ambrisset Mountains, with over 5,500 deaths and over 10,000 wounded.
• Renard orders a retreat, except for troops guarding important passes, to allow the army to rest and recuperate.
• He also orders new recruits to be sent to the front lines and requests additional supplies for the natives.
• The natives, expecting to watch a human victory, grow restless when the human army begins to retreat.

Character Developments

• Renard: Shows strategic thinking and ruthlessness, using the demons as a threat to motivate the natives to fight. He also displays a cold, calculating demeanor when dealing with the native chieftains.
• Chief Oru: Initially arrogant, he becomes fearful and envious upon seeing the human army's strength. He also shows vanity when Master Lei shows him favor.

Significant Themes

• The high cost of war and the human toll it takes.
• The use of fear and manipulation to motivate allies.
• The similarities between humans and natives, such as vanity and self-interest.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Chief Oru: Renard uses flattery and manipulation to control Chief Oru, while Chief Oru is initially arrogant but becomes submissive due to Renard's power and the human army's strength.
• Renard and Secretary Robert: They discuss strategy, with Robert initially confused but eventually understanding Renard's plan to use the demons as a threat to motivate the natives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard (Master Lei) meets with native chieftains, expressing grief over his army's heavy losses against demons.
• He offers them military supplies (enough to arm 100,000) in exchange for helping to fight demons.
• The natives tour the well-stocked warehouses and granary, realizing the value of the offered supplies.
• Renard reveals his intention to hire the natives to fight demons in exchange for the supplies.

Character Developments

• Renard: Shows cunning and manipulation, using the natives' greed and desperation to further his goals.
• Native Chieftains: Initially united, they become divided and focused on personal gain upon seeing the supplies.

Significant Themes

• Greed and its consequences: The natives' desire for the supplies leads them to consider risking their lives against demons.
• Manipulation and power dynamics: Renard exploits the natives' desperation to achieve his objectives.
• Alliance and betrayal: The once united front of the natives crumbles due to the temptation of wealth.

Character Interactions

• Renard interacts with the native chieftains, playing on their emotions and greed to sway them to his side.
• The native chieftains interact with each other, initially united but quickly becoming divided and focused on personal gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard signals Alka to teleport away unnoticed.
• Natives agree to fight demons but want supplies first.
• Renard reveals they must exchange demon corpses for supplies.
• Didi, the kobold chieftain, enters with a receipt showing his tribe's rewards for demon extermination.
• Oru, the troll chief, snatches the receipt, causing tension.

Character Developments

• Renard: Shows cunning and manipulation, aiming to control the natives and profit from their labor.
• Oru: Realizes the Didi Tribe's rebellion and feels betrayed.
• Didi: Understands he's been outmaneuvered by Renard but decides to continue his tribe's independence.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics: Renard exploits the natives' needs, sowing discord among them to maintain control.
• Greed and betrayal: Both Renard and the natives act out of self-interest, leading to mistrust and betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Renard and the natives: Renard manipulates the natives, offering them supplies in exchange for fighting demons, but keeps the initiative and profit for himself.
• Oru and Didi: Their relationship sours as Didi's tribe secretly rebels against Oru's, leading to tension and potential conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful storm brews in the Duchy of Oslo, which was believed to be destroyed years ago but has surprisingly regained its vitality.
• Jimmy, secretly orchestrating the Duchy's resurgence, sends an ultimatum to the newly elected Grand Duke Halifax, threatening war if they don't surrender.
• The city-state lords gather in Coster City-state to discuss their response to Jimmy's threat.

Character Developments

• Jimmy: His strength and ambition are recognized by the Duchy of Oslo's lords, instilling fear and uniting them against him.
• Grand Duke Halifax: He is desperate to maintain unity among the lords to face Jimmy's threat but struggles with Viscount Fred's defiance.
• Viscount Fred: Ambitious and resentful of Halifax, he sees Jimmy's threat as an opportunity to weaken both Jimmy and Halifax.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Characters' strength and ambition drive their actions and decisions.
• Unity vs Division: The Duchy of Oslo's lords must unite to face external threats, but internal strife and ambition hinder this unity.

Character Interactions

• Halifax vs. Fred: Tension and resentment between the Grand Duke and Viscount Fred escalate, with Fred openly defying Halifax.
• Lords of the Duchy of Oslo: They must decide whether to stand united against Jimmy or risk division and defeat.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Viscount Fred refuses to cooperate with Grand Duke Halifax, exposing his manipulative intentions.
• Grand Duke Halifax erupts in anger, kicking Viscount Fred out of the conference.
• Viscount Fred's supporters and some neutral lords leave, emptying a quarter of the conference room.
• An old man intervenes, warning of the consequences of disunity and urging cooperation.
• Viscount Rob demands exorbitant compensation for his troops' support, enraging Grand Duke Halifax.
• Viscount Rob leaves, further reducing the number of supporters for Grand Duke Halifax.

Character Developments

• Viscount Fred shows cunning and manipulation, exposing Grand Duke Halifax's true intentions.
• Grand Duke Halifax displays poor self-control and impulsiveness, further alienating potential allies.
• Viscount Rob demonstrates opportunism and greed, taking advantage of the situation to demand excessive compensation.

Significant Themes

• Selfishness and opportunism among the lords.
• The consequences of disunity and lack of cooperation.
• Manipulation and hidden agendas.

Character Interactions

• Viscount Fred confronts Grand Duke Halifax, exposing his true intentions and provoking his anger.
• Viscount Rob demands excessive compensation from Grand Duke Halifax, further straining their relationship.
• The old man mediates, attempting to maintain unity and cooperation among the lords.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Viscount Rob defies Grand Duke Halifax, leading to tension.
• The lords discuss cooperation to resist the foreign enemy, with Count Prant negotiating terms.
• They agree to provide soldiers for a high pay, with the promise of additional compensation.
• Baron Leslie raises concerns about their military strength, but Grand Duke Halifax dismisses his worries.

Character Developments

• Grand Duke Halifax: Struggles with his authority and is sensitive to challenges, displays a lack of military acumen.
• Count Prant: Shows wisdom and understanding, acts as a mediator, and foresees the Duchy's tragic future.
• Count Judson: Resents Grand Duke Halifax, questions his judgment, and displays a competitive nature.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and struggles for control within the Duchy.
• The lords' self-interest and their willingness to cooperate only when it benefits them.
• The looming threat of the foreign enemy and the lords' underestimation of it.

Character Interactions

• Grand Duke Halifax vs. Viscount Rob: Tension and defiance.
• Count Prant vs. the lords: Negotiation and persuasion.
• Count Judson vs. Grand Duke Halifax: Resentment and challenge.
• Baron Leslie vs. Grand Duke Halifax: Concerns raised but dismissed.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Earl Halifax is appointed Grand Duke but faces immediate resistance due to his arrogance and poor timing in calling for military aid against an invading enemy.
• The nobles gather troops, totaling over 27,000, but Count Judson and Count Prant remain skeptical about their chances of victory.
• Count Prant decides to temporarily conscript an additional 20,000 young men, followed by Grand Duke Halifax and Count Judson doing the same.

Character Developments

• Grand Duke Halifax: Shows arrogance, lack of political acumen, and poor judgment, but also some determination in mobilizing troops.
• Count Prant: Demonstrates strategic thinking, understanding of the enemy's strength, and a willingness to make significant sacrifices for the war.
• Count Judson: Displayed wisdom and understanding of the situation, agreeing to mobilize 20,000 young men despite the risks.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and understanding one's enemy in warfare.
• The consequences of poor leadership and arrogance.
• The willingness to make significant sacrifices for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Grand Duke Halifax's interactions with the nobles reveal his arrogance and lack of understanding, leading to their disdain.
• Count Prant, Count Judson, and Grand Duke Halifax discuss and agree to mobilize additional troops, showing a united front despite their reservations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noblemen follow suit in raising stakes, gathering nearly 200,000 peasant soldiers for the battle, but the actual number is uncertain.
• A group of noblemen, including Viscount Fred and Viscount Rob, secretly meet with a spy, Lord Suman (disguised as a cook), seeking reassurance about their chances of winning.
• Lord Suman reveals that the City-State Allied Forces are bound to fail due to the impending arrival of tens of thousands of troops from Governor Renard's forces.
• Lord Suman reveals Governor Renard's true strength and identity, attempting to convince the noblemen of their impending victory.

Character Developments

• The noblemen are shown to be strategic and cunning, willing to take risks but also seeking reassurance before committing fully to the conflict.
• Lord Suman, the spy, is revealed to be ambitious and eager for recognition, letting his excitement about his potential promotion cloud his discretion.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between noblemen and the potential threat from external forces.
• The manipulation of information and perception for political gain.
• The tension between ambition and caution in political decision-making.

Character Interactions

• The noblemen interact with each other, sharing their concerns and suspicions about the situation.
• Viscount Fred and Viscount Rob interact with Lord Suman, questioning and probing him for information.
• Lord Suman interacts with the noblemen, attempting to reassure them and convince them of their impending victory, while also revealing his excitement about his potential promotion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jimmy leads an army of 35,000 towards the Coster City-state of the Duchy of Oslo.
• The City-State Allied Forces choose to defend within their cities instead of engaging in battle.
• Jimmy's army surrounds Coster City and demands surrender, but Grand Duke Halifax refuses.
• Jimmy's army begins a three-day artillery bombardment, causing significant damage and casualties.
• On the fourth day, Jimmy's army uses catapults to hurl fire oil bottles and rubble into the city.

Character Developments

• Jimmy demonstrates strategic prowess and ruthlessness in his approach to war, prioritizing quick victory to return to defend against demon threats.
• Grand Duke Halifax shows cowardice and indecision, unable to face the reality of Jimmy's military power.

Significant Themes

• The devastating power of modern warfare (cannons) versus traditional combat methods.
• The psychological warfare employed by Jimmy, keeping the enemy on edge and demoralized.
• The stark contrast between the Kingdom of Arthur's military advancements and the Duchy of Oslo's outdated tactics.

Character Interactions

• Jimmy's envoy delivers ultimatums to Grand Duke Halifax, showing Jimmy's confidence and disdain for the enemy.
• Grand Duke Halifax, Count Prant, and Count Judson interact, showing their fear and indecision in the face of Jimmy's military might.
• The Firearm Army soldiers express their frustration at the lack of enemies to fight, highlighting their eagerness for battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Queen Rosa's northern campaign begins with the White Bear Province (Helsinki) as the first target.
• The province's army deserts due to lack of supplies and pay, causing anarchy.
• Marquis Malo declares martial law, then secedes and proclaims himself Grand Duke, sparking rebellion among nobles.
• After a half-year struggle, Malo is defeated and executed. Queen Rosa occupies the province with minimal resistance.

Character Developments

• Marquis Malo: Initially a stabilizing force, his ambition leads to his downfall and the province's chaos.
• Queen Rosa: She expands her territory, showing strategic patience and political maneuvering.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Malo's desire for power leads to his demise, while Rosa uses it to expand her kingdom.
• Political Manipulation: Rosa's alliance with Renard and financial dealings with Master Lei showcase her political acumen.

Character Interactions

• Rosa and Renard: Their alliance allows Rosa to expand northwards and secure her borders, while Renard gains power and money.
• Rosa and the Nobles: The nobles of Helsinki support Rosa's attack, seeking rewards and to eliminate Malo, but she plans to return their lands eventually.
• Rosa and her subordinates: Her royal butler and Marquis Hagens show loyalty and support, while Master Lei benefits from her financial dealings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Queen Rosa plans to relocate 2-3 million people from the Province of Hailan to the White Bear Province to boost its economy and weaken the Kingdom of Arthur.
• Marquis Hagens raises concerns about the logistical and political challenges of such a large-scale migration.
• Queen Rosa decides to initially relocate 500,000 people, with the intention to increase the number later.
• King Ferdinand of the Kingdom of Arthur learns of the Croning Family's troop deployment and decides to launch a major offensive on Palm County.
• Prince White, facing imminent danger, seeks advice from Marquis Quentin, who remains composed and hints at upcoming good news.

Character Developments

• Queen Rosa: Shows strategic thinking and decisiveness but underestimates the complexities of large-scale migration.
• Marquis Hagens: Demonstrates wisdom and foresight, warning Queen Rosa about the challenges and potential consequences of her plan.
• King Ferdinand: Seizes an opportunity to strengthen his kingdom's position, displaying tactical acumen.
• Prince White: Struggles with the pressure of his situation, showing impatience and desperation.
• Marquis Quentin: Maintains composure and hints at a potential solution, suggesting he has a secret plan.

Significant Themes

• The importance of population and land for a nation's prosperity.
• The challenges and consequences of large-scale migration.
• The political and strategic maneuvering between kingdoms.
• The struggle for power and survival among ruling figures.

Character Interactions

• Queen Rosa and Marquis Hagens: The queen consults with her advisor, who provides valuable insights and cautions her about the complexities of her plan.
• King Ferdinand and Marquis Trollope: The king receives news from his advisor and decides on a military strategy.
• Prince White and Marquis Quentin: The prince seeks advice from his advisor, who remains enigmatic and reassuring.
• Prince White and Count Mackinto: The prince receives a private message from his count, which seems to offer a glimmer of hope.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with a heavy rainstorm in Southern Wilderness County, causing supply transportation issues for the soldiers in the Ambrisset Mountains.
• Renard, the governor, decides to visit the front lines despite the harsh weather.
• He finds the situation tense, with demons occasionally breaking through the defenses, and mercenaries and adventurers being used to plug these gaps.
• Renard visits the mercenary and adventurer gathering area, noting its chaotic and lively atmosphere.

Character Developments

• Renard: Shows concern for the soldiers' welfare and the overall situation, displaying leadership and determination.
• Lei Dawang: Demonstrates strategic thinking and understanding of the bigger picture, allowing some demons through to keep mercenaries engaged.
• Mercenaries and adventurers: Display a mix of bravery, greed, and recklessness, seeking glory and wealth while also needing an outlet for stress.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of war and its impact on logistics and morale.
• The use of mercenaries and adventurers as a last resort in desperate situations.
• The contrast between the organized military camp and the chaotic adventurer gathering area.

Character Interactions

• Renard interacts with military leaders like Lei Dawang, Rollson, and Robertson, discussing the war's progress and strategy.
• Renard observes mercenaries and adventurers, noting their behavior and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard suggests incorporating mercenaries into the army to strengthen their forces against the demon threat.
• Lei Dawang and Henry express concerns about the feasibility and potential negative impact of integrating mercenaries.
• Renard decides to select qualified mercenaries for training, rather than incorporating all at once.
• Renard assigns Colliver and Lei Dawang to oversee the recruitment process.
• News arrives of a demon attack on the Second Infantry Legion's encampment, with an estimated thirty thousand demons, including elite troops.

Character Developments

• Renard demonstrates strategic thinking and determination in facing the demon threat, showing he's willing to consider unconventional solutions like recruiting mercenaries.
• Lei Dawang shows understanding of mercenary culture and concern for his daughter's future.
• Colliver expresses reluctance to administrative tasks but agrees to help recruit mercenaries, motivated by Renard's offer to help him reach the legendary realm.
• Beecher and Simon display loyalty and urgency in reporting the demon attack.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against the demon threat and the need for strategic adaptability.
• The challenges of integrating different groups (mercenaries and regular soldiers) for a common cause.
• The importance of motivation and incentives in rallying support for dangerous tasks.

Character Interactions

• Renard consults with his officers about his plan to recruit mercenaries, showing respect for their opinions.
• Lei Dawang and Henry voice their concerns about the challenges of integrating mercenaries.
• Renard assigns Colliver and Lei Dawang to oversee recruitment, showing trust in their abilities and influence among mercenaries.
• Beecher and Simon report the demon attack to Renard, demonstrating their loyalty and urgency in crisis situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thirty thousand elite demons threaten Renard's forces.
• Renard leads reinforcements to the Second Infantry Legion's encampment under siege.
• The battle reaches its climax with intense fighting and heavy casualties.
• Renard uses an enchanted crossbow to kill two Abyssal Demon Refiners and several Balrogs, turning the tide of battle.
• The demon army retreats, leaving behind a battlefield strewn with corpses.

Character Developments

• Renard demonstrates his archery skills and strategic thinking, earning respect from his subordinates.
• Larry, the commander, shows concern for Renard's safety, revealing his loyalty and protective instincts.

Significant Themes

• The power of advanced weaponry and equipment in warfare.
• The importance of strategic positioning and defensive fortifications.
• The impact of individual heroism on the battlefield.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Larry's interaction highlights their mutual respect and trust, with Renard promising to help Larry advance to the Epic Realm.
• Renard's actions inspire his subordinates, boosting their morale and turning the tide of battle.
• The mercenaries and reinforcements arrive late, but their presence is still valuable in securing the victory.