So Bob was assessing him?
Had he received Ostan Duke's instructions, or was this Bob's own idea?
John pondered this inwardly. He did not speak immediately, only opening his mouth after thinking for a while under Bob's gaze.
"Marshal Bob, I believe that although our overall situation in Faoken is not optimistic, now that the Seventh Legion and the Beastfolk First Legion's 101st Division have been neutralized in Horseshoe Territory, our chances of winning on the Fauken Front have reached at least ninety percent!"
Meeting Bob's surprised expression, John slowly rose and walked to the map hanging in the command room. He pointed at the Starry Sea, where they were currently located, then said in a low voice:
"First, after taking Horseshoe Territory, the Third Navy's retreat route and supplies will be secured. Regardless of whether the enemy sends additional warships to this battlefield, the Third Navy will no longer need to risk being attacked by enemy coastal artillery in order to forcibly capture the Cocobia Rainforest."
"Even if the enemy later dispatches a large number of warships, as long as we secure our rear supply point and control the waters for withdrawal, then even if the enemy's numbers become too great for the Third Navy to handle, you can do as you did today. Through Ian's spell and with the Magic Whale's aid, you can swiftly break out of the enemy encirclement, complete resupply, and proceed with the next ambush plan."
"Therefore, although we surrendered control of the Aiken Sea this time, it was actually a strategic retreat. By shifting the battlefield to waters where our ground forces can provide support, we can reduce our casualties and destroy the enemy fleet at the smallest possible cost."
"With no concerns behind us, the Third Navy can advance to attack or