Eight Thousand Against Six Thousand, We Have the Advantage!

Voldemort sat at the head of the table, facing south, leisurely playing with his snake... teasing his "adorable" Runespoor.

At his feet lay a crystal-clear bucket containing Kasim's remains.

The Dark Lord picked up an exquisite dagger and casually poked at the corpse.

He sliced open the chest cavity with the blade, picked up the still-warm heart, and tossed it to the already obese snake.

The stench of blood filled the hall; the Death Eaters could smell it, but dared not speak, only feeling a chill in their hearts.

Those were our own people! Just because the mission failed, they were killed like that, and their flesh was even cut off piece by piece to feed the snakes...

In the view of many Death Eaters:

Regardless of who has a grander vision, Voldemort or Grindelwald, in terms of cruelty, Grindelwald is definitely the worst of the worst.

Voldemort wanted this kind of intimidating effect. He narrowed his cold eyes and looked down at the ground a little further away.

It was a huge map of the United Kingdom standoff, more than two meters long and wide, spread out below the steps.

London, the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts... all the major cities and areas are on it.

Several arrows also appeared, coming from neighboring France, distant Italy, and Switzerland, Austria... across the sea.

It is clearly marked on the top:

Europe Wizard Allied Forces

Beyond geography, all major field forces, including Giant and Werewolf legions, were also marked near certain outposts.

The situation across the entire United Kingdom is laid out before us!

Roose Bolton is often called "The Skinflint," but he believes the Dark Lord is the real "Skinflint."

However, this thought only flashed through his mind for a moment. He stood beside the map and continued reporting to his superior:

"According to current intelligence, the Ministry of Magic will launch a summer offensive, and the commander is said to be Stark."

Most Death Eaters were not too surprised by this information.

In late June, Dumbledore campaigned for the newly graduated Stark, suggesting he fill the void left by Wizengamot.

Although he was young, his fame, strength, prestige, and official position were sufficient for him to serve as the battlefield commander-in-chief of a major battle.

Therefore, what everyone is more concerned about is the battlefield location.

Roose Bolton held his wand and pointed to a remote corner of the map.

"The battlefield will be here."

The Hebrides!

Upon hearing the island's name, many Pure-blood wizard breathed a sigh of relief, as long as it wasn't near their homes.

Some people even looked at Jaehaerys MacFusty with ill intent.

The Hebrides are sparsely populated and remote, but they are famous in the magical world.

Because there, the Hebridean Black, one of the native United Kingdom dragons, is located.

This archipelago has been guarded by MacFusty for generations; they are also a renowned race of dragon knights.

Last year, Jaehaerys MacFusty joined the Dark Lord and provided him with well-trained fire dragons as part of his air force, thus gaining his favor.

Taking advantage of the Battle of the Buckingham Palace, Jaehaerys MacFusty raided the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, acquiring many Welsh Green Dragon and greatly increasing his strength.

He rose to prominence within the Death Eaters camp and became increasingly valued.

In terms of status, they essentially replaced the former Malfoy family, enjoying unparalleled prominence for a time.

Within the Death Eaters, it's like a harem vying for favor.

Voldemort's "love" is limited; he can't possibly bestow it all equally. The more he favors the MacFusty family, the more other wizards are neglected.

Upon hearing that the Ministry of Magic was preparing to attack the area, many Death Eaters gloated, wishing nothing more than for MacFusty to die!

Despite the Death Eaters being seemingly organized by the Dark Lord with a single decision, behind his back, numerous factions and small groups exist.

Even when Voldemort was still Tom, he followed his Pure-blood families and always considered himself an "elder" and "backbone".

They looked down on those who joined later, relying on their "meritorious service in following the emperor."

After the First Wizarding War, a group of Death Eaters, led by Malfoy, escaped the postwar trial.

After Voldemort was resurrected, they were not well-liked and had no choice but to band together for warmth.

Also, most of the Death Eaters who had been imprisoned in Azkaban for over a decade were captured by the Stark that Christmas... and a small number escaped.

They are the Dark Lord's most fanatical and loyal servants.

The MacFusty family, on the other hand, represents a rising power... They look down on the elderly, considering them decadent and incompetent.

These Death Eaters are all known for their relentless fighting spirit; for example, MacFusty even had his son captured by the Stark.

Their enthusiasm fueled Death Eaters, making them the mortal enemy of all wizards who wanted to lay low.

The formation of these factions and political struggles led to numerous internal conflicts within the Death Eaters.

If one party has a problem, it can be described in one sentence:

When our allies are in trouble, we remain steadfast as a mountain.

This was the scene at that moment, and immediately a Death Eaters said:

"The commander-in-chief this time is Stark, and he will definitely bring Werewolf and Giant."

In addition, the so-called Europe coalition...

"Master, the enemy is powerful; it would be best to avoid direct confrontation for now."

"Yes, we should strategically abandon the Hebrides and concentrate our superior forces to attack Gringotts!"

Some people have their eyes on the vault, hoping to take advantage of the chaos to make a quick buck.

Jaehaerys MacFusty scoffed:

"The island is home to a large number of young fire dragons, which can grow to adult size in just six months."

These are all vital forces that cannot be lost. I believe reinforcements are necessary..."

"You have the advantage of terrain, and last year's attack on the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary also replenished your forces with the Fire Dragon's power," a Death Eaters said sarcastically.

"You're already so powerful, why do you still need reinforcements? What are we supposed to do?"

"Exactly, with so many fire dragons, you could easily hold off Stark all by yourself."

Voldemort stroked the giant snake between his legs and said angrily, "Enough."

The argument immediately subsided.

"For a long time, many of our oldest families have become somewhat sick," he said. "They've become timid and hesitant."

The Dark Lord stood up, plunged the dagger into Casio's head, walked down the steps, and looked down at the huge map.

"My mind is made up; I will make the battlefield the Hebrides."

After saying this, the Dark Lord focused intently on looking down at the map.

Roose Bolton, who had been silent like a wooden statue, spoke again, conveying Voldemort's strategic plan that had been prepared long ago.

"Jaehaerys, you must defend the Hebrides and hold back the wizarding army of the Ministry of Magic."

Nott, you lead the Death Eaters, Troll, and Orc to form the Eastern Expedition Corps;

Diram, you lead the vampires and Inferi to form Western Expedition Corps.

Then they advanced from the east and west, forming a combined attack on the Stark forces... and the attack blossomed in the middle!

Voldemort was quite satisfied with his "east-west attack" tactic.

He looked at everyone and said, "This is a chain-like overall plan, and I hope you can fight a brilliant encirclement and annihilation battle."

Before autumn arrives, no matter how many wizards perish in battle, I do not wish to see the so-called Europe coalition appear on this land again.

Voldemort paused for a moment, looked around, and said:

May I wish you all success?

Everyone lowered their heads; no one dared to make a promise. They were not only unsure but also somewhat fearful.

"I don't understand why you're all so afraid!" Voldemort roared.

"Stark may be very powerful, but war and wizard duels are different."

He was just a child, commanding a large army of wizards for the first time; he knew nothing about military affairs, strategy, or tactics!

Fifty years ago, I graduated from Hogwarts and embarked on my journey.

In just twenty years, the Death Eaters had amassed enough power to rival the Ministry of Magic.

Even Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix were suppressed by us to the point of being unable to raise their heads and could only cower in the shadows.

That invincible situation is still vivid in my mind.

How could you have become so cowardly just a few decades later? What a ridiculous joke!

Voldemort's expression grew increasingly cold, and finally he shouted sharply:

"No matter how you look at it, the troop strength in this battle is eight thousand to six thousand, so the advantage is on our side!!"

The entire hall was completely silent.

The Dark Lord slowly walked forward, stepping onto the map one step at a time, finally landing on Hogwarts.

Before autumn arrives, he will make every inch of land that resists him stained with blood!

(Thanks to "Huang Aide" for the generous donation.)