Chapter 253: Chapter 244 Military Equipment Plan_2
Therefore, expanding Eternal Domain’s military power meant increasing the number of werewolves in this directly commanded army. Exchanging one Fifth Order carnivorous bird for five First Order werewolves wasn’t about who gained more; it was about Yan Xing and the Swamp Werewolves each getting what they needed. The werewolves of Thunderous Swamp acquired a powerful weapon against toxic insect-type magical beasts, while Yan Xing gained a urgently needed troop source.
With 360 carnivorous birds, he could obtain 1,800 werewolves. Through Eternal Domain’s training and advancement system, this would add 1,800 mid-tier Werewolf Warriors to Yan Xing’s forces. Once equipped with modern armaments, their combat power would be considerable. They were slated to be Yan Xing’s main force for potentially influencing the situation in Nuta City.
Hearing the task his master had set for him, Duan’er immediately puffed out his chest and assured him, "Master, leave it to me; you can rest easy. Countless Clan Leaders have asked me about the carnivorous birds, and I haven’t paid them any mind. Now that you’re willing to sell them, and at such a low price, I guarantee those Werewolf Tribes will be fighting tooth and nail for them."
"This matter is yours to handle." Yan Xing then turned to Li Zhua and asked, "What is the current strength of the demonized horses?"
Li Zhua promptly replied, "My lord, due to the different breeds of horses you brought, the demonized horses range between Seventh Order, Eighth Order, and Ninth Order. All the demonized horses have undergone Earth System Demonization. This increased their strength, load-bearing capacity, and endurance, and they can now use the War Trample magic attack. They are very strong mounts."
Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Order—those were indeed very powerful.
If used to form a heavy cavalry unit, they could truly overwhelm any opponent.
But the number of demonized horses was still too few to form a large unit.
And Yan Xing didn’t know how far the concept of heavy cavalry could advance in this world after his arrival.
"Leave these demonized horses in the Stenchwater Forest for proper taming," Yan Xing said. "Later, they will be awarded to heroes and soldiers who have performed significant military service."
Li Zhua responded, "Yes, My lord. My lord is generous and merciful."
The assembled commanders echoed in unison, "My lord is generous and merciful."
These commanders had all seen the batch of demonized horses and were practically drooling over them. Unfortunately, their master hadn’t indicated how they might earn one. Now that their master had set the standard for obtaining a demonized horse, the Werewolf Heroes were all rubbing their hands in glee, wishing they could find an enemy to thrash immediately.
Yan Xing was very pleased with his subordinates’ strong desire for battle. Although he often spoke of peaceful development during cabinet meetings, he knew better than anyone that peace couldn’t simply be declared into existence.
Without military force, who would negotiate peace with you?
Some conflicts cannot be avoided through goodwill alone, and some stability can only be achieved through war.
Eternal Domain’s external propaganda might portray its military as defensive, but internally, the troops must always maintain an offensive mindset.
Yan Xing gestured with his hand, and the increasingly noisy Council Hall quieted. He then said to Olaf, "Once Clan Leader Duan’er has conscripted the werewolves belonging to our domain, you are to immediately organize their training. This includes their advancement and the completion of basic military training. Specifically, conduct targeted urban assault and defense training, both inside and outside Nuta City, to protect the Lord’s Mansion and Eternal Domain’s related industries. Laura will provide you with intelligence support, while Li Zhua and Steeltooth will assist you in completing this training mission."
Olaf, Li Zhua, and Steeltooth answered in chorus, "Yes, My lord."
Yan Xing continued assigning tasks to Duan’er: "Strengthen the Southern Camp’s defenses at Eternal Domain’s northern gates. Position guards in the strongholds along all sections of the Thunderous Swamp Road, and closely monitor the movements of werewolves and lizardmen. Maintain close contact with friendly tribes to ensure that Thunderous Swamp does not become a threat if an emergency arises in the south. I’ve heard Clan Leader Ironhead is quite dissatisfied with me. Be careful he doesn’t do anything foolish."
Duan’er nodded. "I understand, My lord. Ironhead is indeed restless. He simply fails to recognize the vast disparity in strength between himself and you. I’ll keep an eye on him."
Yan Xing nodded. "If Eternal Domain’s main forces have to move towards Nuta City, your Southern Camp must also undertake the coordinated defense of Eternal Domain. Your responsibility is significant. Let me know as soon as possible if you need any resources, and I will do my best to provide them."
Duan’er responded, "My lord, upon my return to the Red Mud Wetland, I will immediately initiate wartime mobilization for the Southern Camp."
Afterward, Yan Xing and his commanders discussed how the various military units should cooperate if Eternal Domain were forced into war. They discussed how Eternal Domain would defend itself, how the mobilized soldiers would be armed, and how to respond to sudden incidents from the north, west, and south. He also had Chui Chui create war simulation maps, which were projected onto the conference table. They then conducted several military drills using the available intelligence.
While Eternal Domain underwent economic reforms and military expansion, Yan Xing held daily meetings to address emerging issues. During this period, the domain was successfully upgraded to Seventh Grade. A Seventh Grade Domain could house Cavalry Barracks and Cavalry Training Grounds, enabling the recruitment and training of Seventh Order Human Cavalry. It could also build Griffon Towers to recruit Griffons, forming the Human faction’s air force. Only a Seventh Grade Domain could be considered an independent territory with a degree of self-preservation capability.
Once Eternal Domain’s upgrade was complete, Yan Xing immediately used God-given gold coins to instantly construct several important buildings. He then recruited Seventh Order Human Cavalry.
Cavalry (Human Seventh Order combat unit)
Attack: 10
Defense: 10
Lethality: 9
Health: 35
Talent: Forced March
Seventh Order Human Cavalry were medium-armored combat units, wearing an inner layer of chain mail and an outer layer of leather armor reinforced with steel plates at vital points. Their weapons consisted of a long spear, a steel sword, and a small round shield.
The appearance of Cavalry provided the traditionally defense-oriented Human armies with some offensive capability. Logically, Cavalry should have been very popular within Human armies, but the reality was quite the opposite. Human Lords didn’t prioritize developing Cavalry because, in their eyes, they were rather unnecessary.
In comparison to lower-tier units, Sixth Order Guards possessed nearly equivalent combat strength and didn’t require expensive warhorses. When compared to units of the same tier, Seventh Order Griffons were aerial units—the pride of Humankind. The meager distinction of Cavalry paled in comparison to Griffons. Higher up were the Eighth Order Knight’s Retinue, the starting rank for young nobles who served alongside Knights.
Caught in this awkward position, Cavalry truly had a difficult time.
Moreover, the nobles were reluctant to see too many commoners promoted to Knight’s Retinue, where they would compete with their own offspring for the privilege of serving distinguished Knights. This stemmed from Human military doctrine, which typically relied on superior defensive capabilities to launch counter-attacks. When Knights, serving as heavy cavalry units, charged into battle, it was either to turn the tide or to secure a decisive victory. This was a prime opportunity to earn military merits. Countless young nobles had earned promotions to Knight and achieved hero status through such battles. How could they possibly allow commoner Cavalry to snatch away these opportunities?
Expensive to maintain, offering no significant improvement in combat effectiveness, and posing a threat to noble privileges.
Consequently, Human armies had few Cavalry, primarily employing them as land-based scouts.
However, Cavalry were highly sought after in the mercenary trade. Excluding heroes, their combat strength represented the pinnacle for commoner professions; some heroes might not even match an exceptional cavalryman. The Cavalry’s unit talent was Forced March, beneficial for rapid movement and providing reinforcements. These lightly armored cavalrymen didn’t strictly require warhorses; a decent packhorse was sufficient for the types of engagements mercenaries usually faced. Furthermore, if a cavalryman awakened as a hero, they were guaranteed to become a powerful Knight Hero. The combat power difference between them and a Warrior Hero awakened from a Sixth Order Guard—a mere one-tier difference in unit class—was substantial. As a result, wealthier mercenary companies were willing to pay handsomely to acquire Cavalry from Lords, significantly boosting their own strength and command fees.
Thus, Cavalry, considered mediocre and disdained by the nobility, became a common sight within mercenary companies.
Yan Xing recruited all available Cavalry from the newly constructed Cavalry Barracks. These newly recruited Cavalry came equipped only with weapons and armor; they lacked mounts. Warhorses had to be provided separately.
Recruiting a cavalryman cost 240 Gold Coins, while a Griffon cost 250. Considering they came without horses, it was indeed more sensible to spend a bit more for a Griffon.
No wonder Human Lords held Cavalry in low esteem; not all Lords possessed Yan Xing’s talent for generating wealth.
A domain received only a limited amount of God-given gold coins each week. After deducting urban operational costs and tribute to the Great Lord, every single Gold Coin had to be budgeted meticulously.
Recruiting a Sixth Order Guard only cost 160 Gold Coins, and no warhorse was needed.