Maximus solemnly reminded, "Now that the Andizeti has suffered severe damage, you must occupy the entire territory of the Andizeti as quickly as possible before the Skodisqi Tribe takes action!"

At the southern border of the Pannonian Tribe Alliance lies the Skodisqi Tribe, a fact long known to the Nix Tribe leadership. Maximus deliberately brought up this issue at this moment, tightening the hearts of Oluus and Pequot.

Oluus immediately asked anxiously, "Chief, we will speed up the offensive! But if the Skodisqi Tribe decisively attacks the Andizeti and our troops encounter them, what stance should we take?"

Maximus resolutely replied, "First, you must ensure control over the lands on both sides of the Sava River within the Andizeti territory, as well as the confluence with the Danube River!

Aside from that, avoid conflict with the Skodisqi troops as much as possible. The border outposts in the southern part of the Andizeti territory can be occupied by the Skodisqi forces who arrive first, but if they refuse to back down and attempt to encroach on our interests, then strike them hard. Let them understand our power, which might make future negotiations with them smoother."

Oluus pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "Understood."

"Chief, the ordinary tribesmen in our tribe are still unaware of the remaining presence of the Skodisqi Tribe. Among the Third and Fourth Legion, there are many Skodisqi soldiers. Once the army enters the Andizeti and encounters the Skodisqi troops, I worry that some Skodisqi soldiers might refuse to obey commands or even defect. What should we do?

Should we impose harsher punishments to deter all Skodisqi soldiers, or consider their actions justifiable and grant them more lenient penalties?" Pequot asked solemnly.

The Fifth Legion is a newly formed force, with nearly half of its soldiers being Skodisqi. This gave him a great deal of concern.

Maximus calmly responded, "The reason our Nix Army has been victorious time and again is largely due to our strict military discipline. The 'Military Law' is clearly posted on the walls of every Military Department training ground. Every team officer and soldier knows it well. We neither impose harsher penalties on anyone nor grant unwarranted leniency. How military law was executed in the past is how it will continue to be executed in the future—unchanged!

As for your concern, Pequot, I think you're worrying too much. Do you remember the rumors earlier this year about the existence of the Skodisqi Tribe south of the Pannonian Tribe Alliance?"

"Of course, I remember." Pequot replied, his expression heavy. "Back then, rumors about the presence of the Skodisqi Tribe in the Kupa River region caused unrest among the Skodisqi Tribesmen in towns like Snowdonia and Westeni, which lasted for quite some time—"

Fesaros interjected, "Not just in the Kupa River region, but also in the Ophelia region and the upper reaches of the Sava River. Those rumors caused turmoil as well. I suspect it was the Brochi people stirring up trouble, trying to disrupt our tribe. Fortunately, they failed. The matter naturally subsided not long after."

Pequot furrowed his brows and cautiously reminded, "That was because those were merely rumors. With enemies like the Brochi and Andizeti standing in the way, the Skodisqi tribesmen couldn't verify the truth. But soon, they will see with their own eyes that those rumors were true. What happens then remains unpredictable."

"It is actually predictable," Maximus remarked with a faint smile. "Those rumors were circulated throughout the tribe under my orders by the Intelligence Department. I issued commands to the administrative officers in various towns to have the City Guards increase patrols and maintain order...

But in reality, I was overly concerned. There were no significant disturbances in the various regions. It did not affect farming or workshop production. The Skodisqi tribesmen settled down quickly... What you mentioned earlier, Pequot, is one reason. But there are other reasons.

Intelligence officers collected numerous conversations among Skodisqi tribesmen. Many believed, 'They were living well in the Nix Tribe and were on the verge of becoming Official Tribe Members. Their lives would only improve. Having endured more than ten years as slaves, they were tired of the instability and unwilling to abandon their current prosperous and stable lives to join an unfamiliar Skodisqi Tribe.'

Some even said, 'If that Skodisqi Tribe truly exists and has not managed to drive out the Pannonians over the last dozen years or reclaim the lands that once belonged to them, it speaks to their lack of strength. Given the way the Pannonians treat the Skodisqi, this tribe has likely been constantly besieged by Pannonian attacks. Their quality of life must be terrible. Unless they are out of their minds, why would they forsake such good lives here to suffer there...'

There's also a more critical reason. Do you know Gowes?"

"Gowes... the centurion of my Second Legion and captain of the Snowdonia olive ball team?" Torrelugo asked uncertainly.

"Exactly! This person holds some influence among the Skodisqi tribesmen. Initially, he was very fixated on reviving the Skodisqi Tribe, even leading a group of Skodisqi slaves to conduct raids in the Segestica Territory for a time… When these rumors surfaced, I paid special attention to him."

Maximus recalled with a gentle tone, "In the end, he told others repeatedly, 'If that Skodisqi Tribe truly exists, it has nothing to do with me. My original tribe was destroyed by Segestica. The only bloodline of the Great Chief is my wife—Florist Luscia. I will forever remain in Nix... Many Skodisqi tribesmen spoke in a similar vein as Gowes.

From what I understand, the Skodisqi Tribe at its peak was much like the current Pannonia, consisting of multiple major tribes. While there was collaboration among these tribes, there were also conflicts of interest. Typically, one tribe's members would never join another...

Of course, the tribesmen may simply be using such rhetoric as an excuse for not wanting to join that Skodisqi Tribe. But this precisely demonstrates that the Nix Tribe is far more attractive to them than that Skodisqi Tribe. Even if they truly encounter the Skodisqi army this time, they will likely feel nothing more than surprise and nostalgia. On the contrary, seeing the enemy's crude equipment might reinforce their determination to stay with the Nix Tribe."

Oluus and Pequot visibly eased in their expressions, their spirits lifted.

Maximus went on to caution, "However, both of you must remain vigilant! If the Skodisqi Tribe truly deploys their forces and infringes on our interests, forcing you into battle with them, defeat them but do not pursue or slaughter their routed soldiers. Furthermore, under no circumstance should you invade their territory to avoid alienating the Skodisqi soldiers in our army!

Most importantly, do not provoke the support behind the Skodisqi Tribe—the Dacians. At this time, we cannot afford to antagonize such a powerful force. You must strive to demonstrate our goodwill toward them!"

Oluus and Pequot nodded thoughtfully.

"Torrelugo, Camillus, you must also be cautious during your advance into Maziyi. After taking over the Maziyi territory, do not continue eastward!

Occupying the Brochi, Maziyi, and Andizeti is part of our pre-war plan. We've worked for years to accumulate reserve personnel and supplies. However, managing all three tribes' lands simultaneously might still be too great a burden. Therefore, restraint is essential. Do not escalate the war further, or you risk dragging the Boyi people into the conflict. That would spell immense harm to our Nix Tribe, potentially nullifying all the gains we've achieved so far!"

Maximus gazed sternly at the two men, but his eyes lingered more on Torrelugo. After all, Torrelugo would lead the army and, given his resolute character, Maximus was somewhat uneasy.

Originally, Torrelugo was not Maximus's choice for commander. However, when Fesaros had the bad luck of drawing the short straw and remaining behind, Torrelugo stood out among the remaining four Legion Commanders as the most senior. Choosing anyone else would openly signal distrust, which Maximus could not afford to do.

Although Torrelugo appeared rough and robust, and his actions were often bold and straightforward, he had spent years as a Legion Commander leading thousands of soldiers. He understood nuance. Reading Maximus's intentions, Torrelugo met his gaze and firmly declared, "Chief, please rest assured!"

Maximus assessed him and felt somewhat reassured before advising further, "In the Maziyi Mountains, many tribes live hidden in the forests. After securing the Maziyi Main Camp and the surrounding basin, do not rashly attack the mountain tribes! Our soldiers are Heavy Infantry, poorly suited for mountain warfare. Coupled with unfamiliar terrain, we would be at a disadvantage. I recommend solidifying control over the basin centered around the Maziyi Main Camp while striving to appease and win over the mountain tribes!

I will assign you an indispensable aide—Glicus, Chief Officer of the Staff Department's Military Intelligence Bureau. He's originally a Maziyi tribesman and has several former Maziyi tribesmen under his command. This time, they will join the army. He can serve as both your guide and mediator to help persuade the various tribes in Maziyi."

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