"And it's not only the evil and savage monsters that attack humans. In fact, even the trees will attack intruders. They extend their thick branches to first capture their prey, then absorb their bodily fluids and tear apart their dry skin. Moreover, some tree demons shrouded in hatred will tear humans to pieces in groups to vent their grievances against the living."

"This is also why the Green Dragon didn't rush out of the forest immediately after awakening. It is clearly gathering those scattered yet vast monsters."

Marshal Oerstein's report made Su Li frown deeply; it was as if the entire forest had been turned into a nightmare for humanity, launching a terrifying assault on humans.

No wonder humans in this world harbor a deep-seated fear of the forest. Very few normal people are willing to leave the plains and roads to venture deep into the forest.

"My Marshal, are you suggesting that in addition to the Monster Legion, there might be a Tree Demon Legion among the Green Dragon's minions?"

Oerstein nodded and said, "Yes, my Lord. This is both advantageous and disadvantageous for us. Although the monster's legion size is huge, it means their gathering time will be longer."

"Moreover, our tactics have already succeeded, and proactive strikes have reduced their strength. I believe as long as we actively defend and launch attacks in the upcoming battles, we can continue to diminish their numbers."

Su Li also agreed with Marshal Oerstein's perspective: "If we just passively defend and let the enemy assemble leisurely until they gather all their forces, their vast numbers will overwhelm us like a tide. Offense is the best defense!"

As the supreme commander of the territory, Su Li certainly couldn't maintain too passive an attitude. He would be the courage of an army; if he lacked the courage to resist, the army would collapse directly, and the Green Dragon's legion would drive straight in, and the Hesse Territory would be completely overrun in a matter of days.

Moreover, he never mistreated the soldiers, providing them with generous pay, rich rewards, and extremely abundant food.

During wartime, numerous honors and accolades were set up to reward knights and soldiers.

As long as he could firmly decide, the soldiers would be willing to die for him and defend their homeland.

So Su Li took a deep breath and said, "And you're right; every day we delay, our strength will grow. The monsters are gathering their minions, preparing for a grand hunt. Aren't we also gathering armies, reorganizing new troops, and summoning friends?"

The arrival of the family reinforcements significantly increased the size of his army again.

Regardless, Knight Connor brought over 500 family arms and over 500 people including merchant caravans and mercenaries.

Adding the two Attendant Camps from the family, Su Li's direct Armed Attendants reached nearly half a warband, over 600 people.

Evidently, this Infantry Corps will become the Provincial Army of Hesse Province in the future.

Although noble knights prefer to join the Knight Order rather than serve in the Provincial Legion, fighting alongside commoners, this doesn't mean the Provincial Army lacks combat power. In a world where martial virtues are not so prevalent, such troops, wholly organized and funded by a lord, would be the most professional soldiers. In the Mortal Empire, they are the most elite professional soldiers of humans, already divorced from other professions, training daily only in the art of killing.

It can be said that by providing such a professional army with exquisite armor, a thousand of them can easily crush several thousand or even tens of thousands of rebels and vagrants.

Even in this extraordinary world, the professional Provincial Legion can hold the line against the siege of evil monsters, battling fiercely against the fiercest green-skinned Beastmen, the most terrifying Ogres, and the Great Horned Beasts. As for goblins, goblins, and Inferior Horned Beasts, they are merely targets for slaughter.

Furthermore, the combat strength of the Hesse Territory's army is far more than that. Knight Stein was also inspired by Su Li's words, excitedly saying, "My Lord, there's more good news to report. Your expectations for the Territorial Knights have finally come true, and our Knight Legion is indeed strengthening."

"The Light-Scaled Fish and Fire Rabbits you generously rewarded have achieved extreme effects in the subsequent fierce battles. Our Armed Attendant Corps saw over 30 people awaken their bloodline, becoming Apprentice Knights, and 24 formal Knights were blessed by Divine Grace, breaking through to Elite Knights."

"The breakthrough numbers on the side of the Corona Knight Order are roughly the same as ours. If you add the Red Night Knight Order, your loyal Elite Knights on the battlefield of the final showdown with the Green Dragon already approach 500 people!"

This news immediately invigorated Su Li. Upon seeing those Heavy Armored Knights below the platform shining brightly in the sunlight that day, everyone could deeply appreciate the strength of such elite knights.

It can be said that they are the martial pillars that allow the Human Empire to establish itself in this world!

With five hundred Heavy Armored Knights arrayed on the battlefield, their heavy armor and towering physiques alone would bring an unparalleled sense of oppression.

Even when arrayed on foot on the valley battlefield, they are an elite no one can withstand. Their lined formation can directly push opponents into the river valley, plunging into the water.

If they then mount their warhorses and charge, their lances can penetrate any monster's defensive lines!

So Su Li excitedly said, "My Commander, I entrust you with integrating the territory's army. I believe Knight Connor will have no objections, right?"

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