Firearms in a Fantasy World 2

Chapter 236: Life at the Military Camp

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Considering Earl Parker's urgent request, Paul returned to Alden Town on the same day. He immediately summoned high-ranking military officials such as Schroeder and Bryce to discuss sending reinforcements to Biddeburg.

Chief of Staff Schroeder strongly supported sending reinforcements. Pointing on a map of Northwestern Bay, he explained the significance of deploying troops.

"Earl Parker's letter is correct. Biddeburg is located between the territories of Earl Melken and Viscount Johnston. From here to the coastal areas, it's only a day and a night's journey. If the Kent family uses this as a springboard to occupy this small area, it will completely isolate the three counties of Alden, Byerldine, and Rankar from the kingdom's heartland—at least in terms of overland routes. This is unacceptable for us in the current situation."

Paul stared intently at the map, where Biddeburg stood like a nail at the border of Melken and Johnston. Schroeder was right; leaving this place in Kent's hands was too dangerous. Alden had just launched four merchant ships into the sea, and maritime transportation could not fully replace overland transport yet. If the land routes were cut off, it would be a significant blow to Alden's trade activities.

He presented his plan, "I intend to send the 1st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Battalion, and a cannon platoon to support, with the Transport Platoon responsible for logistical support. The 2nd Infantry Battalion will remain in Alden to handle unforeseen situations. Any objections?"

Bryce asked, "Is leaving only one infantry battalion too few?"

Schroeder dispelled his doubts, "The navy can dispatch a company-sized force of sailors ashore to assist in defense. Naval artillery can also be dismantled and deployed on land, and we can mobilize militia from various regions."

"How many militia are combat-ready now?"

Schroeder replied, "Before the Day of Descent, the staff surveyed militias across the regions. We can assemble a temporary force of 2,000 people, with organizational capability no less than regular soldiers used against pirates last year."

...

As dawn broke, the loud wake-up call echoed throughout the military camp. Private Jos woke up to Sergeant Markalov's thunderous shouts.

"Get up, you lazy pigs!"

One by one, the sergeant lifted their blankets, pulling the recruits out of bed.

"This isn't your home! We have strict rules for schedules here. Remember, you are now proud soldiers of Alden!"

Last year, the 3rd Infantry Battalion was formally established. To quickly form combat effectiveness, the staff transferred a batch of officers and veterans from the original two battalions to reinforce the 3rd Battalion. The vacancies in the 1st and 2nd Battalions were filled by recruiting trained militiamen from various regions.

Sergeant Markalov, who had been stationed in Kas Village to train militias, was reassigned to the 1st Infantry Battalion. Ten young men from Kas Village returned with him, including Jos.

The recruited militiamen were dispersed and placed in various platoons. Jos was particularly annoyed to find out that Sergeant Markalov, whom he feared greatly, was now his platoon sergeant.

He vividly remembered Sergeant Markalov's expression during their first assembly.

"It's you again!"

"Alright! I'll keep my eye on you!"