Chapter 451: Preparing for the Battle of Eight Peaks

If one wishes to borrow the strength of Humans, one must provide notice in advance; their ability to mobilize and integrate troops is quite poor, though Sinuoli does not intend to solve the problems of Human society, nor is he able to.

Based on his experience from his previous life, a centralized system is certainly superior to a feudal system in developing productivity and combat effectiveness, but this is the land of Sigmar, and the rules were set back when Jilesi founded the nation; it is not for an outsider to criticize.

The Elder Sage of Haojiaobao, Ruben, is known throughout the Qunshan for his wisdom; his diary was compiled and published, becoming the best-selling material for people to understand that great war in later years. The following are relevant excerpts.

August, year 6973: A great earthquake in the southeast. Analysis of reports from various Karaks suggests the epicenter may be deep in the Withered Swamp. The rats are in trouble; tonight is worth having an extra two drinks!

The first day of 6974: The great Demigod Sinuoli received the decree of the Ancestor Gods during a sacrifice and immediately broadcast it to the Qunshan. He will obey the divine oracle and personally take command to lead the army to retake Eight Peaks exactly one year later!

When he was managing the Southlands that year, I predicted that a northern expedition was only a matter of time, and now it has indeed come to pass. Some of those fellows who bet against me have lost! Celebrate well today, and convene a meeting immediately tomorrow; Karak-Hern cannot fall behind other fortresses in such a grand event.

6974.1.2: Every Clan Chief and guild leader has shown unparalleled enthusiasm. The gods have sent an oracle for the Demigod to lead the army, ancient Grudges will be settled, and it is inevitable that the lost fortress and the treasures within will return to the embrace of the Sons of the Mountains.

Alike wants to lead the expedition personally, but I fear this is inappropriate. The Angrund Clan is not as incompetent as rumored; the dangers beneath Eight Peaks may be nothing to the Ancestor Chosen, but he must not be careless. I must go find his wife and persuade Alike together with her!

6974.1.7: His Majesty Sinuoli has sent detailed recruitment rules to every fortress. With the foundation of the previous Southlands expedition, his staff is highly efficient.

This document highlights his two major personal traits—generosity and caution. Even one of these is rare among the Sons of the Mountains, and the fact that he, as a Demigod, still possesses them today may be a major reason why he is highly regarded by the Ancestor Gods.

This battle requires only professional soldiers; every applicant must hold proof to be hired. This also indicates his assessment of the war: retaking Eight Peaks will not be an easy journey of drinking and singing.

6974.1.20: We finally persuaded Alike. As a young man, he is too eager to establish merits worthy of being carved into the mountain rock for eternal praise, ignoring the responsibilities he must fulfill as a King.

How much he resembles his father! Nearly a hundred years have passed, and I am still often awakened in my dreams by that deadly spear flying toward me. Damn the Green Chaos; the settling of the Eight Peaks Grudge is close at hand, but what of those in my Haojiaobao Book of Grudges!

6974.3.1: After long arguments and meetings, I finally obtained command of the coalition from the Black Mountains and surrounding settlements. The Little Beards only care about showing off their temporary courage, but participating in such a great war does not depend on how beautifully one swings a hammer.

Many in the middle and upper ranks have opinions about His Majesty Sinuoli's decision to seek cooperation with Humans and promise to share the wealth, but how can mere dead objects compare to the lives of our clansmen? I believe that once they reach the Badlands and understand the situation, their thoughts will be corrected.

6974.6.1: The progress of recruitment in every fortress is going smoothly, very smoothly. With the oracle of the Ancestor Gods and the Demigod personally leading the army, even the most pessimistic clansmen cannot find a reason for failure.

Considering the threat in Aisuoluolun Senlin, we must limit the number of people we take. Even if unwilling, we must try to talk to the guys under the Oak of Ages this year, otherwise, we will have to take the initiative to expand the buffer zone before the winter before the expedition; after all, no matter how smooth it goes, it is impossible to return before midsummer of the coming year.

6974.7.16: Strange, I can only say strange. The Bretonnian sent to deliver the message brought back good news: the pointy-ears are willing to maintain a temporary peace with us. Very well, let their weeds grow a bit longer.

There is news that this strange phenomenon may be related to a Green Chaos force called the "Orion Arrow Regiment" on the western foothills of the Nan Shijie Bianyuan Shanmai. We all kept a tacit understanding at the meeting not to mention it further; it will not be too late to explore when we reach the Southlands.

6974.9.1: The pointy-ears are not like us Sons of the Mountains who keep our promises; there is no reason to trust them completely, so a sufficient garrison is necessary. Under this premise, I determined the composition of the Black Mountains coalition.

80 Hammer Guard

80 Ironbreaker

50 Dwarf Ranger

40 Eagle Hunter

30 Irondrake

6 Rune Grudge Thrower

6 Rune Bolt Thrower

In addition to half of the guards, Alike entrusted me with the shield inherited from the ancestor Kurgaz and his two shield-bearers, authorizing me to represent the Lord of Haojiaobao in commanding the battle and settling Grudges.

His Majesty Sinuoli and the Engineer guilds of Haimenguan and Jiliuguan worked together to develop many new products; it was only after much bitter persuasion over these years that Alike reluctantly agreed to equip a small portion.

This expedition will also be a great opportunity to broaden horizons; after the Clan Leaders see the power of the War Machine with their own eyes, it should better promote the change in Alike's thinking.

6974.9.10: Swearing the oath, setting out! After sacrificing to the gods and ancestors, Alike read out all the entries in the Book of Grudges regarding Eight Peaks. May the Ancestor Gods bless us, and may we cross them all out upon our triumphant return!

6974.9.15: The troops marched south through the Border Prince Territory and boarded the warships of Haimenguan on the west bank of Blackwater Bay. To transport troops and supplies, Haimenguan activated all its ships; I heard that these days, bandits dare not poke their heads out within ten miles of the shore!

6974.9.27: Rendezvoused with the Steam Sailboat fleet of the Bo'erdeluo Gongguo at the Great Mortis River delta. In addition to their own people, they are transporting clansmen from the Grey Mountains, the northern Empire, and even Norsca.

6974.10.3: Arrived at Kuata Port. I passed through here when I visited the Ancestral Lands of Gaoyuanbao when the Southlands were first settled; now, I cannot find a trace of how it was back then. It is this speed of development that has forged the miraculous Southlands.

His Majesty Sinuoli is currently presiding over the overall situation at Red Cloud Mountain. The Prime Minister of the Southlands, Balin, conveyed his apologies for being unable to come to Kuata personally to welcome us. This is too polite; the Demigod of the Qunshan should have the appropriate pomp.

Balin is an interesting young man; he has formed a set of new and effective management strategies. Once settled, I should communicate more with him; the proportion of Human residents in Haojiaobao is the highest among all fortresses in the Old World.

6974.10.7: After a short rest to allow the seasickness of some clansmen to subside, we boarded the train to Red Cloud Mountain—the gateway to the Southlands and the base camp for the northern expedition preparations.

His Majesty Sinuoli greeted us at the station. Entering the fortress through the gate guarded by the Rune Colossus, the journey to retake Eight Peaks is about to begin.