CHAPTER 303: CHAPTER 207: THE DOG IS BARKING

"The greatest threat is the artillery positions occupying the high ground!"

Christine looked at the battlefield map before her and pointed out the critical issue with precision.

Helentz Castle was understaffed, not only losing the inner and outer city surface positions but also allowing the Oden Kingdom to occupy Helen Mountain east of the castle.

This mountain was neither too high nor too low, just right for mounting large-caliber artillery that covered Helentz Castle and the eastern segment of the canal.

The main positions of the Oden Kingdom Army relied on Helen Mountain and the Jill Canal, making them easy to defend but hard to attack.

The key to the problem was identified, but how to solve it?

Roland remained silent, while Sif turned her gaze out the window to admire the scenery.

Christine was somewhat annoyed by Sif’s indifferent attitude, but she never expected Sif to be useful beyond charging into battle personally.

With her fingertips rhythmically tapping the map, her thoughts flew several kilometers to the front line.

The carriage window was lifted, revealing beautiful scenery along the way, but she had no mind to enjoy it.

Winning this battle wasn’t difficult; the challenge lay in surrounding and annihilating the enemy.

She owed Roland a big favor, and not repaying it left a knot in her heart that would hinder her path to becoming stronger.

If she could annihilate the Oden Kingdom’s army at a minimal cost, that would repay this favor.

Yet, Roland and Sif had reasons not to give up Helentz Castle, making the possibility of completing the task at a low cost disappear, and increasing the difficulty of solving the problem sharply.

In a way, it’s good. If it were too simple, it wouldn’t showcase her skills.

Christine gathered her thoughts and fixed her gaze on Helen Mountain.

This not-so-high ridge backed the canal and faced the plain, with a gentle slope on its front, but was heavily guarded by troops. Attacking the artillery positions head-on with troops and artillery fire was not feasible.

The only option was to land from the canal and launch a surprise attack from behind.

Thinking it over, Christine could only come up with one plan.

"First, attack the outer positions to mobilize the enemy, then have the Sea Demon launch a surprise attack on Helen Mountain at night from behind."

Sif bit her lip and couldn’t help but remind, "But the Sea Demon can’t climb mountains."

"No matter, just make the people on the mountain come down."

Christine pointed her fingertip at a spot on the map and said in a deep voice:

"The breakthrough point is here. Have the Sea Demon lure the artillery guards at the shore, allowing the Temple Warriors to climb Helen Mountain and quickly destroy the enemy’s cannons."

"The only concern is the enemy deploying a few superpowerful individuals here. If the Old Commander is also stationed here, that would be troublesome."

Christine referred to the Old Commander as Shank Oden, a distant relative of the Oden Imperial Family. He wasn’t a typical Northern Berserker but chose a different path.

Rumor has it he carries the bloodline of an Ancient Giant, standing nearly three meters tall and weighing several hundred kilograms, able to tear apart lions, tigers, and even brown bears barehanded, and once hunted three small whales at sea.

Among his hunting list is a rare super demonized giant lizard, and for this, he shamelessly calls himself the "Dragon Hunter."

As is well known, in this era, proper dinosaur descendants are birds, those that look like Evil Dragons are actually lizards, not the Dragon Race; hence the "Dragon Hunter" title is quite exaggerated.

Although it’s exaggerated, his strength is undeniable.

To deal with him, only Master Anthony can step in.

Anthony agreed to assist but did not plan to strike first.

If the Old Commander appears, he will covertly intimidate him, forcing Shank to retreat wisely. If Shank acts regardless, he plans to let Roland and the others go first and step in only if they can’t withstand it.

Roland understood it was for them to use Shank as a target to train by battle.

Though Shank’s strength is high, with Anthony’s protection, the overall risk is manageable.

Christine, of course, knew this.

Since Anthony was going, she decided to involve Lisa in the battle to destroy the artillery positions.

Only Sif was excluded.

Despite Sif’s repeated protests, Christine still refused.

"You are the Empress; if you die, the war ends, I cannot take the risk."

Christine’s reasoning was supported by Roland. Sif was thus arranged to stay behind, accompanying Christine.

Sif was discontent, but could only accept the arrangement.

Christine was right; Sif could join the fray personally, but firearms were indiscriminate. Although bullets couldn’t kill her, large-caliber artillery could send her off.

She could evade swords and arrows, withstand bullets, but she was not invincible.

Even if artillery wasn’t aimed directly, if the Old Commander made a last-ditch effort to take her down, she might still die.

Though Shank is among the weaker Tier Seven, he seems almighty like a War God compared to "weak" in Tier Eight.

Christine did not expect the assault team to seize and hold the artillery positions; her demand was to destroy the Oden’s artillery.

As long as the enemy’s large-caliber artillery is destroyed, it loses its firepower advantage before being repaired.

The newly equipped small cannons can then prove useful. Small cannons are still cannons; a six-pound shell landing on you sends you to the Netherworld just as quietly.

With firepower fair or even dominant, it’s Christine’s time next.

Night falls, the troops find places to camp, and the carriage slowly stops.

Sif left the camp alone and found a quiet place to gaze at the stars.

She was waiting for someone.

She didn’t have to wait long before Roland’s shadow appeared.

"What, still angry about my suggestion?" Roland’s gentle voice came from behind.

"If I don’t even have the ability to face Shank, how can I face Sofia?" Sif softly retorted.

She slowly turned, her expression calm.

She didn’t scream hysterically or complain in a fit of rage, she just spoke calmly.