Reincarnated with the Country System

The Baraka River stretched like a serpent across the landscape, its waters glinting under the pale sunlight. Three hundred kilometers long, it was a natural barrier that Duke Farl's forces had turned into a formidable line of defense. Along its banks, a series of wooden forts had been hastily constructed, each one a bastion of resistance against the advancing Latvian army. The river was the last line of Defense, and Duke Farl was determined to hold it at all costs. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire

The fort where Duke Farl now stood was one of the largest, a sprawling structure of timber and earthworks perched on the river's edge. Around it, hundreds of tents dotted the landscape, housing the soldiers who had been deployed to defend this stretch of the river.@@novelbin@@

Inside the fort, Duke Farl stood at the head of a large wooden table, surrounded by his commanders and nobles. Maps of the region were spread out before them, marked with red and blue symbols indicating enemy movements and defensive positions. The mood in the room was tense but focused. They all knew what was at stake.

"What information did our scouts bring?" Duke Farl asked, his voice calm but commanding. His armor, though practical, bore the insignia of his house—a silver falcon in flight.

A man stepped forward, his presence immediately drawing the room's attention. He was the leader of the Silver Swords, one of only two Platinum-rank adventurer groups in Britannia. His companions—a mage, a healer, an archer, and a towering defender with a massive shield—stood behind him, their presence a testament to their skill and reputation.

"We have detected an Orc legion," the leader said, his voice steady. "They will arrive here by tomorrow. We estimate their numbers to be between eight and ten thousand. They are accompanied by war beasts—massive creatures that may be able to cross the river. We also observed a force of draugr following the Orc legion. They are three days behind, but their exact target is unclear."

Duke Farl's brow furrowed. "Do they have any flying support?"

"No, we detected no flying creatures," the adventurer replied. "They do have wizards, but they are only second and third grade."

Duke Farl nodded, his expression grim. "You have done well. Thank you for your service."

As the Silver Swords stepped back, one of Duke Farl's commanders spoke up. "Duke, we have thirty thousand soldiers here. We can hold the Orcs, but their war beasts and the draugr will complicate matters. I've heard reports of Latvian war monsters destroying entire walls. If they bring those here, our defenses may not hold."

Duke Farl's eyes narrowed. "They won't cross the river. We've prepared for this. On the other side of the river, we've set traps and obstacles to slow their advance. We've also scorched the land—destroyed crops, poisoned wells, and burned forests. The Latvians will find no food, no water, and no shelter. They'll be forced to rely entirely on their own supplies, which will stretch their logistics thin."

However, the strategy was not without its costs. The destruction of farmland and forests would have long-term consequences for the local population, many of whom were already suffering from the effects of the war. Duke Farl knew this, but he believed it was a necessary sacrifice to protect the greater good.

The commander nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "The traps will slow them, but they won't stop them entirely. We need to buy time until reinforcements arrive."

"Agreed," Duke Farl said. He turned to another commander. "What of the hwachas?"

The commander straightened. "Duke Gorge sent a hundred hwachas. They're being positioned along the riverbank as we speak. With their range and firepower, they'll be invaluable against the war beasts and massed infantry."

The hwacha, a type of multiple rocket launcher, was one of the most advanced weapons in Britannia's arsenal. Capable of firing dozens of arrows or rockets in a single volley, it was devastating against massed infantry and large targets like war beasts. These weapons were not made by Britannia. They purchased them from Malak. Duke Gorge's brought them and send a hundred hwachas to the Baraka River was a significant boost to the defenders' capabilities.

"Good," Duke Farl said. "Deploy them immediately. And send word to the other forts. Warn them of the draugr. We need to coordinate our defenses."

"Also, remember," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "we are not just defending a river. We are defending Britannia. Hold the line, and we will prevail."

As the commanders dispersed to carry out their orders, Duke Farl stepped out onto the fort's ramparts. Below him, the river flowed steadily, its surface deceptively calm. On the far bank, the land was barren and blackened, a testament to the scorched-earth tactics they had employed. It was a harsh strategy, one that had cost them dearly in terms of resources and morale, but it was necessary. The Latvians could not be allowed to gain a foothold.

The sound of footsteps drew his attention. The leader of the Silver Swords approached, his expression thoughtful. "Duke Farl, if I may—our group is at your disposal. We can assist in holding the line or conducting sabotage behind enemy lines."

Duke Farl considered the offer. The Silver Swords were a valuable asset, their skills far beyond those of ordinary soldiers. "Stay here for now," he said finally. "Your presence will bolster morale, and I may have need of your unique talents soon."

The adventurer nodded and withdrew, leaving Duke Farl alone with his thoughts. He gazed out at the river, his mind racing. The coming battle would be brutal, but he was confident in his preparations. The traps on the far bank, the hwacha, the scorched earth—all of it was designed to buy time and weaken the enemy. But time was a double-edged sword. The longer they held, the more likely it was that the Latvians would find a way to break through.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fort buzzed with activity. Soldiers fortified the riverbanks.