Lord of the Frozen Winter: Starting with Daily Intelligence Reports

After breakfast, Louis summoned Mike, and together they ascended the castle's highest tower, gazing out at the entire Red Tide Territory's snowfield and defensive line.

Mike patted the windowsill, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Following the management test you proposed last time, the defensive facilities in various places, especially the clusters of earthen buildings, are now almost fully equipped.”

He pointed downwards and continued, “Firstly, the two newly constructed earthen buildings in Red Tide itself, as well as the five in other surrounding territories, are now all complete.

Although they can't compare to this old building's complete facilities and excellent living conditions, they are more than sufficient for use as warehouses or shelters.”

“These earthen buildings prioritize practicality. They are equipped with sealed gates that can withstand large-scale attacks or severe cold.

The walls are made of rammed earth, four meters thick, with an inner layer of dark gray stone bricks transported from our side—

Mike raised his chin, his tone slightly proud, “Even with a battering ram, it would take ten days to half a month to break through.”

“Furthermore, we've designed them with pre-set locking mechanisms. Once enemies break through the outer perimeter, we can immediately seal off the stairwells—

Forget the Snowsworn, even people would be trapped like dead rats if they entered.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the distant defensive strongholds. “Now, the entire Red Tide Territory is an iron-clad defensive line.”

Louis nodded, expressing his approval.

Then he turned and asked, “What about the surrounding trap deployments? Are they all set up?”

Mike immediately straightened his back, his expression serious. “They are all arranged according to your standards. Rolling logs, pit traps, and slopes can all be linked.”

He pointed towards the mountain path, explaining each one:

“First, the reverse-slope winding path: We've transformed the original mountain path into a zigzagging gentle slope.

This not only slows down the enemy's charge but also allows us to set up ambushes at every turn, creating crossfire.

Second, rolling log traps: Spiked rolling logs are pre-positioned at the top of each slope.

As soon as the mechanism is triggered, gravity will send them crashing down on the enemy forces, causing immense casualties during dense charges.

Third, coordinated pit traps: We've also utilized the terrain to dig many concealed pit traps.

During combat, these can further impede the enemy's advance; even heavily armored soldiers would have to tread carefully.

As soon as the enemy steps onto the Red Tide Territory's mountain path, it's like they're jumping into a trap themselves.” Mike's face was filled with unconcealed pride as he spoke. Louis nodded slightly upon hearing this, his tone affirming, “Very good, you've done well.”

Mike then pointed into the distance, where a row of metal poles embedded along the mountain was faintly visible.

“That thing rings whenever there's a vibration, even if it's covered in snow, it doesn't hinder detection. Even a pack of wild wolves stepping on it will trigger an alarm, and the more people there are, the more obvious the alert.”

Louis nodded gently, “It's like remote ‘ears,' eliminating the need for soldiers to patrol all day, saving manpower and reacting faster.”

Then he turned around, looking thoughtfully at the mountain path. “I'm thinking—could we set up a set of modular iron plate walls, embedded with slanted wooden spikes? In a crisis, they could be pushed out of a slot to seal off the main road in one go.”

Mike's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but clap. “Iron plates with slanted spikes? That could block a cavalry charge, they wouldn't be able to get through! My Lord, this idea—it's genius!”

Louis didn't stop, continuing to propose his ideas. “Not only that, but we could also set up a pair of simple flamethrower devices on both sides. Once activated, a wall of fire would rise, blocking others.”

Mike was stunned, his expression a bit hesitant. “My Lord, this design is truly impeccable—but it's peacetime now.

Using iron plates, alchemical flamethrowers, and a large amount of fuel, the cost would be too high. Even the Snowsworn wouldn't go to such lengths...”

“It's not them,” Louis said in a low voice. “War is coming. Not just the Snowsworn, and certainly not just bandits, but a war you have never seen before.”

Mike was speechless seeing Louis so serious.

Though he couldn't imagine what that war would look like, he knew his Lord wouldn't speak without basis.

So he nodded solemnly, his expression changing from its previous ease. “Understood, My Lord. If there truly is a great war, I will make the most rigorous preparations. No matter who comes, we will defend the Red Tide Territory.”

Louis calmly said, “It's not just about preparing for the Red Tide Territory; it's all the territories under my banner. No, I should say the entire Snowpeak County. I must do everything in my power to protect and save them.”

Mike was speechless for a moment, feeling as if the young Lord's figure before him was enveloped by the morning sun, shining brightly on this icy land.

He wasn't exaggerating his praise, but rather a sense of respect welled up from his heart:

This person—

Is like a rising sun, bringing an unstoppable light, enough to dispel the long, unlit darkness of the entire Snowpeak County.

After bidding farewell to Mike, Louis mounted his horse and rode straight to the Knight training ground outside Red Tide City.

The morning mist had not yet fully dispersed, but the training ground was already radiating heat.

Several teams of Red Tide Knights, clad in black and silver custom armor, were conducting a “flamethrower coordinated combat” drill.

The main flamethrower operators were at the core of the formation, carrying heavy alchemical flamethrowers, continuously spewing scorching flames to create a frontal fire blockade. The secondary flamethrower operators on both sides moved flexibly, covering the flanks with crossfire to prevent the Worm-Eaten Household from breaking through the edges.

Further out, spearmen and sword-and-shield Knights advanced in sync, intercepting any stragglers, forming layers of defense with excellent coordination.

Blazing tongues of fire surged across the firing range, their light reflecting on the Knights' solemn faces.

By the high platform, the tactical officer's voice was hoarse as he roared, “Change formation! Fill positions! Firewall continuation—quickly!”

Louis stood on the high platform, his gaze like a blade, observing the entire process.

The battle formation was operating much more skillfully than before, yet the atmosphere remained tense; it was still far from enough.

The shock from the Mother Nest battle had not yet subsided. Although it was a complete victory, the ferocity of the Worm-Eaten Household had left a deep impression.

Now, it had transformed into pressure and motivation for everyone.

After all, even the slightest delay could once again lead to disaster.

Lambert strode over, still radiating heat, his armor unremoved, and sweat still glistening on his temples.

He stopped in front of the platform and saluted with clasped fists: “My Lord.”

Louis nodded slightly, “Has there been progress in tactical coordination?”

“Much stronger than before,” Lambert replied in a deep voice. “The flamethrower teams and sword formation teams can now complete three-stage firewall alternations, increasing blockade efficiency by nearly double compared to last month.”

He paused slightly, his expression growing even more solemn. “But it's still not fast enough. If we encounter a surprise attack from the Worm-Eaten Household, if any team is even half a beat slow, they might not be ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ able to seal the gap.”

Louis was silent for a moment, mentally simulating the upcoming battle.

Then he slowly spoke, “Immediately strengthen the ‘firewall' system training. All flamethrower teams, from alternating rhythm, coverage angle, to fuel switching and command response, optimize everything comprehensively.

I want you to be able to complete a triple blockade instantly, even in chaos or during a charge, leaving no gap for the Worm-Eaten Household.”

Lambert nodded in agreement, a rare relaxed smile appearing on his face. “That's great! With this, we can at least produce another batch of high-tier Knights.”

But Louis's gaze did not relax; instead, it deepened.

He looked at the distant firewall front, his voice lowering. “War is coming. We must push our strength to the limit before it truly descends.”

Lambert was slightly taken aback.

He didn't know what “war” the Lord was referring to.

Was it the remnants of the Snowsworn? The lurking, unknown Northern rebels? Or that terrifying Mother Nest?

The night filled with slime and spores, rampant parasites, and comrades turning into monsters flashed in his mind, and a chill ran up his spine.

Perhaps Louis was referring to that.

But he didn't ask further.

Because he knew that if Louis said “war is coming,” then it must be true.

Lambert puffed out his chest, his voice crisp and low. “Understood, My Lord. I will prepare with all my might.”