After storing all the drop items into the spatial bag, Paul said, "Now, it's time to discuss our main problem—outside of the dungeon, the goblin horde." He then pulled out a folding stool from his spatial bag and sat down with a calm but focused expression.
Pulling out three more folding chairs, he handed them over to Renya and said, "Renya, please…" gesturing for her to set them up for the others.
Renya said, "Okay, Prince," and took the three folding chairs, unfolding them one by one and placing them in a circle—one for Kruger, one for Greta, and one for herself. As Kruger and Greta took their seats, Paul pulled out a folding table from his spatial bag. Without needing a word, Renya moved to open the table and set it in the center of their circle.
Once everything was set, Renya sat down in her chair. Paul then took out a large piece of parchment, unrolled it carefully, and laid it flat across the table, its edges curling slightly from the tension.
As he opened the parchment and glanced at the illustration for a moment, Paul looked up at Kruger and asked, "So, how do we exterminate the goblins? At least from the surveillance I saw—using the drone—there are about 500 settlements visible, since they're scattered throughout the forest, within a 300 by 300 radius." He tapped the table thoughtfully with one finger as he spoke.
Hearing that, Kruger's expression turned serious. "Just as the Prince feared," he began, his tone heavy, "this goblin group is... different. More organized. More dangerous. And because of that, we're planning to deploy a fairly large force—around 1,800 soldiers and 200 adventurers—to wipe them out."
While studying the parchment spread across the table, Kruger said, "Because we'll be sending the troops in from two sides—the capital and the neighboring city." His index finger moved across the parchment, pointing to two city icons placed on the left and right edges of the map.
He then tapped on one of the cities and continued, "We've already coordinated with the troops. Each group will consist of fifteen people, and they'll advance separately toward the forest." His finger traced a path from the city toward the dense forest region marked on the map.
Receiving that answer, Paul asked, "With this many separate units, have you coordinated the location of the siege?" while glancing at Kruger with a curious expression.
Hearing the question, Kruger looked momentarily puzzled. Then, as realization dawned, he said, "Prince means... the messengers?"
Paul gave a single nod.
With that confirmation, Kruger replied, "As for the messengers, we've already implemented the coordination plan. They're delivering directions to each unit using the letter drops we leave every few distances—just like the strategy Prince suggested yesterday."
Seeing Paul only nodding in silence, Kruger continued, "After each separate unit moved in the direction we'd designated, we coordinated them again—just like when Prince gave orders to Gunther and Greta to place those devices." He gestured to the map, pointing at the spots where Paul had instructed the placement of radios and earpieces.
As Kruger pointed to the eight guard points outside the goblin settlement, Paul raised an eyebrow and said, "Hhhoo… so, that was your idea? To suddenly surround the goblin settlement?" His gaze lingered on the map, clearly impressed by the strategic encirclement being drawn out before him.
With Paul's question, Kruger replied, "Yes, each of the 8 guard points around the goblin settlement will be manned by 125 soldiers—veterans and new recruits alike, all familiar with the forest." He moved his index finger around the map, circling each of the eight designated positions.
Hearing that, Paul leaned forward slightly, interest evident in his tone as he asked, "Oh… so you'll be able to attack and defend at the same time?"
Kruger nodded firmly. "Exactly. We'll send in 600 main troops, divided among these 4 assault points," he said, pointing to the marked locations that led directly toward the goblin settlement.
As he studied the map, Paul added, "Oh… and we also have 200 adventurers, that's 40 parties…" he said thoughtfully, simulating the distribution with gestures. But as he pictured the battlefield, his mind drifted to the creature he'd seen earlier through his drone feed. His voice turned cautious, his brow furrowing. "But… with that special monster among them…" he trailed off, uncertainty creeping into his tone.
Hearing that, Kruger responded, "Yes… because of that special goblin you saw, Prince, I've ordered Gunther to request reinforcements from the next town—200 light cavalry troops trained for forest combat," he said, pointing to the map where the reinforcement city was located.
Paul nodded slowly. "Oh… so at least, we'll be able to launch a surprise attack—a counterattack—if the goblins try to break through or escape by forcing one side of the defense," he said, thinking aloud. Hearing that, Ranya, Kruger, and Greta all nodded in agreement.
Realizing that the entire operation was already in motion and that their units were on the way to the eight designated guard points, Paul asked, slightly confused, "So… when exactly will the goblin extermination plan begin?"
Hearing the question, Kruger replied, "Since we're waiting on Gunther's reinforcements, the plan is for the troops to reach the eight positions by midday and launch the attack in the afternoon."
Paul nodded at the explanation and said, "Alright, at least my heat sensor can still be of use."
Then, turning his gaze to Renya, Paul asked in a serious tone, "So, how long will it take for your unit—the assassins—to locate the goblin hostage?"
Renya thought for a moment before answering, "If it's right now, they've probably just arrived." Still thinking, she added, "It'll take until around noon to scout the settlement and identify where the hostages are being held," she said, lightly touching her cheek with one finger.
Hearing that answer, Paul said, "Alright then, we'll start the attack in the afternoon," while rolling up and closing the parchment.
Upon hearing Paul confirm the attack time, Renya, Greta, and Kruger responded in unison,
"Roger…"
After leaving the Dungeon, Paul immediately searched for a high vantage point and set up his gear. He took out the "Arcwave Relay 8 - Rune Relay Command" tool and a portable table. Renya quickly opened the table and placed the Arcwave Relay 8 on top, securing it in place.
Meanwhile, Paul released six Drones, which were promptly activated and flown by Kruger. When the Drone is maneuvered by Paul mind to circle around the target area, Paul assembled the remaining components of the Arcwave Relay 8 and powered it up.
Once everything was set and operational, Paul looked at the radio and spoke confidently, "This is Iron Crown (Command Center). Radio check. Respond in sequence. Over."
A brief moment of static followed, then a clear female voice came through the radio, "Iron Fist (Front Command). Signal is strong and clear. Standing by for orders. Over."
After the female voice from Iron Fist responded, the radio crackled again, one by one, the voices from various positions checked in:
"North Fang (Northern Strikers) in position. Standing by for orders. Over."
"South Fang (Southern Striker) in position. Standing by for orders. Over."
"East Fang (East Attacker) in position. Standing by for orders. Over."
"West Fang (West Attacker) in position. Standing by for orders. Over."
"Outpost One. Communication stable. Already in position. Over."
"Outpost Two. Channel secure, no anomalies detected. Over."
"Outpost Three. Voice transmission confirmed. Already in position. Over."
"Outpost Four..."
"Outpost Five..."
"Outpost Six..."
"Outpost Seven..."
"Outpost Eight..."
Paul stood still, listening to the steady stream of confirmations, his expression focused as the information continued to come through. Each report was checked off mentally, ensuring all units were accounted for and ready. With everything in position, Paul could feel the weight of the impending operation hanging in the air.
As the voice came through the radio, Paul glanced at Kruger and said, "It looks like Sis Brunhild (your daughter) is taking the lead at the front command. Is that alright with you, Kruger?" He tossed the command headset toward him.
Hearing Paul's question, Kruger caught the headset with a swift motion and replied, "It's not okay, in fact, this is better. Because Brunhild has been trained to be a commander and a frontline fighter." He then placed the headset on his head, his expression calm but focused.
Paul raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised at Kruger's confidence in his daughter's abilities. "I see... I wasn't aware she was trained for this kind of responsibility," Paul said, nodding thoughtfully.
Kruger gave a brief nod in return. "Brunhild is not only skilled with a sword, but she also understands the complexities of battle strategy. She's always been more than just the daughter of the head guard. She's proven herself more than capable."
After that speaking, Kruger spoke into the headset mic, " This is Iron Crown. We will start the attack in the afternoon when the Raven unit arrives. Before that, we must ensure the 8 guard posts remain secure. One thing every unit should be aware of — be extra cautious with the goblins. They're not your average monsters. They are really, really special… cunning. Over."
The voice responses came quickly, one after another:
"Iron Fist acknowledged. Over."
"North Fang understood. Over."
"South Fang understood. Over."
"East Fang understood. Over."
"West Fang understood. Over."
"Outpost One, standing by. Over."
"Outpost Two, standing by. Over."
"Outpost Three, understood. Over."
"Outpost Four, all clear. Over."
"Outpost Five, on standby. Over."
"Outpost Six, awaiting orders. Over."
"Outpost Seven, ready. Over."
"Outpost Eight, in position. Over."
Kruger lowered the headset mic and looked over at Paul, his expression serious. "Now we wait for the Raven unit, then we strike."
Paul nodded, his mind already calculating the steps ahead.