School Transmigration: I, Chosen as the Saint by Dragons at the Start-Chapter 167 --Ambushing the Grain Caravan

Someone from within the farm came out to move the defensive stakes, allowing the carriage to enter.

Bernie Brown alighted from the vehicle and, under Green Wilson’s guidance, first settled his wife in a nearby cabin.

Though small, the cabin was fully equipped, a vast improvement over his dilapidated dwelling in Aquaspirit Town, even boasting a vigorously burning charcoal brazier at the foot of the bed.

Despite the quietude of the ten or so cabins, both large and small, Bernie Brown could sense the presence of occupants within them.

After ensuring his wife was comfortably settled, Green Wilson led him to a central cabin.

Upon opening the door, over ten people inside rose to their feet simultaneously.

Green Wilson introduced him, saying, "Everyone, this is General Brown, whom our master has been eagerly awaiting."

Then, turning to Bernie Brown, he added, "We’ve infiltrated Cloud Domain; these are the leaders of various teams."

Cloud Domain is one of the territories within the dragons’ realm, located on the border and very close to Loveflow City.

Mutual salutations were exchanged.

Bernie Brown also noticed a scholar in a blue robe sitting in a corner, wearing a mask on his face.

He neither spoke nor offered a greeting and had a brown monkey squatting by his feet.

This monkey, larger and more robust than ordinary ones, warmed its hands by the fire while pushing a few chestnuts into the flames, demonstrating remarkable intelligence.

Such monkeys cannot transform; they are likely demons, not spellbeasts.

Green Wilson had everyone sit down before explaining, "Three of our teams were intercepted by the Cloud Domain army, who then exaggerated their victory tenfold, boasting about it everywhere. The beings of Cloud Domain have been deceived, believing that the new steward has brought a new era to Cloud Domain. By the way, I’ve already passed the message to General Billbaum, who has ordered us to find a way to cut off their supply lines."

"Winter is approaching, and if Sandeck makes it through this winter, awaiting spring’s arrival and the rejuvenation of all things, it will become even more difficult to push south."

Even without Green Wilson’s statement, those present were well aware that the battle outcomes on the dragons’ northern frontier had fallen far short of expectations.

Green Wilson looked at Bernie Brown, "General Brown, my master has recommended you to General Billbaum, who hopes you can lead the upcoming operations."

Hope?

Billbaum probably just wanted to test his mettle.

Bernie Brown nodded and asked, "Do we have a sand table?"

Immediately, someone pulled out a square box, unfolded it onto the table.

Clearly, this was an arcanergy artifact.

Folded, it resembled a tea tray, but when unfolded, it could cover the entire table surface, quickly taking shape to form the terrain of the entire Cloud Domain.

"Where did we suffer defeats in the last three battles?" Bernie Brown inquired.

Green Wilson broke off a twig and pointed three times on the map, "Our three cavalry units were ambushed at these locations. Cloud Domain posted notices claiming that the commanding generals of these forces are subordinates of the steward, and their information is here."

With that, he took out a small notebook and handed it to Bernie Brown.

"The combat strength of Cloud Domain’s official soldiers is subpar; being defeated by them really shouldn’t happen," Bernie Brown remarked, not even glancing at the notebook before setting it on the table.

Having lived in Cloud Domain for several years, he had a clear understanding of the local military forces—familiar with their tactics of faking troop numbers, pocketing salaries for non-existent soldiers, petty thefts, and even selling military supplies for profit.

They were lively enough with these activities but fell short on the battlefield.

This statement caused some discomfort among the assembled leaders.

"The main reason we suffered a defeat last time was the element of surprise," Bernie Brown already had a strategy in mind.

"Since we’re deploying cavalry, having as many as three hundred is far too conspicuous; we need to be more streamlined. Otherwise, we’re too visible, and word gets back to local authorities."

Cloud Domain is not a vast plain; a group of three hundred, with their needs for food and rest, is too noticeable.

Even hiding in the deep forests wouldn’t prevent them from being stumbled upon by some hunting humanoids.

"How do you propose we coordinate?" Green Wilson asked.

"We have more than one stronghold in Cloud Domain, right?" Bernie Brown said.

"We should divide our forces; no team should have more than ten people, disguised as merchants to gather intelligence. The rest should stay at our strongholds and avoid unnecessary outings."

Someone mentioned, "I’ve heard the newly appointed domain official has some tricks up his sleeve, securing a lot of military posture and constantly sending supplies to the front line."

This was exactly what bothered Billbaum.

"Just ten days ago, a convoy was sent through, passing by Aquaspirit Town where a few children managed to steal two carts of grain, highlighting the laxity of the guards," Bernie Brown pointed out on the sand table.

"No matter which route they take early on, transporting grain from the south to the north can’t avoid passing through Aquaspirit Town, Nebrilliance, and Clamp Pass."

"Yes," Green Wilson nodded in agreement.

"The steward of Cloud Domain, along with his troops, was in Nebrilliance and attacked our forces, securing that batch of grain."

The group exchanged glances.

"Are we planning to lie in wait at one of these three locations? Even choosing one out of three, the odds of betting correctly are too low."

"Indeed," Bernie Brown had already calculated in his mind.

"With insufficient intelligence, we can only resort to this crude method.

How many people do we have left?"

Green Wilson mentioned a number.

Bernie Brown said, "Alright, let’s split our forces between Aquaspirit Town and Nebrilliance, abandoning Clamp Pass. We’ll send scouts disguised as merchants into those towns, and this time, we’ll ambush the grain convoys."

A commander questioned, "Abandon Clamp Pass?"

"I’ve been through Clamp Pass. Its pathways are in disrepair and difficult to navigate. Moreover, due to lack of control, it’s rife with bandits. If I were the grain transport officer, I would never choose that route. In contrast, the routes through Aquaspirit Town and Nebrilliance are well-maintained, straight, and smooth, and the two locations are less than forty kilometers apart, which also facilitates calling for reinforcements," Bernie Brown analyzed thoroughly.

"Besides, we’re short on manpower; focusing our strengths on defending the routes to Aquaspirit Town and Nebrilliance should suffice."

The commanders unanimously agreed.

Bernie Brown, seasoned in battle, knew that his sudden arrival and directives might not be immediately accepted, for what battle plan is ever foolproof?

But victory justifies all.

If you win, whatever you say is right.

Following this, the group discussed and made some detailed arrangements.

Two days later, Green Wilson hurried back with a report: "Our informants in Cloud Domain have sent word, over nine hundred carts of grain are heading south."

The discussions that evening stretched into the night, with Bernie Brown making numerous preparations.

Green Wilson, a merchant by trade, was responsible for intelligence and logistics, not directly involved in combat.

Just as he was about to inventory the horses and medicines, a messenger came: "Lord Wilson, General Brown’s wife requests your presence."

Green Wilson, surprised, pointed to himself and asked, "Me?"

"Yes, yes, specifically by name," the messenger replied with a smile.

"Is there something amiss with the arrangements?" Green Wilson inquired.

"That... I do not know," the messenger admitted.

At that moment, Bernie Brown was presiding over a military council, so Green Wilson decided to visit Bernie Brown’s quarters.

He knocked on the door, "Madam?"

Adin’s voice came from inside: "Come in."

Upon entering, Green Wilson saw Adin propped up in bed, covered with a quilt, a pillow supporting her back, and a charcoal brazier at the foot of the bed burning brightly, making the room feel like spring.

Thanks to food and warmth, her complexion was rosier than before their flight, and her eyes had regained some spark.

"Madam, is there any way in which you’ve been inadequately attended to?" Green Wilson asked with caution.

"No, everything is fine," Adin replied softly.

"I heard that the entire troop’s supplies are arranged by Green Wilson?"

"Yes, I have to look after the needs of these hundreds of people," Green Wilson said with a laugh.

Heaven doesn’t drop pies out of the sky.

"I’d like to ask Green Wilson to procure something for me," Adin stated.

"I heard from Brown that scouts from Westro Fairyland and spies infiltrating enemy territories always carry this item with them. You have it too, don’t you, Mr.Wilson?"

Green Wilson’s face paled, and he began to frantically wave his hands in denial, "Absolutely not, absolutely not. If I dare give you such a thing, General Brown would have my head."

"For emergencies," Adin sighed softly.

"If there were hope for better days, for recovery, why would I consider such drastic measures?"

Green Wilson refused outright.

Seeing the day darken and fearing Bernie Brown’s return at any moment, Adin’s expression grew stern as she said, "If you refuse, I will tell Hong Lang that you’ve slighted me, insulted me behind my back, and even threatened to throw me down a ravine if I do not obey."

Green Wilson turned ashen, his legs trembling and going weak: "Madam, how could I dare!"

"All these years, Brown never spoke of it, but I know he yearns for the days when he led troops. Commanding thousands, as dragons traverse the seas, those glorious days have finally returned," Adin exhaled.

"I’ve been a burden to him for too long, I cannot allow this to continue. If you refuse, I will come to you every day."

Green Wilson’s lips formed a tight line, and he finally relented, "Alright, alright, I’ll get it, but you mustn’t breathe a word of this."

...

In Nebrilliance, at the eatery.

Having finished a bowl of sour noodles, Isaac loudly declared, "I’m full, I need to find a place to shit. You coming?"

Owen glanced at him, sensing something amiss, as Isaac wasn’t usually so forthright.

Blinking, he replied, "Let’s go."

The eatery owner directed them, "The latrine is at the back, just don’t look down once you’re inside."

As they left the eatery, Isaac whispered, "My lord, something’s not right."