On the city wall to the north of the fortress, under Luo Xue's order, there were no other figures on the surrounding walls. Only Luo Xue and Du Wei stood on the wall and looked north. Rohart stood quietly about a few steps behind.
outside.
Luoxue pointed to the north, turned around and asked Du Wei with a smile.
Following Luoxue's finger, Du Wei looked to the north, far below the city, to see the river defense that was once regarded as the most stable by humans. The Roland Empire spent a lot of manpower and money to excavate the wide river.
Of course, there are also many gold coins donated by Du Wei in the artificial river.
This river, coupled with this fortress, was once the eastern defense line that humans considered impregnable. But now, the river has become the world of the orcs.
In the direction of Luoxue's finger, Du Wei could even vaguely see, in the shallow water by the river, huge figures soaking and playing in the water. Those were the orcs who had annihilated the human warships stationed here in one fell swoop.
The water warriors of the hippopotamus tribe.
At this moment, this river has become the territory of the hippos. Those huge figures are roaring in the river, enjoying the fun in the water.
Seeing this scene, Du Wei's eye muscles twitched slightly. It was already early morning. He had been talking to Luoxue for a long night. He was a little tired. When the morning sun shone on the river, the water surface glowed.
The scene was very interesting, with golden scales and playful hippos, but Du Wei suddenly thought of a thought: Would the souls of the sailors who died in the water find this scene interesting?
There are also the wreckage of the sunken warship in the river. I'm afraid they are still crying in the cold river water!
"What did you see?" Luoxue spoke again and asked softly.
Du Wei raised his eyelids and said in a cold tone: "What do you want me to answer?"
"I see...peace." Luoxuedi's voice was almost as pure as a saint. But this tone made Du Wei feel a little disgusted for no reason. At this moment, he suddenly hated the elegant elf in front of him. He felt that it was too real.
This is hypocrisy to the extreme!
"Peace?!" Du Wei laughed, his laughter full of sarcasm and faint anger: "Really? You see peace? Just because these animals in the water are having fun and enjoying their beauty?
Time? But I’m sorry. I can’t see a trace of peace! When I saw this, what I thought of were the souls of thousands of human army sailors who died in the river! What I thought of were those of our warships that sank in the water!
"
His voice gradually became sharper, and he glared at Luoxue fiercely: "You see peace, but what I see is only... shame! The shame of defeat!"
Luoxue was speechless. It was silent for a while, and then sighed softly: "It seems that war will indeed change people, Duke Tulip. Now you have become extreme and warlike."
Du Wei didn't want to give up and said proudly: "From the perspective of a saint, war is of course bad. But from my emotional point of view as a human being, I am willing to stop the war, but the premise is that we are the victors.
Above! Peace is not 'rewarded' by powerful enemies!"
"Sharp, cold, bellicose, cruel..." Luo Xuedi softly said one word after another, and finally looked at Du Wei and smiled bitterly: "Is this how you feel now?"
Luoxue did not respond positively to Du Wei's question. It remained silent, not knowing what the Elf King was thinking in his mind at the moment.
After a while, it continued: "So, further north? What did you see?"
To the north of the fortress, there are countless orcs on the surrounding city walls dozens of meters away. In this cold morning, they are bare-chested, exposing their strong muscles and long black hair, working hard in the morning breeze.
They used wooden sticks, shovels, and levers to remove the complete stones one by one from the northern wall of the fortress that humans had worked so hard to build, and a solid foundation was built on the river.
Wooden bridge. The orcs used logs as wheels, laid wooden boards on top, and then piled the removed stones on the wooden boards, and then the orcs carried them to the north bank bit by bit like ants.
On the north bank of the river, in the distance, piles of stones stood there. There was a lot of noise on the opposite bank, and the orcs worked non-stop all night long.
The distance was too far and Du Wei couldn't see clearly, but he seemed to be able to vaguely see the figure of the dwarf in the chaos.
On the north bank of the river, not far from the river, a stone wall is taking shape due to the hard work of the orcs. The surrounding area has been circled, and lifting equipment built of wood one by one lifts the stone wall.
Adjusting the blocks is like building blocks.
"That's a castle."
Luoxue interrupted Du Wei's observation: "That will be the first military castle we build in the Roland continent. A fortress built entirely in accordance with orc standards."
"What is it used for?" Du Wei sneered.
Luoxue glanced at Du Wei: "It was built on the north bank of the river to protect our territory."
Probably the words "our territory" deeply hurt Du Wei's self-esteem. He became furious in his heart. There was no attack on his face, but his tone became mean involuntarily: "Oh? Your territory? You guys?"
As long as you drive away the original residents with swords and weapons wherever you go, can you call it 'your territory'?"
"Drive away the original residents with swords..." Luoxue smiled softly: "Don't forget, this is exactly what you did to us ten thousand years ago."
The city wall on the north side of the human fortress has been demolished to a dilapidated state, and even the original appearance of some places cannot be seen. Stones, iron tools, etc., all useful things have been carried by the orcs to the north bank of the river, where
Build a new castle.
"Why don't you use the one you have already occupied? Don't you like its shape?" Du Wei said solemnly: "Or do you not like all human buildings, so you must tear them down and rebuild them again?"
"I told you, you are a little extreme now." Luoxue shook his head, with a faint smile on his face under the morning sun: "This is just a purely military consideration. Although the fortress we occupied is good, but
This is your human territory. And it is backed by a river. It is not conducive to military defense. We will build a new one on the north bank, so..."
"In this way, if we counterattack, you will have a complete defense system of rivers and city walls... This is the method we humans used to defend you before, right." Du Wei sneered.
"I said, I have no territorial ambitions for the areas south of your river." Luoxue emphasized again.
Looking at Du Wei's indifferent expression and stern eyes, Luoxue sighed inwardly: "I know what I said. You can't understand everything at the moment. Or you understand it in your heart, but you can't accept it yet."
"I'm not a saint." Du Wei retorted coldly: "But you... Elf King, you seem to be planning to become a saint."
Luoxue was silent for a while. She did not respond to Du Wei's retort, but after a while, she whispered: "Let's go down. I have other gifts for you."
…
…
Du Wei understood everything Luoxue did: including building the Xindi Castle in Hebei.
Because from a military point of view, unless the criminals plan to continue their large-scale invasion southward, the fortress they occupy is not suitable for defense.
If the river channel is added in front, the defense system can be further complete.
From this perspective, Luoxue is also euphemistically expressing its position: under its leadership, the guilty people have no plans to invade south in a large scale.
In other words: Luoxue intends to control the war within a limited scope. But once a large-scale invasion goes south, both sides will be trapped in the quagmire of war and will never be able to escape.
And Luoxue said "gift" on the city wall. Du Wei finally saw it.
To the east of the fortress, there was originally a military camp where human defenders were stationed, but now it has become a "prisoner of war camp."
Among the human defenders. On the day the fortress fell, there were about thousands of soldiers who persisted in fighting bravely and refused to retreat. Finally, they fell with the fortress. Some of them died in battle, and some were captured after being surrounded. Among these people, some were
I was unwilling to run away because of my courage. Of course, there was also a part of me that wanted to run away but couldn't.
But no matter what, these soldiers who persisted in fighting to the end are a group of people worthy of respect.
When Du Wei came to this prisoner-of-war camp, there were several groups of elven warriors guarding the surroundings. Those elven warriors were wearing gorgeous armor and carrying space behind them, like helmets made of rolled leaves. Their handsome appearance...
…
"I can only let my soldiers guard this place because the orcs are full of hostility to humans." Luoxue whispered: "I know that before this, the orc army killed or even ate all the captured humans.
But after I arrived, I have put some restrictions on this practice. These prisoners of war are alive and well, and I did not abuse them. However, in order to prevent the orcs from doing anything bad due to their hatred of humans,
I can only let my people guard this place."
Du Wei nodded, then reluctantly said "thank you" from his mouth.
Walking into the prisoner-of-war camp, in the morning, Du Wei saw groups of human soldiers already lining up inside.
Although they lost their weapons and armor, and each of them only wore a uniform, it seemed that they were not mistreated during their captivity.
Du Wei was even surprised to find that despite being captured, they were still carrying out the usual morning drills in the army.
Teams of unarmed soldiers lined up, running and doing exercises on the playground in the military camp. Although everyone was silent and it was obvious from everyone's gloomy expressions that their mental state was low, but... they were still early after all.
He continued to perform, did not completely lose hope because of being captured, and still maintained his true qualities as a warrior.
When Luo Xue and Du Wei walked in, the prisoners of war didn't pay attention at first, thinking they were coming from the elves to monitor them. But then, some human soldiers saw Du Wei's appearance clearly: his clothes, and his appearance.
ears.
Human! It’s actually a human and an elf walking together!
"Gather all the prisoners of war, I have something to announce." Luoxue ordered the elf warriors under his command.
Soon, these prisoners of war were gathered on the playground. They still barely maintained their formation according to the organization before they were captured. Occasionally, some queues were a little scattered, also because the organization was too seriously damaged. But most of them held their heads high and worked hard.
They don't show frustration in front of the enemy and still retain their fighting spirit!
Du Wei sighed in his heart: These people are the real elites of the Storm Legion.
They are different from those who were chased for dozens of miles by thousands of wolf cavalry, like lost dogs.
"Fellow human warriors." Luoxue was not polite. He quickly stood at the front of the queue of these prisoners of war and said loudly: "I am announcing something. According to the agreement between me and you, the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Front of the Roland Empire,
The result of the discussion. From today on, you will be able to leave here and go home."
There was an uproar!
There were many exclamations in the crowd, and even more people cast doubtful looks. However, the queue remained intact.
"These days, I respect you. Because although you were captured, you fought until the last moment to surround this fortress. You are warriors worthy of our respect even though we are in a hostile position." Luoxue finished speaking and nodded.
. glanced at Du Wei.
In an instant, Du Wei understood Luoxue's intention!
Then I heard Luoxue continue to say loudly: "You don't need to be grateful to me, because we are enemies. If we meet again on the battlefield in the future, we will not show mercy to each other! I made the decision to let you go back. The main reason is because
one person!"
As it said, it pointed its finger at Du Wei: "Your Excellency, as a noble nobleman. He came here alone from your human place and came to our army. He used his perseverance and courage to
I am moved and admired. Your Excellency Duke Tulip, do you have anything to say to your soldiers?"
Du Wei walked up silently and stood in front of Luo Xue, looking at the thousands of pairs of surprised eyes below.
Then, he raised his hand and performed a standard military salute common in the Roland Empire.
A military salute immediately made thousands of pairs of eyes glow with incomparable excitement and passion!
His voice was a little trembling: "You brave warriors! I think you must have heard of my name. My name is Rudolf Duwei Luolin, who was granted the title of Duke of Tulip by the empire, an empire general, and the current
Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Front!"
boom!
The crowd could no longer remain silent. They immediately burst into loud noises and shouts, and the voices were full of joy and excitement!
"Duke! Lord Tulip Duke!"
"The Duke is here to take us home!"
"We are not abandoned!!"
The human voice enveloped Du Wei. He took a deep breath and shouted at the top of his voice: "Quiet! Everyone! I'm here today and I will take you all back! You can leave here and go home.
!!As our enemies said, you have nothing to feel inferior to, because you have fulfilled your duties outstandingly and fought here until the last moment! Being captured is not your dereliction of duty!! So, now, please
Keep your chests up!"
After listening to Du Wei's words, everyone unconsciously tried to straighten their backs. Even many people with bandages and injuries on their bodies also tried to stand upright!
"Remember my words! You are coming back with me with pride!" Du Wei said this and gave another military salute.
At this time, among the prisoners of war, several people suddenly strode out. These people quickly came to the front of the queue, turned around, and shouted loudly with heroic voices: "Xxxx regiment lines up! xxx battalion!"
Line up!!xxx line up!!!"
The orders were sounded one after another, and the queues that had been slightly chaotic in the excitement quickly became orderly. People's faces were filled with excitement, laughter, and even tears, but they quickly returned to their true colors as warriors amid the orders.
, arranged neatly according to the queue.
The few people who came out of the queue turned around, held their heads high, and strode up to Du Wei.
"Sir! The Sixth Infantry Regiment of the Eleventh Division of the Storm Legion..."
"The Fourth Heavy Infantry Regiment...
"The xx Regiment of the Second Division of the Theater Task Force Garrison..."
"..."
"…………"
After several captured senior officers reported to Du Wei with excited and trembling voices, Du Wei did not give a military salute, but walked up one by one and hugged these officers vigorously. After being hugged by him, some officers even
Hot tears flowed.
Among the captured sergeants, the senior officers included four commanders, six deputy commanders, and even a deputy division commander who was seriously injured in a fight with the dragons, as well as several middle and low-ranking officers.
Each of these people's eyes looking at Du Wei were full of excitement and excitement, as well as a deep gratitude that could not be described in words!
Du Wei was stared at by these pairs of eager eyes. He was so excited that he could not calm down. After a while, he issued an order: "Everyone, get ready. We will set off after noon... to go home!"
…
…
"Do you like this gift?" When walking out of the prisoner of war camp, Luoxue looked at Du Wei with an enigmatic smile.
"What a big gift." Du Wei's expression suddenly turned cold.
"Most of these people are real elite warriors." Luo Xue said calmly: "There are also some officers of high rank. After they return, I think that under your protection, many of them will soon
Reinstate your military rank, or even get a promotion. Well, let me think about it, according to your human military ranks. Those commanders can be promoted to major generals, deputy commanders can be promoted to commanders... and these people will become senior officers! More importantly
Yes... because it was you who came to save them personally. Therefore, from now on, these people will be grateful to you for your kindness. Your prestige will be firmly established among them! With such a group of people going back, they will be able to return to their hometowns again.
Integrating into your army will make your reputation among the army unparalleled for a while! My Lord Duke!"
Du Wei looked at Luoxue warily: "It's a generous gift. But what do you want?"
"An ally." Luoxue said the answer without any hesitation.
It stopped and stared deeply at Du Wei: "I have told you my ideal. I will choose to take an extremely difficult road. On this road, I am not good at it. I need to be in your human camp.
Among them, there is a truly wise and powerful person who has the same goals as me!"
Du Wei did not answer the question directly, but stared into Luoxue's eyes: "I am your enemy!"
"Yes, it is an enemy. I am also your enemy." Luoxue smiled: "But isn't this a very challenging and difficult undertaking? Enemies and enemies can also have the same goal."
As it spoke, it stretched out its hand and looked at Du Wei.
Du Wei did not shake hands with Luoxue, but walked directly past it and kept walking forward. From a distance, he turned back and said: "Are you really a saint? Luoxue? I never believe in saints.
Because saints are all hypocrites."
Although Du Wei did not agree, Luoxue smiled happily. He retracted his hand and strode forward.
"I agree with you on one point: war should be controlled within a limited scope. Neither of us can completely eliminate each other. But... even if I pursue peace, I also insist on one thing: it must be on the premise that I am the victor.
Down!"
"I fully agree with this."
Luoxue and Du Wei walked side by side: "Then, in this 'limited war', let's have a good fight! Let's see who can stand as the winner in the end and talk about peace!"
"You are not only a saint, but also a madman." Du Wei sneered.
"I have carefully read your human history. In your history, all the saints were originally madmen."
In the evening, about fifty miles south of the fallen fortress, a human cavalry force of about a thousand people was waiting nervously in the wilderness beside the road.
From low-level officers to soldiers, everyone looked nervous, and the leader of this cavalry group was the cadet captain of the military academy Yaluol. Next to him was Duwei's younger brother Gabri.
The two waited anxiously for a while, and Gabri couldn't hold it any longer: "No! I'll take someone to take a look!"
"Be patient a little longer." Yaluoer shouted in a deep voice and grabbed Gabri: "Didn't the Duke say so? He naturally has an idea."
"But... damn!" Gabri said angrily: "Brother, how can he quietly go to the enemy camp alone!! He is the coach. This kind of behavior is too dangerous!!"
As he said that, he glanced at Yaluoer angrily: "Tell me the truth, do you know about this matter in advance?"
"If I knew, even if I risked losing my head, I would definitely stop him from doing this! If I couldn't stop him, I would go with him." Yaluoer's smile was a bit bitter: "I'm the same as you,
It was all this morning. The magician named Gargamel told me."
As he spoke, he sighed: "The Duke has always been very sure of his actions. Maybe he really has something planned."
"When he comes back, I will definitely..." Gabri slapped his horse angrily.
At this moment, a cavalryman in front shouted loudly: "Look, there is movement ahead!!"
After a roar, all the cavalry immediately mounted their horses and got ready for battle.
It was very open. To the north of the road, a figure appeared in the distance. As he got closer, he saw that at the front of the queue, on top of a war horse, was Du Wei himself! And behind him, on several war horses, were several
An officer wearing the simplest military uniform of the empire. (Luoxue even gave some captured human war horses to Du Wei before Du Wei left. Anyway, these horses were left in their hands and were not of much use.
Orcs cannot ride horses, and the biggest use of these horses is to serve as food.)
The long queue behind them consisted of thousands of people. They were all human soldiers without armor or weapons. These people were walking in formation on the road, not in a hurry nor in a slow manner, maintaining a strict formation. Many of them still had
With scars...
Du Wei saw the flag in the distance and recognized that his army was coming to meet him. He stopped his horse and smiled at some officer-level prisoners of war behind him: "In front of us are our people... Everyone,
Now we are truly home."
At this time, the most seriously injured general in the queue reluctantly rode his horse to Du Wei's ground. He was on the horse, but he leaned down deeply and gave Du Wei the most respectful courtesy.
"Sir." The general's face, which was originally pale due to injury, was now red: "You went to the enemy camp alone and rescued us... Such a kindness. I will never forget it in my life! As long as I live for one day,
I will obey your every command to the death!"
He was the first to speak, and then many officers from behind came to Du Wei one by one. Some were on foot, kneeling on the ground and saluting Du Wei, while others turned over and dismounted to salute. Although the ones behind him were
The person didn't say anything else, but everyone's expressions and eyes had already explained something.
Du Wei understood that from now on, these people's hearts had sworn to serve him to the death.
As long as these three thousand people return to the army, reintegrate into the army, break them up, take care of them a little and make some promotions based on their performance in battle, many of them will become officers, and then... these hundreds of thousands
The army will firmly establish its prestige...
As for the royal family and the clever regent who were far away in the imperial capital, he might not have thought of bringing himself to the front line and throwing himself into an army of hundreds of thousands of strangers. Although such a strategy was brilliant.
But...under this special situation, everything has changed dramatically!
However, neither the expression on Du Wei's face nor his heart showed any trace of joy at this moment...
When he saw Yalor and Gabri, Duwei didn't say anything. His face was very serious. Gabri and Yalor, who were originally complaining, involuntarily closed their mouths and put away their original complaints.
if.
The queues of prisoners of war and cavalry quickly merged together, and the soldiers began to cheer.
Du Wei and his brother looked at each other for a while before saying the first sentence: "They are all captured soldiers. Treat them well. They are all warriors."
Yalor and Gabri were a little surprised, and then Gabri said: "You...you rescued all the prisoners of war?"
"Not everything." When Du Wei said this, he curled up his lips and said, "Not everything."
Rohart, that young man, before he left, he still stayed at Luo Xue's place.
Luoxue generously gave up all these thousands of prisoners of war to itself. But Rohart was left alone, but he resolutely stayed. Even if Du Wei asked him for help, Luoxue resolutely rejected Du Wei.
