When Claude entered the meeting room, it was already 8.45 am.
There were still 15 minutes left before the meeting.
They had rushed through the night and arrived at Grinosburg around three in the morning. They found a random tavern and settled down with their entourage. They only had two to three hours of rest.
In the end, he didn't rest well and was rather worried. After all, Claude was going to take over as Field Marshal Micheli's successor and become the new highest commander of the war theatre.
He didn't think that there would be people waiting for the meeting to begin. The moment Claude entered, the room fell into a strange silence.
It seemed that Misierci had already spoken to the high-ranking officers who left Ranger a few days ago. That was why they knew that Claude would be the new field marshal of the war theatre.
The atmosphere was a little awkward. No one spoke, which made the atmosphere even more awkward.
At this moment, a man stood up and welcomed him with a hearty laugh. He opened his arms wide and made a hugging gesture.
Claude relaxed and his face lit up with joy. He hurried forward and gave the person a hug and patted his shoulder in greeting.
The awkward atmosphere disappeared and the meeting room resumed its usual chatter. At the same time, two more people stood up and walked towards Claude.
The one who greeted Claude with a hug was the vice-director of logistics, Colonel Skri. He was an old friend of Claude's, having been his superior back in 1st Ranger Tribe.
Claude was delighted to see him. After Skri pulled him to a seat, he asked in surprise, "You'll be staying too?"
Colonel Scree nodded. "Congratulations, you've caught up from behind.
When Marshal Michelic summoned me and asked me if I had any objections about you taking over as the Marshal of the war theatre, I was really happy for you.
At that time, I was really happy for you, so I replied that I would be happy to work with you. You know, we are old partners … "
After Claude was summoned by Misierc, he thought about it for a long time. Misierc said that six colonels like him would be promoted to major-general along with him.
That meant that apart from Colonel Bolonik of 1st Monolith and Colonel Sevict of 2nd Monolith, there were four more.
However, there were 17 colonels in Ranger and Claude really couldn't think of anyone Misierci would choose.
Claude breathed a sigh of relief. That meant he was no longer a lone commander in the war theatre. At the very least, Skri would be on his side.
Claude knew very well that he wouldn't be able to wield all the power like Misierc did.
Just like what Marshal Michelic had told him, he only had one Thundercrash Regiment under his command. The other four reinforced regiments already had their respective commanding officers in charge.
Perhaps Claude was the only one who had the authority to command the four folks during the war. Normally, he only had the authority to supervise them and would have to discuss everything with the officers in charge of the folks.
Claude was most worried that there would be people who wouldn't accept his qualifications and go against him after Misierc's resignation. That way, Claude would be forced into a power struggle. He would only be able to concentrate on preparing for war after a victor was decided in the war theatre.
However, Skri's words hinted at something that made Claude feel more at ease.
It was obvious that Misierci had already asked for their opinions on Claude taking over as the highest commanding officer of the war theatre when he was selecting the remaining officers.
Those who attended the meeting were all high-ranking officers who knew that Claude would be Misierci's successor and expressed their support for the decision.
As for the high-ranking officers who disagreed, Misierci would only keep them in Ranger and bring them back to the kingdom.
Misierci knew very well that time was of the essence and he couldn't allow anyone who disagreed with Claude to exist in the new war theatre, nor did he have the time to let them fight amongst themselves.
In order to win the next colonial war, there could be people who disagreed with Claude, but that was only for the sake of the matter and not for the sake of disagreeing.
That would only be disadvantageous to the overall situation ….
At that moment, Colonel Boronik and Colonel Sevict came over and greeted Claude with a smile.
Even though everyone knew that, they didn't feel uncomfortable or change their attitude just because Claude was about to take over as the highest commanding officer of the war theatre and become their superior.
Just like before, they chatted with Claude as a senior about the recent happenings in the army, which made Claude feel a little more relaxed.
Colonel Boronik seemed to recall something and waved his hand. Two other familiar-looking colonels walked over.
"Do you remember them?" Colonel Boronik asked Claude.
Claude gave it some thought and nodded. "I know them. They were students in our seminar and they look familiar.
You should be called Alan. I think he's called Bick. The two of you competed against me in the sand table and won against me a few times. I have a deep impression of you.
I don't know if I remember correctly, but I haven't heard from you since we arrived on Nubissia. I didn't see the two of you in HQ either. Where have you been all these years? "
"Hehe …" Colonel Sevict chuckled. "Claude, you remember how many times others beat you, but you've completely forgotten about how many times you beat the two of them.
Both of them have an unforgettable impression of you. Back then, you had become their nightmare. Every day, all they could think of was how to beat you … "
Everyone laughed. Claude scratched his head sheepishly. "I really don't remember that. I only remember who beat me and I have to think of a way to win it back."
Colonel Boronik patted Claude's shoulder with a smile. "Alright, stop reminiscing about your time in the military academy.
Claude, the two of them were assigned to two overseas corps by the general. That's why you won't see them in Ranger.
Alan was the officer in charge of one of the local garrison lines that defended Port Patres and crippled Seaking's fleet.
Bick reorganized the garrisons of the three colonies and set up an early warning line along the coast.
The two of them have worked hard and will be staying with us in the new war zone. "
Claude understood now. The two colonels were going to be the lieutenants of the two reserve folk.
However, Misielc said that seven colonels were going to be promoted to major-general. There were already six of them in the room. Who was the last one?
Claude looked around the room and saw that only lieutenant-colonels and majors were left. There weren't any other colonels there.
"What are you all gathered here for?"
A familiar yet irritating voice rang out. When he looked up, he saw General Fansnik, the head of logistics, walking into the room.
He was surprised to see so many high-ranking officers in the room. "There's a meeting today?
Why didn't anyone inform me? "
No one paid any attention to him, and no one replied.
General Fansnik was enraged. "Fine! You dare to disobey my orders?
Are you up to no good by gathering here in private?
Don't tell me this is a meeting of the corps. Why didn't I receive any notice as the head of logistics? "
"This is a meeting for the new war zone. General Fansnik, please leave."
Marshal Michaelic walked into the meeting room, followed by a middle-aged man in formal attire, a colonel in a dark blue garrison uniform, and his aide, Lieutenant Colonel Nevis.
"A meeting for the new war zone?"
Fansnik looked at the high-ranking officers in the room and rolled his eyes. "Lord Misielc, as a general of the kingdom, I would like to sit in."
"I'm sorry, but you don't have the right."
Misielc didn't hide his disgust for the general at all. "General Fansnik, please leave immediately. Don't waste our precious time."
"I object, Lord Misielc. You're insulting a general of the kingdom."
Fansnik wasn't willing to let it go. "If you don't let me sit in, doesn't that mean you're going to hold a meeting with ulterior motives?
I suspect you're planning a plot against the kingdom. I will report this to the royal family and the ministry of the army to investigate all of you who attended this meeting. "
"Are you sure you want to sit in on this meeting?"
Misielc suddenly laughed. "I've already told you that this is a meeting for the new war zone. It's top secret. Everyone who attends this meeting will be staying here to prepare for the next war with Shiks.
If you really want to listen in, it's very simple. All you need to do is sign a contract and you'll have the right to listen in. At the same time, you'll stay here to participate in the next battle and won't have to follow Ranger back to the kingdom. "
"Ugh …" Fansnik was taken aback, but he quickly snapped out of it. "My apologies, Lord Misielc. I just remembered that the logistics department has many things to deal with, so I won't disturb you any longer."
Looking at General Fansnik's disheveled figure, the officers sitting in the room let out a slight mocking laugh.
Marshal Michaelic nodded to his aide, Lieutenant Colonel Nevis, who turned around and left the conference room, closing the doors behind him.
At this time, the middle-aged man in formal attire and the local garrison's wealthy colonel found a seat and sat down, leaving Marshal Michelić alone on the podium in the conference room.
He coughed and said, "The useless general has left. Let's begin.
Long story short, the new war zone is established from today onwards.
Everyone here knows the inside story. Colonel Claude will be taking over my position as the highest commanding officer of the war zone.
Colonel Claude, come over to my side. "
Claude had no choice but to stand up and walk to Misielc's side, saluting everyone present.
"First, we will set up a new command center to be in charge of all affairs in the war zone.
Colonel Skree will be in charge of the logistics department and will be in charge of all the troops in the war zone, "Misielc said before letting Skree stand up.
Skree also stood up and saluted. He was better than Claude in that he didn't have to go up on stage.
"Sir Bennett will be in charge of the civil affairs of the war zone," Misielc said as he pointed at the middle-aged man in formal attire.
Claude knew that he was probably the only member of parliament in Anfiston.
Sir Bennett rose, and with a half bow saluted the company.
"Colonel Hazorak, please stand up."
Marshal Michelic pointed at the colonel next to Sir Bennett, "Colonel Saljorak will be in charge of the local garrisons, law and order, as well as anti-spies."
Hazorak saluted as well.
"Also, the new war zone will have five enhanced folk.
Thundercrash, led by Colonel Claude.
Monolith, 1st, led by Colonel Bolonik.
Monolith, 2nd, led by Colonel Sevict.
Monolith, 3rd, led by Colonel Eiblont.
Monolith, 4th, led by Colonel Beechlin. "
"The new war zone command center will consist of Colonel Claude, Colonel Bolonik, Colonel Sevict, Colonel Eiblont, Colonel Beechlin, Colonel Skree, Sir Bennett and Colonel Hazorak. They will be in charge of all affairs in the war zone.
Colonel Claude will be the supreme commander. His orders will be the most important during times of war. During normal times, major matters will be discussed and decided by the committee. In the event of a stalemate, Claude's opinion will prevail. "
Misielc had clearly defined the duties of each member of the committee. In a sense, Claude didn't have much authority as the supreme commander of the war zone, unlike Misielc who had the final say.
But Claude could understand that. He was too young after all and Misielc was worried that he wouldn't be able to control the situation.
Additionally, Misielc was a pure soldier. During his time as the supreme commander of the war zone, he also left all civil affairs to the local officials. He never intended to control all the civil affairs of the war zone.
That was why he decided to leave the civil affairs of the war zone to them. Perhaps he believed that it would be more beneficial for Claude to focus on preparing for war and bring out his military strengths.
"That's all for personnel matters.
Marshal Michelic continued, "From today onwards, there's no need to keep the establishment of the new theatre a secret. The enquiries regarding Ranger becoming the backbone of the five enhanced folk will be carried out after the conference ends. The quota is set at 20,000.
Each division can be allocated four thousand soldiers, and if there are more than that, the five divisions will make a reasonable allocation. "
"As for where the five folk will be stationed, Monolith's 1st Folk will be stationed at Brikaman in Zarobisto and will be in charge of the Dorinibla River defence line.
Monolith's 2nd Folk will be stationed at Rossas and will be in charge of Claude's defence line in the Mosiraga Mountains.
Monolith's 3rd Folk will be stationed at Port Patres in Robisto and will be in charge of the coastal defence.
Monolith's 4th Folk will be stationed at Grinosburg and will be in charge of the coastal defence from the Mosiraga Mountains.
As for Thundercrash, where do you think it's best to station them? "Misielc asked all of a sudden.
He arranged for four folk to be in charge of the defence but left Thundercrash's location to Claude to choose.
"Let's set it up in Lanu.
I'm planning to move the HQ there as well. It'll be more convenient and we'll be able to attack faster there, "Claude said bluntly.
Misielc nodded. "That's up to you.
However, I have to tell you that time is of the essence.
The kingdom has already started transporting the first batch of immigrants and equipment over. They'll arrive in Tyrrsim in half a month.
That's why I hope your five divisions can set up the structure of the divisions you're responsible for within a month. When the first batch of immigrants arrive, fill the vacancies in your troops with the retired veterans, and not let them roam around aimlessly in the camp … "