Gou is a dark elf in Warhammer

"Theirs..."

Ellesander finally broke the silence, his voice so low it was almost swallowed by the sea breeze.

"They were placed in the west."

Darkus stood up, his gaze passing over the broken stones and pointing straight to the western side of the lagoon, towards the direction soon to be swallowed by twilight. "I don't think that Radiant Star Dragon will go back with you. When you're ready to leave Lorthen, I'll arrange a ship for you. The dragon's corpse will have to wait until the war is completely over; there are too many, and they're too big. We'll have to coordinate transportation."

After saying that, he sat down again, his movements swift and decisive, as if he had simply completed a necessary instruction.

"Thank you."

Elisand paused, as if considering his words, before finally adding a sentence.

"You are kind and generous."

He heard this from Leandera, and at first he didn't think much of it, but now...

Darkus didn't say anything, but just twitched the corner of his mouth. It wasn't a smile, but more like a kind of noncommittal attitude towards the evaluation itself.

Are there any survivors?

Rahil spoke, his voice tense.

"Unfortunately."

Dakos turned his head and met his gaze for a moment.

Of the Caledonian Asur who participated in the Battle of Lorthen, apart from a small number who managed to break through at the end, all the rest perished in the battle. Some were killed in battle, some drowned, some were blown up, some were vaporized, some were crushed, and some even died as fish.

The ways to die were incredibly varied.

The atmosphere became even more silent after Dakota recounted Harald's deeds, as if even the air itself was deliberately avoiding breathing.

“However, you can take some prisoners of war with you,” Darkus continued, his tone still calm. “Asniel is still alive, but his mental state… unfortunately, he witnessed the entire battle.”

The prisoners of war were divided into two groups.

One group consisted of important personnel, including stewards and managers of trading companies, whom Finnubar ordered to be arrested on the day of the Lorthen Incident. These individuals either came from the Kingdom of Caledon or had very deep ties of interest with it.

This is also why the Kingdom of Caledo has been unable to receive any intelligence for so long.

The other group consisted entirely of civilians, prisoners of war from the Battle of the Val's Anvil and the subsequent ambush in the Dragonspine Mountains. Darkus intended to use this group as seeds to become Val followers and did not plan to release them for the time being.

When they return to the Kingdom of Caledo, they will be a force to be reckoned with, a silent yet striking symbol.

Elisande and Rahil nodded silently.

They didn't inquire about the casualties of Duruchi, which was pointless; nor did they ask if the captured magical equipment could be returned, which was even more pointless.

After a long while, Alleander asked the question that had been weighing on his mind and almost suffocating him.

"What will the Kingdom of Caledon be like in the future?"

As he said this, his gaze was fixed on Dakos's face. He was hoping for a definite promise, or at least a blueprint that he could barely grasp.

"do not know!"

Dakos's answer was still crisp and straightforward, even with a sense of self-assurance.

This time, Ellisand didn't freeze up, nor did he press for an answer like "Why don't you know?"

Although Dakota said he didn't know, he probably already understood what Dakota really meant.

The Kingdom of Caledor is predominantly mountainous, and its pride lies in its dragons and military power. But what happens when these two core pillars disappear simultaneously...?

Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a voice from behind him.

A truck slowly drove past them, its engine low and restrained, its tires making a continuous, heavy rolling sound as they rolled over the ground.

The front of the car looks like an Opel, but that's all it looks like.

This vehicle is not 4×2 (rear-wheel drive), but 6×6 (all-wheel drive).

In other words, this is a 'ten-wheeled truck'.

第一个『6』代表车辆总车轮数，也就是前桥1对（2个）+中桥1对（2个）+后桥1对（2个）= 6个轮毂。

The second "6" represents the number of drive wheels. The front, middle and rear axles are all drive axles, and the two wheels on each axle are drive wheels, so there are 6 drive wheels.

Therefore, "6×6" indicates that this is a "three-axle all-wheel drive" car.

"Ten wheels" refers to the total number of tires that are in contact with the ground.

The two rear axles, namely the middle axle and the rear axle, use a dual-tire mounting system, meaning that two tires on each side are mounted side by side on the same axle.

Front axle: single tire, with a total of 2 tires touching the ground.

Middle axle: dual tires mounted side by side, with a total of 4 tires touching the ground.

Rear axle: dual tires mounted side by side, with a total of 4 tires touching the ground.

Total number of tire contact points = 2 + 4 + 4 = 10.

The reason for choosing 6×6 is that the engine's power can be transmitted to all six wheels simultaneously.

Combined with its high chassis, excellent approach and departure angles, and optional front wheel self-rescue winch, it can travel in conditions where there are almost no roads, such as mud, snow, sand, and hills.

In layman's terms, it has the ultimate off-road mobility and all-weather, all-terrain capability, and is designed to deliver supplies directly to combat troops in the worst possible conditions.

It is perfectly suited to the battlefield with muddy terrain and extremely poor road conditions, and it is also perfectly compatible with the current imperfect or even repeatedly destroyed infrastructure conditions.

This is something that highway trucks like Opel cannot do.

Opel trucks are advantageous because of their high efficiency in road transport; they are essentially designed for efficient logistical support on a well-developed and stable road network.

It relies on the road network, and becomes extremely vulnerable when the roads are damaged or it enters a completely off-road environment.

Although the momentum is not yet sufficient, the framework is already in place.

Once the power system is iterated, it becomes a perfect standardized and universal platform that can be easily modified into vehicles for various purposes, such as oil tankers, water tankers, maintenance vehicles, and artillery tractors, and can also be appropriately overloaded within a certain range.

As for dump trucks, trucks that carry hundreds of tons of cargo, and the like...

That will require gradual iteration.

The driver and captain sat in the cab, while the vice-captain led the squad of soldiers in the cargo bed at the rear. The soldiers held onto the fixed handrails, swaying slightly with the rise and fall of the vehicle; clearly, they were conducting a formal and systematic vehicle test.

Do either of you have any concept of dragoons?

After the truck drove by, Dakos suddenly asked a question.

Elisande and Rahil neither nodded nor shook their heads, nor did they respond immediately. Instead, they subconsciously exchanged a glance.

They weren't stupid; they knew very well that Dakotas wasn't talking about cavalry riding dragons, but something else—a more unfamiliar and dangerous concept.
"Mounted infantry?"

Finally, Rahil, who had made some achievements in the military field, tentatively asked a question.

“Yes, mounted infantry,” Darkus confirmed, his tone crisp and steady. He then extended his left hand, gesturing for him to continue. “Tell me more?”

"Mobility on horseback, combat on dismount?"

Rahil first gave a tentative reply, keeping a close eye on Darkus's reaction. Seeing the other nod in agreement, he immediately felt reassured, and his train of thought flowed smoothly.

"Move quickly from one battlefield area to another on horseback to conserve energy and keep up with the pace of the cavalry. Once at the designated position, dismount and form lines or squares to engage in battle."

Dakos looked at Rahil with a clearly admiring gaze.

He knew perfectly well that the concept of dragoons didn't exist in Asur. Because for Asur, or rather for the elves, there was no need for such a specific type of soldier. After all, lifespan was limited, training time was infinitely long, and once someone could ride a horse, was fighting on horseback really that difficult?

They can be used directly as light cavalry.

The raiders of the Kingdom of Elion are a typical product of this kind of thinking.

Only Duruci possessed true dragoons.

The cavalry force, consisting of twenty hundred-man squads of dark riders, without a general commander and under the unified command of a mid-level fear lord, is the most standard example.

During the march, these cavalry would serve as the mobile force of the main army, used for reconnaissance or as a mobile reserve; they would be reorganized before the decisive battle.

In necessary or urgent situations, a mid-level Dreadlord would integrate this cavalry unit with the five cavalry squadrons of a hundred men each assigned to his three subordinate legions and deployed by the low-level Dreadlords who command those legions, and even the Black Knights, to use as a strike or support force. (Chapter 680)
If it escalates to the army group level, the methods become even more ruthless.

When necessary, a high-ranking fear lord can not only command all of his cavalry, but also control cold lizard battle groups and raiding ships.

The main product is a panacea.

They can be used as light cavalry, as a breakthrough force, or as a relief force; they can also dismount to fight, quickly establish positions, hold key points, and hold off the main force until the main force arrives.

The soldiers carried by the raiding ships can also be classified as dragoons.

The Battle of Val's Anvil is a prime example. Raid ships dropped their troops onto the battlefield, where they immediately engaged in hand-to-hand combat. This is why the Caledonian forces were wiped out in one fell swoop—the attack came too quickly.

"What if you were traveling by vehicle instead of horseback riding?"

Dakous, taking a step-by-step approach, posed another question.

“This…” Rahil was stunned.

It was an extremely subtle feeling; he seemed to understand, yet not fully comprehend. It was like standing outside a door, his hand already on the handle, but not yet actually pushing the door open.

"A legion has 6,000 men, three legions make up a large legion of nearly 20,000 men, and three large legions make up an army group of nearly 60,000 men."

After a brief silence, Kalien, who had previously made a dark joke and remained silent, suddenly spoke up.

“And an army group like this,” he paused, lowering his voice but emphasizing it even more, “there are twenty of them, Duruci!” He stressed the word “Duruci” as if to deliberately remind Elisand and Rahil that this was only Duruci’s strength, not including Asur, Enil and Asley.

"too exaggerated."

Darkus laughed, his tone clearly mocking. He patted the car beneath him and pointed to the truck that was about to disappear into the distance.

"Take a legion as an example."

"do not know."

Rahil fell into thought, his brow slowly furrowing. He didn't ask any idiotic questions like whether the elves needed such an army; as a general, he knew perfectly well that such questions were meaningless.

If possible, he hoped that all the troops under his command could do the same.

This means speed, and it also means mobility; and once you have speed and mobility, many plans that were previously impossible to execute or even unthinkable will become a reality.

Two hundred vehicles?
Five hundred vehicles?
Eight hundred vehicles?
These numbers kept flashing, piling up, and colliding in his mind.

Unfortunately, he simply couldn't figure it out.

After a long pause, he spoke slowly, his voice tinged with obvious regret. Then, he raised his head and looked at Darkus with a pure and restrained thirst for knowledge.

"Sorry, I don't know either."

Dakous's response surprised both Elisand and Rahil.

“I really don’t know.” He shrugged, his tone so frank it was almost self-righteous. “I don’t know, and I’m not ashamed of it. You may not know, but I rarely get involved in military matters compared to politics, diplomacy, and domestic affairs.”

He paused, then changed the subject, as if casually throwing out a hypothesis.

"Of course, we can assume that a force of six thousand men needs eight hundred vehicles of various types, then..."

“The vehicle needs fuel to run,” Kalion added immediately.

Although Dakous kept the conversation focused on military matters, Elisander keenly sensed another layer of meaning hidden within it.

Eight hundred vehicles signify manufacturing, maintenance, and a continuous supply of fuel.

And this is just one legion.

If we convert this to the level of large legions, or even army groups...

"hiss……"

He couldn't help but gasp.

At that moment, he finally understood.

Finnubar and his supporters chose to side with Duruci not only out of faith or political considerations, but also because of economic factors!
Compared to western Ulthuan, the outer kingdoms in the east are relatively barren. This is the fundamental reason why the kingdoms of Iris and Kosquie must expand into the ocean, and it is also the underlying logic behind why the Weavers' Fate Society was able to proceed smoothly despite seriously violating the interests of traditional nobles.

As they embrace the new era, they will no longer be as fixated on the land as they were in the past. They can easily relinquish the benefits of the land to the common people and instead seize larger, higher-level, and more ruthless interests.

He knew the seat was made of cowhide.

Once the thought arises, it can never be shaken off.

How much cowhide is needed for a car?
Two? Three? Or more?

So, what about eight hundred cars?

This is only 800 vehicles.

This is just one legion.

If we convert this to the level of a large army group, or even an army corps...

This is only for military use.

What about civilian use?

He found that his thoughts were completely out of control, yet he couldn't stop them.

How much metal and how many parts are needed to manufacture a car?

Where do these metals come from? Who mines them? Who smelts them? Who processes them?
Behind every part is a workshop, a group of workers, and a transportation line.

These are all about interests.

How many people will be involved if we focus on these topics?
How many new industries will this give rise to?
Miners, blacksmiths, leatherworkers, mechanics, transport workers, repairmen, warehouse workers, accountants, fuel merchants...

Layer upon layer, expanding like a snowball.

This is an ancillary industry; this is a continuously circulating benefit.

In comparison, what can land offer?
The benefits generated by land are simply insignificant compared to these other benefits.

And this is only for vehicles.

What about the ships?
Larger steelworks, more complex structures, and more staggering consumption.

And what about other machines?
His thoughts had begun to expand outward uncontrollably.

Vehicles need to travel on the road, so where does the road come from?

Roads need to be paved, maintained, and widened; bridges need to be built and reinforced; ports need to be expanded and dredged; and warehouses need to be planned.

The city's layout needs to be redesigned.

Infrastructure.

It's infrastructure construction again.

Further details...

Thinking further...

"hiss……"

Ellesander gasped again.

This time, it wasn't shock, but a kind of awakening bordering on terror. His body trembled slightly involuntarily due to the intense emotional turmoil, as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff, seeing a road from which there was no turning back.

“So…” Darkus’s voice rang out at that moment, calm yet precise to the point of cruelty. “What will the future Kingdom of Caledon… become?”

He returned Alessand's confusion verbatim.

Elisander remained silent for a long time, not in a hurry to answer.

Finally, he slowly exhaled, his voice low, yet carrying a sense of relief mixed with weariness and awe.

"I seem to..."

"understood."

That's not the answer.

It's a kind of resignation to being swept along by the times, yet having already seen the direction.

"That's why I enjoy dealing with smart people; they can quickly grasp the essence of a problem and avoid pointless arguments."

Dakos smiled, a smile that was neither sharp nor aggressive, but rather carried a sense of relief born of insight, as if he no longer needed to explain anything.

Alder stood at the door of the conference room.

That was no ordinary door.

It symbolizes one's stance, future, and willingness to have everything one represents redefined.

His attitude determined whether or not he could push open that door.

Fortunately—he pushed it away!
The Kingdom of Caledo is like a jeweled longsword, now cracked. It remains sharp and beautiful, but can no longer withstand endless wielding. It symbolizes Asur's lost power, its supreme pride, and its fate firmly bound by the wounds of history.

They are the most direct descendants of Ausuan's former glory.

Every time a dragon takes to the sky, it is a poignant tribute to that lost golden age, not for victory, but to prove that they once existed.

If Ellesander were proud, stubborn, short-tempered, or even arrogant, then Dakous wouldn't have taken him to Lorthorn.

Because that would be meaningless and a complete waste of time.

Those who are still living in the past cannot understand intentions.

If you can't understand the blueprint, you can't understand the plan.

There's no point in discussing it, because it's meaningless.

In plain terms: there's nothing to talk about with a fool, and there's no way to talk about it; the only option is to fight.

Fortunately, Allessand pushed the door open.

Imrek finally did one thing right in his final moments: he chose eyes that could see reality clearly and a heart that knew how to find patterns in dramatic changes.

At that moment, when Alessand said "I understand," there was no oath, no agreement, and not even a clear promise.

But the war ended.

It wasn't because the last army laid down its arms, but because the last flag fell.

The war is over.

It's really over. (End of Chapter)