Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 659 War Mobilization
"The best-case scenario is that the war begins in early summer, and we can successfully take down the second floating island standing on the icy sea before the autumn harvest..."

"Then... what about the worst-case scenario? Have the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense considered the worst-case scenario?"

Reiner abandoned his usual mild-mannered attitude and became somewhat aggressive when faced with serious issues involving the national level.

"The autumn harvest is a crucial time of the year that concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. During that period, both state-owned farms in various places and factories in the capital city were in a state of severe labor shortage and needed to work in three shifts. The recruitment of soldiers must be suspended and must not affect the grain harvest."

Considering that in addition to the regular rotation of the defense forces stationed throughout the kingdom, there is also a considerable number of peasant militia who have undergone basic training, these people are the labor reserve of the state-run farms and will be responsible for cultivating the large number of noble fiefdoms confiscated by the kingdom in the coming year, bearing the important responsibility of increasing grain production.

If the war goes poorly or the casualties on the front lines are too high, using these troops will directly affect agricultural production in various regions and severely slow down the grain production increase targets set in early spring.

Pierce shrugged and said frankly, "If it really comes to that... I mean, if we fight from early summer to late winter and still can't achieve any effective results, then the situation will probably be beyond your control... We will commit all the troops we can mobilize to the battlefield, and we will have to expand the scale of the military industry in the rear and give up many unnecessary civilian manufacturing industries."

Agriculture Minister Anbic raised his hand tremblingly and said in a shaking voice, "Then... how can we guarantee food production? Without rations, the soldiers can't fight on the frozen sea!"

Asdaren glanced at Harvey, who sat on the throne, and seeing that he didn't intend to speak, he paused before slowly saying, "Then let's go plunder! The Southern Territory isn't just Saint Valen. There's no reason for us to fight to the death with alien enemies on the front lines while they sit back and reap the benefits."

The chief advisor, who was usually so elegant, made such a startling remark that the assembled high-ranking officials were stunned, and for a moment no one dared to stand up and respond.

Harvey coughed lightly at this moment and said calmly, "Don't be surprised, everyone. This is the truth. So-called war mobilization means that we need to achieve victory at all costs. Anyone who dares to block or hinder us from achieving our goals is someone who needs to be swept away and eliminated."

This does not only refer to a few opposing nobles, but also includes dozens of large and small secular kingdoms across the entire Southern Continent, as well as those extraordinary organizations and wizarding kingdoms that do not concern themselves with worldly affairs.

Indeed, apart from the Old Alliance and the Seven Wizarding Kingdoms, no other force in the entire Southern Territory was capable of helping them fight against these alien enemies. In a sense, they were no different from sheep kept in their own backyard, and it was only natural to fleece them when needed.

Reiner shifted his heavy mechanical body and sat back down in his chair, chuckling, "If the war drags on indefinitely, fighting in the icy sea region during winter will be very disadvantageous for us."

"If necessary, we will consider abandoning the Ice Sea base and using the vast wilderness as strategic depth to lure them into the land and forests to fight us..."

Pierston paused, his expression grim, and said, "A stalemate isn't entirely disadvantageous for us... After all, the reproduction and transformation rate of the Lizardmen should not be able to keep up with the number of bullets and artillery we produce. Under absolute firepower suppression, they are consuming living people, while we are consuming steel and magic energy."

Leiner nodded to indicate that he understood, and said in a deep voice, "In that case, I suggest that Your Majesty increase the grain production increase plan drafted at the beginning of this year by another 20%. At the same time, the Ministry of State should allocate an additional batch of grain reserves to the capitals of the kingdom in advance, and allow a 10% price increase for imported wheat. We should also encourage members of the Chamber of Commerce within the Alliance to actively supply us with grain."

Harvey nodded without hesitation, "This suggestion is approved." Since the two legendary chiefs were unable to attend due to the sensitive nature of their identities, Arturo and Magic Shield, who were responsible for attending, exchanged a glance and stood up in unison, saying, "Your Majesty, the Academy of Magic recommends suspending all civilian research projects this quarter and the second half of the year, and focusing all efforts on the crucial task of upgrading magical weapons!"

"The alchemy lab and the Royal Armory will also cooperate, halting civilian research projects and ramping up bullet and shell production." Seeing his colleagues stand up to express their determination, Chris quickly raised his hand as well.

Harvey nodded with satisfaction and said gently, "Permission granted. Make the arrangements as soon as possible."

Duncan, also the kingdom's chief minister, spoke last, "Your Majesty, the three important magical research departments—the Academy of Spellcasters, the Academy of Magical Sciences, and the New Federation—have many members who are currently applying to be transferred to the Ice Sea front to assist in combat. This…"

After a long list of approved applications, Harvey almost blurted out permission, pausing for two seconds before asking in astonishment, "Most of the members of the three departments are currently research-oriented spellcasters. What are they doing going to the front lines?"

Why not just stay in the rear base camp and do "scientific research"?

Magic Shield coughed awkwardly, stood up, and explained, "They said... His Majesty has developed enchanted armor that allows ordinary soldiers to cast spells. In the future, there will probably be no difference in abilities between spellcasters and ordinary people. To prove that they still have some value, so..."

It turns out that they were worried about being replaced and eliminated... which is why they couldn't help but rush to prove their worth.

Harvey chuckled and said, "I won't allow that. Right now, every aspect of military weapons research and development is in demand. If they're really itching to get involved, they can apply to join the recruit training for the demonized armored forces and mentor those greenhorns who aren't yet proficient in mastering supernatural powers!"

After a mild reprimand, Fa Dun could only chuckle and sit back down. In any case, the emotions and opinions had already been conveyed in secret, and His Majesty might choose to appease these disheartened people in other ways later.

At this stage of the meeting, most of the important points had been discussed.

Harvey slowly rose from his throne, his tone solemn: "In short, today's meeting is not only a discussion of this large-scale counter-offensive, but also a general mobilization for all levels of government across the country. Destroying the enemy's second floating island is far from enough. In this long battle, we must destroy as much of the enemy's exposed manpower as possible, which is tantamount to depleting their war potential. When we finally achieve victory... that will be the moment when our nation officially advances into the wasteland, opening up all of the land for the kingdom and for the human race!"

After the speech, everyone immediately stood up and bowed with their hands on their chests.

"Understood, Your Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)