I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 92 Battle Results Statistics
Rhodes narrowed his eyes slightly, a sense of familiarity washing over him.

This entry reminded him of a strategy game he played in his previous life—the kind of "aura" skill.

Once activated, it will significantly boost the strength of him and his soldiers.

This kind of term is extremely useful; it's a true weapon on the battlefield.

One can imagine that whenever soldiers charge into battle, they feel their bodies filled with power, their morale soars, and their combat effectiveness skyrockets.

If Rhodes were to combine this with his "blessing from the Lord of the Holy Land" gimmick, the soldiers would likely become as fierce as tigers descending a mountain.

Thinking of this, a smile involuntarily appeared on Rod's lips.

Once Commander's Edge is unlocked, the unlock conditions for the next new affix will also appear.

[Next entry: Achieve five battle victories (≥50 enemies) and personally execute 100 enemies to unlock: Bloodthirsty Commander]

Rhodes felt that his method of execution could not be considered bloodthirsty.

"Your Excellency, should those bodies be buried on the spot?"

Durant's question interrupted Rod's thoughts.

Rod paused for a moment, then understood what Durant meant.
"Clean up the bodies, but take the heads back."

"Yes, Lord Lord."

That's what Durant wanted to express.

He knew about the special taxes levied in the North.

—The empire demands the surrender of 100 bandit heads every year.

Although there may be a surge in banditry after the autumn harvest, it is still necessary to prepare in advance.

Durant remembers clearly the location of the heads of the bandits he killed during his last raid on Frostleaf.

If next year's tax revenue is insufficient, we can dig it all up to make up the difference.

"My lord, do you think the empire will really send people to collect these heads? Are they going to transport them back?"

Durant couldn't understand it; many heads, once severed, couldn't be kept for long.

Even with quicklime as a preservative, would the Empire really bring back some shriveled heads?
"I do not know either."

Rhodes shook his head slightly.

“We might take it back to display, but that seems a bit too costly. Maybe it'll just be for tax officials to come and see.”

In fact, Rhodes already had the answer in his heart.

Rather than saying the empire sent these lords for revenge, it would be more accurate to say they were there to expand their territory and increase the empire's power.

These heads are merely symbolic proof; whether or not they will be transported back is something even His Majesty himself probably hasn't decided yet.

After settling the prisoners, Rhodes returned to the campfire to rest.

Durant spent the entire night cleaning up the battlefield and tallying casualties.

Therefore, as soon as Rod got up in the morning, Durant sent him the report.

Rhodes was not satisfied with the outcome of the battle.

The harvest was meager: 35 slaves, five warhorses, 20 sets of chainmail, and over fifty miscellaneous weapons.

Most of the chainmail was badly damaged, with a pitted and cracked surface, and needed to be sent back to the blacksmith's shop in town for repair.

And these were the results of Rhodes gathering the strength of most of the town and taking enormous risks.

Meanwhile, fifteen of Rhodes' recruits and savages sustained minor injuries, two were killed in action, and three others were crippled, completely losing their ability to fight.

Fortunately, only three veterans sustained minor injuries, and there were no major losses.

Despite the overwhelming victory, Rhodes was not satisfied with the results.

Most injuries among new recruits are caused by poor mental fortitude and panic in actual combat.

One of the recruits twisted his ankle during the chase, giving the enemy an opportunity.

New recruits must be included in combat training in order to reduce their casualties.

"Make arrangements for the three disabled soldiers and send someone to carry them back."

After hearing the report, Rhodes gave the instructions.

He would never abandon his own people.

The three crippled soldiers should naturally be taken back to be cared for.

These people fought and bled for him, and even if they could no longer go to the battlefield, he would not abandon them. If he were to be abandoned after being seriously wounded, who would be willing to risk their lives for him in the future?

"Understood, Your Excellency."

Durant nodded emphatically. "I'll handle it."

"Yes, arrange our patrol teams and continue to closely monitor the situation around White Rock Canyon."

A victory over Rod will not make us complacent.

There are still many things to deal with next.

"Also, find a clever person to memorize all the information about Chris's entourage, and then have our people impersonate him."

Rhodes solemnly instructed, "You must have a thorough understanding of their identity, name, habits, and even the details of their earldom."

From now on, he will be responsible for delivering messages to the outpost outside White Rock Canyon.

He doesn't want to fight now.

With the autumn harvest approaching, ensuring the safe return of the grain to the town is of paramount importance.

In order to keep the count in check, he planned to send a false battle report every seven days, reporting some fictitious "achievements".

Once the autumn harvest is successfully completed, Rodten will make his move and deal with this count properly.

"In addition, select 10 obedient children from the town to form a knight squad."

Rod continued.

The existing staff were loyal but lacked ability, so he decided to train them from scratch.

And those children who ate Rhodes' food and used Rhodes' products now have great respect for Rhodes.

They've been getting plenty of nutrition lately, and their physical condition is quite good.

Rhodes only hoped that they could survive the awakening of the drug.

"Yes, my lord, I will make the arrangements as soon as I get back."

Durant responded with complete confidence for the first time.

He had been paying attention to these things for a while.

"A knight needs more than just breathing techniques."

Rhodes cautioned, “I need people who can lead troops into battle. They must be well-versed in military knowledge and basic culture, and they must be quick-witted.”

"Don't worry, I understand."

Durant pointed.

"And one more thing."

Rod paused, then looked up at the savages sitting on the ground, gnawing on meat bread.
"I think the savage spearmen are worth developing."

This battle showed Rhodes the power of the spearmen.

Those spears weren't crafted by Rhodes himself with metal spearheads that had armor-piercing capabilities, but ordinary shields and armor simply couldn't withstand their penetrating power.

Its only drawback is its short range, but if used for surprise attacks or night raids, its effect is terrifying.

Rhodes had another idea: if facing a poorly defended town, a squad of well-trained spearmen would be enough to catch the enemy off guard.

What's even more remarkable is that these savages have truly come to regard him as the lord of their sacred land.

Especially after last night's battle, they regarded Rhodes's orders as divine mandate, and would kneel down upon seeing Rhodes, their loyalty was beyond question.

Even Rhodes had to admit that the charlatan's theories were really effective.

"You want to train these spear throwers?" Durant asked.

Rhodes nodded slightly. "You can select some savages and, while teaching them basic combat skills, strengthen their spear-throwing abilities."

The core power of a spear thrower comes from the waist, and the back muscles also need to be strengthened.

Weighted squats, stone lifting, and climbing are all good forms of exercise.

Rhodes offered some suggestions, all based on the training methods of javelin throwers from his previous life.

Having given all the instructions, Rhodes led his team back to Frostleaf Town.

　Thank you all for reading for so long. The editor said it will be available for purchase after midnight tomorrow, so please subscribe on the first day!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)