Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 429 Astrology Combined with Diplomacy
The day after the astrology was activated, a new week began. Although the Swordsman's Month did not cover all of Kuraki's cities, several major cities, including Kuraki, Longlit Castle, and Bear Castle, benefited from the bonus, and production surged to over 100 this week.

By taking the swordsmen to the strongest swordsman training camp, Kuraki instantly gained more than 100 strongest swordsmen.

However, this is only the first wave of gains. The real upper limit of the astrological month's profits will depend on Forrest.

"The illusions have been formed, but they are all relatively small. It will take some time to form a large swordsman camp."

Goode and Forrest continued to work together to sweep away the swordsman illusions that appeared in the Kuraki area.

As for the wild soldiers within the valley, they were all left to the Demon Hunter Marshal, since he was also a rare diplomatic general and could recruit swordsmen to his service.

Both sides wanted to recruit swordsmen first, and then use buildings or skills to upgrade stronger units. Judging from Kenway's astonished expression at the time, he might be more skilled at commanding swordsmen in the Demon Hunter sequence.

While setting the entire astrological range within Kuraki's territory would certainly allow for the acquisition of more of the strongest swordsmen, the battlefield isn't decided by a single legion. Perhaps Kuraki's all-out attack could breach the fortifications, but what if the Ancient Ruins, seeing Bear Fortress undefended, were to take advantage of the situation?

Therefore, it is necessary to consider all aspects when waging war. If Kenway can really lure the Bastion army into a surprise attack, they can cooperate with the Witcher Marshal to launch a pincer attack from both sides, ensuring that Isildur's troops will not return.

"I've heard that there's been some activity inside the hills, with some legions moving towards the valley, and powerful reinforcements arriving in the plains. It seems the fortresses are tempted."

The heartland of Elton is in chaos, and whoever is in charge of the fortress will see this as a golden opportunity.

Even if it's not a real attack, having a large army on the border to intimidate the kingdom and create more chaos in the heartland would definitely be beneficial.

This is why Kenway dared not easily send troops back to the heartland. His stronghold might just be a show of force, but if he lost his core legion, he might suffer the same fate as his predecessor.

However, with Su Mu's support, he was able to do some things.

"Marshal Kenway has already mobilized part of the legion to retreat into the interior. Although they are taking country roads, Isildur's reconnaissance capabilities will surely discover his movements."

"Truth and falsehood, reality and illusion, Marshal Kenway does have some military strategy."

Forrest felt that Kenway was slightly self-serving, but his principles were sound. Although Quentin had recommended him, he remained loyal to the kingdom. It was just that he was often caught between Parliament and High Court, which made things difficult for him.

Trying to please the Highgarden family while also turning the tide and saving the kingdom is naturally fraught with difficulties.

In fact, from the last Battle of Silvertop, Kenway's willingness to send troops to fight against Isildur, creating the illusion that Kuraki had strategically abandoned the north, showed that he was considering the overall situation.

The other party definitely didn't report this to Congress, otherwise it would have caused a huge uproar if Congress had known.

Kenway is a hero with his own decisions, as evidenced by this joint effort to lure the enemy. This is why Forrest was willing to personally travel south to the valley to persuade the marshal.

If it were a stubborn or foolish general, Forrest wouldn't even bother trying to persuade him.

Finally, we have a commander who can get along harmoniously and communicate between the two sides. We should strive to win this battle and satisfy everyone.

"Continue the investigation! The illusionary military camp has definitely appeared. Report to me immediately if you have any news!"

Goode dispersed the Wind Erosion Cavalry to find a large barracks for Forrest.

In fact, he encountered a very small number of swordsmen on the country roads, and Forrest had already used his diplomatic skills to free them from their chaotic consciousness and recruit them.

With the Wind Erosion Knights leading the charge, all the troops they encountered were weaker than them. Coupled with Forrest's financial resources, they were virtually invincible and quickly amassed a 30-man swordsman unit.

If this were in the early stages of Kuraki's reign, it would certainly be considered a decent addition to his forces, but for the current principality, it is far from sufficient.

Forrest's diplomatic skills were solidified, and he was just one step away from promotion.

In fact, he had accumulated a lot of experience in previous construction and development tasks, but he was just missing the final practical training. He believed that after this large-scale recruitment, his diplomacy skills would also be able to reach the advanced level.

"Report! A swordsman's camp illusion has been discovered ahead, with an exceptionally strong aura of magical power!" The fact that the Wind Erosion Knight praised it indicates its power is indeed formidable.

"Let's go and have a look in front!"

A group of people rode their horses and quickly arrived at the illusionary realm that had been created.

Just as the scout had said, the magical energy of the illusion was very strong. Looking down from the mountain peak, one could see a continuous line of sword soldiers' camps, with many ruthless and resolute swordsmen guarding this powerful illusion.

This also gave rise to the Illusionary Spirit, who leads a large number of swordsmen troops.

【Illusion Swordsman (Spell Spirit): Attack 7, Defense 7, Spell Power 4, Knowledge 4.】

Features: Swordsman Spirit, possessing powerful attack and defense capabilities.

Advanced defensive/offensive techniques/resistance.

Advanced Water Element Mastery.

Advanced Swordsman Command: For every 3 points of attribute a Cursed Spirit has, the attack and defense of the Swordsman (and upgraded troop types) will increase by 1 point, and the probability of triggering a third attack will increase by 5%.

"This is a bit of a problem!"

The previous shortage of swordsmen was a problem, but now the abundance of swordsmen is also causing problems, even giving rise to illusionary spirits, indicating that the quality of this illusion is quite high. Perhaps it's possible to completely materialize the illusionary structure and relocate it into the world of heroes.

Generally speaking, in the Astrology of the military class, the appearance of a small military camp with dozens or hundreds of soldiers is considered a fairly normal illusion.

These small buildings are all formed from the power of the void spell, and are simulated and condensed according to the characteristics of the unit type. They are not real.

Once the hero destroys the illusion, eliminates the enemies, or recruits them, the so-called illusory structure will disappear and cease to exist.

However, some of the illusionary buildings are different. Under the powerful projection of stars, they are connected to the source of magical power in another world, forming a powerful architectural reality. If a hero can successfully conquer them, he can occupy the new wilderness building.

Forrest, who originally only wanted to make a fortune through diplomacy, instantly changed his mind.

"First, use the cavalry to subdue the swordsmen on the outskirts, inform them of the reward of treasure and resources, and when the time is right, kill some troublemakers. The specific measures depend on my signal!"

"promise!"

The skill to combine carrot and stick tactics naturally depends on the diplomat's ability. Used well, it's a brilliant strategy; used poorly, not a single one of these people will surrender—that's the difference.

The outer forces were quickly surrounded by the Wind Erosion Knights. Clearly, they were not the core members of the Illusionary Spirits, and were therefore sent out on patrol. Faced with this powerful cavalry, their consciousness was somewhat chaotic, so they prepared to resist.

At this point, Forrest stepped in, using the diplomat's strong affinity to persuade them to abandon their evil ways and embrace the light.

He opened the chest behind him, and gold coins poured out with a "whoosh." The only item that could bring the soldiers to their senses was, of course, the spell-powered gold coins. It was not merely a unit of measurement, but also the hard currency of the hero world, and the most powerful spell in mind magic.

With the addition of diplomatic persuasion, a large number of swordsmen were willing to surrender.

For every player who falls below a certain threshold, Forrest gives the other player a large sum of gold coins and adds 1 point to their score.

As for those who stubbornly resisted, Forrest showed no mercy and directly ordered Goode to take action, piercing the swordsman's helmet with a single spear thrust, leaving him standing still as a warning to others.

This method, though primitive, is very effective.

Moreover, Forrest carries the Medal of the Statesman, which gives him a natural affinity with field soldiers, reducing their hostility by 1.

Soon, through diplomatic maneuvering, 130 swordsmen were acquired!
(End of this chapter)