The title of Major General carried a weight that resonated deeper than mere rank; it demanded a structure capable of wielding the formidable force Tatsuo now commanded. In his command center within Dragonsden Castle, Tatsuo surveyed the reports detailing the Black Dragon Army. Over twenty-one thousand soldiers – veterans forged in fire, disciplined new recruits undergoing his 'Prince Torture Training', fearsome Hobgoblin warriors, skilled Elven archers, elite cavalry, and his original loyal guards. The single Division structure, even with its specialized brigades, felt inadequate. Before marching on Greenvein, the Black Dragon Army needed to evolve. It needed to become a Corps.
He sent word, and soon, his Lord's Adviser, Hui Cheng, and Baron Rota Uno, now a 2nd Class Clash Commander, entered the chamber.
"Rota," Tatsuo began, his voice steady and clear, "my promotion to Major General allows for command of a larger formation. The Black Dragon Army requires restructuring. We will organize it into a proper Army Corps."
Rota, ever the disciplined soldier, nodded sharply. "An essential evolution, Your Highness. Managing this number effectively requires a higher echelon of command."
"My thoughts exactly," Tatsuo affirmed. "Therefore, your first task is to summon our key commanders for a meeting tomorrow morning in the main strategy hall. Ensure the attendance of all Brigade Clash Commanders – yourself, Sir Ragnar, Count Valerius, Sir Reeldos, and Baron Kael. Also, summon the principal Rare Commanders leading our battalions. The agenda is the formation of the Black Dragon Corps and the subsequent reorganization and command assignments."
"It will be done, Your Highness," Rota confirmed with a bow, turning immediately to execute the order. The efficient click of his boots faded down the corridor.
Tatsuo turned his attention to his trusted mentor. "Master Hui," he said, "the scale of the Black Dragon Army, now exceeding twenty-one thousand, necessitates this change. I intend to form the Corps around a core of three Divisions. This structure should provide the strategic flexibility we need."
Hui Cheng stroked his beard, his gaze distant as he processed the implications. "Three Divisions under a Corps command... Yes, my lord. A logical progression. It allows for delegation of command while retaining your overall strategic control as Major General. A formidable structure."
"Indeed," Tatsuo agreed. "Which brings me to the most critical decision: selecting the commanders for these Divisions. They will need to be Vanguard Generals, or hold equivalent authority. I require your counsel, Master Hui. Who among our current Clash Commanders do you believe is most suited for such responsibility?"
Hui Cheng considered the five men recently promoted to Clash Commander rank. "A challenging decision, my lord, as each possesses distinct strengths. We have Baron Rota – your most loyal and experienced knight, though perhaps his greatest value lies as your direct second, a Corps Chief of Staff? Sir Ragnar – immense power, unwavering loyalty, a unique leader respected by diverse troops. Count Valerius – experienced, politically astute, demonstrating loyalty since his surrender, capable administrator. Sir Reeldos – highly intelligent, strategic, meticulous, perhaps suited for logistics or intelligence at the Corps level, but undeniably capable. And Baron Kael – proven adaptable and courageous, successfully integrating and leading the unique Hobgoblin Brigade."
Hui Cheng paused, looking directly at Tatsuo. "Each could potentially command a Division, my lord. Rota's loyalty is absolute. Ragnar's strength is inspiring. Valerius brings noble experience. Reeldos offers strategic depth. Kael demonstrates adaptability with unconventional forces. You must weigh their battlefield command experience against their strategic value in other potential Corps-level roles, and consider the composition of the Divisions they might lead."
Tatsuo nodded slowly, absorbing his adviser's assessment. The candidates were strong, but the decision was complex, balancing loyalty, skill, experience, and the overall needs of the nascent Black Dragon Corps. The meeting tomorrow would be crucial.
Okay, let's continue the conversation between Tatsuo and Hui Cheng in Chapter 70, incorporating Tatsuo's decision:
Hui Cheng finished his assessment, listing the considerable strengths and potential roles of the five Clash Commanders – Rota, Ragnar, Valerius, Reeldos, and Kael. He looked expectantly at Tatsuo, awaiting his lord's judgment.
Tatsuo paced before the map for a moment, his mind weighing the merits of each commander against the needs of the three distinct Divisions he envisioned forming the core of his Black Dragon Corps. He considered loyalty, raw power, strategic acumen, political necessity, and the ability to inspire the diverse troops under his command. He stopped, his decision made.
"Your insights are invaluable, Master Hui," Tatsuo said, turning back to face his adviser. "You've laid bare the strengths of each man. After considering them carefully, I have made my choices."
He took a breath, his voice firm. "Baron Rota Uno," he began, "His loyalty is beyond question, forged since the very beginning of my journey. He understands my intentions implicitly. That level of trust is paramount for the core Division, the one likely closest to my own command. I will promote him to Chief Vanguard General."
Tatsuo gestured towards another name implicitly represented on the map. "Count Valerius Blackrose. He possesses decades of experience commanding troops and administering territory. Promoting him ensures the complete integration of the Blackrose forces and leverages his noble standing and skill. His experience warrants significant authority. He shall be promoted to Senior Vanguard General."
Finally, his gaze settled on the mental image of his second knight. "And Sir Ragnar Sternguard. His strength is legendary, a symbol of the raw power within our army. He inspires fierce loyalty, particularly among the non-human elements and heavy infantry. He represents the heart and fighting spirit of the Black Dragon Army. I will promote him to Junior Vanguard General."
He looked at Hui Cheng, awaiting his reaction.
Hui Cheng absorbed the choices, stroking his beard slowly. A thoughtful nod followed. "A balanced decision, my lord," he conceded. "Rota's unwavering loyalty anchors your core. Valerius brings essential experience and solidifies the Blackrose integration. Ragnar embodies the army's fierce spirit and strength. Each choice addresses a different strategic need for the Corps."
He paused, then added, "This leaves Sir Reeldos and Baron Kael as highly capable Clash Commanders. Their talents should not be wasted. Perhaps Corps-level staff roles or command of specialized reserve brigades?"
"Precisely my thoughts, Master Hui," Tatsuo confirmed. "Their roles will be defined in the reorganization tomorrow. But these three – Rota, Valerius, and Ragnar – will be the pillars of our new Divisions."
He felt a surge of confidence. The structure was taking shape, the leaders chosen. Tomorrow, the Black Dragon Corps would officially begin its formation.