Chapter 71: Birth of the Divisions
The grand strategy hall within Dragonsden Castle buzzed with a quiet intensity. Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, illuminating the faces of the assembled officers. At the head of the long table stood Major General Tatsuo Ryujin, flanked by his Lord's Adviser, Hui Cheng. Before them were the key leaders of the Black Dragon Army: the Clash Commanders Baron Rota Uno, Sir Ragnar Sternguard, Count Valerius Blackrose, Sir Reeldos Umbra, and Baron Kael Elmsworth. Behind them stood the Rare Commanders – Anya, Sir Alaric Stoneheart, Edald, Rudy, Damien Blackrose, Sir Proggor Stoneclaw, Sir Jiasraal Solidcrest, Markus Horned, Sir Kelt Ironhide, Sir Gust Farstrike, and many others who led the battalions and companies that formed the backbone of the army.
Tatsuo surveyed them all, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Officers of the Black Dragon Army," he began, his voice cutting through the silence, "our forces have grown significantly. Our victory against the demonic horde proved our strength, and the subsequent year of consolidation and recruitment has further swelled our ranks to over twenty-one thousand."
He paused, letting the number sink in. "A force of this magnitude requires a structure befitting its power and my rank as Major General. Therefore, effective today, the Black Dragon Army is officially reorganized into the Black Dragon Corps. This Corps will be built upon three newly formed Divisions, each led by a Vanguard General."
A ripple of anticipation went through the assembled commanders. This was the moment they had been waiting for – the formal establishment of the new command structure.
Tatsuo's gaze found his first knight. "Baron Rota Uno, step forward."
Rota moved to the front, kneeling respectfully before Tatsuo.
"Rota," Tatsuo declared, his voice resonating with authority and trust, "for your unwavering loyalty, your battlefield experience, and your dedication since the very beginning, I promote you to the rank of Chief Vanguard General. You will command the 1st Flame Division."
He outlined the division's composition: "Your division will consist of 7,000 soldiers. You will command the core cavalry units: Sir Alaric's 500 Lion Cavalry, Damien Blackrose's 500 Elite Blackrose Cavalry, and Sir Jiasraal's 1,000 Hobgoblin Cavalry. Additionally, 2,000 of our newly recruited cavalrymen will fall under your command. You will also integrate the 1,000 soldiers of the Drake Battalions led by Edald and Rudy, 500 Human Scouts, Sir Ehdeec's 500 Hobgoblin Scout and Hunter Battalion, and 1,000 elite infantry."
He gave Rota his assignment. "Your primary task is to advance north. You will establish your headquarters on the border facing the Greenvein Viscounty. Construct a fortified border town within six months. The 1st Flame Division will be the tip of the spear in our northern campaign."
Rota rose, his face resolute. "I understand, Your Highness. I will not fail you. The 1st Flame Division will secure the north."
Next, Tatsuo addressed the former lord of this very city. "Count Valerius Blackrose, step forward."
Valerius approached, his demeanor composed, displaying the bearing of experienced nobility.
"Count Valerius," Tatsuo announced, "your experience in command, your administrative skills, and your demonstrated loyalty since joining our cause are invaluable. I promote you to the rank of Senior Vanguard General. You will command the Blackrose Division."
He detailed its forces: "Your division will also comprise 7,000 men. The core will be the 2,000 veterans of your original Blackrose Brigade. You will command Sir Gust Farstrike's 1,000-strong Gunner Battalions, 500 Elven Archers from Ifelon, 1,500 of our own Elite Archers and Crossbowmen, and 2,000 heavy infantry."
His assignment followed: "The Blackrose Division's headquarters will remain here in Dragonsden City. Your primary duty is vigilance to the west. Secure our flank and be prepared to repel any potential invasion from that direction."
Valerius bowed slightly. "Major General, I am honored by your trust. The Blackrose Division will stand as Dragonsden's shield in the west."
Finally, Tatsuo called his second knight. "Sir Ragnar Sternguard, step forward."
The massive half-giant knelt, his presence filling the space before the command table.
"Ragnar," Tatsuo said, a smile touching his lips, "your strength is legendary, your loyalty absolute. You are an inspiration to all soldiers, human and otherwise. I promote you to the rank of Junior Vanguard General. You will command the Guard Division."
He specified Ragnar's troops: "Your division, numbering 7,000 strong, will be built around the 2,000 brutal men of your former Ragnar Brigade. You will command 3,500 Heavy Infantry and Berserker Hobgoblins under Sir Jaastort and Sir Tramurx, and 1,500 elite human infantry."
He gave Ragnar his crucial task: "Your headquarters may be established in Hollowtree Town or Ifelon Town – the choice is yours. Your primary mission is paramount: guard the boundaries of the Untouchable Forest. Ensure no threats emerge from its depths."
Ragnar rose, his great axe seeming small in his grip. "Your Highness! The Guard Division will hold the forest line!"
With the three Division commanders appointed, Tatsuo addressed the remaining forces. "The final 560 soldiers will form my direct command, the Corps Reserve and my personal guard."
He looked at Anya. "Anya," he began, his voice softening slightly, "your dedication, intelligence, and loyalty have been exceptional. For your service, I promote you to 1st Class Clash Commander. Furthermore, I grant you minor nobility and the surname Stillfire. Lady Anya Stillfire, you will serve as my Personal Aide, and you will command the Prince Guard, comprising the 550 soldiers under my direct command."
Anya stepped forward, visibly moved but retaining her composure. "Major General... Your Highness... I am deeply honored. I will serve you faithfully, Lady Stillfire."
Tatsuo then addressed the Wyvern Knight leader, who stood near Anya. "Knight Captain Valerius Thorne," he called out. "For your leadership of our invaluable aerial knights, I promote you to 1st Class Rare Commander. You will continue to lead the 10 Wyvern Knights, integrated within the Prince Guard, serving under Clash Commander Stillfire."
Valerius Thorne snapped a salute. "Major General! I will follow Lady Stillfire's orders and command the Wyverns with honor!"
Tatsuo nodded, satisfied with the initial appointments. "Congratulations to our new Vanguard Generals and Commanders." He surveyed the room once more. "This meeting is not concluded. We will now proceed to the assignments for our remaining esteemed Clash Commanders, Sir Reeldos Umbra and Baron Kael Elmsworth..."