Chapter 2467: Come and Fight

For such important news, Zhuge Liang promptly informed the Sassanid Fars. However, judging from their expressions, they seemed to have some idea, but not as confidently as Zhuge Liang and his group.

“Kongming, what are your plans?” After confirming the situation, the Sassanid Fars personally visited to inquire, as the balance of power between the two sides had shifted, and even the Parthians’ advantage in having numerous troops and generals was gone.

Furthermore, in the past few days, the Sassanid Fars had come to understand Parthia’s situation and realized the improbability of receiving reinforcements, hence they showed a deeper respect for the Han Dynasty in their conversations and behavior towards the Han Army.

“Although we know the enemy will launch a surprise attack tonight, after much consideration, we still decided to engage the Romans. We do not yet have a precise understanding of the Romans’ strength, which is inappropriate,” Zhuge Liang said calmly.

Upon hearing this, the Sassanid Fars handed a densely written silk fabric to Zhuge Liang. “These are records of the Roman legions we previously engaged with, detailing their talents. Please be cautious, as once an eagle banner is destroyed, so goes the legion, but this doesn’t mean the talents disappear.”

Zhuge Liang nodded. They had previously guessed one Han Dynasty corps numbered five to six thousand people, similar to the Romans. However, for super elites with dual talents, they weren’t counted by legion; Danyang had at least three corps of super elites, and the Xiliang Iron Cavalry had two to three corps.

More importantly, as the war progressed, numbers might increase slightly. Therefore, Zhuge Liang didn’t think that after annihilating the Roman Thirteen Roses, the Romans would lose this unit type entirely. At best, their number would be removed, and even if stronger, they would no longer possess the eagle banner.

“By the way, I’ve always wondered, do each of the Romans’ eagle banners come with unique abilities?” Lyu Meng asked, furrowing his brow.

“Yes, their eagle banners have a similar effect to our Heart Projection, an imperial glory. Unlike our talents, the Romans can project this ability across the entire army,” the Sassanid Fars replied, frowning.

“Then, what is the ability of the Thirteen Roses Legion’s eagle banner?” Sun Quan asked curiously. Frankly, the downfall of the Thirteen Roses Legion was indeed stunning.

“It’s a manifestation of ‘What clothes can I make, with you I share my robe.’ ” Lyu Meng said, gazing sideways outside the tent. His ability was to copy and learn, and he could also transcribe the army talent-like abilities of the eagle banners. However, compared to the Central Plains’ legion talents, these were more complicated, probably due to the complex source.

“Is it sharing?” Zhuge Liang frowned, not knowing Lyu Meng had such ability. Upon further thought, it was indeed possible.

“No, it’s obtaining the eagle banner effects of fighting comrades, but the cost is a delay in activation,” Lyu Meng shook his head and said. “In joint actions of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Legions, without Zhongda’s talent, as long as the legion leaders remain aware, there wouldn’t be any issues.”

This statement made everyone twitch slightly. If so, there were too many coincidental factors in the Thirteen Roses’ defeat. Yet, remembering the situation at the time, after the Thirteenth Legion broke through the encirclement, the Sassanid Fars confirmed they could annihilate the opposition. It’s as though knowing the foe could escape, confirming that an incapable commander indeed exhausts the army.

“What’s the eagle banner talent of the Trajan Legion?” Zhuge Liang looked at Lyu Meng and asked. Since Lyu Meng had this ability, Zhuge Liang trusted him over Parthian intel.

“If they don’t use it, I don’t know either,” Lyu Meng shook his head. It was the same for the Sassanid Fars, “We haven’t seen the Trajan Legion in action either. Ever since the annihilation of our military spirit legion a hundred years ago, the Trajan Legion has rarely been deployed.”

Zhuge Liang nodded silently. The opponent’s legion had grown strong enough that deploying the eagle banner was often unnecessary. For the Trajan Legion, the eagle banner might serve more as a symbol.

After the Sassanid Fars left, Zhuge Liang began to allocate military tasks in detail. Tonight’s battle posed significant risks; while a retreat option was reserved, Zhuge Liang hoped to engage the Roman elites relying on the camp if possible.

“That’s it, the primary target is the Fifth Lark Legion. Of course, if our preparations are ineffective, retreat back to the camp. The site has special features, and should you stand at odds, I’ll direct a counterattack,” Zhuge Liang said with a solemn demeanor.

“I want to battle the Trajan Legion once more.” Li Jue slowly lifted his head, eyes grave, “In them, I see the shadow of our past.”

“The Trajan Legion, huh?” Zhuge Liang pondered momentarily, “Very well, but avoid going too deep. The enemy is extraordinarily elite, and our current forces insufficient. If you fall into their main formation, we cannot spare troops for your rescue.”

“Don’t worry, although the Trajan Legion is formidable, we’ve devised countermeasures. Zhongming, protect Kongming with the main military spirit.” Li Jue turned to Duan Wei. Duan Wei was slightly startled; if even his military spirit loses its edge, how would Li Jue contend with the Trajan Legion? Past attempts had shown their peculiar strength.

“It’s fine. We weren’t serious before.” Li Jue motioned, “Since we are to probe, let us test their strongest legion.”

“Gongtai.” Gao Shun calmly addressed Chen Gong.

“We’ll handle Rome’s Council Guard. Though our intel on the Romans is lacking, it’s evident they’ve deployed forces against Armenia. If here is their main assault direction, the Council Guard will be present.” Chen Gong recited expressionlessly, “Relatively, dealing with the Council Guard poses notable challenges.”

After acquiring knowledge of the Council Guard’s abilities from the Parthians, everyone, including Zhuge Liang, understood that if not dismantled, the entire army’s strength would undergo a bizarre surge.

“Alright, but do exercise caution.” Zhuge Liang nodded.

“If a major battle ensues, I will block the main Roman forces,” Zhang Liao stated calmly. Since his awakening, his legion talent had steadily expanded, enhancing continuously.

“Zhongmou, which route will you choose?” Zhuge Liang asked Sun Quan.

Sun Quan hesitated, instinctively looking at Lyu Meng, who eventually responded under Quan’s distressed gaze, “Join the Xiliang Iron Cavalry against the Trajan Legion. If evenly matched, nothing more need be said. Should the Trajan Legion show superiority, we can secure our retreat.”

Glancing at Lyu Meng, Sun Quan bowed his head deeply, pondering over defending the camp.

“I’ll handle the Roman Heavy Infantry Legion,” Gao Lan stepped forward, his tall figure exuding renewed vigor. The reborn phoenix, and his commanding Yuan Family elite had formed its first elite talent, rendering further basic training meaningless. The next step was completing the instant advancement prescribed in Juo Yi’s Soldier Drilling Manual.

“If I spot the Fifth Lark Legion, I won’t overlook them,” Sheni Pei’s eyes gleamed. That legion was a definite nuisance.

“Zhongda, aware of your contingency plan, I’d request you lead the reserves.” Zhuge Liang addressed Sima Yi, next to whom Cao Zhen sat, disappointedly noting his prolonged efforts left him in a reserve role.

“Wen Chang, how long can the five talents last?” Zhuge Liang asked Wei Yan.

“Two quarters of an hour!” Wei Yan urgently replied.

“Very well, you will lead the Central Army and act on my command. As we face different legions, I will employ various talents. Demonstrate your utmost combat power; truthfully, I haven’t explored my own limits for a while,” Zhuge Liang spoke proudly, finally reaching an age to harness a significant portion of his innate talents.

That night, Pipunannus and others cloaked the army with their talent effect, activating the eagle banner of the Fourteenth Legion to bestow a floating step effect on all soldiers.

The Fourteenth Legion’s leader, Benito, was demoted to acting leader, acknowledging the Thirteen Roses Legion’s demise reportedly due to recklessness. Nevertheless, accountability was expected.

Severus did not overly reprimand Benito, recognizing the formidable power of the adversary. However, he stripped Benito of his stipend and relinquished legion leadership, appointing him acting leader. The Fourteenth Combined Legion-wise affairs still fell under Benito’s charge.

“Benito, something feels off; your legion exudes a similar aura to mine.” Now-acting Fifth Lark Legion leader, Palmyro, remarked from horseback in the marshlands, curious about Benito’s response.

“Ah, that’s a talent discovered recently from the Han Army; quite handy. Yet, oddly, although the Fourteenth Legion’s elite talent should showcase perfect elite talent status, it seems underutilized.” Benito commented, sighing.

The Fourteenth Combined Legion is known as a single-talent unit, apparent to all legions. However, they are an unusual breed, having maximized their eagle banner’s potential. Accompanied by their intrinsic elite talent, claiming singular reign in dual talent is unquestionable.