Boiling Beast Bloodline-Chapter 2212 - 678: Final Battle Countdown [4]

After Rommel left, Richard sat alone by the Sanggan River, lost in thought.

His mind was filled with many complex considerations, and his thoughts were a bit disorganized.

Ever since he started engaging in large-scale army operations, where each move was responsible for millions of lives, Richard, who used to somewhat neglect the art of strategy, now had to gradually shift his focus from tactics to strategic planning to look toward the future. Tactical planning could only win small-scale victories, whereas strategy influenced the whole picture. The difference between the two was self-evident. For a competent national leader, lacking tactical skill was forgivable, but a lack of strategic vision was deadly.

In fact, Richard had been continuously learning and undergoing a process of self-transformation. However, this metamorphosis, following a natural, unobtrusive course like water flowing naturally, was something he didn’t notice himself, too involved in the process to perceive his own changes.

As he matured through numerous real battles, an idea gradually dawned on him, though he dared not make it public. Tactical and strategic planning aren’t as complex as outsiders think. Once you reach a certain level, anyone can treat the world as a chessboard and use the masses as pawns to engage in strategic games with opponents.

Old Richard always thought these notions were a result of his own arrogance, but as the situation developed, he increasingly felt that his speculation might be the undeniable truth!

In truth, no matter how cunning a military genius or how meticulous a strategist, their plans and executions adhered to natural laws. They didn’t win by summoning divine help from above, but through strategic deception and smoke screens, leveraging time, terrain, and available resources to win step by step.

No victory in war is illogical or devoid of cause and effect.

Based on these beliefs, Richard was unafraid of any powerful or formidable opponent because his strategy was based on defense and counterattack. This mode of war required little skill. No matter how grand your scheme, in defense, victory was achieved by sacrificing lives and using straightforward combat.

In a battle of wit, Richard might falter, but in physical strength and courage, who could he possibly fear?

Everyone had one head and two shoulders — who could avoid death against a swinging blade?

However, after a conversation with the brilliant commander, he was significantly affected by the advice that a leader should believe anything was possible. In Richard’s strategic plan, a nationwide defense was ultimately in service of victory. If he could hold out long enough, success was assured!

In fact, the current continental situation was developing in line with his expectations towards the best outcome.

However...

If his adversaries also acquired the advantages he now relied upon, how would this World War continue?

"What are you thinking about? You’ve been standing here dazed for a while."

The giant figure of Deseli, the chieftain of the Buddhist Giants, loomed over Richard by the riverside.

"Thinking about women." Richard smirked.

"Can’t you be a bit more proper? Remember your role; you don’t just represent yourself or Phrygia anymore. You now represent the entire face of the Aegean!"

"Mind your own business!"

"You..." If looks could kill, Deseli would have torn Richard to shreds like fish-flavored shredded meat with his glare.

"I haven’t even called you out yet! Obischillaci, only Rudd can train the 108 unique martial arts of the Buddhist Giants. Why did you set me up?"

"Richard, don’t be mad, but I’m quite glad and confident in my wise decision!"

A large ripple suddenly appeared in the Sanggan River, and after a few bubbling sounds, a turtle the size of a millstone surfaced its sharp little head and greenish shell.

"And what a huge model!" Richard chuckled as he drew his Torrential Pear Blossom Crossbow, aiming at the green turtle in the river but before he could pull the trigger, Deseli held his arm down with a finger as thick as a Wolf Fang Club.

"Don’t resort to killing so easily, okay? You’re no match for Mourinho!"

"I was never supposed to be compared to him." Richard turned around and squinted up at the Buddhist Giant chieftain. "Oh, oh, how come that sounded so off! Chief, are you thinking of going to the Old Swan and coming back to lead your people away?"

"If I thought that way, would you agree?" The Buddhist Giant chieftain crouched down, gazing into Richard’s eyes. "Don’t joke, I want to hear your sincere thoughts."

"I would agree." Richard nodded so vigorously his chin almost hit his chest. "No kidding, I truly have deep respect for Mourinho. Failing to befriend him, just like failing to befriend Rommel, is one of the greatest regrets of my life! If you follow him, I’d have no objection. But if you want to follow anyone else, I’d definitely be dissatisfied!"