Rome Must Perish-Chapter 293 - 182: Knowing the Existence of the Skodisqi Tribe

Pequot paused for a moment, seeing everyone was listening intently, and couldn’t help but feel a bit smug: "I thought of a strategy, sending out some slaves with wooden shields and spears to engage the enemy, while I led the original team and other slaves to ambush in the dense forest by the riverside, waiting until the enemy defeated those slaves and pursued, at which point I would lead the team to suddenly attack and defeat the enemy...

Since that victory, everyone’s morale has been boosted. Then I led them on a rapid march eastward, reaching the Sava River, where there were many Brochi tribes, one after another, but none were heavily defended.

Before they could react, I split my forces to attack the surrounding Brochi tribes. These tribes had warriors, but not many, and were quickly defeated by us. We captured food supplies and gained more Skodisqi slaves, our ranks swelled significantly.

However, I grew increasingly afraid, fearing a sudden appearance of a large Brochi army that would annihilate my forces. So I stationed scouts everywhere to monitor the movements of the Brochi army... Later, I received information that ’a force of eight to nine thousand Brochi soldiers was advancing towards our camp along the Kupa River...’

I immediately thought this was the army Brochi had sent earlier to attack our camp. Although at the time my forces were not much different in size, they were mostly Skodisqi slaves and certainly couldn’t match their combat strength. Of course, I didn’t dare to engage them directly and was also worried they would cut off my forces’ return route to camp, trapping us in the heart of Brochi territory, which would be disastrous for us.

So I thought of a solution. Under the cover of night, I led the main force to hide in the mountains while having my subordinates lead another 2000 Skodisqi slaves eastward along the Sava River the next day, feigning an attack on the Brochi main camp...

The Brochi army indeed fell for it. Without thorough investigation, they hastily pursued eastward. I seized the opportunity to lead the main force out of the forest and quickly head west, along the original route to Brochi territory...

At that point, I thought since the Brochi army of nearly ten thousand had returned, the Pannonia Alliance’s attack on our outlying camps should not persist. However, to be safe, I still first led the team to hide in the mountains by the Kupa River and sent scouts to investigate... I thought at the time if the Pannonians were still besieging the camp, I would lead the team to risk a night raid on the Pannonians’ settlement by the Kupa River, burning their stored food...

Finally, the news the scouts brought back allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief..."

Everyone listened carefully to Pequot’s account. As soon as he finished speaking, the military tent became exceptionally quiet, and everyone was clearly aware: although Pequot spoke lightly of it, in reality, leading such a large number of untrained Skodisqi slaves, which included many old men, women, and children, into enemy territory was a massive survival challenge, with the risk of catastrophic failure at every turn. Yet, incredibly, he managed to safely bring out more than half of them, a feat that could only be considered a miracle!

"Clap! Clap! Clap!..." Maximus was the first to applaud with a broad smile, and the others in the tent followed suit. The enthusiastic applause was a tribute to the creator of this miracle, Pequot.

The thunderous applause left Pequot overwhelmed with emotions at this moment.

Maximus gazed at him, full of appreciation in his eyes, and said loudly, "Now I understand why the Pannonia Alliance chose to retreat the day after capturing our outlying camp!

It’s not just because of the brave defense of our soldiers that dealt significant damage to the enemy! Nor solely because of Camillus and Oluus leading their soldiers in a daring night raid on the Pannonian camp that severely damaged their morale! But also because of your actions in Brochi territory, greatly disturbing the military mind of the Pannonian army!

Pequot, I truly didn’t expect you to carry out the task I gave you so well! Not only did you solve a major problem for us, but you also boldly ventured to Brochi territory, causing upheaval there, spreading the renown of our Nix Tribe to other major tribes in Pannonia, and bringing us so many new forces! Your contributions are immense! Immense! Immense!"

Maximus repeated ’immense’ three times, his emotions extremely passionate: "Although previously the Political Affairs Hall issued a decree that if this time the Pannonian army is repelled, all ordinary Nix tribesmen will be promoted by one level, and all reserve tribe members will have their observation period shortened by one year.

But I think promoting by only one level is not enough to recognize your achievements this time. I will propose to the Political Affairs Hall to promote you by two levels to become a First-class Tribesman! Those Skodisqi slaves who have joined you and our Nix Tribe, who risked and fought in Brochi territory, also played a crucial role in the Pannonian army’s retreat. Their observation period as reserve tribe members should also be reduced to two years! I believe the Political Affairs Hall will accept my suggestion!"

Of course, the Political Affairs Hall will agree because, in this newly established Nix Tribe, Maximus’ word is law.

Pequot didn’t expect Maximus to grant him such high praise and unique rewards, he was so excited that his voice trembled: "Th... Thank you, Leader! Thank you, Leader!"