Chapter 18: Seizing Enough Equipment for Ten Infantry Divisions?!

After a brief pause, both Yang Ting and Little Erzi’s eyes shone with longing. Yet, before either could make their case, Wang Lin was a step ahead and declared, “In that case, I shall take on the role of principal for the military academy.”

“As for the executive principal, Jiang Bai, I’ll have to trouble you with the task. The concrete preparations and coordination with Han Si will be in your hands!”

His words made Little Erzi and Yang Ting exchange a wry smile, each detecting the other’s awkwardness. Wang Lin’s decision was a clear show of support for Jiang Bai. It was well known that the so-called principal was usually a figurehead, not involved in daily affairs. The position served more as a protective shield for the military academy—anyone wishing to meddle with the school would have to go through the principal first. By contrast, the executive principal, though less renowned, wielded true authority over the academy’s daily operations.

“By the way, what was the purpose behind the naval deployment you mentioned earlier?” Wang Lin asked.

“The objective is direct: to seize the armaments of the Shuifang warlords,” Jiang Bai explained, handing over a list. “Here is the inventory—a stockpile sufficient to equip ten conventional infantry divisions of ten thousand men each!”

“By my estimate, after reserving the portion I require, there will still be enough to outfit six divisions, which can be gifted to you, Commander, as compensation for employing the navy. How does that sound?”

Seizing military supplies? Enough to equip ten full divisions? Just how vast was this haul?

Seeing their shock, Jiang Bai offered further clarification.

Wang Lin could not contain his delight. Beaming, he praised, “Jiang Bai, you truly are my lucky star! Back in the day, my rise was thanks to Yang Ting helping me intercept the equipment for Feng Zhang’s eight divisions. I never expected that today, you’d bring me enough for ten!”

“With this cache, my worries about armaments are over!” He grew visibly more excited. “Jiang Bai, you’ve truly opened my eyes today!”

Wang Lin, more enthusiastic by the second, said warmly, “Jiang Bai, as it happens, two important positions remain vacant: director of the Chengyun Provincial Arsenal and the Commander of Chengyun River Defense. Take your pick!”

No sooner had Wang Lin finished speaking than a system notification chimed in Jiang Bai’s ear.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering a major side plot. Your decision will affect the course of the future—choose carefully!]

Option One: Revitalize military industry—become director of the provincial arsenal and ensure a steady supply of arms.

Reward: Arsenal output increases by 20% monthly; an additional production line is added every three months.

Option Two: Strategic defense—become Commander of Chengyun River Defense and prepare for critical defensive challenges ahead.

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Reward: One small fortress is constructed at your post each month, and a large fortress every three months.

Staring at the options before him, Jiang Bai fell deep in thought. The system offered two divergent paths: one focusing on logistics and armaments, the other on frontline defense, each with its own merits.

In the long run, the first path’s advantages were obvious. War, at its core, was a contest of logistics. Even the best-trained troops, if poorly equipped, were nothing more than lambs to the slaughter.

But after careful deliberation, Jiang Bai chose the second path. On one hand, even though the province’s military industry lagged behind, basic production could still meet their needs. On the other, given the urgency, it was wiser to spend a year building several large fortresses to serve as bulwarks.

Jiang Bai raised his head with resolve and addressed Wang Lin, “Commander, I have decided to accept the post of Commander of Chengyun River Defense.”

Chengyun River Defense? Wang Lin was slightly surprised; he had assumed Jiang Bai would opt for the arsenal director’s post, given its perks and comfort. In comparison, the river region was remote, barren, and especially intolerable in summer with its swirling dust.

“Jiang Bai, are you sure about this? Can you tell me your reason?”

“The reason is simple,” Jiang Bai replied, his tone suddenly steely. “Because I intend to wipe them out—all of them.”

The atmosphere turned tense, the very air seeming to chill. At the same moment, another system notification sounded in Jiang Bai’s mind.

“Ding! Congratulations, host, you are now Commander of Chengyun River Defense. You have gained: Master-level Fortress Construction; Master-level Tactical Defense.”

Skill Description: Master-level Fortress Construction
Increases fortress construction speed by 50%, reduces material consumption by 40%.

Skill Description: Master-level Tactical Defense
When forces are in a defensive posture, supply consumption is reduced by 50%.

Jiang Bai was thoroughly satisfied with these rewards. Both the accelerated fortress construction and enhanced defensive tactics were exactly what he needed at this moment. The tactical defense skill, in particular, was perfect for protracted resistance; even if the enemy cut off their supply lines, the garrison could continue to fight.

“Commander, if there’s nothing else, I’ll return to organize my troops.”

Having taken his leave from Wang Lin, Jiang Bai made his way back to the regimental headquarters, where he happened upon the island envoy, Itō Sasaki.

“Commander Jiang, to have achieved such rank at your age—truly, you are a remarkable young talent!”

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Standing before the short, corpulent diplomat from the island nation, Jiang Bai did not immediately respond. Instead, he silently consulted the system, “If I kill Itō Sasaki, will I receive a bonus reward?”

Given Itō Sasaki’s high status, killing him would net at least 0.5 attribute points—a tempting prospect for Jiang Bai.

“Ding! Host is currently unable to trigger a temporary mission. Please restrain your actions.”

Slightly disappointed, Jiang Bai addressed Itō directly. “Itō, what brings you to see me?”

Had any other military officer treated him so curtly, Itō would have taken offense at once. But before Jiang Bai’s predatory gaze, he could only swallow his displeasure.

Itō quickly got to the point. “Commander Jiang, I hear you are raising a formidable force and urgently require arms and equipment. Our island nation’s weaponry is of the finest quality—naturally your best choice. Should you choose us, you’ll earn our friendship as well.”

Although Jiang Bai’s recruitment efforts had only just begun, word had already spread, especially as his army was clearly being organized to counter the island nation’s divisions, making his demand for equipment pressing.

Thus, the moment Itō Sasaki heard the news, he swooped in like a vulture scenting blood.

Although the island nation remained a major power, its economy had floundered in recent years. Last year’s “Showa Economic Crisis” had nearly brought the country to its knees. This drove Prime Minister Tenchu Yoshinobu to launch the “New Court Policy,” planning to invade the New Court, which precipitated the Huangtun Incident.

In sum, the island nation was desperate for funds and severely cash-strapped.

Sensing Jiang Bai might refuse, Itō hastily produced a price list. “Commander Jiang, if you purchase our equipment, you will enjoy a seventy percent discount.”

Jiang Bai glanced at the list. “Latest Type 30 rifle, Type 31 mountain gun…”

He could not bear to read further. Even during the Russo-Japanese War, these models were far from cutting-edge and were among the most poorly rated light arms. Clearly, these so-called advanced weapons were nothing more than the island army’s discarded junk, left to gather dust in warehouses for years.

Even as a gift, Jiang Bai had no interest. His mood, already soured by the system’s refusal to grant him a reward, now turned to fury.

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