Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

On the night of arriving at Maplestone City, the Iron Peak County Military set up a siege camp outside the city.

Compared to the distance from Maplestone City, the camp was positioned closer to Maple Fort, subtly cutting off the connection between Maplestone City and Maple Fort.

Standing on the battery in the northeastern corner of the camp, Richard Mason methodically explained the essentials of setting up a siege camp: "According to the requirements of the 'Order of 554', a siege camp must be established at least three kilometers away from the enemy-occupied area, near a water source, and in a location that is easy to defend but hard to attack. Simultaneously, the siege camp must be built as solidly as possible. If conditions permit, the siege camp should be constructed according to the highest standards of permanent military camps."

On the battery, besides Mason, there were a number of New Army officers.

Whether they served in the infantry regiment, artillery, or cavalry, as long as they were off duty, all were called over.

Facing the group of New Army officers, Mason adopted an encouraging tone and asked, "Why?"

The appointed commanders of infantry, cavalry, and artillery at all levels looked at each other, with some having thoughts but none daring to speak rashly.

Perhaps in the eyes of the soldiers, they were high-ranking officers, but in front of the Civil Guard Officers, they still felt like large-beamed soldiers.

"Don't be afraid, speak boldly." Mason gently asked, "Why at least three kilometers? Isn't placing the camp that far a waste of the soldiers' energy? As the attacking side, why go to great lengths to build a military camp?"

"Because of the cannons?" someone answered softly.

"Yes." Mason nodded approvingly and explained, "If the camp is positioned too close, it gives the defenders a chance to harass us with artillery. The camp target is so large that the artillery doesn't need to aim accurately. But even if one or two shells fall into the tents, it can keep everyone up all night. A distance of three kilometers is enough to block most artillery harassment. But that's not the only reason."

"To prevent the garrison from raiding the camp," Bart Xialing said.

"Correct." Mason smiled again and continued explaining to the others: "The farther the siege camp and fortress are apart, the greater the chance for the garrison to be exposed during a raid, and the longer the time needed for them to retreat. In many battle cases, the garrison often takes longer routes, attacking from other city gates and deliberately taking a longer path, engaging and then returning from the city gate closest to the siege camp. But these situations occur only in sieges of large cities… It's too complex to explain briefly; I'll discuss it separately in the future. Any more thoughts?"

Several New Army officers voiced their thoughts, but all were incorrect, and the battery serving as a temporary classroom fell silent.

"There's one more most important reason, which is to leave enough space for the battlefield to engage with enemy reinforcements relieving the siege." Mason, seeing the quiet, directly revealed the answer.

He sped up his explanation: "This is also why the siege camp needs to be built to high standards. Theoretically, siege warfare costs massive resources, making it impossible for the siege army to threaten in other directions or effectively respond to external attacks. Simply put, when you're concentrating on the siege, if enemy reinforcements appear, the battlefield situation can be reversed instantly."

"Being besieged instead of breaking the siege has happened many times in sovereign wars." Mason casually continued: "For example, the Duline Siege of 529. The Allied Army entered the urban area, besieging the Imperial troops in the city fortresses. The Allied Army, which occupied the urban area, was soon trapped by the Imperial reinforcements. Finally, the Old Marshal led his troops to arrive and surrounded the Imperial forces besieging the city from the outside—a pie-like four-layered siege from inside and out! Therefore, as the attacking side, you must also be prepared to be besieged."

Regardless of whether they understood or not, all the New Army officers nodded vigorously.

"And what about that last one… that Duline siege?" someone couldn't resist their curiosity and quietly asked, "Who won?"

The group of New Army officers looked at the questioner and then at the Mason Commissioner—actually, this was what everyone was most concerned about.

"Of course, we won." Mason raised his eyebrow: "Otherwise, why would I use this as an example?"

The lookout tower fell silent again.

"So." Mason raised his hand to indicate around them and asked, "Why have we set up camp here?"

Behind Mason, the lights on the Maple Fort walls were clearly visible. Surrounding the lookout tower were recently harvested fields, flat and open.

The Iron Peak County Military's siege camp was neither near a water source nor conducive to defense, and the distance to the enemy fortress was far less than three kilometers.

"Because reconnaissance and intelligence show that the garrison at Maple Fort no longer holds large-caliber artillery, with only a few small-caliber rotating wall cannons left. Therefore, we can boldly approach and camp right next to Maple Fort." As it was already late, Mason did not have time to continue his heuristic teaching: "Similarly, only by being positioned close enough can we deter the Maplestone City militia and respond promptly to any disturbances."

"In short," Mason concluded, "it's not only important to understand theory but also crucial to adapt to situations as they arise."

The New Army officers applauded, many breathing a sigh of relief—they could finally rest.

After walking all day, digging trenches for half the night, and then suddenly being called for class, everyone was very tired.

"Now that we've covered the attackers, let's talk about the defenders." Mason wasn't quite done: "There's no such thing as an impregnable fortress, but why do we still build them? Because a fortress is not just a shield, but also a fulcrum, a springboard, and a spearhead. It not only consumes and delays the enemy but also provides a stable supply storage location and protects friendly forces for internal maneuvering. Even if the enemy eventually breaches the fortress, it is enough to make the enemy pay a heavy price…"