Chapter 71 – Preparations Before the Surprise Attack

It’s the name of mankind’s last fortress city, a mixture of metal and stone. The amount of money required for the this was enormous.     “At sea, the people of Pompeii are far less vigilant than they are on land, because you, the rebels, don’t have a fleet or control any ports. The Pompeians do not consider you capable of threatening their safety from the sea. In fact, these coastal towns in Campania haven’t faced an attack from the sea for over a hundred years. Their harbor defenses are extremely weak. Although Lin Youxi’s dad is busy, whenever he has time, he always invites Mei Fang to their house and cooks for him. It's okay.      

Maximus, who had already taken his position at the front of the formation, was not surprised by this. Crixus looked down at the water  “Take Pompeii, for example. Its port area has five harbors. The two built earlier were equipped with water gates, but later, as maritime trade flourished, the original harbors became insufficient, so two more were constructed. However, these were built for convenience in access and lacked water gates or chains for blocking entry. There isn’t even a patrol ship outside the port area, and the only early warning system is the lighthouse keeper. But if a ship is disguised beforehand, they might not immediately detect anything unusual.” It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.

The one of the porters who had been carrying our belongings all the way here timidly spoke up. Going to a convent was not a bad thing.  “What about the other port?” Maximus asked attentively. Although Lin Youxi’s dad is busy, whenever he has time, he always invites Mei Fang to their house and cooks for him. It's okay.      

Alexis however, trampled brutally on Milfina’s wishes and prayers. Thank you. Please consult with me again if anything else comes up.   “That one belongs to the Vettii family. It’s a private port, only allowing their family’s merchant ships and those they have trade agreements with to enter and exit,” Quintus replied coldly. “This private port has a long breakwater and water gates, with watchtowers on the breakwater. The defenses are quite complete, but unfortunately, protecting just this one port is of little use…” The names Crixus mentioned were all Gaulish gladiators and close friends of his. The entire army formation began to move forward.    

With Melfina as an example, the marriageable age in this world was quite early. Hello, I’m Melfina. Can you tell me your name? Rod!     The old man radiated resentment as soon as he mentioned the Vettii family of Pompeii, prompting Maximus to quickly change the subject: “We’ve solved the problem of entering the port, but there’s still one issue—we don’t have any ships.” In this life, although it’s not necessary to work like last time, having a good educational background is still essential.           

While Mei Fang and Lin were conversing, Yue suddenly stood up, covering her mouth, and made a face as if she was about to vomit.       Quintus looked at him with a strange expression, as if saying, “Young man, are you joking?” It seemed that Yukino had grown closer to Aisha. As I watched with interest, numbers in light blue appeared on the back of her hand.   

Although Lin Youxi’s dad is busy, whenever he has time, he always invites Mei Fang to their house and cooks for him. It's okay.        The middle-aged man, Aulus, interjected, “I heard earlier that a large number of sailors and dock workers joined your ranks, leaving the ports outside Naples almost deserted. Some sailors even stole ships from the ports as they fled, rowing them to beaches near your camp, where they became stranded. Later, you set up another camp near the coast, and the people of Naples didn’t dare to retrieve those stranded ships…” Xia Yuan showed a bewildered expression, exchanged a few words with her mom, and then hung up the phone. Mei Fang sighed helplessly. 

The one of the porters who had been carrying our belongings all the way here timidly spoke up. Going to a convent was not a bad thing.  As he spoke, Maximus suddenly recalled that the camp closer to the coast was that of the Fifth Battalion under Artemus. Artemus had even mentioned to him the idea of sending soldiers to sea to fish, to help increase the food reserves for the rebel army… but the suggestion was never followed through, and Maximus hadn’t asked why. But at least this indicated one thing—there were ships in Artemus’ camp. As if indicating that she had finished speaking, Marie fell silent again. But I absolutely refuse to serve a god in this kind of world.

His parents got married at a young age, and now they were only in their late twenties, not much older than Mei Fang when he died.      Maximus stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then smiled, “You are truly impressive! After learning that I have few troops, you’ve managed to devise such a thorough surprise attack plan so quickly. I must say, I am deeply impressed!” The meat they bought was chicken, with a clean, fresh pink color. While traveling along a mountain, they were caught up in a landslide.

It wasn’t not me who died, but the character I was controlling on the game screen. The excruciating pain seems to come in waves. Okay!   Quintus, recognizing the meaning behind his words, kept his expression unchanged but spoke with a heavy tone, mixed with a hint of agitation, “For years, we have longed for revenge every moment of the day. We’ve envisioned numerous plans for breaking through the city and killing our enemies thousands of times in our minds, but out of fear of Rome’s power, and because we are few in number and worried about implicating our families and friends, we’ve lacked the courage to act… Until you appeared, giving us hope. Originally, I intended to reveal this plan for a naval surprise attack after you had decided to assault Pompeii. Unfortunately——” The soldiers were filled with renewed spirit, but some remained puzzled. Furius, bewildered, was swept away by the fleeing soldiers. 

Never defy them. Just bow your head and endure whatever was told to you, like waiting for a storm to pass. Yes, please do as you wish.  Having said that, Quintus shifted the conversation: “But fortunately, Sir Maximus, though you are young and your forces are small, you dare to lead a lone army to attack Pompeii. Your courage is truly remarkable. If we implement this plan and successfully capture Pompeii, I believe everyone in your ranks will be in awe of your formidable reputation!” Since the master bedroom was also closed off, I opened the windows. It had solid scenarios and was quite enjoyable even in light mode.

When I sat down at the table, everyone had uncomfortable looks and didn’t move to sit. The reason was not explained within the game.    Quintus’ words struck a chord with Maximus. The reason he had taken the risk of meeting with this group of Nucerians was to see if there was a chance to lead his army to capture Pompeii on his own. Although the city had high walls, its small garrison and weak combat ability were obvious, making it possible for the Logistics Battalion to have a chance. Spartacus led his troops quietly to the Roman army camp. Spartacus led the troops to bypass the city of Capua and continued forward. 

The decorative book in front of me had a thick cover with a metal clasp and a lock. At some point, we'd need to come to an agreement.   Maximus was driven to this idea mainly because of the ridicule he faced from Crixus during the previous military meeting. It made him realize that even though he controlled the Logistics Battalion and was of great help to the rebel army, his lack of military accomplishments made it difficult for him to play a decisive role in the Military Commanders’ Council, especially on military matters. This is why he wanted to capture Pompeii by himself, to prove his military capabilities to Crixus and the others. A sister being born and father being promoted, the twists and turns of life are truly unpredictable. Xiang Xiaoxia sighed helplessly.

Aisha, Natsumi, and Roy should be somewhere in this line. Yukino shyly bowed to the staff member who praised their achievements today.   Maximus did not let Quintus’ flattery go to his head. He restrained his smile, sat back in the wooden chair, and solemnly said, “I have one last question about this surprise attack plan—how can you convince me that this isn’t a trap you’ve devised to destroy my army?” In fact, they had already reached a unanimous agreement earlier, so the vote now was just a formality. These cunning Romans!         

Yukino seemed to have a favorable impression of her. Perhaps, with her words, she is implying that she doesn’t need any further probing.  “Nonsense! We’d rather die than collaborate with those Pompeii scum to betray you!” the middle-aged man Aulus shouted loudly. His mindset changed after watching a certain performance in his second year of high school. Aren’t we going to your house for lunch? 

As Mei Fang searched for the photos on his phone, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi quickly grabbed it to look. Yes, I came here today for this.  Another middle-aged man, Scaepula, answered earnestly, “It’s easy to prove we’re not lying. You only need to ask any Nucerians. They can all tell you about our history of enmity with the Pompeians.” His thick beard made him look old, but from the tone of his voice, he seemed to be still in his prime. And then an accident occurred. 

Yukino and Aisha, who were sitting across from each other, ordered iced tea. After quickly examining Yukino, the woman called me over.   “Sir Maximus, I’ve brought 54 people with me, and with our families, we total 115. We’ll all stay in your camp. If you find out in the end that this is a trap, you can kill us and avenge your soldiers!” Quintus declared firmly, his words shocking everyone. After seeing Liang Meijuan and Lin Youxi off, Xia Yuan finally relaxed her previously tense mood. I’m not forcing Them. Tha is good! 

Maximus, who had already taken his position at the front of the formation, was not surprised by this. Crixus looked down at the water  Scaepula immediately exclaimed, “Quintus, what if——” Support the translator by reading @ gem novels {dot} com

However, not everyone was in that situation. We decided to have ramen for dinner, which we usually only passed by but could not eat.     Quintus interrupted him sternly, “Scaepula, since we’ve decided to join their ranks after getting our revenge, wouldn’t it be better to come here early and start adapting?” As they continued to cultivate their friendship, Mei Fang had the idea of turning Lin Youxi into his own game development tool.      

In fact, they had already reached a unanimous agreement earlier, so the vote now was just a formality. These cunning Romans!           Scaepula and Aulus exchanged glances, then reluctantly agreed, “Alright, we’ll do as you say.” It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.

When I sat down at the table, everyone had uncomfortable looks and didn’t move to sit. The reason was not explained within the game.    Maximus observed this and made up his mind. He said, “There’s no need to rush. I need to discuss this with my subordinates first. Once everyone agrees, we can carry out the plan.” However, all of this was merely an illusion on the surface. Very few students in the class have seen the real Lin Youxi. So cute!    

The meat they bought was chicken, with a clean, fresh pink color. While traveling along a mountain, they were caught up in a landslide.  “When can you give us a clear answer?” Aulus asked anxiously. Now, back to Aisha’s expression. The reason for this change was undoubtedly Yukiho’s presence. The destination I aim for lies ahead.   

Although I had no intention of getting deeply involved and was about to leave her behind, I couldn’t say that. Should I challenge there?  “Tomorrow.” Yukino and Aisha, who were sitting across from each other, ordered iced tea. After quickly examining Yukino, the woman called me over. 

━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━ In this life, although it’s not necessary to work like last time, having a good educational background is still essential.           

After reserving a computer at the computer store, the family of three went to the lottery shop together to confirm the exciting.       After Quintus and his two companions left, Maximus immediately summoned his three senior centurions—Phaselus, Tolerugo, and Carminus—to a meeting (these three had been assigned to command at least two centuries each after the number of soldiers in the guard team had suddenly increased from over 300 to 700. Technically, their positions should have been upgraded to battalion commanders, but since the leaders of the rebel army, who commanded far more than a thousand troops, were still using the title of battalion commander, Maximus temporarily adopted this designation to avoid criticism). He also included the head of the Military Advisory Group, Frontinus, in the discussion. Support the translator by reading @ gemnovels.com

Hearing that the farm had a considerable number of guards, Maximus was not surprised. Vorenus, can we harvest everything in one day?   When Maximus mentioned his intention to lead the Logistics Battalion’s guard team in an independent assault on Pompeii, the four men were somewhat surprised. However, after hearing about the plan for a surprise attack by sea, they all fell into deep thought. Although I had no intention of getting deeply involved and was about to leave her behind, I couldn’t say that. Should I challenge there?

Mei Fang, who has the mindset of an adult, can understand Lin Youxi’s father’s intention to remarry at this time. What’s wrong?        Carminus, who had spent years at the port of Naples and had taken ships to Pompeii’s harbor many times, confirmed the accuracy of Quintus’ description of the Pompeii port area. This further reinforced the feasibility of the plan. His thick beard made him look old, but from the tone of his voice, he seemed to be still in his prime. And then an accident occurred. 

However, it was impossible to keep a rebellion involving over two hundred gladiators completely secret. The enemy is attacking!        Frontinus, on the other hand, was surprised that the Nucerians had chosen to join the rebel army. Amid his schadenfreude, he also reflected deeply on how soldiers from two armies that had once fought each other as mortal enemies, following different Roman generals, had ended up working together in the rebel army. Support the translator by reading @ gem novels,com

Drawn to the unexpected sight, Yukino entered further into the room. Curious about their conversation, I stopped and looked toward them.  After a brief period of consideration, the three senior centurions unanimously agreed to proceed with the surprise attack plan. This outcome was not surprising. Recently, they had watched soldiers from other battalions boast about their victories over Roman legions, while they had been training their own men even more rigorously, only to be confined to the camp most of the time. This had left them feeling stifled. They were eager to prove themselves. Alexis however, trampled brutally on Milfina’s wishes and prayers. Thank you. Please consult with me again if anything else comes up. 

After reserving a computer at the computer store, the family of three went to the lottery shop together to confirm the exciting.       Once they reached a consensus, the next crucial task was to secure the ships. It wasn’t not me who died, but the character I was controlling on the game screen. The excruciating pain seems to come in waves. Okay! 

After the three left, Maximus fell into deep thought. After drinking water and washing his face, Cossinius found a spot and lay down.  Maximus sent Vorenus to the Fifth Battalion’s camp to ask Artemus about the ships, under the pretext that the Logistics Battalion wanted to try fishing at sea to diversify the soldiers’ diet. Lin Youxi ran ahead and then pulled down her eyelids, making a funny face at Mei Fang. Auntie doesn’t need your help, understood?    

When I sat down at the table, everyone had uncomfortable looks and didn’t move to sit. The reason was not explained within the game.    Artemus didn’t doubt this explanation. He had considered the idea before and had even had the soldiers maintain the ships stranded on the beach. However, being a competitive man, he had been so focused on training his troops to keep up with the other battalions that the ships had never actually been used. This, incidentally, had also led the nearby coastal towns to lower their guard. After a while, the Roman legion completed its formation but remained stationary. m… when I left, it was about three kilometers.      

Xia Yuan showed a bewildered expression, exchanged a few words with her mom, and then hung up the phone. Mei Fang sighed helplessly.   Vorenus borrowed five single-masted cargo ships from the Fifth Battalion. Maximus then discreetly sent soldiers who were former sailors, along with carpenters, to the beach to inspect and repair the ships, ensuring they were seaworthy. He also had the construction team build five-meter-long wooden ladders. Support the translator by reading @ gem novels,com

It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.  The next day, when Maximus informed Quintus that the Logistics Battalion was ready to carry out the surprise attack plan he had proposed, Quintus and his companions were visibly pleased. On the morning of the third day, they arrived at the Logistics Battalion’s camp with their families, fulfilling their promise. When I sat down at the table, everyone had uncomfortable looks and didn’t move to sit. The reason was not explained within the game.  

Before long, the three hundred soldiers shouted and rushed towards the farm 100 meters away. He saw the situation and calmed down.     The surprise attack on Pompeii was a bold gamble for Maximus and a matter of life and death for the Logistics Battalion’s guard team. Naturally, he was extremely cautious. He convened another meeting with Frontinus, Quintus, and the three senior centurions, discussing the plan in detail for most of the day. They finalized every aspect of the operation, deciding that the attack would take place late at night when there was moonlight and a north wind. This timing would likely catch the Pompeians off guard, and even if they discovered the invasion, they would be slow to gather their forces. Additionally, the north wind would help the troop transports swiftly reach Pompeii’s port along the coast. Support the translator by reading @ gemnovels dot com

As Mei Fang searched for the photos on his phone, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi quickly grabbed it to look. Yes, I came here today for this.  The seaborne assault force was to consist mainly of soldiers from the Third and Sixth Centuries, led by Carminus. These men had once been experienced sailors at the port of Naples and would have no trouble navigating the waters at night. It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.

Xia Yuan enjoyed breathing in the fresh air on the road. When passing by Lin Youxi’s house, she looked around. She must be happy.      In addition, 30 Nucerians led by Aulus were to participate in the seaborne raid. Although they were somewhat older, they were experienced Roman veterans who could effectively compensate for the inexperience of the new recruits under Carminus’ command. As the Roman soldiers marched out of the camp, the rebel army also began to move. Good Lord, how can there be so many people?!       

Mei Fang, who has the mindset of an adult, can understand Lin Youxi’s father’s intention to remarry at this time. What’s wrong?        The total number of soldiers involved in the seaborne raid on the harbor was 200, with an average of 40 men per ship, well below the carrying capacity of a single-masted merchant vessel, ensuring a faster sailing speed. Hearing that the farm had a considerable number of guards, Maximus was not surprised. Vorenus, can we harvest everything in one day? 

With all the preparations in place, they chose a weekend to shoot the promotional video at school. Don’t knock, wait a moment.         Maximus, being meticulous, outlined several key points once the plan was finalized and required the soldiers participating in the raid to undergo simulated training until they were thoroughly familiar with the process. Support the translator by reading @ gemnovels.com

It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.  Simulated training? Even Quintus, with his twenty years of military experience, had never heard of this term, let alone the others, who were curious. With Melfina as an example, the marriageable age in this world was quite early. Hello, I’m Melfina. Can you tell me your name? Rod!   

It was a few days ago when he heard that a new lord would be coming to the neglected lord’s mansion. N-No, it’s… not a problem at all.  Maximus called in the construction team to carefully set up the training ground, which took most of the day. When Carminus led the soldiers selected for the raid to the training ground, Maximus unexpectedly ordered them to sit fully armed on the ground and repeatedly practice rowing movements. After some time, they stopped, and the six soldiers at the front of the line had to lift a battering ram together, run several dozen meters, and smash it into a tall wooden board firmly planted in the muddy ground. The entire unit then had to sprint over a hundred meters along a designated route, smash through another wooden board with the battering ram, and reach two earthen mounds about three meters high and four meters apart. They had to climb one mound, lay the long wooden ladder they were carrying across to the other mound, walk across it, and then run nearly two hundred meters to engage in combat with soldiers waiting there. Only after emerging victorious would the drill end. Mei Fang, who has the mindset of an adult, can understand Lin Youxi’s father’s intention to remarry at this time. What’s wrong?      

Bathed in the white moonlight, she looked at me with a faint glow. This platform seems to be a special tool used to measure that level.  After completing one round, the soldiers were all gasping for breath. Some, not understanding the purpose of the exercise, even resented Maximus, thinking their leader was deliberately wearing them out. Support the translator by reading @ gemnovels .com

Lin Youxi didn’t complain on helping the homeroom teacher. After making a list, she poked Mei Fang with a pen. Bro! We’re leaving!     However, Quintus, observing from the side, quickly understood: This is a simulation of the entire process of raiding Pompeii. Drawn to the unexpected sight, Yukino entered further into the room. Curious about their conversation, I stopped and looked toward them.

It’s the name of mankind’s last fortress city, a mixture of metal and stone. The amount of money required for the this was enormous.     “What’s the point of this training? It’s like child’s play. When the actual raid comes, the pressure of facing death will make them too scared to even move!” Aulus scoffed. As if indicating that she had finished speaking, Marie fell silent again. But I absolutely refuse to serve a god in this kind of world.

Next came the more complicated task of contacting everyone. Mei Fang asked about everyone’s availability in the Ximilu group chat.     “No, I think it’s useful,” Quintus replied seriously. “Look at how they don’t know how to effectively use the battering ram to break down the door. They’re nervous and falling off the suspended ladder, and by the end, they can’t even lift their swords and shields… Even though this isn’t a real battlefield, if they keep training this way, they should be able to perform better when the actual raid happens.” Before long, the three hundred soldiers shouted and rushed towards the farm 100 meters away. He saw the situation and calmed down.   

We didn’t have many opportunities to talk during the five-day journey, so today was the first day I really got to interact with them.   At this moment, they saw Maximus step in front of the troops and shouted, “Brothers, I’ve heard that every one of you from the Third and Sixth Centuries eagerly volunteered for this raid, and not a single one of you backed out. Some of you even pestered Carminus when you weren’t selected. This makes me very proud—you are truly men who dare to battle the sea!” His mindset changed after watching a certain performance in his second year of high school. Aren’t we going to your house for lunch? 

After a while, the Roman legion completed its formation but remained stationary. m… when I left, it was about three kilometers.        Despite being drenched in sweat, the soldiers lifted their heads with pride. Never defy them. Just bow your head and endure whatever was told to you, like waiting for a storm to pass. Yes, please do as you wish.

We didn’t have many opportunities to talk during the five-day journey, so today was the first day I really got to interact with them.   Maximus then changed his tone, “However, I’m disappointed by your performance just now. This training isn’t meant to torment you but to simulate the entire process of raiding Pompeii. When the time comes, you’ll set out fully armed, rowing for over 5 kilometers with the help of sails, and storm the Pompeii harbor. Your actions will undoubtedly alert the harbor guards. While they sound the alarm and summon their forces, you must quickly disembark, use the battering ram to break through the harbor gate, charge into the port area, swiftly navigate the narrow alleys, reach the designated building, break down the door, and race to the rooftop. There, you’ll set up a wooden ladder spanning a ten-meter drop into a ravine below, and you must quickly cross it to enter the city…” Although Lin Youxi’s dad is busy, whenever he has time, he always invites Mei Fang to their house and cooks for him. It's okay.