Pioneer Lord: Starting From Daily Intelligence

Hilude raised the banner and came to Su Li's side, saying to Su Li, "My Lord, this banner is a very powerful battle flag, called the Black Knight's Banner of Terror."

"It's inscribed with the emblem of the Black Knights who believe in Mole. It is bathed in Mole's light. When a knight carries this banner into battle, it emits a terrifying howl, reducing the morale and movement speed of enemies within 55 meters by a small margin."

Su Li asked in surprise, "Is it really that effective? But we already have a banner. Won't there be a conflict?"

Hilude smiled faintly and shook her head, explaining, "No. Your family banner is the great standard of the entire army, which means its effects apply to every soldier in the army."

"This type of battle flag is a squadron's flag, and its effects apply to squadron soldiers. We also retrieved two other shining banners from the Dragon's Nest, but their quality is relatively low. The banners fluttering in the breeze softly convey to marching soldiers that victory is in their hands. This banner is a product of the Redema Church, and its effect is similar to stirring loyalty and perseverance in the hearts of the faithful, boosting soldiers' morale and willpower."

Oh?

So miraculous, Su Li raised an eyebrow and asked, "Doesn't that mean our three squadrons of soldiers will all be enhanced? Are there other types of battle flags?"

Hilude nodded, saying, "Of course. A truly powerful duchy guard should be equipped with a multitude of battle flags. Besides the differences in armor and equipment, another crucial distinction between elite forces and ragtag groups is the presence of banners and battle flags."

"Theoretically, a perfect state would be an army with a military flag, each squadron with a battle flag, and each squad with its own team flag. Even some standard-bearers have their own battle flags. For instance, the famous Fury Battle Banner of the Winter God Yurik Church earned its name because, during battles, the person holding this banner would always be the first to rush forward recklessly."

After listening, Su Li concluded in wonder, "Does that mean our army in Hesse Territory is only slightly better than a ragtag group?"

He had always thought Hesse Territory's army was unparalleled elite across the entire Border Prince's Territory.

But from the perspective of banners, they still have a long way to go to match elite forces.

Hilude said heroically, "My Lord, there's no need for you to belittle yourself. In terms of weaponry and equipment, we are already exceptional. In aspects that can be directly armed with wealth, we are ahead of most territories."

"For the remaining ordinary banners to be replaced with magic flags imbued with divine grace from each church, we can patiently wait. Once the monastery acquires divine grace, the priests will ultimately produce sufficient magical banners."

Su Li stroked his chin and pondered for a moment, feeling it reasonable.

Monasteries of the Dawn Goddess Church and the Medical Goddess Church can produce various life potions.

So it stands to reason that monasteries of the Fiery Sun Goddess and Winter God churches can make various war tools!

The only issue is that the priest currently at the Hesse Territory's Fiery Sun Goddess Monastery is Rong'en, who was punished by the Medical Goddess's divine punishment for his inability to save the Empire with medicine.

Therefore, he is currently unable to perceive the Fiery Sun Goddess's divine grace, so he hasn't been able to produce any banners.

In this respect, it's a mixed blessing. His Divine Chosen level experience and theory have significantly enhanced the training levels and tactical understanding of the territory's army.

Every open day of rest and lecture brings substantial insights and benefits to the territory knights and free people.

After all, to listen closely to a Divine Chosen Knight's teachings and answers is a rare opportunity many territories yearn for yet cannot attain.

As for the banner issue, Su Li can think of a way to resolve it.

For instance, in a war with the neighboring territory, Fastrick set the village corroded by Sado southeast of the Mirror Swamp ablaze, turning it to ashes. Their lord has already sent a declaration of war, demanding Su Li pay compensation and apologize; otherwise, he will enter a state of war with Hesse Territory.

He's both unattractive and delusional.

Su Li flatly refused his demand, and thus the war broke out directly.

In the south of Mirror Swamp, a fierce battle erupted between the two forces. Su Li deployed only one squadron of soldiers to crush this lord's main force. They killed more than twenty in combat, captured four knights, eight armed attendants, and over a dozen slaves, and the remaining ones fled back to their territory in panic under their lord's lead.

Afterward, the opponent entirely lost the courage to fight, retreating into the castle, allowing Su Li to send his army to ransack the plains' villages and farms. Apart from a few who escaped, the remaining villagers and serfs all became Su Li's captives, more than eighty in number.

If it weren't for the castle being too far from Hesse Territory, and Su Li having to deal with mountain people and the Demon Legion to the north, he would have sent his army to continue southward to besiege this castle hundreds of miles away.

Recently, this Pioneer Lord has constantly dispatched envoys and slave merchants to Blacksen Town to negotiate the prisoners' redemption.

He is willing to pay a large sum to ransom back the four knights, with the ransom being as high as 178 gold coins.

Su Li hadn't considered this issue before, as he wasn't short on gold coins.

But perhaps he could use these knights to exchange for the banner he holds.

According to Fastrick's report, during the battle, their team carried a banner.