The Metaverse World
Dilemma: Temboko City and Sesaji Kalalodra
On the west side, there was also a challenging situation. In mid-April, Ra Kuti and Ra Semi led their army of twenty thousand strong men to attack Gresik. However, when they arrived near the canyon and saw the gigantic fortress, they were completely dumbfounded.
Fort Le Moesiek Revole is almost complete, only about a month and a half left for its completion. Although the outer wall of the fort had been completed, internal parts and defensive construction still had to be worked out. Rebel troops who did not even have basic siege equipment felt extremely helpless before such a huge fortress. With their hands tied, they could only set up a camp five kilometers away from the fortress.
In an increasingly urgent situation, Raden Partajumena personally took control of Fort Le Moesiek Revole. The 3rd and 4th Divisions of the Dragon Legion also entered the fortress and set up camp there. This was news that made Heru Cokro reflect without saying a word.
With the power of the Dragon Legion, they could easily destroy the enemy's southern army and take down Swargaloka if they decided to attack and seize this opportunity. They have the potential to destroy entire rebel forces easily at this time.
However, the crux of the matter is whether the current is really the right time. In a wilderness setting, land is not the most valuable, but rather population and other resources. This is the difference between war in the game and war in the real world.
If only seen from the perspective of the seizure of territory, Heru Cokro could have used the Dragon Legion to attack not only Burajeh, but even Mojokerto though. However, the question is what will happen next. Receiving an area with a lot of land but little population can actually be detrimental rather than beneficial.
Therefore, the battle for this region was a great test for a leader to understand the exact timing. If the war started too early before everything matured, it would be worth it. However, if it was too late and the enemy was ready, defeating them would be extremely difficult.
The emergence of the Kalalodra Sesaji is a great opportunity for Heru Cokro. If he can let them attack Burajeh and strengthen themselves, then attack with the right time and claim the fruits of their labor, that would be the best strategy.
This is another major strategic plan after the attack of poisonous insects in Gresik. Heru Cokro referred to this plan as the "Wolf Breeder." In comparison to poisonous insects, the hardest thing about keeping wolves is keeping them from eating you.
With their rapid rate of development, there is no doubt that they will succeed in conquering Sumenep and Ketapang. At that time, would the Dragon Legion really be able to stop them? It's going to be a very difficult task.
However, if Heru Cokro decided to attack now, he felt it was not the right time. If he managed to defeat them this time, the Carok Alliance and Temboko City would benefit greatly from him.
Dropping the Carok Alliance would also be a very complicated matter. It was clear that if they saw an opportunity, the Carok Alliance would seek help from the IKN Alliance.
Heru Cokro did not want every battle to be such a tough test for him. What he wanted was to seize the Burajeh Region easily. Therefore, to achieve this strategic goal, the challenge is to let the Kalalodra Sesaji grow while keeping control over them. In addition, he must also remain ready to face the city of Temboko.
However, Heru Cokro did not underestimate Temboko City at all. Based on the Copper Rat's report, they had around thirty thousand troops, and if needed, they could gain the support of twenty to thirty thousand additional troops from the surrounding tribes.
All the mountain barbarian tribes on Salt Island have migrated to Sampang. Even the mountainous barbarian tribes from other regions, including the river barbarians tribes, had gathered in Sampang. Sampang has become the main center and residence for this barbarian race.
If this problem is not addressed immediately, Temboko City can be a nagging bump. News also circulated that Prabu Temboko is preparing to establish the Kingdom of Pringgandani in Sampang. With the formation of this kingdom, the ambitions of the barbarian races will be strengthened. At that time, even if they managed to attack the Kingdom of Pringgandani, not necessarily they could recruit the mountain barbarian tribes anymore.
The situation in Java Dwipa seems unfavorable. Heru Cokro always remembered that he was the main enemy of Prabu Temboko. He must find a way to overcome the challenges of the Kalalodra and Temboko City.
However, he did not have to fight alone. After the Copper Rat left, Heru Cokro immediately sent a message to Maya Estianti. He asked her to tell Raden Partajumena to come to the meeting the next day.
After the Copper Rat finished reporting, he quickly left the meeting, and all that was left was the four people inside the room. Since this meeting was very secretive, Heru Cokro only entrusted this information to the four of them.
Pancadnyana, who recently became secretary of the War Division, has so far not spoken much or shown his ability. However, after listening to the Copper Rat report, his eyes shone. He realized that the time had come for him to contribute.
Heru Cokro briefly introduced his plan to let Sesaji Kalalodra grow while they faced Temboko City. Then, he looked at the four of them and asked for their opinion.
"As soon as his words rang out, Pancadnyana came forward and bowed, "Master!" He said with great respect. "Please talk!"
Heru Cokro knew that Pancadnyana was an accomplished strategic thinker, so he wanted to hear his opinion first. However, Pancadnyana unintentionally stared at Raden Partajumena. Based on the hierarchy, Raden Partajumena should speak first as commander-in-chief. Heru Cokro was curious what Raden Partajumena was thinking now that Pancadnyana had taken the initiative.
But Raden Partajumena remained expressionless, and no one could understand what was on his mind.
Pancadnyana then shook her head, realizing that she was talking too fast. "In the face of the current situation, we need to make a strategic choice between Sesaji Kalalodra and Temboko City. Do we have to drop Sesaji Kalalodra first, then remove Temboko City, or drop Temboko City first, then face Sesaji Kalalodra?"
When Heru Cokro heard this question, he nodded. It was true, in the development of both parties, he had to control one of them. Otherwise, the Dragon Legion would not be able to control both of those powers.
"Based on your strategy," said Pancadnyana, "obviously we must not attack the Kalalodra Sesaji. Therefore, the only option was to defeat Temboko City first. That way, we can eliminate one of the threats from Salt Island. We can also augment our troops and build one or two heavier armored infantry divisions."
Pancadnyana has given good advice, which is to drop Temboko City first. Heru Cokro then turned to Gajah Mada and Raden Partajumena, "What do you think?"
Gajah Mada was known for his decisiveness rather than making plans, but Raden Partajumena was a supreme commander, so he had to speak first on this.
When Raden Partajumena heard of Pancadnyana's plan, he said, "I also agreed to take down Temboko City. However, if we want to attack them, we must cross Bangkalan. What is the Military Affairs Department's plan on this?"
Raden Partajumena's incisive question made Pancadnyana stiff for a moment. Although pleased that Raden Partajumena agreed with his plan, he did not expect that this kind of question would come up so quickly.
Crossing Bangkalan to attack Temboko City only has two options. First, they could get out of Fort Le Moesiek Revolve, but this would expose them to troops from the south and east.
Of course, this route should be avoided.
The only option left is to cross hundreds of thousands of mountains in Bangkalan. Just thinking about this alone had already made Heru Cokro's head spin. Imagine how difficult it would be for a large army to move through those hundreds of thousands of mountains.
Heru Cokro felt there were many things to consider before they could decide on this plan.