Reincarnated as a boss tyrant in the game

Sauron was also well aware that what he was taking over at this moment was not just the command of a great battle, but also the hope and future of the entire empire.

He knew the responsibility was heavy and dared not slacken in the slightest. However, the predicament before him was far more complex and difficult than he had imagined.

Leaving aside how to deal with the overwhelming two million Transcendent army, just guarding against other potential threats was already putting immense pressure on him.

Once a civil war broke out and the situation descended into chaos, with the empire's forces entangled and unable to attend to all fronts, the orcs of the northern wilderness and the forces of the island continent, who were watching with covetous eyes, would very likely take advantage of the situation.

The orcs of the northern wilderness were known for their ferocity and love of war. They were physically strong, possessed a natural talent for combat, and had long coveted the empire's fertile lands and abundant resources.

In normal times, restrained by the empire's powerful border defenses and might, they could only suppress their ambitions and recuperate in the wilderness.

But now, if they saw the empire mired in civil war, they would not hesitate to gather their tribes, cross the border defenses, and engage in arson, murder, and looting, attempting to seize a share of the spoils in this chaos.

As for the forces on the island continent, although separated from the empire by a vast sea, they possessed a well-equipped navy and unique naval warfare tactics, and they were equally covetous of the empire's coastal regions.

If they seized the opportunity to send fleets to harass the coastline, cut off the empire's maritime trade routes, and coordinate with the orcs' land invasion, the empire would be in a desperate situation of being attacked from both sides. Even if it could repel the border kings' armies, it would likely be riddled with holes and greatly weakened by this internal and external assault.

Sauron stood on the high tower of the palace, gazing at the distant horizon, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He understood that he had to make multiple preparations in advance. While fully preparing for the border war, he also had to allocate a portion of his forces to strengthen the defenses of the northern wilderness and coastal regions.

However, with limited troops, how to allocate them reasonably among these different fronts to achieve the best defensive effect was indeed a headache.

"Your Highness, the ministers are already waiting in the council hall, ready to discuss countermeasures," a servant's voice interrupted Sauron's thoughts.

Sauron slightly regained his senses, took a deep breath, suppressed the worries in his heart, and said with a firm expression, "Let's go to the council hall."

Inside the magnificent council hall, the atmosphere was as heavy as an impending storm.

On both sides of the long conference table, the ministers, dressed in solemn court attire, sat upright. Each person's face carried some worry and anxiety. They knew that the matters to be discussed at today's meeting concerned the life and death of the empire.

"Furthermore, the forces on the island continent are deeply hidden. Coastal cities can have fishermen assist in vigilance, and the Northwest Army can focus on coastal cities, which should serve as a warning. At the same time, we should vigorously issue letters of marque."

Military Minister Breuer followed up with a voice as loud as a bell: "Your Highness, military defense must be strengthened. On the northern border, we should quickly build solid defenses, erect high walls and fortresses, widely set up watchtowers, and equip them with powerful catapults, ballistae, and other long-range weapons to deter the orcs.

I suggest forming a special elite force to secretly lurk on the border, ambushing and harassing the orcs during their gathering and marching, destroying their supplies and baggage, and beheading their generals and leaders to demoralize them. The coastal areas should also not be neglected. We should strengthen port defenses, lay underwater obstacles such as reefs and mines, establish beacon warnings, and equip them with a fast-response navy to prevent the island continent's fleet from landing."

Minister of Special Affairs Rhines stroked his beard, nodded slightly, and said, "Your Highness, intelligence gathering is crucial. We need to plant spies in the orc tribes and on the island continent, build a tight spy network, and bribe local informants to find out the enemy's true strength, such as their military deployments, strategic trends, and internal conflicts. We must have a thorough understanding of everything.

With accurate intelligence as a foundation, we can anticipate the enemy's moves and respond calmly. In addition, we can use the power of mages,

cast sensing spells, and cooperate with carrier pigeons and magic communication crystals to build an efficient early warning system to ensure that messages are transmitted instantly."

Finance Minister Horns looked embarrassed, but his tone was firm: "Your Highness, I know that everything requires huge sums of money at this moment, but although the finances are tight, I will do my best to raise funds. On the one hand, we can reduce unnecessary expenses, and palace expenses and redundant projects can be postponed. On the other hand, we can levy temporary taxes on wealthy merchants and nobles, gathering small amounts to ensure the financial needs of military construction, material reserves, and diplomatic operations."

Second Imperial Army Commander Alfonso stood up abruptly, saluted, and said loudly: "Your Highness, I have already considered the deployment of troops. The border army is naturally the main force to resist the enemy, but the north and coast also need to be allocated elite troops. I am willing to personally lead a portion of the troops,

go to the northern wilderness to coordinate defense, and train militiamen to cooperate seamlessly with the regular army. In the coastal areas, a skilled naval general should be in command, training day and night, and stand by. In addition, local reserves must be on standby at all times to ensure continuous reinforcements in wartime."

Sauron listened carefully to the advice of each minister, nodding slightly from time to time, and recording the key points on the parchment in his hand. After everyone had finished speaking, he looked around with a firm gaze: "Gentlemen, what you have said today are all good strategies. At this time of imperial crisis, we need to work together with one heart.

The State Minister's diplomatic strategies, the Military Minister's military planning, the Minister of Special Affairs' intelligence preparation, the Finance Minister's financial security, and the Army Commander's troop deployment are all interconnected and indispensable. Next, we will immediately start preparing according to this strategy, each performing their duties and not slacking off in the slightest. Behind us are thousands of people and the empire's century-old foundation, which we must protect!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices shaking the house.