Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

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"Ezpan, come closer and explain in detail," he said.

Ezpan stood up as the Head Warrior had already arrived at a brisk pace, checking him over once again. Then Ezpan carefully approached, kneeling before His Highness's table.

"There are many key points in training the Spear Formation, and the most important is to focus on teamwork. Tarasco's spear infantry are divided into squads based on different mines and places of birth, with each squad consisting of roughly two hundred relatives or companions. To ensure obedience to the squad leader and to build trust among themselves, we elect a leader. Then, before the gods, we perform a blood oath, swearing to be brothers!"

Xiulote's expression shifted. He heard the concept of the blood oath again. This ceremony, witnessed by the gods, similar to Huaxia's blood oaths and akin to beheading chickens and drinking yellow wine, participants might even offer a piece of their own flesh as a sacrifice. During eras of devout tribal worship, the influence of such ceremonies on people's hearts was far greater than in economically advanced commercial societies. Plus, this ritual also enhanced the presence of the Chief Divine.

With this in mind, Xiulote nodded slightly and looked at Ezpan again.

Ezpan caught a glimpse of the prince's approval out of the corner of his eye, and his spirit was immediately lifted. His voice grew more confident.

"The cooperation of the team is reflected in every individual's movement. Each Spear Formation soldier must learn to protect his comrade with his shield, pushing forward collectively. Then, in concert with their companions in front and behind, they raise their Long Spears over the shields to thrust in a fixed area. Multiple Long Spears working together make it impossible for the enemy to avoid."

"The second key point is the cooperation within the phalanx. The weakness of a phalanx lies in its flanks and rear, so it is critical for phalanxes to cover each other and protect each other's weak points. In my view, the most effective formation is to arrange three phalanxes in a triangular interlocking form. When one phalanx is under attack, the other two can advance from the wings to protect the vulnerable flanks, facing the enemy with their strongest front."

Xiulote thought for a few seconds, then drew a "品" character on the ground before showing it to Ezpan. The training adjutant nodded repeatedly, praising His Highness's wisdom.

"The third key point is the ability to change formation. In addition to lining up, a phalanx must master the ability to adjust swiftly on the battlefield, always facing the enemy head-on. If surrounded by superior enemy forces, it must form a circular defense. Actually, the equipment of the Long Spear Militia is not heavy, and the Spear Formation can also be used for assault. But during an assault, the phalanx must transform into columns, arranging into clusters of rows for continuous charge."

Xiulote thought about it. The concept of columnar assault seemed very familiar to him; it reminded him of the cohorts of Ancient Rome's legions and also of Li Jing's military reforms in the early Tang Dynasty. He nodded slowly in understanding.

Ezpan grew somewhat excited. He continued to speak, sharing the thoughts he had harbored for years.

"The fourth key point is discipline. The power of the phalanx lies in the collective; once dispersed, it becomes easy prey for the Samurai. Thus, without orders, phalanx infantry must never engage in pursuit. In war, those who flee first and cause a rout must be executed publicly to deter others. In order to form up quickly during battle, squads must stay together at all times, camp in the open together, and not scatter to live in barracks..."

Xiulote pondered and then smiled slightly. Collective living... During this period, the Swiss mountaineers' phalanxes also had similar rules for establishing closer ties and preventing surprise enemy attacks. He finally nodded in approval.

"Very good! Ezpan, do you have any other ideas?"

Ezpan hesitated, weighing the prince's historical reputation, but then boldly proposed.

"Respected Your Highness, actually, Tarasco's Two-Handed Pike infantry would be much stronger. Even though they were vulnerable to Longbow fire last time because they were unprepared, as long as we additionally arrange two squads of shield bearers among the Two-Handed Pike infantry, they can withstand arrows while exploiting the offensive advantage of two-handed weapons."

Xiulote paused for a moment. This was similar to the Song Dynasty army's composition, with the Two-Handed Pikes as the main force, supported by shield bearers, along with a large number of crossbowmen.

After some thought, he shook his head. For a newly established Militia, shields were more critical. Not only were they defensive weapons and a guarantee of survival, but they were also a source of reliance for the new soldiers. The sense of security provided by the shields could effectively maintain the morale of the Militia. And only an army that had experienced battle and become true strong soldiers could make full use of the power of the Two-Handed Pike.

Moments later, Xiulote drifted back from his thoughts. His gaze was as solid as a mountain, closely fixed on the kneeling training adjutant's anxious expression.

"So, Ezpan, having put forward so many concrete suggestions, what do you wish to gain?"

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