Chapter 260: Forward |
Thick clouds were piling up in the sky.
It’s nice to be shielded from the hot summer sun, but the sky looked uncertain for the future.
Reisleaf Castle could already be seen in the distance. If I raced my horse seriously, I could get there in no time, but of course I couldn’t do that right now.
It’s because the enemy army welcomed us.
Spierzeig’s second army led by Kindlor.
According to military officers’ estimates, the number of soldiers was 90,000.
[Three times as much as ours?]
[It’s more than that considering the internal circumstances.]
The number of soldiers in the Upper Jaw Army, which I currently lead, was approximately 30,000. However, most of them are locally procured Spierzeig residents.
[It seems that the raid on Reisleaf is still continuing.]
It was a voice that sounded like a mixture of relief and concern.
The military officers concluded that around 150,000 Spierzeig soldiers would be mobilized for the operation to recapture Reisleaf. In addition to their empirical rules, this value takes into account the confidential information recovered in Weldburg City, so it can be trusted.
If Kindlor came here with 90,000, then Magnis had the remainder 60,000. It’s a simple subtraction.
[It hasn’t fallen yet. That’s good news, but…]
The battle is finally approaching, and tensions are rising whether I like it or not. There was no time to spare unless we were having a conversation.
[…will the siege continue into this period?]
I wonder if Magnis and Kindlor have any plans to lynch me. Well, if both armies actually appear, I’ll switch to hit-and-away tactics and run around in all directions, saving Reisleaf Castle and buying time for reinforcements to invade the northern Voistra.
[It would be psychologically difficult to let up on the attack when the Reisleaf Castle is about to be recaptured. The Great Shield of Voistra is a special asset for the Spierzeig family.]
I’m sure the same is true for Quordenze.
Perhaps sensing that I was nervous, the adjutant continued talking as if to review the situation.
[And if they back off now, the affiliated nobles who are watching the situation will suddenly become noisy.]
If Reisleaf cannot be recaptured with this, there will be people who will see the Spierzeig family as worthless. Considering external relations, giving priority to Reisleaf may be an unavoidable decision.
[It’s hard to maintain face. I guess they’ve been caught up in the eyes of those around them.]
Perhaps because I said it as if it were someone else’s business, the adjutant looked a little troubled, then laughed lightly.
[Wasn’t Young Master one of the people who pushed them too? I’m sure they’ve heard about Meiziode’s incident.]
[Well, how about that?]
From what I heard from the adjutant, it seems like the Spierzeig family would still prioritize Reisleaf Castle even if I didn’t do anything.
[The main purpose is different. Even if it has the effect of pushing them, it’s secondary. Just a bonus.]
Even as I said that, I was relieved that I was able to pull out only Kindlor’s army. I don’t want to deal with two dangerous Highlords at the same time.
Our army and Kindlor’s army gradually approached each other, and the image became clearer.
Soldiers, soldiers, soldiers, soldiers, soldiers, soldiers… There was an incredible number of people, but with detection magic I was able to pinpoint where the enemy’s main force was. At the same time, I felt a little strange.
[…That’s strange. It feels like the main force of Kindlor is nearby.]
[Compared to Operation Fang? At that time, the Highlord’s main headquarters was not among the troops attacking Nambonan City, and they were stationed at the rear. I think it’s natural that it feels closer compared to that time.]
Well, certainly the most memorable battle for me was the defeat of Spierzieg’s army in Nambonan City. Since it was also a strong success experience, I may have unconsciously compared it to that.
[Unlike Verret’s main force, Kindlor’s main force seems to be in the middle of the army.]
[In a decisive battle between armies led by Highlords, this arrangement is the safest. It will make a difference in reinforcement.]
It goes without saying, but body strengthening magic is more effective when used from within the army rather than from a distance.
I understood this not only logically but also by experience. It was none other than myself who led the “Voistra Plains Cities Continuous March Tour” by making full use of body strengthening magic.
[It’s not as easy to break through as it looks.]
[Affirmative. The Lord-class soldiers will be hard and difficult to cut down. And in this case, the enemy will be able to replenish their troops immediately from the rear. Kindlor’s army can always fight in its full strength of 90,000 soldiers.]
The adjutant says that if you defeat 1,000 soldiers in Kindlor’s army, 1,000 replacements should be sent from Magnis’ army. Magnis and Kindlor seemed to have decided that if they had 90,000 soldiers, they would be able to withstand Wilk Quordenze’s assault with ease.
If you think about it the other way around, the Kindlor army doesn’t need any more soldiers. It may be a natural conclusion that they left the rest to conquer Reisleaf.
[That’s a troubling story.]
The Kindlor army has very high defense power, and it’s kinda like a boss character with an automatic recovery effect? Even if you keep attacking, you won’t be able to conquer it forever.
[If the enemy has enough soldiers, we won’t be able to break through. No matter how young you are, you’ll definitely be stopped midway. The wall of 90,000 is too thick as expected.]
I remembered the battle in Nambonan City. The attack of the troops led by the Highlord is unparalleled in power, but it is possible to obstruct the advance with the appropriate judgment of the military commander and accurate use of troops. What’s more, this time the enemy side also has the strengthening magic of a Highlord.
The adjutant declared that even with my amount of magical power, I would never be able to surpass it.
[…It’s too thick, huh?]
[It’s easy to see that they are very wary of Young Master. Honestly, there are more than enough soldiers.]
When I met Magnis in the capital, he probably guessed my amount of magical power. If we hadn’t met, I might have been able to catch him off guard. There’s nothing I can do about it now.
[Over time, our troops will increase, but compared to them, it will be insignificant. There’s no way we can win in a sustained battle. We’ll be wiped out first and reduced to dust.]
At this very moment, the Quordenze soldiers are supposed to be entering one after another from the interior, but it will take a lot of time to reach the front line in Reisleaf. In the first place, the invading main forces were ordered to prioritize invading and suppressing the northern region. We don’t get that many soldiers here as the vanguard.
[Magnis’ army is in the way…]
If only the Kindlor army was there, we could replenish the Quordenze soldiers as much as we wanted via foreign land. However, since Magnis’ army is holding its ground in front of Reisleaf Castle, reinforcements will not be able to reach us in time.
[…But, there’s no point in complaining.]
We succeeded in attracting the Kindlor’s army. If that’s the case, I have no choice but to open myself up and try as much as I can. There are also recovery plans in case of failure.
[I’m going to defeat Kindlor Spierzeig. That’s all I’m thinking about right now.]
If we can do that, Operation Snake’s Jaw will end with a great success. Magnis’ army alone cannot maintain Reisleaf Castle even if it is recaptured. Once the Kindlor army is defeated, Magnis will be forced to retreat.
[Preparations for ambush are already complete.]
It is clear that it is impossible to conquer with a direct attack method. That’s why I was devising a plan.
The Upper Jaw Army that is currently advancing is long and vertical, and I am in the center of it. If you were to compare it to an airplane, it would be the seat near the main wing.
And several military officers were sent to stand in ambush at a point where the wings of this imaginary airplane were extended considerably. They are placed right next to me, on each side. Since they are far away from the Upper Jaw Army, the Kindlor Army probably recognizes them as scout soldiers.
The ambush soldiers also perform reconnaissance, but this is only a secondary mission. Its true role is to launch a surprise attack on Kindlor’s army. They carry Manaral crystals filled with my magical power, waiting anxiously for the moment to attack.
This is a reuse of the Manaral crystals used to cross the Arknoa Contaminated Area. The treasure would be wasted if I left it with Eve who stayed back at the Misty Village, so I made sure to collect it.
[We didn’t use it in the duel in Nambonan City. I never thought we would have such an attack method.]
I did something similar when I had a one-on-one fight with Spierzeig Veret. But I entrusted the Manaral Crystal to Knight Gatoren, telling him to help me if I was about to lose.
In the end, we were able to win without using it at that time, so Spierzeig’s army was not aware of its existence. So, I decided to use it here and now.
[Please draw in the Kindlor army.]
If the Upper Jaw Army and Kindlor Army were to collide head-on like this, we would almost certainly be pushed. After all, we are just a group of people.
[I’ll leave the decision to retreat to you.]
That’s why the retreat of the Upper Jaw army is natural. No one doubts this move. They are simply retreating when they should be retreating.
And if the Kindlor army thinks they have the upper hand, they would come forward to attack the Upper Jaw army. What would happen if the ambush soldiers deployed to the left and right at that time remained in place without moving? Their position would change from being right next to the Upper Jaw Army to being right next to the advancing Kindlor Army. If we can attract them enough, we might be able to get behind them instead of right next to them.
[I’ll pull them all the way down to their throat.]
Of course, Kindlor’s army should be wary of the remaining soldiers who appear to be scouts left and right. However, their wariness should be lesser given that the people at the flank are at most Lord-class.
[The warped poisonous fangs will pierce the enemy.]
Seeing the timing, the ambush soldiers on the left and right will release Highlord-level attack magic towards the Kindlor army. A surprise attack from behind would be shocking. Kindlor’s army will surely fall into chaos.
[In the end, I will claim Kindlor’s head together with the elite 3,000. It will be a very short decisive battle. Once the situation starts, don’t relax for even a second.]
The poisonous fangs pierced through the prey, which caused it to panic from the pain. But, the snake would swallow it all at once.
However, I don’t think everything will go that well. There is a chance of victory, but I don’t think things will go as planned on the battlefield.
[If it is impossible to break through, please advise immediately. In that case, we will retreat without hesitation.]
I won’t say that I will destroy the Spierzeig family even if I stab them in the wrong place.
Because I’m fighting to live.
[Understood.]
[It will be difficult to judge, but I believe in your wisdom and experience.]
So don’t decide to retreat too quickly, don’t give up until the very limit… I implicitly told him this. This is a check that does not allow overprotection. The adjutant nodded respectfully.
[It’s finally time.]
The Kindlor army in front gradually slowed down. Just like us, the enemy was vertically long while moving, but eventually spread out horizontally. The Upper Jaw Army also deployed its troops accordingly.
Both armies had now determined the location of the battle.
The battle began.
When I think about that, I don’t even notice the noise made by the soldiers. A mixture of nervousness and excitement rushed through my body, making my heart race. I felt like my own heartbeat was the loudest sound in this place.
I wondered what the others were thinking as they approached the battle, and when I looked at my adjutant standing next to me, I saw him peering at the enemy with a curious look on his face.
[…What is it?]
[The enemy soldiers are upset.]
It seems that the Kindlor soldiers were not exactly excited when they saw this army. When he said that, the average soldier seemed somewhat dismayed.
Regardless of the Spierzeig military officer who was in a position to obtain information, the ordinary soldiers probably never thought that they, the attackers, would be targeted.
[They can’t seem to get things under control.]
The adjutant continued in a mocking tone.
[It seems that the morale of the ordinary soldiers is not very high. Since this is an interception battle after they have been attacking Reisleaf for days and nights, it is natural for them to feel discouraged.]
I think attacking Reisleaf was based on a rotational system, but if they keep attacking for days on end, they’ll probably run out of motivation.
In that sense, the Upper Jaw Army is similar, but the Dornia City territorial militia recovered on the way were relatively healthy, and the morale of the elite 3,000 or so members was still high.
[…No, that’s not all.]
The people of Spierzeig territory were already exhausted. Tired of the war itself, not just this battle.
[Will we be able to break through this unexpectedly easily?]
[We might be able to put up a good fight in the first clash, but it’s still almost impossible to push through.]
The adjutant reprimanded me by saying that at this level, Spierzeig officers would be able to rebuild without any problems, and that it would be a mistake to expect anything from the low morale of the enemy soldiers.
[Being able to handle even weak soldiers with low morale without any problems…that is the highlight of a military officer’s skills, isn’t it?]
[Affirmative. Indeed it is.]
The adjutant laughed fearlessly.
[Of course, we have no intention of losing either.]
He also told me to look at other people’s behavior and change my own. The problem of weak troops may actually be more serious on this side. After all, what I’m leading is a hastily assembled ragtag force.
Things were working fine for now, but there was a good chance that the morale would collapse over something trivial.
[I trust your skills…But, I also think it’s my role to turn weak soldiers into strong ones.]
One of the General’s jobs is to raise the morale of the soldiers.
[Young Master’s name is widely known in this land. You will be a great support to our soldiers. I think just standing tall will be enough.]
The adjutant said there’s no need for me to worry too much.
I think he’s probably concerned about the morale of the serf soldiers and that it will affect my original job of intimidation and magic activation.
[We’ll just heat things up a little before the war starts. When the time is right, I’ll ask for a signal.]
Even when making a statement, timing is important. After confirming that my adjutant nodded, I started thinking of words of encouragement.
The two armies finally faced each other and were about to start a staring contest. The situation was such that a battle could break out at any time.
Even though there were so many people, their minds were focused on one place. There is a thing called “the moment when the end of war” exists, and it is floating somewhere on this battlefield… Everyone was staring at the void, so much so that they had the illusion.
The adjutant said quietly.
[…Young Master, please give a heroic speech.]
This place was like a stage prepared for me and Kindlor.
The Quordenze soldiers, the Spierzeig soldiers, the Quordenze military officers, the Spierzeig military officers, all of them are performers and spectators.
I will not hand over the leading role to Kindlor. By livening up the atmosphere, I will show all my friends and enemies who is the real main character.
I ordered my adjutant.
[Let the soldiers raise the flag.]
==============
Wilk’s army moved.
All the Spierzeig military officers belonging to Kindlor’s army paid attention to his every move.
[…Is he rallying his own troops?]
That’s what one Spierzeig military officer said. He made that decision after seeing the soldiers of Wilk’s army raise their flags all at once.
Wilk’s army was clearly a motley crew. It is appropriate to raise the flag of one’s own army and raise the fighting spirit of the soldiers.
The military officers immediately understood his intentions. What they didn’t understand were the ordinary soldiers who followed.
[Those flags…!]
That flag was also hoisted at Reisleaf Castle, which they had been attacking for days on end. The coat of arms depicted on both were the same.
[A snake entwined with intersecting spears and water spray…!?]
There was not a single person here who did not know that emblem. It wasn’t supposed to be there.
[It’s the Quordenze army!!]
[Why is the main force of Quordenze here!?]
[It’s an unbelievably large army!!]
[Weren’t we attacking?!]
The general idea among military officers is that as long as ordinary soldiers are given commands and they do a reasonable amount of work, that’s fine. There are many military officers who don’t want to be told unnecessary things and have their soldiers do whatever they want. As a result, little information about Wilk’s army’s attack was conveyed to the Kindlor soldiers.
However, now that the military flag has been raised, all the soldiers will know the true identity of the army they are facing. 30,000 is less than 90,000, but that’s just a military officer’s feeling. From the point of view of the ordinary soldiers actually facing the enemy, 30,000 is just 30,000, and it is nothing more than a large army.
The shock and confusion spread like waves from front to back.
[Quiet!!]
Of course, Spierzeig officers expected that level of turmoil. The scolding voice of the unit commander echoed throughout the Kindlor army.
Before the noisy Kindlor soldiers could be calmed down, the next movement began.
[I am Wilk Quordenze!!]
Wilk’s clear voice echoed as if piercing through the thick clouds. The loudspeaker magic made the announcement echoed throughout the entire battlefield.
After a moment of silence, confusion disappeared from the Kindlor soldiers. What emerged instead was palpable fear.
[The Great Shield Destroyer!!?]
[It’s Nambonan’s Blue Demon!! The Blue Demon has attacked again with a surprise attack!!!]
[Galfis’ grandson!?]
[W, w, w, wee, we are done for!!]
The name of Wilk Quordenze, the grandson of Galfis and the young nobleman who destroyed Voistra’s Great Shield, was well known even to the lowest-rank of soldiers. Furthermore, some of the Kindlor soldiers fought with Wilk’s forces in Nambonan City and were captured. It was no wonder that they were in a state of panic.
Wilk continued to speak with enthusiasm, as if mocking the chaos.
[All of northern Voistra has fallen to Quordenze! Look at my results!!!]
Wilk’s army took down the military flag of Quordenze and raised completely different flags in accordance with the lines. There was not just one type of flag, but multiple types.
Few Kindlor soldiers know all of the emblems depicted on those flags. However, most of them recognized at least one type. This is because it’s familiar to them.
[It’s the flag of Weldburg City!]
[There’s also Balaika City!]
[That’s Meiziode City! And Fanes City too!?]
[T, that’s!! Torsa City…!]
Most of the soldiers who participated in the operation to recapture Reisleaf were citizens gathered from the northern region of the Voistra Plains.
The cities that Wilk conquered were the hometowns where they were born and raised, or the cities closest to their hometowns, places they had heard of at least once if they were alive. Many Kindlor soldiers are familiar with the city emblem painted on the flag.
[Hey! Is it true!? The flags of Balaika City and Fanes City are over there!?]
Some soldiers from Kindlor’s army were brought in from other regions. The soldier who had joined the battle from the center of the Voistra Plains was not very familiar with the flag raised by Wilk’s army. However, if the names of key cities in the north come up one after another from the mouth of a colleague besides them, there was no way they could stay calm.
[Balaika is my birthplace!! There’s no way I could mistake it!!]
The soldiers who came from the central area were stunned by the words of their colleague who was about to break down in tears. Because they knew a little more about geography than the others, they understood the danger of these cities falling.
[All of the northern Voistra has been felled by Quordenze!!]
As if to stir up confusion, Wilk repeated the same declaration.
At the same time, the city flag was lowered and the military flag with the Quordenze crest was raised again. It seemed as if it was a metaphor for the fall of the northern city by the Quordenze army.
In reality, Wilk simply hid this before he realized that only the flags of the Seven Cities, which are important points, existed. However, Kindlor soldiers do not know the behind-the-scenes circumstances. They had begun to believe Wilk’s words that all of the north was under Quordenze control.
[Don’t listen to lies!! Be quiet!! Don’t talk nonsense between soldiers!!]
Spierzeig officers restrained the soldiers with a strong tone. However, there was no one who did not feel anxious when they heard that their hometown had been taken away. The soldiers kept their mouths shut in response to the military officer’s orders, but they remained restless and watched their surroundings for a long time.
How did Quordenze attack? Why did the city that was supposed to be in the rear fall? Why did this situation suddenly occur? Wilk provided answers to the questions that arise in the soldiers’ minds.
[A message to those who fell into the trap of my grandfather Galfis! !]
It was spoken in a way that emphasized the “trap” part very much.
[Regret that you were lured to Reisleaf!! It’s all a trap to make this surprise attack a success!! It’s all a ploy to free Voistra!!]
At Wilk’s brazen and bold lie, Kindlor made a bitter expression on his face.
[Cut the nonsense…!]
Of course, the upper echelon at Spierzeig understood why Wilk had told such a fabricated story and its main purpose.
[As expected, the purpose is probably to hide the lack of magic power.]
The adjutant standing by Kindlor’s side continued speaking indifferently.
[Even if they succeed in defending Reisleaf Castle, it will still be a sign of Quordenze’s decline.]
The Spierzeig family had already assumed that Wilk would come to the rescue of Reisleaf Castle via Nambonan City, so it was a move without any particular problems. This is because they can spread the rumor to the world that “Galfis, who developed a magic malfunction, abandoned the front line and remained miserable in seclusion until his grandson came to rescue him”.
With the success of the Spierzeig army pushing back the Quordenze army all the way to Reisleaf, the surrounding noble families will also be convinced that Galfis has developed a magic malfunction. If that happens, there will probably be a fundamental review of the policy towards the Quordenze family. The tide of noble diplomacy was supposed to change.
[Galfis’s army feigns magic malfunction and retreats, attracting Spierzeig’s army to Reisleaf. Meanwhile, Wilk’s army traverses the old Amelia public road and takes control of the northern part of the Voistra Plains, which has become an empty shell. It was a strategy… By making such a claim, I wonder if he is trying to make General Galfis’ condition ambiguous.]
Wilk chose to go through Amelia-Arknoa. What will happen if Spierzeig’s army fails to capture Reisleaf and he captures the northern part of the Voistra Plains? At that time, the only result that will remain is that “Spierzeig was completely caught up in Quordenze’s plot”.
[There have been reports that similar claims are being made in Dornia City and Meiziode City. Their target is probably the west.]
In the end, people from other families can only judge the situation based on the final results of the battle. If the Quordenze army carried out the operation and obtained the results commensurate with it, the others would give weight to their claims.
Wilk thought there was room to plant doubts there. If the strategy is successful, they can cover the truth with a veil. Among most noble families, they will think “I don’t think the Quordenze family, which was supposed to be in the upper hand, would carry out such a high-stakes strategy. Perhaps, as the Spierzeig family claimed, Galfis had developed a magic malfunction”. However, one cannot be sure of that. This is because the Quordenze family has achieved great results. The doubt that “Galfis may be alive and well” can only be resolved by confronting the person himself. But, the Quordenze family won’t allow it. The truth will always be in darkness.
The illusion of Galfis has a strong deterrent effect. Noble houses would think twice before becoming an enemy to the Quordenze family.
[What a poor ploy…]
A young nobleman who decides to take the heroic action of crossing Amelia-Arknoa should feel the raw enthusiasm and spirit of wanting to surpass the warriors of Galfis. However, what Kindlor felt was Galfis’ grandson’s spiteful tenacity to make use of his grandfather’s military name until the very end.
[…However, I think Magnis understands the kid’s purpose.]
That’s why Spierzeig’s army must take back Reisleaf Castle. The goal was to have a “successful recapture of Reisleaf Castle” that was clearly visible from the outside. If they retreat like this, Wilk’s lie that it was a trap will become true.
The considerations of Kindlor and Spierzeig officers were correct. Wilk’s purpose is to create an illusion of Galfis.
However, that consideration was a little lacking. The people Wilk was trying to convey his message to were not just the “Nobles” of the Zinkaen Empire and the Levios Kingdom.
And the effects of this were now becoming apparent on the ground.
[I knew it! I thought there was no way that the red demon would retreat!]
[We were trapped!!]
The lamenting voices of the Kindlor soldiers resounded across the battlefield.
Even after witnessing the retreat of the front line and the siege of Reisleaf, there were quite a few soldiers who were suspicious of Galfis’s sudden poor condition. They couldn’t believe that the veteran General who had won numerous battles would end up like this. That’s why the lies Wilk told are deeply ingrained in their hearts.
The morale of the Spierzeig Territory Militia, also known as the Kindlor soldiers, was not high to begin with. The despair that “Galfis might be alive and well” quickly eroded their hearts.
Spierzeig officers, who were on the scene and felt the change firsthand, became a little impatient.
[The soldiers are quite shaken.]
[I don’t think I’ll be overtaken, but it’s not a very good situation.]
Kindlor could argue back with Wilk using loudspeaker magic. However, in the end, it became nothing more than an argument. Wilk claimed that it was a plan, and Kindlor claimed that Galfis’s magic is malfunctioning.
It was an eternal parallel line. Only the winner’s claim will be correct. The moment the lines intersect is the moment of battle.
At that moment, an intense magic force filled with murderous intent ran through both armies almost simultaneously.
[Gah….!!!]
The exchange of threats finally began, and Spierzeig officers instinctively braced themselves.
Their hearts suddenly become cold due to the brutal pressure that crushes their souls. The scale of the threat far exceeded that of a normal highlord.
[H-hi!!]
The Kindlor soldiers were no longer confused, but were simply trembling in fear. By being directly exposed to malicious intent, they were forced to face life-threatening danger.
In order to resist the threat of a highlord, one needs a strong will or an ally of the ancestor. The Kindlor soldiers don’t have the mental strength to resist Wilk’s threat. Their mental states were in shambles, and they needed someone strong to support them.
[Don’t give up!]
Spierzeig officer didn’t miss the fluctuation.
[Don’t be afraid!!]
Encouragement began here and there in the troops.
[Don’t be scared!!!]
There is a basis for those words.
[Blessings belong to those who stand up to them!!!]
The General of this army is Kindlor Spierzeig, a Highlord. The soldiers were encouraged by this fact.
The only way to escape the unbearable pressure released by the enemy is to rely on Kindlor. The soldiers had no choice but to cling. …they had no choice as serf.
[Don’t give up!]
[Don’t be afraid!!]
[Don’t be scared!!!]
In order to receive the protection of the Highlord, they must stand up. If they don’t face it, they won’t be saved from this fear.
[Blessings belong to those who stand up to them!!!]
Kindlor’s soldiers tightened their grip on their weapons, their faces twisted in pain.
Spierzeig officers were relieved that they managed to secure the minimum level of morale.
[…It was a dangerous situation, but we have recovered.]
[But, it doesn’t change the fact that they are weak soldiers. We must not let our guard down.]
Morale was much lower than the military officers expected, so it took a long time to rebuild.
[Are the enemy in good condition?]
As far as they could see, the morale of Wilk’s army was high. Therefore, he judged that the soldiers had been encouraged and were ready for battle.
Therefore, what happened next was unexpected.
[That’s…]
A small group appeared from the depths of Wilk’s army. It consisted of Wilk on horseback and a dozen or so dismounted military officers.
When that group came to the forefront of Wilk’s army, they advanced a little and then stopped. Wilk’s appearance can be easily seen by the Kindlor army.
[What are you planning to do…?]
Are they planning to forcibly break through with a simultaneous assault, or are they planning to seek parley? A lot of Spierzeig officers were greatly confused by Wilk’s eccentric behavior. They waited with great caution for their next move.
[Oh, hey…! Something came out!]
The Kindlor soldiers also noticed Wilk’s group.
At first, the soldiers were noisily peering at each other, but gradually the noises became smaller. They were overwhelmed by the tense appearance of their superior and the appearance of the enemy General, who simply reigned supreme without showing any movement.
[…..]
It was a strange sight.
The land where a total of 120,000 troops from both sides faced each other was silent.
As if waiting for that silence, Wilk silently pulled out the sword that was hanging from his waist. It is the Water Snake’s treasured sword that shone brightly.
Holding the treasured sword in one hand, Wilk slowly pointed the tip toward the distant sky. The silver eyes were also staring into the distance.
[…!]
What that attitude showed was nothing but a warning that they will “proceed beyond the Kindlor army”. It was also a provocation to Spierzeig’s army.
[We are the Liberation Army!!]
Wilk’s voice echoed across the battlefield.
[We are the ones who will liberate Voistra!!]
Wilk continued speaking as if to cheer all the soldiers, enemy and ally.
As if in response, the soldiers of Wilk’s army let out a battle cry a little later.
[We are the ones who liberate people oppressed by tyranny!!]
Wilk’s inspirational speech was something unheard of before.
[People suffering from heavy taxes!!]
These are not words that force a fight.
[People hurt by war!!]
These are not words that will make a soldier kneel.
[People who endure bad government!!]
It’s not a word that enslaves the weak.
[Their hometowns have now been liberated by our hands!!]
Those were words that spoke to the people.
[Their hometowns have now been freed from the never-ending tyranny!!]
Those were the words spoken to the people of Spierzeig territory.
[We are the Liberation Army!!]
Wilk repeated the same lines.
Those were simplistic words, but they aroused a faint hope in the hearts of Kindlor soldiers.
[We are the ones who will liberate Voistra!!]
Nambonan City, which rebelled against the Quordenze family, is still alive and well, and its citizens are still living peacefully…many Kindlor soldiers have heard such rumors. Many people became prisoners of war and witnessed its prosperity first hand.
And Wilk said that he has conquered and liberated all of the northern city of Voistra…
[We are the ones who liberate people oppressed by tyranny!!]
Maybe my hometown will be able to escape the ravages of war just like Nambonan City… One of the Kindlor soldiers suddenly thought so.
[Their hometowns have been liberated by our hands!!]
Maybe the family and lovers left behind will be able to live in peace… One of the Kindlor soldiers suddenly thought so.
[Their hometowns have now been freed from the never-ending tyranny!!]
Maybe if Quordenze wins, we will be freed from this impoverished life… One of the Kindlor soldiers suddenly thought so.
[We are the Liberation Army!!]
It was a speech to raise the morale of the Nambonan soldiers, encourage the locally procured territorial militia, and give them a sense of ownership. However, that voice definitely also resonated with the Kindlor soldiers.
They didn’t originally want to fight.
It was a master’s order, a strong man’s order, so they were forced into servitude. The Kindlor soldiers’ hands lost the strength to grip their weapons, and their legs became heavier.
Kindlor began to intervene in Wilk’s speech. The roar of loudspeaker magic was reflected in the sky and echoed in the earth. It seems like a rebuke to the soldiers who had a faint hope.
However, Wilk didn’t even bother.
[We are the ones who will liberate Voistra!!]
The General of his army was only looking at Wilk Quordenze.
The enemy army General was watching the people living in the land of Voistra.
The Kindlor soldiers could feel the difference.
Just as the Highlord do not have expectations of the serfs, the serfs also do not have expectations of the Highlords. This is because they instinctively understand that they cannot have their wishes granted by the powerful.
[We are the ones who liberate the people from tyranny!!]
But now, the Kindlor soldiers had gotten their hopes up. They found light in the form of this one Highlord who spoke to the serfs.
[…..P, please…!]
Thoughts similar to prayers overflowed from the Kindlor soldiers’ mouths.
They were staring at Wilk intently. Just as they had “expected” something from Wilk, they felt that Wilk “expected” something from the Kindlor soldiers.
If I meet their expectations, will they also meet my expectations? They wanted to know that. They couldn’t help but want to hear what came after the repeated lines.
[These guys…!?]
The soldiers of our own army are looking at the enemy with envy. That’s when the Spierzeig officers noticed this.
[People of Voistra!!]
Wilk’s speech had entered its final stage.
[People oppressed by evil lords!!]
At this point, the Spierzeig officers finally realized that the targets of the speech included Kindlor soldiers. They realized that Wilk was plotting to neutralize ordinary soldiers.
It would be a bit excessive for a nobleman to give a speech aiming to appease people, even if it only to lower morale. It’s unthinkable for the Highlord to have high expectations for the serfs. It goes against their common sense for the strong to rely on the weak. As a result, the military officers’ response was delayed.
[Retreat! We shall forgive that sin!!]
The Kindlor soldiers’ hearts suddenly warmed up.
[Retreat! We shall forgive that sin!!]
That is not rebellion, but an invitation to escape.
[Retreat! We shall forgive that life!!]
Just run away without fighting.
[Now, answer my voice!!]
Then Wilk said,
[The new people of Quordenze!!!]
That final call was the beginning of the collapse.
[…I, I don’t want to fight!!]
That’s what one of the Kindlor soldiers said, throwing away his weapon and trying to leave the unit. Of course, there was no way that Spierzeig officers would miss it.
[What are you doing?!]
The fugitive soldier was easily cut off from the back.
That is not an unusual punishment in the military. The demonstration was supposed to be effective in rallying the troops. Ordinarily.
However, this time the situation was completely different.
[Hiiii!! I can’t anymore!!]
[Everyone runs!! Run away!!]
[We are now people of Quordenze! We won’t fight!! That will save us!!]
[Help me!! Please give me a break!!!]
The moment when Spierzeig officers moved to suppress the soldiers who were panicking.
Wilk’s army simultaneously began their assault.
===========
The Kindlor army was shaken.
The intention was to lower the enemy’s morale while raising the morale of our own troops, but the effect was far greater than I had imagined.
In any case, there was no way we could miss this good opportunity.
I activated body strengthening magic on the entire army and ordered them to attack.
[Let us conquer!! Liberate Voistra!!]
The two armies were never far apart. Once you start marching, it will be a melee in a blink of an eye. Kindlor’s army was almost at hand.
My original plan was to hit hard during the encounter and then retreat back to the flow, but for now I have no choice but to move forward as much as I can. If I blatantly retreat, our surprise attack will be revealed.
[Justice is with us!! Defeat the evil lord!!]
[Uwooooooooooooo!!!!]
The lead group of the reinforced Upper Jaw troops finally crashed into the Kindlor army.
The roar of the collision between the two armies and the shouts of the soldiers echoed around them. The loud sound made the surroundings tremble and excited the Upper Jaw soldiers.
[Strike at the enemy!!!]
Did I really jump straight into the enemy army? The less you think about it, the easier it will be to move on. It’s like pressing a hot knife into butter.
I got the illusion that the Kindlor soldiers are melting.
[Haaaa!!]
[Hyaaa!! I won’t let you!]
An intense metallic sound that seemed to pierce the eardrums echoed everywhere. It was the sound of a battle with the Lord-class soldiers hiding within the Kindlor army. Quordenze’s own Lord-class military officers were holding back those who were trying to obstruct the advance of the Upper Jaw Army.
Even as they fought to the death, I continued to advance. Move forward, aiming for Kindlor’s main force.
[You can’t even think about having more than enough soldiers!]
I couldn’t help but laugh, probably due to the excitement of the battle.
Earlier, the adjutant said that 90,000 soldiers was too thick, and that there were more than enough soldiers.
The Kindlor army is deploying too many soldiers. It was probably because they’re THAT wary of me. However, because of this, Spierzeig had one major weakness.
[Contain them by many to one! Be sure to kill!!]
Without having to be told by their adjutants, my subordinate military officers pounced on a Spierzeig Lord-class soldier, displaying the violence of their numbers.
[F**k…you guys…argh!!]
Blood spray danced on the battlefield. The battle between the Lord-class was only becoming more intense.
[Don’t deal with them alone!! Gather your allies and retaliate… Don’t be fooled!!]
Two Quordenze soldiers launched an attack on a person who appears to be a knight diagonally in front of them. While I was looking from the side, one more person jumped in. At this rate, we will be able to defeat them unilaterally in a 3-on-1 match.
This is the weakness of the Kindlor army.
Due to the large number of soldiers, Lord-class soldiers are widely distributed throughout the army, resulting in a low Lord-class density. It may be the best configuration for a long-term battle, but if you launch an attack like this all at once, its fragility becomes clear.
Of course, normally they would have had enough defense power to absorb my attack. Rather, it may have been a trap to lure us inside and crush me to death. However, now that the Kindlor soldiers are collapsing, it’s just like using a hot knife to cut butter.
[It’s the next enemy!! Kill them immediately!!]
Our military officers were quickly responding to the Spierzeig soldiers who appeared one after another.
According to the detection magic, the enemy’s Lord-class soldiers are rushing towards Kindlor’s main force in a panic. And some of them are heading straight here to stop the Upper Jaw Army. The timing of the arrival of the Lord-class soldiers was inconsistent, and as a result, the military force was deployed one after another. In front of the Upper Jaw Army, which had a large number of Lord-class soldiers, they were defeated individually and that was the end.
[Run away!!!]
I heard the screams of the Kindlor soldiers. I used loudspeaker magic to encourage my opponent to flee in front of the enemy, further encouraging the Upper Jaw soldiers. Just as I was taking a breath, my adjutant raised a loud voice.
[Young Master!! That’s Kindlor’s main force!!]
We’re close already. So early.
[The soldiers are on the verge of being destroyed! We have the upper hand on the number of Lord-class soldiers too!!]
Normally, there should be some “usable soldiers” near the Highlord’s headquarters. However, the advancing speed of the Upper Jaw Army had not slowed down at all.
During Operation Snake’s Fang, I captured a large number of Spierzeig’s engineers, and after that, I hired them without returning them. It’s actually a poaching operation. As a result, the Kindlor army may not have had enough “usable soldiers” to begin with.
[Move forward!!]
While saying that, I aimed towards the front of the unit and increased my speed. My power will be needed to defeat the enemy Highlord.
[Forward!]
I adjusted the body strengthening magic given to the soldiers even stronger.
[Oooooooooooooooooooooo!!!]
The soldiers advanced.
[Onward!!]
I raised my voice to encourage myself.
[Onward!!!]
The voices of the soldiers continued. A loud roar-like voice echoed through the earth.
[Move forward!!!!!]
Kindlor was in front of me. Rather than using magic detection, I was able to capture his appearance visually. The lieutenant issued new instructions.
[Deploy the forbidden weapon!!!]
That was a sign.
I narrowed down the targets for the activation of body strengthening magic. The targets were the 3,000 or so elites who had followed me from Newnelly City. I will leave the reinforcement of other soldiers to the Lord-class military officers.
In order to make full use of the Highlord’s body strengthening magic, a strong will and high morale are required. I believed these 3,000 could withstand my reinforcement.
[Oooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!]
The greatest physical reinforcement that I could manage enveloped them. Their abilities have improved dramatically and a sense of elation surrounds them.
We overcame the leading soldiers and the 3,000 elite soldiers led by me went to the front line together. I raised my voice.
[We are the ones who liberate people who are oppressed by tyranny!]
Forward.
[We are the ones who will liberate Voistra!!!!!]
Forward.
[We are the Liberation Army!!!!!]
Charge forward.
[Godammit!! You miserable piece of kid!!]
We were closing in to Kindlor who was already drawing his weapon atop his horse.
[Readyyy!!]
The adjutant’s voice echoes. The Nambonan soldiers, who were in their maximum strengthened state, simultaneously readied their forbidden weapons.
[Get down!!!]
Kindlor’s intense murderous intent spread along with his magic power.
Due to being exposed to the threat from close range, some of the Upper Jaw soldiers in the rear lost consciousness and collapsed.
[We are the Liberation Army!!!!!]
That was the shout of the Nambonan soldiers.
Their fighting spirit was unwavering. That will did not break even in the face of the murderous intent of a Highlord.
They stood strong, still carrying the forbidden weapons in their hands.
[I am Wilk Quordenze!!!!]
A hot feeling rose from deep within my chest. Is this a feeling of elation?
I gripped the anti-Highlord weapon tightly. The spear, which is shaped like a giant naginata blade, is a type of forbidden weapon.
[Young Master!!!]
For a moment, I felt a noise mixed in with the fluctuations of the magic power that covered Kindlor’s body.
The Lord-class military officers activated magic interference using the forbidden weapons held by the Nambonan soldiers as a medium.
A perfect formation, the tightest crushing formation was formed.
Now, even if you get close, you won’t be hit by magic as a counter.
It’s my turn.
To decide everything with this one blow.
Forward.
[Open the path!!! Kindlor Spierzeig!!!]
[Quordenzee!!!]
I strengthened my whole body and swung my spear. The tip of the blade struck the enemy’s left shoulder.
Heavy. The blade seemed to be rebounding from the moist hardness of the ancestor’s flesh.
However, I have experienced this horrible feeling before. I swung the spear to the end, intending to chew through the discomfort.
[Ooo…..!]
A flash from the left shoulder to the right side of the abdomen. A perfect Kesagiri.
[OOooooo!!]
I could hear my own heartbeat. The eerie feeling of tearing off a Highlord continued to linger in my hands.
[UWWOoooooooooooo!!!]
Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. Kindlor’s body, split in two, fell from the horse and tumbled to the ground.
[Young Master is victorious!!!!! Ring the victory cry!!!]
I could faintly hear the adjutant’s voice.
My sense of accomplishment and excitement were mixed together, and I couldn’t think properly. However, I knew that if I remained silent, the military would not be able to tighten up.
I gave up my thoughts and raised my spear high.
The coating on the blade had completely burnt off. As I stared blankly at it, red liquid dripped down due to gravity.
Kindlor’s blood.
I couldn’t help but shudder at the slimy feel that ran down my hand. But, this is exactly what I got. I won’t turn away.
Subjugation of the blood relatives who support Spierzeig.
Now, I have accomplished it once more.
============
[The Great Master was killed…!]
Magnis’ army who was attacking Reisleaf Castle soon learned of the news of his death.
The battlefield of Wilk’s army and Kindlor’s army was within a distance that can be seen from Magnis’ army. Therefore, information was transmitted quickly.
The military officer reporting the situation continued to report to Magnis with a grim expression on his face.
[Wilk’s army is approaching us! We have reduced the number of soldiers to about 10,000, but… they are moving at an incredible speed!!]
After Wilk defeated Kindlor, he quickly reorganized his troops and headed for Reisleaf Castle.
There were 90,000 Kindlor’s soldiers left in the surrounding area who had nowhere to go, but they were completely abandoned. This was because they did not have time to incorporate such uncertain soldiers.
They didn’t want to give Magnis’ army time to think. With that in mind, they chose to proceed with only the minimum number of soldiers necessary.
[………acknowledged.]
Magnis looked up at the sky.
The clouds were much thicker and darker than before. It looked like it was about to rain.
[Sound the retreat signal.]
There is no longer any point in sticking to Reisleaf Castle. On the contrary, Magnis judged that the Spierzeig family is now in a situation where it’s difficult to maintain the entire Voistra Plain. He had to make a decision.
As the Head of the Spierzeig family, this is a situation that cannot be tolerated. But, he had to admit it.
[We will retreat to Othelloria via western Voistra. The enemy’s pursuit will be fierce. We must keep losses to a minimum.]
Wilk’s army will aim for the retreating Magnis army’s back. In anticipation of the decisive battle in Othelloria, he will come to eliminate as many Spierzeig military officers as possible.
It would be fatal for the already small number of Lord-class soldiers to be reduced any further. In some cases, Othelloria City may fall without even being able to fight.
The future defense strategy will change depending on how many troops can be maintained during the retreat. The plan for the defense of Othelloria was beginning to form in Magnis’ head.
Wilk’s army was small in number. They must’ve decided that it is best to make a big impact, whittle down the enemy soldiers, and then retreat.
[The enemy capable of breaking through 90,000 is dangerous. Thicken your front.]
[Understood!]
The siege of Reisleaf was interrupted, and Magnis’ army began to reorganize. It took a little while to rearrange the 60,000 soldiers, but they were able to prepare them faster than Wilk’s army arrived.
[…..!]
It was at that time.
Magnis’ detection magic detected magic power approaching from behind.
[No way….!]
Is it the shock of losing his father, or is it pessimism about Spierzeig’s increasingly realistic future? Magnis completely forgot about the crumbling castle of Reisleaf, even if it was only for a short time.
[Master! …Send the soldiers to the rear!!]
There was a force approaching behind Magnis’ army, which was now facing towards Wilk’s army.
That’s a force of less than 100 cavalry. However, all of the Quordenze soldiers who remained in Reisleaf Castle belonged there.
[Galfis has appeared!!]
Running at the head of the unit is Galfis Quordenze, looking like a red demon with an angry look on his face.
Perhaps inspired by his grandson’s bravery, or perhaps his fighting instincts were aroused in front of a favorable opportunity, magic power was now reviving in his body.
The movement of this ultra-small elite force is faster than the deployment of Magnis soldiers.
[I’m coming to claim your head, MAAAAGNIIIIIIIIS!!!]
The next moment, the attack magic of super firepower exploded many times in the vicinity of Reisleaf Castle.
