Chapter 80: Counterattack (5)

Chapter 80: Counterattack (5)

Arrows flying aimlessly and disorganized formations were unable to hold their ground amidst the confusion. The mingling ranks of infantry and archers had resulted in a loss of control.

Yet in the midst of it all, dozens of spells soared through the air. Despite the tangled formation, the attacks were sharp and menacing.

In spite of the efforts of our allied mages, a few managed to strike the charging cavalry unit.

Magic spells there was a difference in numbers. So many mages? It was an unexpected situation.

Could they have sent more for a swift siege?

Considering the Western strategy, it was a plausible hypothesis. However, the cavalrys speed remained unabated.

The firepower was insufficient to stop the cavalry charge within the disordered ranks.

It could have easily turned into a situation where our troops were attacked. The narrowing distance lessened the enemys firepower.

Instead, our allied mages unleashed powerful spells.

Kwaang-! Explosions erupted as fireballs soared. The fallen Western soldiers turned into projectiles, flying into the sky.

I sprinted into the open space. Dirt soared above my shoulders and rained down.

Death to them!

The cavalry pierced through the enemy front with their mass. Thud! The weight of the enemy struck audibly against the hooves and bodies of the horses.

I advanced, wielding Moonlight. Occasionally, pockets of enemies would open up as the magical soldiers cleared the path.

I didnt aim to kill specifically; the purpose of the cavalry was to induce panic. The infantry behind would finish off the rest.

Aaargh!

Amidst screams and noise, the cavalry charged relentlessly toward the heart of the enemy.

Surveying the battlefield with my Winds was a dizzying endeavor, with the details indistinguishable. I had to wield my sword while charging.

It didnt matter. Our infantry reached the fallen enemies. Now, the intricate strategies were meaningless.

And unnecessary. We kept advancing.

Not everyone among the Western forces was in disarray. Amidst the demoralized soldiers, a single knight hurled his lance.

Directly at me.

The sight of a charging vanguard had caught my attention.

Oh no.

It was impossible to deflect with Winds. There were too many eyes watching. The trajectory of the lance couldnt be altered.

The lance pierced through the horses chest. I felt the impact. The horse collapsed, its momentum causing me to lean forward.

Sir!

Amidst the cavalry units cry calling my name, I twisted my body in mid-air. A mid-air roll. I landed on his right shoulder.

Immediately springing back up, I utilized the remaining momentum to leap forward. The massive inertia was felt in my thighs.

I dashed at full speed. The knight who had thrown the lance was finally drawing his sword.

Just as he unsheathed his sword, I was already in front of him. Moonlight pierced through the knights chest.

Thud, thud. The cavalry unit swept past on both sides. It was a close dodge, demonstrating agile mobility.

A perilous situation the horse could have fallen and I would have become the target.

Unable to maneuver left or right, I charged straight ahead. With the speed of the horse, I could certainly manage its momentum.

I slashed down, cutting down the soldiers blocking the path. As I did, I caught the gaze of a single cavalryman.

Sir Carl!

Someone approaching me extended his left hand. Fortunately, there was someone who understood my intentions.

Stepping back, I immediately grabbed the outstretched hand.

The cavalryman exerted force in the hand he held. The force surged forward, using the grounds impact as leverage to flip upwards.

In an instant, I was behind the cavalryman.

Sir! Are you alright?

Of course.

Just moments ago, when you fell I never thought you would kill even the Western knights.

I chuckled at the voice full of awe and asked.

Whats your name?

Im Pasciang.

It was excellent horsemanship. Thanks to that, I survived.

Its an honor.

I put some weight on Pasciangs shoulders. Since the last battle, the cavalry had taken a great liking to me.

Of course, from the very first encounter during the suppression battle, most of the soldiers had been favorable to me. But their affinity had grown stronger.

Having fallen slightly behind at the front and riding together, I couldnt wildly swing my sword like before.

I focused on surveying the battlefield.

Perhaps to restore order among the disoriented soldiers, even the enemy commanders, and knights were putting in effort.

They yelled at their scattered soldiers, but it was futile, given the current situation.

Amidst this chaos, I saw a knight valiantly fighting.

Even amidst this chaos, he was protecting the courageous soldiers maintaining formation.

Sir Faorn! Its dangerous!

Dont worry! Ill take care of those who dare to attack us!

Faorn Shade. A knight who had gained some fame in the West. One of the candidates for Swordmaster.

Well, he wouldnt become a Swordmaster. He was more famous for his reputation than his skills.

But that didnt mean he was a pushover. Hence, the side with this knight was losing their momentum almost entirely. He needed to be dealt with.

Since the experienced Rudehrn likely hadnt suffered significant losses, if the princess joined forces with him, they would have the numerical advantage.

Now, after regrouping, we can join the main force.

Duchess Lyurik said.

We need to discuss our next move. Send messengers for now. The situation will change above us due to our victory.

The princess nodded confidently.

Very well.

* * *

What nonsense is this?

King Rohalaks voice was like an icy gust of wind. It felt as if a sudden cold snap had hit the hall.

Even the nobles who had been kings until just a year ago now had stern expressions, carefully observing the situation.

It was a tense atmosphere as if someone was about to snap. The man standing before the king trembled and began speaking.

Duke Pasa has suffered a defeat against the princess. The commander barely survived with a handful of surviving troops.

Explain.

According to information from a spy, a knight named Carl Schurtafen executed a false retreat tactic on the Epyder Plains

King Rohalak couldnt hold back and slammed his fist onto the table.

28,000 against 35,000? Those worthless brats! Wait, Carl Schurtafen? I feel like Ive heard that name before in Akiten.

Yes. Hes a knight in the princesss retinue.

That bastard. How old did you say he is?

Hes not even twenty yet

King Rohalak closed his eyes and raised his head towards the ceiling. His neck felt stiff due to his blood pressure.

He was struggling to contain his anger.

Its been reported that Feorn Shade also died at his hands.

The intention of the attendant reporting this was to calm the king down that Carlyn was simply exceptionally skilled

But it had struck a nerve. The king grabbed a glass and threw it. Liquor splattered in all directions as the glass flew.

Damn it! Why would an unexpected brat like him!

The courtiers lowered their heads as if they were mice. This was the first time they had seen King Rohalak so furious.

He had always maintained his composure.

His hand that gripped the fist shook with rage. He was trying to regain his calm at the moment.

But it wasnt easy.

These damned bastards.

The southern front. It was, of course, the battlefield that should have been won. It was expected that the princess would head to Akiten.

It was a small city that was difficult to build a stronghold in.

That was why they had also invested in Omisan above it. To secure the south.

They had allocated additional resources to mages and equipment for a swift siege. It was undoubtedly a flawless plan.

Up until the defeat at Akiten. No, even until that point, things had been fine.

He thought it could be possible. However, the defeat of the forces sent to Omisan was a disaster.

Sigh.

In the silence, King Rohalak let out a sigh. Victory had been within reach, undoubtedly.

He knew that the Empire couldnt send its entire army and was well aware of the competition among the imperial family members. Thats why they had prepared meticulously.

Executing a fake siege at a single city and repelling the forces of the First Prince had also been successful.

They had annihilated a whopping 40,000 troops.

The current confrontation on the northern front was roughly 110,000 against 110,000.

In this situation, an additional 60,000 troops from the south should have arrived.

Even if Akiten had suffered defeat, they had anticipated that at least 30,000 troops would remain intact.

But now, they were faced with an opponent boasting more than 20,000 troops.

For heavens sake. Just one lunatic had to show up.

It had been only 30 minutes ago when they were celebrating their favorable position in the war with raised toasts.

Having regained his composure, the king thought calmly.

Their opponent was Rudehrn. There was a Sword Master in the west as well, but there was still a gap between them.

In this advantageous situation, they needed someone to contain Rudehrn, who was a formidable force.

Launching an attack now would be suicidal.

The Empire would likely avoid the fight, and if they foolishly charged in, they would face defeat.

However, waiting was an even more insane idea. The king swiftly made a decision.

Were retreating.

Yes?

A nobleman questioned in surprise at the sudden declaration, lowering his head quickly.

It was because the kings gaze felt like it could pierce through iron.

The situation is dire as it is. Were heading back to the west.

The original plan had turned into a fiasco. With victory slipping away, they had to lure the enemy onto their own territory.

Of course, when the Western forces were in a desperate situation, the imperial main force had been filled with a mix of panic and joy.

Author's Thoughts

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