"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/Communication Apparatus]
Date: December 1078
Location: Somewhere in Southwestern Kazimierz.
POV: Narrator
Kawalerielki was deemed to be the purest form and example of a technologically radical level of change. The historic mobile city had been refurbished from a mostly administration stronghold into a gigantic trade hub on terra, rivaling other mobile city that had their early starts on industrialization.
Inhabitants of this mobile city also show an extremely high level of cultural acceptance, it can be seen through its numerous and varied social strata without noticeable discrimination. This level of tolerance allowed a much more fluid exchange of social mobility as long as they know how to capitalize on an opportunity.
Of course the infected are not included, but compared to Ursus gulag, open oppression in Victoria, and the dubious capitalistic venture of Columbia trailblazer settlers, they're comparable with the Leithanien infected in terms of treatment. Being grouped up somewhere and generally left alone... which will soon change after a certain event in the future...
But that's a story for another time.
Now let us focus on the primary subject of interest.
The situation around Kawalerielki has become even more peaceful than ever due to diligent efforts of a certain Pythian lady. Her reputation had more or less normalized with the 3 factions, the Adeptus secretly had more reputation with her, of Kazimierz.
But the most prominent ties was with the Nearl family specifically. No matter how hard she had tried to keep it hidden, the truth finally surfaced.
Nyx had even grown closer to the Nearls family as a whole, especially with Młynar and Margaret, both have their respective reasoning and cause. Of course it alarmed the K.G.C.C but several chairmen dismissed it since they themselves have, self-proclaimed, a rather close relationship with Nyx.
Młynar being pleasantly surprised to have someone almost his equal in pure swordsmanship, Nyx is learning from him in the matter of stance, derivation, and incorporating swordsmanship into her usual dagger style combat while in exchange giving him helps during his usual excursion as the Wandering Hero with his merry band of adventuring folks.
Margaret meanwhile, she had come to adore Nyx due to her knowledge and a lot of otherworldly stories she never heard before. Then there is the matter of how caring Nyx has become of her, to the point of Margaret, reflexively, calling her Aunty. Margaret was about to apologize for that, only to be hugged warmly. She doesn't understand why her new aunty looks conflicted when Margaret aspire to be a Knight, but Nyx ultimately supported her.
During that time, Nyx had also learned about a branch family member that doubled as lady-in-waiting named Zofia, who seems to be only 2 years older than Margaret. She also had noticed to be very observant and showing talent in commanding and decision making.
Iolanta had also informed her that she is expecting for a second child. If the child turns to be a boy, she would name him Zawisza. If the child turns out to be a girl, she would name her Maria.
She has been utilized nicely by the K.G.C.C with a mutual level of understanding most of the time. K.G.C.C needed her to help the local catastrophe messenger in charting a path and also using her as a media of promotion, much to her annoyance.
The K.G.C.C had paid her with higher rates compared to other contractors. There are, of course as it predicted to be, those who envy her for higher commission rate. To the point of slandering that she used her pretty face to entice a better reward or outright sexual transaction.
Such slander had once become a very hot topic for local media to use for gossips and entertainment. Her presence in the city had turned her into a pseudo-celebrity and even spawned a hardcore fan base. The person in question was once asked by a reporter about this slander and the only thing they got is a blank face of utter indifference.
These slanders came from new mercenaries or people who barely knew her, those who does just stay silent. The last thing they want is actually offending her, she is not invincible but the amount of potential damage that would be accrued is enough to deter unnecessary hostilities.
Nyx had also been hounded by entertainment companies simply by the fact of how nicely fit she is. Several paparazzi had snuck in shots about her doing a lot of mundane things within the city, including that one time she tried entering a gentleman club and then leaving slightly mortified...
There was a lot of... um... explicit contents using her image, but no one believed it to be real. A lot of slanders and entertainment materials centered on Nyx has become more or less a public consumption now. The person in question opted to stay mum unless she wants to add fuel into the wild flame that is the process of burning down the whole forest.
The amount of materials with her face on it starts making her to contemplate of leaving the country and come back after a few years. Deep inside the crevices of her ego however, she enjoyed the amount of attention that had been garnered during her, relatively short, time being there.
Next faction is the Knights Association. They had been contracting her to help with security and even combat seminar for several knight aspirants and acolytes. Her combat seminar was centered based on fluidity of motions and dispersion of incoming force, something the aspirants and acolytes take note very seriously.
Knights Association had also held mini-tourney every now and then to promote the national interest. Including an event where knights have a chance to spar with Nyx directly, her prowess was real and getting knocked out by her had become a sort of medal.
Other contracts for this Pythian lady had also touched upon a subject of rebellious knight clubs who had been causing trouble. Nyx took this job to further enhance and train her self-restrain. She is better nowadays compared to when she started. Back then Nyx applied too much force to the point of knocking the rebellious or problematic clubs into months of coma.
The last faction she has ties with is of course the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi Kazimierz. Nyx combat prowess was seen as a refreshing mix of traditional style with a twist of modernity, something the Adeptus valued and even learned from. The contracts offered usually centered along training, combat expedition, and plenty of extermination jobs due to the Adeptus being spread thin managing the national stability outside of mobile cities.
The Adeptus had also conferred an honorary title of Baroness with the 4th tier of honorary knighthood on her to signify she is a part of Kazimierz Nobility to an extent. Her title also comes with yearly stipend of 50.000 Heller as long as the title persist. It is now warranted to call her Lady in public, much to her exasperation.
Nyx had once tried to decline but backed down after hearing that honorary title doesn't include land ownership and acted more like certificate. Her utmost relief was immense of being freed from ruling, land ownership, social gathering, and most importantly, paperwork.
Nyx also acted impeccably during a certain knight ball or nobility gathering. She exuded a noble atmosphere and fitted right in without too much problem. The Adeptus doesn't know that her old lives memories had already experienced dealing with nobles before, thus giving her an ample reference on how to behave and interact with high society. Admittedly, Kazimierz nobility has a touch of modernity thus making it easier for her to adapt.
Regarding contracts that Adeptus had offered her, she had finished numerous extermination contracts, combat and strategic seminar for Campaign Knights trainee and squires, and the occasional border patrol. Since she is technically a noble, her accommodation included private quarter and rights to lead a unit of campaign knights.
Her status as a mercenary but being able to lead a knight made her feels weird...
Thus, these factions are vying for her services and assistances, while the person in question had delicately navigated away from being pulled into any faction too much. Her status as mercenary provided ample opportunity for her to choose her own moves, something several control freaks found undesirable but know better than to challenge.
Now let us move to the present.
Nyx is in the middle of contract with a group of Campaign Knights. The commander had stepped down from command out of sheer respect and believes that Nyx would be better to lead the operation this time around, also because said commander was a Silverlance she and Kiril had once saved.
Her unit is composed of 4 Knights and 8 Squires, slightly of higher number than usual for a subjugation by Silverlance force. The mission pertained an elimination of several tamed beasts and foreign deserters that had gone too deep within Kazimierz.
Normally the Silver Lord would lead the operation, but instead the Silverlance are developing new method of a much smaller and mobile force to avoid being encircled like what happened in 1072. This new unit is comparable to a little bit over a squad of infantry from 21st century, and they're undergoing viability test with the deserters as their target.
Now let us view the combat situation on the ground...
POV: Nyx
'They're quite prudent to not just hide in cave but also creating make shift dugout for soldiers and laying mines and traps around.' I complimented them this time around. Usually outlaws would just create some really primitives warning systems and traps then huddled in a tight space.
This time around however, we're not hunting outlaws but deserters from Ursus 6th armies that has been pushed out of their country from losing the civil war.
These deserters aren't the stubborn one, these are the opportunist and cowards from the knights point of view. I, however, respect them for it. You're never truly defeated as long as you're alive, only the reckless and foolhardy believed otherwise.
Of course, I may respected their choice, but I never said anything of letting them go away just like that when there are contracts demanding their annihilation. Especially when said deserters are the war mongering criminals. Oh well, I'll use that as my personal justification.
One serious problem however...
We're still unable to find out how they could even penetrated this deep within Kazimierz territory, which reminds us all about their sudden invasion of Lungmen. They're remnants from old Ursus Empire 6th army that was destroyed during an event they called The Great Rebellion.
The 6th army, according to official statement from their current and legitimate government, was made up of traitors and turncoats against the rightful ruler of Ursus. The newly ascended Tzar to the throne of Ursus was Tzar Fyodor Vladimirovich, with the backing of the 4th and 5th Ursine army.
The new emperor was not a warmonger but instead is a reformist. His speech included normalization of relations and also inward development. He did tried to normalize relations, pushing for civilian life improvements and so on... was what the rumor said.
Well, that is nice but the news of oppressions against infected in their country are still as prevalent as ever, thus I take his words with grains of salt. It might be his faults, his supporters' faults, or even his subjects' faults. Honestly, thinks are hazy within the faraway political realm.
On a much more positive, for Kazimierz that is, note. The 1072' war had been pushing for military reorganization and restructuring to a quasi-modern level of division. The Campaign Knights will starts gathering more of their squires and servants to act as support elements under a designated unified command of regional or sector commander.
Getting closer on the Adeptus also allowed me to further understand their hierarchy. There are predominantly 8 Tiers of knighthood with varying level authority and autonomy. These tiers were established to ensure the chain of commanding and risk management run smoothly.
Tier 6 – 8 are considered to be the newer and fresh from attaining knighthood Campaign Knights, comparable to private and at most lieutenant. They are usually moving in group of 4, with a tier 6 knight leading them. This tier is the most numerous and considered to be the lowest in terms of authority and responsibility.
Tier 4 – 5 are considered to be comparable to at least captain or major, an astounding jump in responsibility and authority. Tier 5 might act as coordinator of 3 -4 teams made up tier 6 - 8. Tier 4 are considered to be the middle management and might act independently according to Adeptus and or higher tier knights directives.
Tier 2 – 3 are considered to be comparable with colonel to the very least. Tier 3 knights might oversee a sector of battlefield as well as having a say on the grand strategic council. Tier 2 knights have the authority to command an entire sector, region, and or several knight expeditionary force and having the rights to propose strategy in the grand strategic council.
Tier 1 Are considered to be the best of the best. Tier 1 are made up of primarily Knight Primuses and comparable to general. They have the authority to override and or dictate military operation as well as rights of being elected as Grand Knight. To reach this tier, a knight must be both resourceful and formidable.
Another valuable lesson the war had for The Adeptus, was that of utilizing independent scouting assets to its utmost limit, drones are one of them. Then there are downsizing and prototype creation of a smaller, yet still concentrated, force to better help the mobility and initiative during prolonged war.
Such as after seeing the effectiveness of drones on a battalion level during the last war, The Grand Knight, Kazimierz official rank for Field Marshall and Defense Minister, started incorporating them into an actual and more widespread military use.
The result was visible with the Campaign Knights now being able to cover more ground and immediately react when hostiles are detected. This also opened up the potential for hiring more squires and servants to bolster the army composition with the Campaign Knights as the primary combat force.
The usual composition of ordinary Campaign Knights platoons are 36 Knights with extra complements to make a company worth of modern military unit. This is standardized and had been enforced for decades, but Kiril said that it will change soon enough.
This time, the Silverlance volunteered to test a new prototype guerrilla unit that is under development. The limited numbers of Silverlance and their combat prowess will become the first test bed of this experiment. Their roles were actually meant to cover for the squires who would do most of the work periodically.
A safety net that would be pushed periodically toward the limit with ensuring that no manpower were wasted upon. Kazimierz still believed in quality more than quantity as whole. I won't comment on that notion.
The Silverlance rarely goes above 1000 in total numbers from their historical record. But they don't need numbers, their quality is above what numbers can offer.
Another interesting fact is that they, the Silverlance, are all made up of Pegasus, an Elder race of this world called Terra. They have always, according to official records, been the guardian Kazimierz.
From what they told me, Pegasus is something like special race under the Umbrella of Kurantas as a whole. The Nightzmoran Khaganate world domination, something that mirrored the Mongols from my past lives, had allegedly sped up the decline of Elders.
Such as the Hippogryph Empire which is now called Ursus Empire... guess that's why their flag wasn't a bear or something, which is curious because newly made regime made new flags and symbols often... or this one is actually new? Meh, who cares...
'Well, enough thinking about them. Focus on task at hand.'
Turning my attention back on the operation, I can see several team movements through the Adeptus drone. The squads are now creeping in slowly, 1 Silverlance and 2 squires per team seems terribly small against hundreds of deserter. That is a correctly wrong assumption for Terran anachronistic warfare...
My earpiece comes alive with an update from one of the 4 team leader.
[This is Shield 1 to Grey, hostiles spotted] Sounds were heard from my earpiece.
"Shield 1 proceed as planned, lure them out of their hole." I replied in kind.
[Wilco, Shield 1 is ready for the first phase of engagement.]
"Shield 2, are you in position?"
[Shield 2 here, we had reached the projected hostiles exit point. The bridge seems worn out.]
"Maintain overwatch, use the explosives when necessary."
[Understood Lady Baroness.]
"Hah... just call me Grey or Nyx... Sword 1 and 2, status?"
[Sword 1 is ready for flanking maneuver.]
[Sword 2 is also ready for flanking maneuver.]
"Alright. All units, Fall Grün will now commence. I repeat, Fall Grün will now commence."
With that the operation commenced.
POV: Narrator
This is just a normal morning as any other days since their banishment from the country as losers of power struggles. The remnants from old 6th army had been disgraced while also having a bounty on their heads.
They had been pushed, most likely in deliberate manners by the royalist 4th and 5th army, towards Kazimierz to let them do the dirty work. They had been marched into the proverbial gallows by their former compatriots.
This suspicion had been turned into certainty the moment their fatigued rest was interrupted when their network of early warning system was alerted. The deserters still managed to move with precise and well-trained reflex, courtesy of their training.
But with battered and tired body, they don't know how long they would last.
"Check the perimeters!"
"You! Get the supplies secured!"
"I need someone to help me with these explosives!"
"Damn! What were the guards doing!?"
Even with their relentless cursing, they still moved efficiently with practiced motion. Then it happened in a flash.
"Wher- AGH!"
One of them was felled with a single arrow through their skull. With a thud they fall down and die. Before the deserters could exactly react a Silverlance come battering forward with shield raised and with strong swing bashed several soldiers away, killing them instantly.
The knight armor are no longer silver, but painted with motted green and suitable colors for woodland area with metallic parts being dampened by fabrics to lessen noise. Warfare change, and so too the knight if they wished to stay relevant with the necessary advantage. Is it dishonorable? Maybe. Will it helps in preventing further atrocities like Ursus army did? Absolutely.
Nyx expertise is guerrilla warfare, thus the Adeptus are contracting her to help develop guerrilla units capable of being self – autonomous when cut-off behind enemy line then to rejoin the ever developing frontline.
The 10th Kazimierz – Ursus war was a painful reminder for them, thus they'll never again be left ignorant in the advancement of military tactics and strategy.
The Pythian lady has no qualms about teaching them, if anything it helps her gaining favor and wealth for something the Adeptus will learn by themselves eventually. She gained something, they gained something. A healthy partnership was based on understanding.
The deserters are shocked but quickly move to surround the lonely knight. Then several arrowheads come picking them off from their exposed side. The flanking squires had climbed the nearby trees and hide themselves while peppering the distracted deserters.
They are wearing what Nyx called ghillie suit to help blending in with vegetation while masking their odor with earthly and woodland fragrance. The squires stays calm when 6th army deserter caster and ranger unit begin to retaliate.
Some of the deserters come rushing at the knight immediately, only for the knight to quickly fall back and disappear into the woods, their armor are much quieter than usual thus helping them from getting caught. Coupled with kuranta superior racial agility, they have themselves a disturbingly agile adversary.
Accurate arrow strikes keeps on coming with the deserters firing blindly into the woods with minimal or little to no result. The knight had finally returned but only using their arts and striking a single pin-point thrust before retreating back.
Morale starts to drop sharply due to the Kazimierzian unusual tactics. They had created a number contingencies specifically to combat the knights. This one however is outside their expectation. They had always thought that the Adeptus won't change their approach that quickly.
While 6th army deserters are still being disoriented, screams are heard from the flanks. 2 knights from the flanks around them had conducted a hit and run while blending in with the vegetation. The situation had turned utterly hopeless, but they can't returned home anymore.
With every ounce of their willpower, the deserters starts to consolidate in the middle while the heavy shielders forming box formation. The knights keeps on attacking with arrow volley support.
But then all turned quiet, the knights retreated and the arrows stopped.
There are still 140 out 228 soldiers still alive. Hope bloomed that the knights are finally retreating. Several former officers exchanges glances but the action is enough to convey their intention, they will direct this group to leave Kazimierz and into Victorian soil.
But all hopes had been dashed and shattered by her arrival...
"Wonderful, you're neither completely annihilated immediately nor ran for your life the moment situation turned for the worst."
A dry clapping sound with fake enthusiasm heralded her arrival... the Grey Serpent. The veterans that had escaped from the massacre of 1072 starts shaking uncontrollably, breathing hard, and with despairing expression.
The people who weren't there noticed their comrade distraught expressions. A terrible chilling pressure struck them to the core within the deepest crevices of their soul.
They now laid their eyes forward, a demon in pythian skin stood with a dagger in hand. Her expression already morphing into a sneer of sadistic euphoria.
"I must give you all credit on keeping up the cohesion."
"Usually, people starts running around like headless chicken when being under extreme pressure, you guys don't."
"For that, I congratulates you."
She performed a noble curtsy and bowed her head. Then she spoke succinctly, gently... and coldly...
"Good night."
POV: Squire Estevan
'What the hell is she?' That's the only thing I can voice out within my mind. I thought that her reputation should be a good enough indication of what she's capable of. Seeing the real thing just shattered that perceived awe to be an understated one...
I shivered seeing her ripped someone' head off, spine and all, then threw it away. Her expression was obscured but I briefly sees a delightful yet mocking sneer gracing her emotionless face, the only face I know of...
I thought she would be the usual snobbish, dismissive, or even cruel mercenary, her cold and uncaring expression looks very unwelcoming. Her voice was also void of emotion, she spoke bluntly without mincing words.
Some of the squires starts to get disgruntled, we thought the knights are going to be the same. They instead spoke normally, like close friend, with her even when the reception was utterly cold. We had already giving up on having a rather pleasant mission.
Those were turned upside down when we're making up tents, she is cooking for us. Her cooking was simple yet delicious, her cold nature doesn't translate into her extremely high quality meal... Not to mention that when one of the squires was bitten by a dire alpha fangbeasts, she quickly applied medical aid without being prompted to while lambasting that squire for carelessness...
Was she what the Higashian or Yannese called tsundere I wonder?
I'm quite conflicted with this...
"Shocked?" I jumped when a knight asked me, the knight was supposed to be the commander for this test run, so to speak. The knight however stepped down the moment Baroness was added into this experimental unit.
"I... um..." I don't know what to say, Silverlance held her in high regard from rumors of them sparing with her resulting in mixed set of victory and defeat.
"Just speak freely lad, she won't mind. She only hated people who deceived her or hurting innocents which also includes infected."
"Well... I heard rumors about Baroness... I just didn't know how real it was."
"Hahahaha, indeed. Lady Baroness is truly something else. She had cleared several dire fangbeasts lair near Prerie Upadłych. How long does it take? A week. You would be shocked seeing a mountain made of carcasses there."
"..."
"Listen lad, she is not going to do anything that won't pay. Not every kind of pay 'course, she still have limits. But make no mistakes, loopholes exist and she knows how to use it to hurt someone."
Now we all watched the carnage happening not too far from us. Some of the deserters starts running away, well they're dead if they go across the river using the bridge there... Shield 2 will sent them into oblivion...
Not long after the subjugation was finished with admirable result. Of course, further test would be necessary from what the higher ranking knights told me. Even I know developing new tactics and unit takes time and a lot of field experiences.
Lady Nyx had returned to us... with nary a blood on her grey clothes. To say I'm bewildered was an understatement. She is something els-
"If you're wondering why my clothes weren't drenched in blood, it is a hassle to always be questioned by Kawalerielki checkpoint."
... welp, I need a drink...
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author Note:
Hello this is me, myself, and I, the author who would be swamped by graduation thesis soon enough.
Update will come sporadically from this point on, my time would most likely be divided between this and my damn graduation certificate.
Update as usual... Hopefully I'm still alive...
Ciao.
"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/Communication Apparatus]
Date: December 1078
Location: Somewhere in Southwestern Kazimierz.
POV: Narrator
Kawalerielki was deemed to be the purest form and example of a technologically radical level of change. The historic mobile city had been refurbished from a mostly administration stronghold into a gigantic trade hub on terra, rivaling other mobile city that had their early starts on industrialization.
Inhabitants of this mobile city also show an extremely high level of cultural acceptance, it can be seen through its numerous and varied social strata without noticeable discrimination. This level of tolerance allowed a much more fluid exchange of social mobility as long as they know how to capitalize on an opportunity.
Of course the infected are not included, but compared to Ursus gulag, open oppression in Victoria, and the dubious capitalistic venture of Columbia trailblazer settlers, they're comparable with the Leithanien infected in terms of treatment. Being grouped up somewhere and generally left alone... which will soon change after a certain event in the future...
But that's a story for another time.
Now let us focus on the primary subject of interest.
The situation around Kawalerielki has become even more peaceful than ever due to diligent efforts of a certain Pythian lady. Her reputation had more or less normalized with the 3 factions, the Adeptus secretly had more reputation with her, of Kazimierz.
But the most prominent ties was with the Nearl family specifically. No matter how hard she had tried to keep it hidden, the truth finally surfaced.
Nyx had even grown closer to the Nearls family as a whole, especially with Młynar and Margaret, both have their respective reasoning and cause. Of course it alarmed the K.G.C.C but several chairmen dismissed it since they themselves have, self-proclaimed, a rather close relationship with Nyx.
Młynar being pleasantly surprised to have someone almost his equal in pure swordsmanship, Nyx is learning from him in the matter of stance, derivation, and incorporating swordsmanship into her usual dagger style combat while in exchange giving him helps during his usual excursion as the Wandering Hero with his merry band of adventuring folks.
Margaret meanwhile, she had come to adore Nyx due to her knowledge and a lot of otherworldly stories she never heard before. Then there is the matter of how caring Nyx has become of her, to the point of Margaret, reflexively, calling her Aunty. Margaret was about to apologize for that, only to be hugged warmly. She doesn't understand why her new aunty looks conflicted when Margaret aspire to be a Knight, but Nyx ultimately supported her.
During that time, Nyx had also learned about a branch family member that doubled as lady-in-waiting named Zofia, who seems to be only 2 years older than Margaret. She also had noticed to be very observant and showing talent in commanding and decision making.
Iolanta had also informed her that she is expecting for a second child. If the child turns to be a boy, she would name him Zawisza. If the child turns out to be a girl, she would name her Maria.
She has been utilized nicely by the K.G.C.C with a mutual level of understanding most of the time. K.G.C.C needed her to help the local catastrophe messenger in charting a path and also using her as a media of promotion, much to her annoyance.
The K.G.C.C had paid her with higher rates compared to other contractors. There are, of course as it predicted to be, those who envy her for higher commission rate. To the point of slandering that she used her pretty face to entice a better reward or outright sexual transaction.
Such slander had once become a very hot topic for local media to use for gossips and entertainment. Her presence in the city had turned her into a pseudo-celebrity and even spawned a hardcore fan base. The person in question was once asked by a reporter about this slander and the only thing they got is a blank face of utter indifference.
These slanders came from new mercenaries or people who barely knew her, those who does just stay silent. The last thing they want is actually offending her, she is not invincible but the amount of potential damage that would be accrued is enough to deter unnecessary hostilities.
Nyx had also been hounded by entertainment companies simply by the fact of how nicely fit she is. Several paparazzi had snuck in shots about her doing a lot of mundane things within the city, including that one time she tried entering a gentleman club and then leaving slightly mortified...
There was a lot of... um... explicit contents using her image, but no one believed it to be real. A lot of slanders and entertainment materials centered on Nyx has become more or less a public consumption now. The person in question opted to stay mum unless she wants to add fuel into the wild flame that is the process of burning down the whole forest.
The amount of materials with her face on it starts making her to contemplate of leaving the country and come back after a few years. Deep inside the crevices of her ego however, she enjoyed the amount of attention that had been garnered during her, relatively short, time being there.
Next faction is the Knights Association. They had been contracting her to help with security and even combat seminar for several knight aspirants and acolytes. Her combat seminar was centered based on fluidity of motions and dispersion of incoming force, something the aspirants and acolytes take note very seriously.
Knights Association had also held mini-tourney every now and then to promote the national interest. Including an event where knights have a chance to spar with Nyx directly, her prowess was real and getting knocked out by her had become a sort of medal.
Other contracts for this Pythian lady had also touched upon a subject of rebellious knight clubs who had been causing trouble. Nyx took this job to further enhance and train her self-restrain. She is better nowadays compared to when she started. Back then Nyx applied too much force to the point of knocking the rebellious or problematic clubs into months of coma.
The last faction she has ties with is of course the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi Kazimierz. Nyx combat prowess was seen as a refreshing mix of traditional style with a twist of modernity, something the Adeptus valued and even learned from. The contracts offered usually centered along training, combat expedition, and plenty of extermination jobs due to the Adeptus being spread thin managing the national stability outside of mobile cities.
The Adeptus had also conferred an honorary title of Baroness with the 4th tier of honorary knighthood on her to signify she is a part of Kazimierz Nobility to an extent. Her title also comes with yearly stipend of 50.000 Heller as long as the title persist. It is now warranted to call her Lady in public, much to her exasperation.
Nyx had once tried to decline but backed down after hearing that honorary title doesn't include land ownership and acted more like certificate. Her utmost relief was immense of being freed from ruling, land ownership, social gathering, and most importantly, paperwork.
Nyx also acted impeccably during a certain knight ball or nobility gathering. She exuded a noble atmosphere and fitted right in without too much problem. The Adeptus doesn't know that her old lives memories had already experienced dealing with nobles before, thus giving her an ample reference on how to behave and interact with high society. Admittedly, Kazimierz nobility has a touch of modernity thus making it easier for her to adapt.
Regarding contracts that Adeptus had offered her, she had finished numerous extermination contracts, combat and strategic seminar for Campaign Knights trainee and squires, and the occasional border patrol. Since she is technically a noble, her accommodation included private quarter and rights to lead a unit of campaign knights.
Her status as a mercenary but being able to lead a knight made her feels weird...
Thus, these factions are vying for her services and assistances, while the person in question had delicately navigated away from being pulled into any faction too much. Her status as mercenary provided ample opportunity for her to choose her own moves, something several control freaks found undesirable but know better than to challenge.
Now let us move to the present.
Nyx is in the middle of contract with a group of Campaign Knights. The commander had stepped down from command out of sheer respect and believes that Nyx would be better to lead the operation this time around, also because said commander was a Silverlance she and Kiril had once saved.
Her unit is composed of 4 Knights and 8 Squires, slightly of higher number than usual for a subjugation by Silverlance force. The mission pertained an elimination of several tamed beasts and foreign deserters that had gone too deep within Kazimierz.
Normally the Silver Lord would lead the operation, but instead the Silverlance are developing new method of a much smaller and mobile force to avoid being encircled like what happened in 1072. This new unit is comparable to a little bit over a squad of infantry from 21st century, and they're undergoing viability test with the deserters as their target.
Now let us view the combat situation on the ground...
POV: Nyx
'They're quite prudent to not just hide in cave but also creating make shift dugout for soldiers and laying mines and traps around.' I complimented them this time around. Usually outlaws would just create some really primitives warning systems and traps then huddled in a tight space.
This time around however, we're not hunting outlaws but deserters from Ursus 6th armies that has been pushed out of their country from losing the civil war.
These deserters aren't the stubborn one, these are the opportunist and cowards from the knights point of view. I, however, respect them for it. You're never truly defeated as long as you're alive, only the reckless and foolhardy believed otherwise.
Of course, I may respected their choice, but I never said anything of letting them go away just like that when there are contracts demanding their annihilation. Especially when said deserters are the war mongering criminals. Oh well, I'll use that as my personal justification.
One serious problem however...
We're still unable to find out how they could even penetrated this deep within Kazimierz territory, which reminds us all about their sudden invasion of Lungmen. They're remnants from old Ursus Empire 6th army that was destroyed during an event they called The Great Rebellion.
The 6th army, according to official statement from their current and legitimate government, was made up of traitors and turncoats against the rightful ruler of Ursus. The newly ascended Tzar to the throne of Ursus was Tzar Fyodor Vladimirovich, with the backing of the 4th and 5th Ursine army.
The new emperor was not a warmonger but instead is a reformist. His speech included normalization of relations and also inward development. He did tried to normalize relations, pushing for civilian life improvements and so on... was what the rumor said.
Well, that is nice but the news of oppressions against infected in their country are still as prevalent as ever, thus I take his words with grains of salt. It might be his faults, his supporters' faults, or even his subjects' faults. Honestly, thinks are hazy within the faraway political realm.
On a much more positive, for Kazimierz that is, note. The 1072' war had been pushing for military reorganization and restructuring to a quasi-modern level of division. The Campaign Knights will starts gathering more of their squires and servants to act as support elements under a designated unified command of regional or sector commander.
Getting closer on the Adeptus also allowed me to further understand their hierarchy. There are predominantly 8 Tiers of knighthood with varying level authority and autonomy. These tiers were established to ensure the chain of commanding and risk management run smoothly.
Tier 6 – 8 are considered to be the newer and fresh from attaining knighthood Campaign Knights, comparable to private and at most lieutenant. They are usually moving in group of 4, with a tier 6 knight leading them. This tier is the most numerous and considered to be the lowest in terms of authority and responsibility.
Tier 4 – 5 are considered to be comparable to at least captain or major, an astounding jump in responsibility and authority. Tier 5 might act as coordinator of 3 -4 teams made up tier 6 - 8. Tier 4 are considered to be the middle management and might act independently according to Adeptus and or higher tier knights directives.
Tier 2 – 3 are considered to be comparable with colonel to the very least. Tier 3 knights might oversee a sector of battlefield as well as having a say on the grand strategic council. Tier 2 knights have the authority to command an entire sector, region, and or several knight expeditionary force and having the rights to propose strategy in the grand strategic council.
Tier 1 Are considered to be the best of the best. Tier 1 are made up of primarily Knight Primuses and comparable to general. They have the authority to override and or dictate military operation as well as rights of being elected as Grand Knight. To reach this tier, a knight must be both resourceful and formidable.
Another valuable lesson the war had for The Adeptus, was that of utilizing independent scouting assets to its utmost limit, drones are one of them. Then there are downsizing and prototype creation of a smaller, yet still concentrated, force to better help the mobility and initiative during prolonged war.
Such as after seeing the effectiveness of drones on a battalion level during the last war, The Grand Knight, Kazimierz official rank for Field Marshall and Defense Minister, started incorporating them into an actual and more widespread military use.
The result was visible with the Campaign Knights now being able to cover more ground and immediately react when hostiles are detected. This also opened up the potential for hiring more squires and servants to bolster the army composition with the Campaign Knights as the primary combat force.
The usual composition of ordinary Campaign Knights platoons are 36 Knights with extra complements to make a company worth of modern military unit. This is standardized and had been enforced for decades, but Kiril said that it will change soon enough.
This time, the Silverlance volunteered to test a new prototype guerrilla unit that is under development. The limited numbers of Silverlance and their combat prowess will become the first test bed of this experiment. Their roles were actually meant to cover for the squires who would do most of the work periodically.
A safety net that would be pushed periodically toward the limit with ensuring that no manpower were wasted upon. Kazimierz still believed in quality more than quantity as whole. I won't comment on that notion.
The Silverlance rarely goes above 1000 in total numbers from their historical record. But they don't need numbers, their quality is above what numbers can offer.
Another interesting fact is that they, the Silverlance, are all made up of Pegasus, an Elder race of this world called Terra. They have always, according to official records, been the guardian Kazimierz.
From what they told me, Pegasus is something like special race under the Umbrella of Kurantas as a whole. The Nightzmoran Khaganate world domination, something that mirrored the Mongols from my past lives, had allegedly sped up the decline of Elders.
Such as the Hippogryph Empire which is now called Ursus Empire... guess that's why their flag wasn't a bear or something, which is curious because newly made regime made new flags and symbols often... or this one is actually new? Meh, who cares...
'Well, enough thinking about them. Focus on task at hand.'
Turning my attention back on the operation, I can see several team movements through the Adeptus drone. The squads are now creeping in slowly, 1 Silverlance and 2 squires per team seems terribly small against hundreds of deserter. That is a correctly wrong assumption for Terran anachronistic warfare...
My earpiece comes alive with an update from one of the 4 team leader.
[This is Shield 1 to Grey, hostiles spotted] Sounds were heard from my earpiece.
"Shield 1 proceed as planned, lure them out of their hole." I replied in kind.
[Wilco, Shield 1 is ready for the first phase of engagement.]
"Shield 2, are you in position?"
[Shield 2 here, we had reached the projected hostiles exit point. The bridge seems worn out.]
"Maintain overwatch, use the explosives when necessary."
[Understood Lady Baroness.]
"Hah... just call me Grey or Nyx... Sword 1 and 2, status?"
[Sword 1 is ready for flanking maneuver.]
[Sword 2 is also ready for flanking maneuver.]
"Alright. All units, Fall Grün will now commence. I repeat, Fall Grün will now commence."
With that the operation commenced.
POV: Narrator
This is just a normal morning as any other days since their banishment from the country as losers of power struggles. The remnants from old 6th army had been disgraced while also having a bounty on their heads.
They had been pushed, most likely in deliberate manners by the royalist 4th and 5th army, towards Kazimierz to let them do the dirty work. They had been marched into the proverbial gallows by their former compatriots.
This suspicion had been turned into certainty the moment their fatigued rest was interrupted when their network of early warning system was alerted. The deserters still managed to move with precise and well-trained reflex, courtesy of their training.
But with battered and tired body, they don't know how long they would last.
"Check the perimeters!"
"You! Get the supplies secured!"
"I need someone to help me with these explosives!"
"Damn! What were the guards doing!?"
Even with their relentless cursing, they still moved efficiently with practiced motion. Then it happened in a flash.
"Wher- AGH!"
One of them was felled with a single arrow through their skull. With a thud they fall down and die. Before the deserters could exactly react a Silverlance come battering forward with shield raised and with strong swing bashed several soldiers away, killing them instantly.
The knight armor are no longer silver, but painted with motted green and suitable colors for woodland area with metallic parts being dampened by fabrics to lessen noise. Warfare change, and so too the knight if they wished to stay relevant with the necessary advantage. Is it dishonorable? Maybe. Will it helps in preventing further atrocities like Ursus army did? Absolutely.
Nyx expertise is guerrilla warfare, thus the Adeptus are contracting her to help develop guerrilla units capable of being self – autonomous when cut-off behind enemy line then to rejoin the ever developing frontline.
The 10th Kazimierz – Ursus war was a painful reminder for them, thus they'll never again be left ignorant in the advancement of military tactics and strategy.
The Pythian lady has no qualms about teaching them, if anything it helps her gaining favor and wealth for something the Adeptus will learn by themselves eventually. She gained something, they gained something. A healthy partnership was based on understanding.
The deserters are shocked but quickly move to surround the lonely knight. Then several arrowheads come picking them off from their exposed side. The flanking squires had climbed the nearby trees and hide themselves while peppering the distracted deserters.
They are wearing what Nyx called ghillie suit to help blending in with vegetation while masking their odor with earthly and woodland fragrance. The squires stays calm when 6th army deserter caster and ranger unit begin to retaliate.
Some of the deserters come rushing at the knight immediately, only for the knight to quickly fall back and disappear into the woods, their armor are much quieter than usual thus helping them from getting caught. Coupled with kuranta superior racial agility, they have themselves a disturbingly agile adversary.
Accurate arrow strikes keeps on coming with the deserters firing blindly into the woods with minimal or little to no result. The knight had finally returned but only using their arts and striking a single pin-point thrust before retreating back.
Morale starts to drop sharply due to the Kazimierzian unusual tactics. They had created a number contingencies specifically to combat the knights. This one however is outside their expectation. They had always thought that the Adeptus won't change their approach that quickly.
While 6th army deserters are still being disoriented, screams are heard from the flanks. 2 knights from the flanks around them had conducted a hit and run while blending in with the vegetation. The situation had turned utterly hopeless, but they can't returned home anymore.
With every ounce of their willpower, the deserters starts to consolidate in the middle while the heavy shielders forming box formation. The knights keeps on attacking with arrow volley support.
But then all turned quiet, the knights retreated and the arrows stopped.
There are still 140 out 228 soldiers still alive. Hope bloomed that the knights are finally retreating. Several former officers exchanges glances but the action is enough to convey their intention, they will direct this group to leave Kazimierz and into Victorian soil.
But all hopes had been dashed and shattered by her arrival...
"Wonderful, you're neither completely annihilated immediately nor ran for your life the moment situation turned for the worst."
A dry clapping sound with fake enthusiasm heralded her arrival... the Grey Serpent. The veterans that had escaped from the massacre of 1072 starts shaking uncontrollably, breathing hard, and with despairing expression.
The people who weren't there noticed their comrade distraught expressions. A terrible chilling pressure struck them to the core within the deepest crevices of their soul.
They now laid their eyes forward, a demon in pythian skin stood with a dagger in hand. Her expression already morphing into a sneer of sadistic euphoria.
"I must give you all credit on keeping up the cohesion."
"Usually, people starts running around like headless chicken when being under extreme pressure, you guys don't."
"For that, I congratulates you."
She performed a noble curtsy and bowed her head. Then she spoke succinctly, gently... and coldly...
"Good night."
POV: Squire Estevan
'What the hell is she?' That's the only thing I can voice out within my mind. I thought that her reputation should be a good enough indication of what she's capable of. Seeing the real thing just shattered that perceived awe to be an understated one...
I shivered seeing her ripped someone' head off, spine and all, then threw it away. Her expression was obscured but I briefly sees a delightful yet mocking sneer gracing her emotionless face, the only face I know of...
I thought she would be the usual snobbish, dismissive, or even cruel mercenary, her cold and uncaring expression looks very unwelcoming. Her voice was also void of emotion, she spoke bluntly without mincing words.
Some of the squires starts to get disgruntled, we thought the knights are going to be the same. They instead spoke normally, like close friend, with her even when the reception was utterly cold. We had already giving up on having a rather pleasant mission.
Those were turned upside down when we're making up tents, she is cooking for us. Her cooking was simple yet delicious, her cold nature doesn't translate into her extremely high quality meal... Not to mention that when one of the squires was bitten by a dire alpha fangbeasts, she quickly applied medical aid without being prompted to while lambasting that squire for carelessness...
Was she what the Higashian or Yannese called tsundere I wonder?
I'm quite conflicted with this...
"Shocked?" I jumped when a knight asked me, the knight was supposed to be the commander for this test run, so to speak. The knight however stepped down the moment Baroness was added into this experimental unit.
"I... um..." I don't know what to say, Silverlance held her in high regard from rumors of them sparing with her resulting in mixed set of victory and defeat.
"Just speak freely lad, she won't mind. She only hated people who deceived her or hurting innocents which also includes infected."
"Well... I heard rumors about Baroness... I just didn't know how real it was."
"Hahahaha, indeed. Lady Baroness is truly something else. She had cleared several dire fangbeasts lair near Prerie Upadłych. How long does it take? A week. You would be shocked seeing a mountain made of carcasses there."
"..."
"Listen lad, she is not going to do anything that won't pay. Not every kind of pay 'course, she still have limits. But make no mistakes, loopholes exist and she knows how to use it to hurt someone."
Now we all watched the carnage happening not too far from us. Some of the deserters starts running away, well they're dead if they go across the river using the bridge there... Shield 2 will sent them into oblivion...
Not long after the subjugation was finished with admirable result. Of course, further test would be necessary from what the higher ranking knights told me. Even I know developing new tactics and unit takes time and a lot of field experiences.
Lady Nyx had returned to us... with nary a blood on her grey clothes. To say I'm bewildered was an understatement. She is something els-
"If you're wondering why my clothes weren't drenched in blood, it is a hassle to always be questioned by Kawalerielki checkpoint."
... welp, I need a drink...
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author Note:
Hello this is me, myself, and I, the author who would be swamped by graduation thesis soon enough.
Update will come sporadically from this point on, my time would most likely be divided between this and my damn graduation certificate.
Update as usual... Hopefully I'm still alive...
Ciao.
