The sky was covered with gloomy clouds, and the rain that had started was gradually intensifying, creating puddles here and there.
On top of a small hill in the grassy plains of Agarta, the soldiers of the Lamaron Kingdom could be seen. What started as a small group gradually increased in numbers, and after a few hours, it became a massive army that filled the entire hill. At the center of it all stood General Jizeu, the commander of the Agarta expeditionary force. He looked around at the soldiers who had come to greet him, wearing a satisfied expression.
“Is everyone present?”
“Yes, General, you are the last one. We’re all here.”
“And have you collected the taxes as ordered?”
“Yes, sir. The collection has been completed.”
“Any casualties among our troops?”
“No, sir. There were some minor skirmishes in certain areas, but we have successfully completed the collection without any issues.”
“What about those who interfered with the tax collection?”
“They have all been executed.”
“I hope you dealt with them thoroughly. Well, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is instilling fear in the people to rule them. Once you provide that, you can continue to exploit them. So, all the troublemakers have been executed, huh? Well done. Nihahaha!”
Jizeu chuckled gleefully. In the center of the army, numerous carts filled with the taxes collected from various regions had been gathered. Seeing them brought a smile to his face naturally. Jizeu gave his orders to the soldiers.
“Let’s hold a war council. Gather the staff officers… The rain is getting heavier. Hey, barrier specialists! Protect the tax carts, especially those carrying wheat. Make sure they don’t get wet!”
Staff officers began to gather around Jizeu.
“Huff… It’s despicable. It’s like the arrival of a great demon king,” I muttered upon hearing the reports from the fairy dragons I had sent as scouts. The soldiers from Lamaron had taken away most of the crops that the people had desperately harvested. In some villages, there were small-scale conflicts when they tried to resist, but all of them were executed by the Lamaron soldiers. Not only that, they had also committed significant acts of violence and plunder against the people.
“I don’t care what happens to the lords, but I feel sorry for the people,” I said, looking up at the sky from my room in the headquarters of the royal army. I rang a bell and asked someone to gather everyone, including Rico, who was stationed in the same building.
Everyone gathered promptly, and once they were all seated, Knogen confirmed it and spoke up.
“So, what do we do? Shall we continue observing the situation with the Lamaron army?”
“No, if the food is taken back to Lamaron, the people will starve, won’t they?”
Layfence looked worried, and Rico interjected.
“No, the harvest in the country is going well for now. We can easily compensate with the taxes gathered from various regions.”
“No, we should defeat the Lamaron army. Allowing them to do as they please doesn’t suit my nature. We’ll reclaim the food they took. General, Kunogen, let’s set out. Mei, Gon, I’m sorry, but prepare as many barrier stones as there are soldiers. Do it quickly.”
“Yes, understood.”
After Kunogen and Gon left the room, preparations for the expedition proceeded in a hurried manner.
“Now, about the plan to defeat the Lamaron army…”
“Well, regarding that plan… I believe a surprise attack is the only option.”
Layfence murmured with a distant look in his eyes.
“To face 10,000 soldiers with a force of 2,000, a surprise attack is our only choice. We will advance the army into the forest along the Ilbezi River. The only way for the Lamaron army to return to their country is through that route. Moreover, the path is a mountain road, so it narrows down. Regardless of the size of their army, they can only move in a single file. Striking there would be the most effective.”
“Understood. Let’s go with the General’s plan. Let’s set out!”
I and Layfence quickly left the room. However, for some reason, Rico also came out of the room. Seeing that, the elderly general gave me a meaningful look and left.
“Linos.”
“What is it, Rico?”
Without saying a word, Rico embraced me.
“Please, make sure to return safely.”
“Don’t worry. When I go into battle embraced by you, we always win. So, it’ll be alright this time too. I might not come back tonight, but I will definitely return.”
“I believe in you, alright?”
I gently separated myself from Rico and headed quickly towards the South Gate where Illimo was tethered.
“Alright, is everyone here? Let’s set out!”
The 2,000 Agarta army riders rushed out of the capital in the pouring rain.
On top of the hill, the staff officers of the Lamaron army gathered around General Jizeu, who was still on his horse, conducting a war council. Jizeu brushed away the pouring rain irritably and opened his mouth.
“First, split the army into two. As an advance force, send 5,000 soldiers in 1,000 troops each, divided into five squads. I will remain with the remaining soldiers to protect the provisions while heading towards the imperial capital.”
“With all due respect…”
“Listen to the whole story!… The advance force of 5,000 will quickly advance south along the Ilvezi River.”
Jizeu pointed towards the Ilvezi River, visible far in the distance, as he continued speaking.
“And when you reach the forest along the river that extends to the border, make camp there tonight. Then, tomorrow morning, proceed through the forest. At that time, divide that forest, which stretches to the border, into five zones. The advance troops will take charge of each zone and defend it until we arrive.”
“With all due respect, may I ask for the reason?”
“You fool! It’s to prevent the Agarta bastards from attacking our army! Our forces have an overwhelming advantage in terms of numbers. If they were to launch an attack against us, the only possibility would be a surprise attack. And where is the perfect position for them to strike us? It’s the forest that extends to the border. The path there is a narrow mountain road. Even a large army can hide troops within the forest and launch a decisive blow against us, despite their small numbers. We will eliminate that possibility!”
“Oh, indeed, as expected of our esteemed commander.”
“The advance force should head for the entrance of the forest. And our main force will advance while guarding the provisions. Understood? Now, depart!”
Upon receiving Jizeu’s orders, the Lamaron army swiftly began to move.
“Hmm? What’s this?”
As I rode my horse for a while, there was movement on the map. At the same time, I received a report from the fairy dragon, Sadakichi.
“The enemy has split into two?”
One unit of the Lamaron army was rapidly moving eastward. And the following units were chasing after the advance force at a speed that wasn’t as fast but akin to a brisk walk. I halted the march and ordered the soldiers to rest.
“Linos-dono, what’s happening?”
Layfence approached me on his horse.
“The enemy army has split into two. The advance force is moving rapidly towards the east.”
“Could it be…?”
“If we continue as we are, we might clash with the enemy army. Let’s observe the situation for a moment. We have some time. Let’s have a meal.”
I dismounted from Illymo and erected a protective barrier from the rain. Then, I gathered the troops within and distributed the bento boxes that had been prepared since yesterday. We ate our meals and spent some time relaxing. Soon, the advance force of the Lamaron army appeared on the map, heading towards the forest along the Ilvezi River. Shortly after, I received a report from Sadakichi.
“It seems the enemy advance force is aiming for the forest along the Ilvezi River.”
“No way… Could it be that our plan has been discovered by the enemy?”
“No, General. I don’t think so. It’s likely that among the enemy, there are individuals with similar insight to the General.”
“Now, what should we do…?”
Layfence pondered, resting his chin on his hand. While observing the enemy’s movements on the map and listening to Sadakichi’s reports, I watched the soldiers.
“Let’s wait and see for a while.”
I watched the map and listened to the reports from Sadakichi while observing the soldiers. The soldiers spent their time as they pleased within the barrier. Some even took naps.
As evening approached, the advance force halted near the entrance of the forest. According to reports from the fairy dragons, they were preparing to make camp. The movements of the following units also stopped, and they began their preparations for camping.
“They’re keeping quite a delicate distance for camping. With this distance, if either unit is attacked, it won’t be easy to send reinforcements.”
I drew a map on the ground and informed the soldiers of the enemy’s position.
“Well, the following units are responsible for transporting provisions, so it’s to be expected. They probably believe that they can repel any attack from us. Besides, we all need to rest at night, so let’s make camp here today. The decisive battle will be tomorrow. Let’s attack the following units tomorrow.”
“Attack the following units…? Won’t we risk getting trapped in the enemy’s midst?”
“No, we’ll fight as close to the following units as possible, so that doesn’t happen.”
“But Lord Linos, this whole area is supposed to be a vast grassland. Even if the enemy has split into two, we have twice their numbers. There’s nowhere to hide on this flatland, and even if we clash head-on with them, we won’t stand a chance, right?”
“I have a plan for that. However, it requires the soldiers to be highly skilled… “
“Oh, if that’s the case, leave it to me! I’ve personally nurtured them. They have enough training to charge towards the target in pitch darkness without breaking formation and without making a sound.”
Layfence proudly puffed out his chest.
“You all, is that really true? I believe the level of training is quite high, but just a little over a month… Are you sure?”
As I glanced at the soldiers, they all smiled wryly.
“You’ll understand just how rigorous the General’s training is.”
Kunogen also chuckled.
“Alright, understood. Show me the results of the General’s training, then?”
I looked at the soldiers with a wicked smile on my face.
The sky was covered with gloomy clouds, and the rain that had started was gradually intensifying, creating puddles here and there.
On top of a small hill in the grassy plains of Agarta, the soldiers of the Lamaron Kingdom could be seen. What started as a small group gradually increased in numbers, and after a few hours, it became a massive army that filled the entire hill. At the center of it all stood General Jizeu, the commander of the Agarta expeditionary force. He looked around at the soldiers who had come to greet him, wearing a satisfied expression.
“Is everyone present?”
“Yes, General, you are the last one. We’re all here.”
“And have you collected the taxes as ordered?”
“Yes, sir. The collection has been completed.”
“Any casualties among our troops?”
“No, sir. There were some minor skirmishes in certain areas, but we have successfully completed the collection without any issues.”
“What about those who interfered with the tax collection?”
“They have all been executed.”
“I hope you dealt with them thoroughly. Well, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is instilling fear in the people to rule them. Once you provide that, you can continue to exploit them. So, all the troublemakers have been executed, huh? Well done. Nihahaha!”
Jizeu chuckled gleefully. In the center of the army, numerous carts filled with the taxes collected from various regions had been gathered. Seeing them brought a smile to his face naturally. Jizeu gave his orders to the soldiers.
“Let’s hold a war council. Gather the staff officers… The rain is getting heavier. Hey, barrier specialists! Protect the tax carts, especially those carrying wheat. Make sure they don’t get wet!”
Staff officers began to gather around Jizeu.
“Huff… It’s despicable. It’s like the arrival of a great demon king,” I muttered upon hearing the reports from the fairy dragons I had sent as scouts. The soldiers from Lamaron had taken away most of the crops that the people had desperately harvested. In some villages, there were small-scale conflicts when they tried to resist, but all of them were executed by the Lamaron soldiers. Not only that, they had also committed significant acts of violence and plunder against the people.
“I don’t care what happens to the lords, but I feel sorry for the people,” I said, looking up at the sky from my room in the headquarters of the royal army. I rang a bell and asked someone to gather everyone, including Rico, who was stationed in the same building.
Everyone gathered promptly, and once they were all seated, Knogen confirmed it and spoke up.
“So, what do we do? Shall we continue observing the situation with the Lamaron army?”
“No, if the food is taken back to Lamaron, the people will starve, won’t they?”
Layfence looked worried, and Rico interjected.
“No, the harvest in the country is going well for now. We can easily compensate with the taxes gathered from various regions.”
“No, we should defeat the Lamaron army. Allowing them to do as they please doesn’t suit my nature. We’ll reclaim the food they took. General, Kunogen, let’s set out. Mei, Gon, I’m sorry, but prepare as many barrier stones as there are soldiers. Do it quickly.”
“Yes, understood.”
After Kunogen and Gon left the room, preparations for the expedition proceeded in a hurried manner.
“Now, about the plan to defeat the Lamaron army…”
“Well, regarding that plan… I believe a surprise attack is the only option.”
Layfence murmured with a distant look in his eyes.
“To face 10,000 soldiers with a force of 2,000, a surprise attack is our only choice. We will advance the army into the forest along the Ilbezi River. The only way for the Lamaron army to return to their country is through that route. Moreover, the path is a mountain road, so it narrows down. Regardless of the size of their army, they can only move in a single file. Striking there would be the most effective.”
“Understood. Let’s go with the General’s plan. Let’s set out!”
I and Layfence quickly left the room. However, for some reason, Rico also came out of the room. Seeing that, the elderly general gave me a meaningful look and left.
“Linos.”
“What is it, Rico?”
Without saying a word, Rico embraced me.
“Please, make sure to return safely.”
“Don’t worry. When I go into battle embraced by you, we always win. So, it’ll be alright this time too. I might not come back tonight, but I will definitely return.”
“I believe in you, alright?”
I gently separated myself from Rico and headed quickly towards the South Gate where Illimo was tethered.
“Alright, is everyone here? Let’s set out!”
The 2,000 Agarta army riders rushed out of the capital in the pouring rain.
On top of the hill, the staff officers of the Lamaron army gathered around General Jizeu, who was still on his horse, conducting a war council. Jizeu brushed away the pouring rain irritably and opened his mouth.
“First, split the army into two. As an advance force, send 5,000 soldiers in 1,000 troops each, divided into five squads. I will remain with the remaining soldiers to protect the provisions while heading towards the imperial capital.”
“With all due respect…”
“Listen to the whole story!… The advance force of 5,000 will quickly advance south along the Ilvezi River.”
Jizeu pointed towards the Ilvezi River, visible far in the distance, as he continued speaking.
“And when you reach the forest along the river that extends to the border, make camp there tonight. Then, tomorrow morning, proceed through the forest. At that time, divide that forest, which stretches to the border, into five zones. The advance troops will take charge of each zone and defend it until we arrive.”
“With all due respect, may I ask for the reason?”
“You fool! It’s to prevent the Agarta bastards from attacking our army! Our forces have an overwhelming advantage in terms of numbers. If they were to launch an attack against us, the only possibility would be a surprise attack. And where is the perfect position for them to strike us? It’s the forest that extends to the border. The path there is a narrow mountain road. Even a large army can hide troops within the forest and launch a decisive blow against us, despite their small numbers. We will eliminate that possibility!”
“Oh, indeed, as expected of our esteemed commander.”
“The advance force should head for the entrance of the forest. And our main force will advance while guarding the provisions. Understood? Now, depart!”
Upon receiving Jizeu’s orders, the Lamaron army swiftly began to move.
“Hmm? What’s this?”
As I rode my horse for a while, there was movement on the map. At the same time, I received a report from the fairy dragon, Sadakichi.
“The enemy has split into two?”
One unit of the Lamaron army was rapidly moving eastward. And the following units were chasing after the advance force at a speed that wasn’t as fast but akin to a brisk walk. I halted the march and ordered the soldiers to rest.
“Linos-dono, what’s happening?”
Layfence approached me on his horse.
“The enemy army has split into two. The advance force is moving rapidly towards the east.”
“Could it be…?”
“If we continue as we are, we might clash with the enemy army. Let’s observe the situation for a moment. We have some time. Let’s have a meal.”
I dismounted from Illymo and erected a protective barrier from the rain. Then, I gathered the troops within and distributed the bento boxes that had been prepared since yesterday. We ate our meals and spent some time relaxing. Soon, the advance force of the Lamaron army appeared on the map, heading towards the forest along the Ilvezi River. Shortly after, I received a report from Sadakichi.
“It seems the enemy advance force is aiming for the forest along the Ilvezi River.”
“No way… Could it be that our plan has been discovered by the enemy?”
“No, General. I don’t think so. It’s likely that among the enemy, there are individuals with similar insight to the General.”
“Now, what should we do…?”
Layfence pondered, resting his chin on his hand. While observing the enemy’s movements on the map and listening to Sadakichi’s reports, I watched the soldiers.
“Let’s wait and see for a while.”
I watched the map and listened to the reports from Sadakichi while observing the soldiers. The soldiers spent their time as they pleased within the barrier. Some even took naps.
As evening approached, the advance force halted near the entrance of the forest. According to reports from the fairy dragons, they were preparing to make camp. The movements of the following units also stopped, and they began their preparations for camping.
“They’re keeping quite a delicate distance for camping. With this distance, if either unit is attacked, it won’t be easy to send reinforcements.”
I drew a map on the ground and informed the soldiers of the enemy’s position.
“Well, the following units are responsible for transporting provisions, so it’s to be expected. They probably believe that they can repel any attack from us. Besides, we all need to rest at night, so let’s make camp here today. The decisive battle will be tomorrow. Let’s attack the following units tomorrow.”
“Attack the following units…? Won’t we risk getting trapped in the enemy’s midst?”
“No, we’ll fight as close to the following units as possible, so that doesn’t happen.”
“But Lord Linos, this whole area is supposed to be a vast grassland. Even if the enemy has split into two, we have twice their numbers. There’s nowhere to hide on this flatland, and even if we clash head-on with them, we won’t stand a chance, right?”
“I have a plan for that. However, it requires the soldiers to be highly skilled… “
“Oh, if that’s the case, leave it to me! I’ve personally nurtured them. They have enough training to charge towards the target in pitch darkness without breaking formation and without making a sound.”
Layfence proudly puffed out his chest.
“You all, is that really true? I believe the level of training is quite high, but just a little over a month… Are you sure?”
As I glanced at the soldiers, they all smiled wryly.
“You’ll understand just how rigorous the General’s training is.”
Kunogen also chuckled.
“Alright, understood. Show me the results of the General’s training, then?”
I looked at the soldiers with a wicked smile on my face.
