“Master, reinforcements from Lamaron have arrived.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you, Ilymo.”
I flinched as Ilymo suddenly approached me. Oops, I’ve been too absorbed in the scene in front of me.
Our Agarta army, divided into three divisions, consisted of 400 troops led by Layfence in the center, 800 troops led by Kunogen on the left flank, and 800 troops led by me on the right flank. It’s worth noting that Layfence’s unit, despite having the smallest number of soldiers, was composed of the most elite warriors. Their impeccable formation and graceful retreat, maintaining a narrow gap between them and the onrushing enemy, had a certain beauty to it.
Lamaron’s forces, lured into our trap, were thrown into chaos as the veteran general’s troops and our flanking forces charged, pushing them into disarray. Every member of the Agarta army was equipped with protective stones, rendering them practically immune to physical attacks. As a result, Lamaron’s soldiers were being easily overwhelmed by us. I thought we could continue to encircle and annihilate them, but it seemed our enemies were not foolish. They had brought in reinforcements.
“All right, fall back!”
I gave the order, and as a signal, I released a burst of fire magic, causing an explosion in the air. In response, we ceased our attacks and maintained our formation as we retreated approximately 200 meters. The Lamaron army did not pursue us. It seemed they were regrouping and reorganizing with their reinforcements. Observing Lamaron’s movements, I headed toward Layfence in the center. To my surprise, Kunogen was already there.
“Lord Linos, I was just speaking with Kunogen. It appears the enemy has added infantry troops to their reinforcements.”
“Most likely, there are likely magic users among them as well.”
“I understand. Let’s change our location. The large puddle over there seems suitable. We’ll return to our original formation there and wait for their movements. If they charge at us, we’ll lure them into the puddle. When the signal is given, my troops and Kunogen’s will advance, forming a double-edged formation once again. However, this time, let the archers and magic users take the front. I believe their magic and attacks can be defended by the protective stones, but as a precaution, until the signal is given, have the magicinas and archers remain in the rear, while the others defend with shields.”
I swiftly gave instructions while gesturing the movement and formation changes, then quickly returned to my own position.
Once I confirmed my return to the camp, Layfence’s central unit promptly merged with our flanking forces and retreated another 200 meters, forming two rows. Behind them, the veteran general’s troops took their defensive positions in front of the puddle, followed closely by my right flank and Kunogen’s left flank.
“… How petty. They know how to fight against magic users.”
One of the Lamaron commanders muttered with resentment. Another commander stepped in to support him and spoke up.
“Yes, they likely intend for the front-line troops to serve as a shield. With that formation, even long-range magical attacks will cause minimal damage. And if we charge the front with cavalry, they will attempt to flank us again with their flanking forces. However, we won’t fall for the same trick. They are simply employing predictable tactics. Very well, let’s play along with their strategy.”
He raised his voice to address those around him.
“Listen, everyone! Let’s launch another assault on the central unit! They will most likely lure us by having the central unit retreat while attempting to surround us with their flanking forces. If the front unit retreats, we will pursue them and simultaneously assault the left flank unit. If they remain stationary, we will charge the enemy in front. While the cavalry unit annihilates the enemy, the infantry unit will protect the rear of the cavalry unit and prevent the enemy forces from approaching. Don’t worry! The enemy is outnumbered! Let’s swiftly settle this!”
One of the commanders shouted these words and spurred his horse towards the Agarta army. Thousands of cavalry followed closely behind him.
“… They fell right into it. Just as ordered. Now, let’s see if they can make it to us.”
I murmured with a smirk, then loudly gave instructions to the soldiers around me.
“Don’t move until further orders! Keep drawing the enemy closer until the last moment!”
When I looked at Kunogen on the left flank, he waved his hand casually in response.
“… Huh? The front unit isn’t moving? Very well, then let’s annihilate the front! Continue!”
The commander leading the cavalry unit increased the speed of his horse. They charged into the puddle, and the cavalry behind them followed suit, plunging into the water one after another. Splashes of water filled the surroundings.
As a signal, arrows and magic attacks were unleashed from Layfence’s unit. Lamaron soldiers fell from their horses one after another. At that moment, I signaled Kunogen’s unit.
“Advance! Move ahead of the front unit!”
Swiftly, my unit and Kunogen’s unit advanced and took their positions in front of Layfence’s troops, forming a formation resembling a bowl encircling the puddle.
“Attack!”
As soon as we formed our positions, I issued the attack order to the archers and spellcasters. Simultaneously, on Kunogen’s left flank, the assault with arrows and magic commenced.
For the Lamaron army, their horses were hindered by the water, making movement difficult. They were also subjected to a barrage of arrow and magic attacks, similar to being caught in crossfire. Unable to advance or retreat, they became prey to arrows and magic. Unable to bear it any longer, the Lamaron army started to retreat. The infantry units following behind them saw the cavalry units retreating and quickly followed suit, withdrawing from the battlefield.
“… What? Why are the soldiers retreating?”
Jizeu, the overall commander of the Agarta expeditionary force, watched the battle from atop a hill, confused. One of the commanders, who had led the majority of the soldiers to support the reinforcements, reported back while gasping for breath.
“Sir, perhaps it’s because the enemy has barrier specialists. Our attacks simply aren’t getting through!”
Jizeu trembled involuntarily as he surveyed the soldiers around him.
“Is… Is this all?”
Originally, there were around 5,000 soldiers in this Lamaron army, but now there were only about 1,000 remaining.
“Sir, look over there!”
A subordinate pointed in a direction, and when Jizeu looked, he saw the Agarta army forming two long and orderly columns heading towards them. As they reached a certain point, they divided into three divisions and steadily marched towards them. The remarkable sight momentarily stunned the Lamaron soldiers, causing them to forget themselves.
“… Commander, what shall we do?”
Jizeu had already lost his will to fight.
“… Retreat. Withdraw from this place with all our might. Join up with the vanguard unit.”
He spoke decisively, and Jizeu and the remaining Lamaron soldiers quickly attempted to leave the area. All that remained behind were the numerous wagons filled with food they had seized from the lords.
“The enemy is fleeing. Lord Linos, shall we pursue them?”
Layfence asked me with a smirk. This old man truly seemed delighted whenever there was a battle.
“No, let’s not pursue them. Instead, let’s quickly retrieve that food. Kunogen, have your unit return to the capital. It’s unlikely, but if the enemy manages to breach the capital, I’ll rely on you then.”
“As you wish! However, they won’t have the strength for that. Please rest assured!”
After saying that, Kunogen’s unit headed towards the capital, leaving. I, along with the veteran general, proceeded to retrieve the food.
“That was an impressive strategy and command. Truly, you are a war god.”
“Stop flattering me.”
I muttered quietly without looking at Layfence’s face, then slowly urged Ilimo forward.
The retreat of the Lamaron army from the battlefield was disastrous. Although they were able to join forces with the unit in the forest, they had no provisions left. Hungry and fatigued, they had to make their way to the border at full speed.
Even after crossing the border and entering the Lamaron Empire, they still had to cross several mountains before reaching the imperial capital. Deserters began to emerge along the way, and the famished soldiers resorted to pillaging from villages and homes in the mountains.
In the end, only around 4,000 soldiers managed to reach the imperial capital, a mere 60% of the number that had set out. The remaining soldiers had either perished at the hands of the enemy or fell victim to monsters during the journey or had become deserters. This fact had a tremendous impact on the entire Lamaron Empire, greatly tarnishing the military’s reputation within the empire.
Naturally, the Lamaron Empress Dowager was furious, and Jizeu, who had been the overall commander of the Agarta expeditionary force, was held accountable for the defeat and the failure to supervise the soldiers properly. In the center of the capital, under the watchful eyes of many people, his head was to be taken.
In the pouring rain, Jizeu was led to the execution grounds, crying and begging for his life, and resisting.
“No, noooo! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!”
“It’s not my fault! It’s not me! It’s the incompetent soldiers!”
“Stop it! Don’t touch me! Stop! Stop! Stop!”
“Help me! Help me! Nooo! Nooo! Daddy, help meeeee! Mama! Mamaaa!”
His pitiful spectacle further diminished the trust in the Lamaron Empire’s military, worsening their reputation.
“Master, reinforcements from Lamaron have arrived.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you, Ilymo.”
I flinched as Ilymo suddenly approached me. Oops, I’ve been too absorbed in the scene in front of me.
Our Agarta army, divided into three divisions, consisted of 400 troops led by Layfence in the center, 800 troops led by Kunogen on the left flank, and 800 troops led by me on the right flank. It’s worth noting that Layfence’s unit, despite having the smallest number of soldiers, was composed of the most elite warriors. Their impeccable formation and graceful retreat, maintaining a narrow gap between them and the onrushing enemy, had a certain beauty to it.
Lamaron’s forces, lured into our trap, were thrown into chaos as the veteran general’s troops and our flanking forces charged, pushing them into disarray. Every member of the Agarta army was equipped with protective stones, rendering them practically immune to physical attacks. As a result, Lamaron’s soldiers were being easily overwhelmed by us. I thought we could continue to encircle and annihilate them, but it seemed our enemies were not foolish. They had brought in reinforcements.
“All right, fall back!”
I gave the order, and as a signal, I released a burst of fire magic, causing an explosion in the air. In response, we ceased our attacks and maintained our formation as we retreated approximately 200 meters. The Lamaron army did not pursue us. It seemed they were regrouping and reorganizing with their reinforcements. Observing Lamaron’s movements, I headed toward Layfence in the center. To my surprise, Kunogen was already there.
“Lord Linos, I was just speaking with Kunogen. It appears the enemy has added infantry troops to their reinforcements.”
“Most likely, there are likely magic users among them as well.”
“I understand. Let’s change our location. The large puddle over there seems suitable. We’ll return to our original formation there and wait for their movements. If they charge at us, we’ll lure them into the puddle. When the signal is given, my troops and Kunogen’s will advance, forming a double-edged formation once again. However, this time, let the archers and magic users take the front. I believe their magic and attacks can be defended by the protective stones, but as a precaution, until the signal is given, have the magicinas and archers remain in the rear, while the others defend with shields.”
I swiftly gave instructions while gesturing the movement and formation changes, then quickly returned to my own position.
Once I confirmed my return to the camp, Layfence’s central unit promptly merged with our flanking forces and retreated another 200 meters, forming two rows. Behind them, the veteran general’s troops took their defensive positions in front of the puddle, followed closely by my right flank and Kunogen’s left flank.
“… How petty. They know how to fight against magic users.”
One of the Lamaron commanders muttered with resentment. Another commander stepped in to support him and spoke up.
“Yes, they likely intend for the front-line troops to serve as a shield. With that formation, even long-range magical attacks will cause minimal damage. And if we charge the front with cavalry, they will attempt to flank us again with their flanking forces. However, we won’t fall for the same trick. They are simply employing predictable tactics. Very well, let’s play along with their strategy.”
He raised his voice to address those around him.
“Listen, everyone! Let’s launch another assault on the central unit! They will most likely lure us by having the central unit retreat while attempting to surround us with their flanking forces. If the front unit retreats, we will pursue them and simultaneously assault the left flank unit. If they remain stationary, we will charge the enemy in front. While the cavalry unit annihilates the enemy, the infantry unit will protect the rear of the cavalry unit and prevent the enemy forces from approaching. Don’t worry! The enemy is outnumbered! Let’s swiftly settle this!”
One of the commanders shouted these words and spurred his horse towards the Agarta army. Thousands of cavalry followed closely behind him.
“… They fell right into it. Just as ordered. Now, let’s see if they can make it to us.”
I murmured with a smirk, then loudly gave instructions to the soldiers around me.
“Don’t move until further orders! Keep drawing the enemy closer until the last moment!”
When I looked at Kunogen on the left flank, he waved his hand casually in response.
“… Huh? The front unit isn’t moving? Very well, then let’s annihilate the front! Continue!”
The commander leading the cavalry unit increased the speed of his horse. They charged into the puddle, and the cavalry behind them followed suit, plunging into the water one after another. Splashes of water filled the surroundings.
As a signal, arrows and magic attacks were unleashed from Layfence’s unit. Lamaron soldiers fell from their horses one after another. At that moment, I signaled Kunogen’s unit.
“Advance! Move ahead of the front unit!”
Swiftly, my unit and Kunogen’s unit advanced and took their positions in front of Layfence’s troops, forming a formation resembling a bowl encircling the puddle.
“Attack!”
As soon as we formed our positions, I issued the attack order to the archers and spellcasters. Simultaneously, on Kunogen’s left flank, the assault with arrows and magic commenced.
For the Lamaron army, their horses were hindered by the water, making movement difficult. They were also subjected to a barrage of arrow and magic attacks, similar to being caught in crossfire. Unable to advance or retreat, they became prey to arrows and magic. Unable to bear it any longer, the Lamaron army started to retreat. The infantry units following behind them saw the cavalry units retreating and quickly followed suit, withdrawing from the battlefield.
“… What? Why are the soldiers retreating?”
Jizeu, the overall commander of the Agarta expeditionary force, watched the battle from atop a hill, confused. One of the commanders, who had led the majority of the soldiers to support the reinforcements, reported back while gasping for breath.
“Sir, perhaps it’s because the enemy has barrier specialists. Our attacks simply aren’t getting through!”
Jizeu trembled involuntarily as he surveyed the soldiers around him.
“Is… Is this all?”
Originally, there were around 5,000 soldiers in this Lamaron army, but now there were only about 1,000 remaining.
“Sir, look over there!”
A subordinate pointed in a direction, and when Jizeu looked, he saw the Agarta army forming two long and orderly columns heading towards them. As they reached a certain point, they divided into three divisions and steadily marched towards them. The remarkable sight momentarily stunned the Lamaron soldiers, causing them to forget themselves.
“… Commander, what shall we do?”
Jizeu had already lost his will to fight.
“… Retreat. Withdraw from this place with all our might. Join up with the vanguard unit.”
He spoke decisively, and Jizeu and the remaining Lamaron soldiers quickly attempted to leave the area. All that remained behind were the numerous wagons filled with food they had seized from the lords.
“The enemy is fleeing. Lord Linos, shall we pursue them?”
Layfence asked me with a smirk. This old man truly seemed delighted whenever there was a battle.
“No, let’s not pursue them. Instead, let’s quickly retrieve that food. Kunogen, have your unit return to the capital. It’s unlikely, but if the enemy manages to breach the capital, I’ll rely on you then.”
“As you wish! However, they won’t have the strength for that. Please rest assured!”
After saying that, Kunogen’s unit headed towards the capital, leaving. I, along with the veteran general, proceeded to retrieve the food.
“That was an impressive strategy and command. Truly, you are a war god.”
“Stop flattering me.”
I muttered quietly without looking at Layfence’s face, then slowly urged Ilimo forward.
The retreat of the Lamaron army from the battlefield was disastrous. Although they were able to join forces with the unit in the forest, they had no provisions left. Hungry and fatigued, they had to make their way to the border at full speed.
Even after crossing the border and entering the Lamaron Empire, they still had to cross several mountains before reaching the imperial capital. Deserters began to emerge along the way, and the famished soldiers resorted to pillaging from villages and homes in the mountains.
In the end, only around 4,000 soldiers managed to reach the imperial capital, a mere 60% of the number that had set out. The remaining soldiers had either perished at the hands of the enemy or fell victim to monsters during the journey or had become deserters. This fact had a tremendous impact on the entire Lamaron Empire, greatly tarnishing the military’s reputation within the empire.
Naturally, the Lamaron Empress Dowager was furious, and Jizeu, who had been the overall commander of the Agarta expeditionary force, was held accountable for the defeat and the failure to supervise the soldiers properly. In the center of the capital, under the watchful eyes of many people, his head was to be taken.
In the pouring rain, Jizeu was led to the execution grounds, crying and begging for his life, and resisting.
“No, noooo! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!”
“It’s not my fault! It’s not me! It’s the incompetent soldiers!”
“Stop it! Don’t touch me! Stop! Stop! Stop!”
“Help me! Help me! Nooo! Nooo! Daddy, help meeeee! Mama! Mamaaa!”
His pitiful spectacle further diminished the trust in the Lamaron Empire’s military, worsening their reputation.
