Chapter 11 – In the inaugural battle, two nations clash in a fierce encounter

From the imperial capital, a total of 6,000 warriors and soldiers have been dispatched. Similar defensive forces of the same magnitude have been sent to the other two territories, collectively fortifying the border with nearly 20,000 troops.

“That’s an impressive number…!”

“Indeed. However…”

On the flip side, there were challenges. Not all of these troops could be accommodated within the fortress. Consequently, many soldiers had to camp in newly constructed defensive positions.

I’ve experienced it myself, sleeping outdoors makes it difficult to shake off fatigue. Above all, with the uncertainty of when the imperial forces might appear, there is a heightened sense of tension.

“Hey, Vyril. What do you think will happen from here on?”

“Hmm…?”

Masaomi speaks to me without taking his eyes off the direction of the Empire. I express my concerns.

“There are too many uncertainties… Honestly, I don’t know where this is heading.”

“Uncertainties? What do you mean by where it’s heading?”

“The enemy’s strength and…the conclusion of this war.”

The Imperial Kingdom, when combining warriors and soldiers, has a force of just over 30,000.

In contrast, it’s unknown how many troops the Empire has, how many of them will be directed towards the Imperial Kingdom and what their composition is. Such crucial information remains elusive.

While some scouts have been sent out and the enemy’s movement will reveal their numbers, it would be preferable to formulate a strategy beforehand with knowledge of the situation.

“But the Empire has a lot of barren land and their soldiers aren’t that formidable, right?”

“Well… yeah, that’s true.”

There are some knights and professional soldiers like warriors and their numbers are significant. However, I believe the quality of the conscripted soldiers is superior among the people of the Imperial Kingdom.

Simply put, being well-fed and the fact that even commoners train in town dojos contribute to this. The abundance of town dojos is also a characteristic of the Imperial Kingdom.

On the other hand, there are doubts. The Empire and the alliance of lords haven’t had significant conflicts in recent years. Perhaps the Empire has, to some extent, regained its strength.

“When I travelled with my master ten years ago, many soldiers were indeed quite lean.”

“If we just keep an eye on knights with crests, we should manage somehow! …So, what’s the conclusion you’re looking for?”

“Where to draw the line that determines each other’s victory or defeat…”

The Empire initiated the war under the pretext of seeking revenge for their own citizens being killed. The Imperial Kingdom prepared for battle, saying, 『Don’t joke, if you come, be prepared to pay the price』.

However, the Empire’s true aim is the invasion of the Imperial Kingdom. They will likely continue fighting until they occupy the imperial capital.

But what if we continue to thwart the Empire’s invasion here, causing unexpected losses for them? Will they then retreat and seek a compromise or will they call for reinforcements and continue fighting until the end?

Furthermore, since the Imperial Kingdom is focused on defence rather than invasion, how will they determine victory in the war? Will they consider negotiating for a settlement after inflicting a certain level of damage? All these aspects remain unclear.

‘In short, we need to do this to win! …Facing the approaching enemy without grasping the victory conditions for our country. Believing that, eventually, it will lead to the victory of the Imperial Kingdom…’

No…perhaps the higher-ups have considered that aspect. Well, even though we are warriors, we’re just the foot soldiers, and it seems like we have no choice but to fight here.

■

And so, two days had passed. Information came from scouts that the Imperial forces were on the move. We left the fortress and took positions in the defensive structures to await their arrival. And then, they appeared.

“They’ve come…”

According to the scout’s report, the enemy forces numbered around 5,000. It was indeed a large army and the ground trembled with the resounding noise. Commands echoed from the top of the fortress.

“The enemy is in a dense formation! Confirm archers! …Commencing the advance!”

It’s finally happening! Looking at their formation, it’s evident that their training is higher than I had imagined!

Upon closer inspection, there’s some disorder in the movement of the unit at the right end. A lure, perhaps?

“Archers! They’re coming!”

“Everyone, use the defensive structures to evade!”

In addition to the arrangement of fences, the defensive structures had high stone walls stacked. The soldiers moved towards these walls, deflecting the incoming arrows.

“Second volley, incoming!”

Again, we easily dodged the arrows. However… considering their numbers, it seems like very few arrows are actually coming our way?

“Infantry, advance!”

Having understood the height of our defences after two rounds of arrow volleys, lightly armoured infantry with spears and shields advanced. It’s finally here!

“Move forward! Respond with a side formation, do not let the enemy pass under any circumstances!”

“Ooooooh!”

We also stepped out from behind the stone walls and advanced. It’s unlikely they’ll shoot arrows now, as it could lead to friendly fire.

“The fences weren’t very useful…!”

We had installed wooden fences with the tips shaved off to stop cavalry charges. However, the infantry easily passed through them. And now, we were about to collide with the Imperial forces.

“Uooooooo!”

“Argh!”

“Take this…!”

“You Imperial dogs!”

“Die!”

Typically, warriors are deployed in a side formation with multiple soldiers surrounding each warrior, aiming for equalisation of the forces. I, too, swung my sword without hesitation at the approaching enemy soldiers.

“Hah!”

I deflected the spearhead directed at me with my sword and swiftly moved to their flank. Slashing through their torso and then swinging horizontally, I cut down another enemy soldier.

I quickly moved to support any pressured area, slashing through more enemy soldiers. With this style of fighting, a sword would easily break. However…

‘As expected of a sword made of Imperial Cherry Blossom Steel…! It’s still holding up…!’

In preparation for this war, frontline warriors were supplied with special swords. Made with Imperial Cherry Blossom Steel, a metal crafted through a unique technique. These swords, made from this mysterious metal, never break, rust or lose their edge. They are considered divine weapons. Only a few warriors, including the elite guards, receive these swords as a gift from the imperial family.

The swords supplied to us were made by mixing Imperial Cherry Blossom Steel with regular iron. While not as robust as a 100% Imperial Cherry Blossom Steel sword, they were sturdier than regular ones.

“Ooooo!”

I cut down enemy soldiers whose numbers I couldn’t keep track of.

“The enemy has more numbers! Avoid one-on-one battles! If you hold out, us warriors will join the fight!”

“Ooooo!”

Ugh… My arms are starting to numb…! Should I use the Crest Technique…!?

Looking around, some warriors were already using the Crest Technique.

The Crest Technique is powerful but it has limitations such as usage time. I need to be cautious about when to use it… However, being too cautious and not using it could result in death, and I want to avoid that.

“Haa, haa…!”

There were also bodies of Imperial Kingdom soldiers scattered around. The choking smell of blood, the fear of dying if you stop moving, the constant sounds of anger and screams, the sense of obligation to fight for oneself and allies, and the numbing sensation in the arms.

‘This is… the battlefield…!’

Masaomi, Kiyoka… Are they still safe? No, I can’t worry about others now. I need to survive and keep slashing through the enemies.

“Uooooooo!”

To invigorate my body, I shouted loudly and swung my sword. I never want to lose again. I must defend my place in this world myself…!

“…………!?”

At that moment, the enemy soldiers abruptly turned, retreating to the rear. What…what happened…!?

“They’re running away!”

“We won…!”

“Imperial soldiers were never our true enemies!”

“Pursue them! Don’t let them escape; avenge everyone who died!”

“For the royal family’s enemies!”

Someone started chasing the retreating enemy soldiers, and other soldiers followed suit.

“H-hey…!”

Is it okay to pursue them like this…!?

But indeed, at this point, it’s crucial to thoroughly strike the enemy soldiers. We want to make it clear how formidable the Imperial Kingdom’s defence is.

“Go! Don’t let the enemy escape!”

Instructions for further pursuit were given. It’s a waste of time to hesitate now. I also dash forward.

That’s right, we are winning…! Despite being outnumbered, we compensated with individual strength…!

As we started the pursuit, the enemy soldiers fled in a more panicked manner. Some even discarded their weapons and armor on the spot.

‘We can do it…! It’s our victory…!’

And then, just when it seemed like the fleeing enemy soldiers had split left and right, a heavily armed infantry group appeared from the front.

■

“Hmph…It seems the outcome will be decided in the first battle.”

Adrldon listened to the reports from the rear of the battlefield, beginning to feel confident about their victory.

He divided the Knight Order and the main forces into three units, deploying them to invade the Imperial Kingdom simultaneously from three directions. Each targeted a crucial territory that served as the gateway to the Imperial Kingdom.

He further divided the 7,000-strong forces into 5,000 and 2,000. The 5,000-unit, primarily consisting of lightly-armoured infantry and a small number of archers, was formed to initiate the attack against the well-defended enemy.

Once the battle began, the 2,000 forces hidden in the rear were advanced.

‘Their experience is still lacking in matters of war. Despite the rushed construction, the defensive structures are somewhat decent… When facing enemies with strong defences, the skill lies in how the attacking side can draw out forces onto the battlefield.’

The 2,000 soldiers in the rear were the elite Ironclad Heavy Unit, with the core being the Ironclad Heavy Cavalry. Each member was a well-built man wearing black heavy armour. They advanced, crushing anything in their way with their trained bodies. However, they had the drawback of slow movement and high consumption of water and food.

In the recent past, the Empire couldn’t have created specialised units like these but due to the reforms led by the current Knight Commander, they were born as specialists.

“It’s about time… Give the signal! Ironclad Heavy Unit, move out!”

“Haa!”

Adrldon signalled the soldiers at the front lines to retreat. Simultaneously, he led the Ironclad Heavy Unit forward.

‘Indeed… it’s working.’

Presumably, there were few in the Imperial Kingdom who could oversee the battlefield. They were too focused on the enemies directly in front of them, not allowing for a retreat and chasing them relentlessly.

The retreat by the 5,000 soldiers served the purpose of concealing the Ironclad Heavy Unit until the last moment.

To minimise the visibility of the Ironclad Heavy Unit, they used their bodies to obstruct the enemy’s line of sight. Then, they split left and right, and the Ironclad Heavy Unit walked confidently down the path that appeared in front of them.

“Crush them!”

“Haa!”

From the perspective of the Imperial Kingdom soldiers chasing the retreating enemy, a group of black iron-clad soldiers appeared unexpectedly. It would likely cause confusion.

“Hmph!”

With robust, almost brutish spears, they mowed down the Imperial Kingdom soldiers. Although a warrior-like man swung a single-edged sword, Adrldon calmly intercepted it with his shield.

“What…!?”

“That was careless!”

The warrior might have been fatigued from continuous fighting. The approach was admirable and judging by the unbroken sword, it was undoubtedly a high-quality weapon.

While offering such an evaluation, Adrldon thrust the spear, piercing through the warrior’s torso. He then threw the body into the air for everyone to see.

“Ahh!?”

“So-something like this…”

“Takehito-sama!?”

Obvious confusion spread among the enemy soldiers. But Adrldon and his group didn’t let this opportunity slip.

Before they realised it, the 2,000 heavily-armored infantry on both wings had reversed the retreat, solidifying their positions. A new crane-wing formation was completed, surrounding the enemy.

This level of proficiency showcased the current Empire’s Knight Order.

“Advance!”

“Ooooooooooooooooo!”

The Imperial Kingdom forces, chasing the retreating Empire soldiers, were mostly outside the fortress. Moreover, they were in a state of exhaustion, without any formation.

It was likely only a matter of time before they broke through this area.