Chapter 106 - Episode 105: The Opening Battle ②
"W-what was that just now!? 'Fire Magic: Flame Bullet'? But why is a user of such high-level magic stationed in a fort like this!?"
Seeing flames erupt in the center of the unit during the charge, the man who was the commander of the Lancel Kingdom army shouted.
"Your Excellency, that attack was fired from the gate, but I saw something that looked like a large-scale weapon. It is not that there is a mage, but rather they likely launched some kind of magic tool that ignites fire with that device."
When a veteran soldier and aide conveyed this in a calm tone, the man, who had been visibly shaken, regained some of his composure.
"The fort's gates have already closed. It seems those two shots were the limit. I believe we need not worry further regarding that attack."
"I-I see... Everyone! The flame attacks are over! Do not flinch! Continue the charge!"
Hearing the man's order, the soldiers of the Lancel Kingdom army began to run again, raising battle cries. A fervor, almost like desperation, was born among them.
However, after advancing a certain distance, cold water was thrown on that fervor.
From atop the ramparts, where no enemy should have been aiming bows, small arrows flew in unison, mowing down the front line of the charging soldiers.
"Gyaaaah!"
"It hurts! Damn it!"
"What is this!?"
Soldiers whose arrows pierced their heads or hearts turned into silent corpses in an instant, while those who took arrows in their arms, legs, shoulders, or hips screamed.
The front-line soldiers who survived the first volley, as well as the following soldiers, continued to advance bravely. However, the storm of arrows that continued to fly by the hundreds steadily robbed the soldiers of their lives and morale.
"What is that!? Was it not said that the enemy side consisted only of beastmen and had almost no archers!? This is strange!"
Watching the sight of his own forces falling one after another before they could even reach the fort, the man yelled at his aide. It was now mere venting of frustration.
"Your Excellency, please calm down... I cannot see clearly at this distance, but the enemies on the ramparts are wielding something. It is likely... not a magic tool. It appears to be a weapon with something like a small bow attached sideways."
"I have never seen nor heard of such a weapon!?"
"It is my first time seeing it as well. It is likely a new weapon. The fact that the beastman soldiers are equipped with them in such large numbers means... they are easy to handle, mass production has been achieved in the enemy nation, and even those who are not professional archers can fire arrows... Your Excellency, I submit the opinion that we should retreat once and reorganize our formation."
When the aide, who had deduced the enemy's equipment in a matter of moments, spoke, the commander became flustered.
"B-but... if we do this, my military achievements will—"
"The enemy's weapon is extremely powerful. However, if we understand its characteristics, there is a way to counter it. We must not waste soldiers in vain right now."
"Mmu... is it unavoidable? Retreat! Retreat—!"
After hesitating slightly with an expression as if he had chewed on a bitter bug, the man shouted.
.....
"Look! The enemy is retreating! It is our victory!"
""Ooh!!" ""
When Frederick shouted, the soldiers raised voices of joy in response.
With a unit consisting entirely of conscripted peasants, they had repelled an enemy army more than twice their size. Moreover, it was a complete and utter victory, one that did not even allow the enemy to touch the fort.
Amidst that clamor, Noein exchanged words with Pence, who stood beside them.
"The enemy retreated quite easily. I wonder if the impact of the explosive flame arrows and the Crossbows was too great."
"That's true... but the way they pulled back there without forcing the attack further shows that the opponent commander's judgment was sharp."
"I see, so that's how it is."
"The enemy... at least the guy in charge doesn't seem to be an idiot."
Hearing Pence's words, Noein braced themselves, knowing that this was by no means the end.
Afterward, upon confirming the situation, the Lordberg Kingdom side had four injured from the enemy's first volley and the sporadic arrows that followed. In contrast, the enemy's losses were estimated at over 100 dead. It was an unquestionable victory.
"The enemy likely won't attack for a while now... but we still cannot let our guard down. Seeing the competence of the commander who decided to retreat immediately, he won't let us have it easy like this."
"It would be wise to assume they realized what kind of weapon the Crossbow is. If I were the enemy general, I would make shields or take other countermeasures and attack again. There is plenty of wood for materials all around."
When Frederick spoke before the officers gathered in the command room, Yuri also offered a personal opinion in response.
"It is as the Adjutant-General says. Next time, they will likely approach more easily. We should be prepared for them to reach the ramparts and for it to become a melee battle."
Frederick's adjutant spoke while agreeing with Yuri.
"However, the Ballista will likely be more than effective next time as well."
"Yes... since we made it look as if it was limited to one shot per unit, I think we can take the enemy by surprise in that regard next time."
Noein nodded at Frederick's words.
Loading the Ballista would be completed quickly using the monstrous strength of Noein's golem. By doing so and hitting them with several explosive flame arrows, they could once again inflict great damage and fear upon the Lancel Kingdom army.
The next fight wouldn't be that severe either. Everyone thought so.
.....
Two days after the opening battle. Until this day, there had been no further attacks from the Lancel Kingdom army, and a state of staring each other down continued with the enemy camping at a position slightly away from the fort.
"The enemy isn't moving as much as I expected."
"Yeah. Just as your Adjutant-General predicted, they seem to be cutting down trees in the forest to make shields. They probably won't attack today either."
While an atmosphere of slight laxity drifted due to the crushing victory in the opening battle and the subsequent two idle days, Noein was having such a conversation with Frederick.
"But... the strange movements are concerning."
"Indeed, the enemy messengers are quite restless... I wonder what they are communicating so much."
According to reports from the sentry soldiers, cavalry believed to be messengers were entering and leaving the enemy camp numerous times. Considering it as regular contact with the main force, the frequency was too high.
Just then, a sentry shouted.
"A single soldier approaching from the north! They appear to be an ally!"
Frederick immediately ran, looking at the west main gate and rushing up to the right side—namely, the northern rampart. Noein followed.
As the sentry reported, a single lightly armored soldier could indeed be seen running toward them from the north.
They approached at an abnormal speed, as if pushed by a powerful tailwind.
"That is the way a wind mage runs. It's likely a messenger from another fort."
It is said that wind mages can run far faster than normal using the power of wind. It is even said that those who are proficient can fly through the sky by creating wind, but the wind mage currently running did not seem to be at that level.
"The enemy noticed and has started moving... Provide cover so that person isn't captured! Instruct the soldiers to move toward the east gate!"
Since the Lancel Kingdom army sent out several cavalry upon seeing the soldier running alone, they used Crossbow fire to keep them at bay. Meanwhile, the soldier on the watchtower waved a flag, guiding the wind mage toward the east rear gate.
Less than a few minutes later, the wind mage arrived safely inside Barrel Fort.
"R-report... from the northern Lezad Fort..."
Whether because they had continued running in such a hurry or had used magic without reserve, the wind mage looked exhausted and drenched in sweat. They were a youth who looked to be in their twenties.
"Lezad Fort... has fallen..."
That short report shook the officers of Barrel Fort who surrounded him.