Chapter 113

The battle is like a complex game of rock-paper-scissors.

Each weapon and troop type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and how well they are utilized determines the outcome of the war.

Even ordinary people can roughly understand this through traditional games like rock-paper-scissors, and in actual combat, it’s not all that different.

Cavalry is vulnerable to infantry forming a defensive line.

On the other hand, infantry maintaining a defensive line loses significant mobility, making them prime targets for enemy archers.

However, unprotected archer units are relatively vulnerable to swiftly charging cavalry.

Of course, with a numerical advantage, one can still achieve victory despite these relationships, but to minimize losses while maximizing effects, predicting the enemy’s movements and making the best possible decisions is essential.

A master is someone who knows how to effectively use the strengths of different troops in the right places.

This is a universal rule even in a fantasy world where a single exceptional warrior can sweep away hundreds of soldiers.

*

Across the river advances the 80,000 troops of the Holy Empire Army.

Facing them are 70,000 soldiers of the Frantz Kingdom Army.

Though the Holy Empire Army has a slight numerical superiority, at this level, the outcome can largely depend on the commander’s abilities, making it difficult for either side to confidently predict the battle’s course.

In such a situation, General Rafael maintained a calm demeanor as he observed the approaching enemy forces.

Thousands of Frantz Kingdom soldiers stood arrayed on a slightly sloped hill, directly facing the advancing Holy Empire Army.

With no nearby mountains or high hills, it was difficult to employ ambush tactics or traps in this terrain.

Attacking the enemy crossing the river seemed unwise, especially since the water level was low due to drought.

It would be a shame to abandon the slightly elevated slope they currently occupied.

Even a slight incline can make a significant difference in acceleration when charging ahead.

Although it was unfortunate, in this advantageous position, a seasoned commander like Rafael knew exactly how to engage the upcoming battle.

“The enemy approaches. Infantry, commence the advance.”

“Yes, General.”

“Advance!”

“Infantry, forward!”

Following General Rafael’s command, the Frantz Kingdom Army began to march forward, rifles in hand.

In response, the infantry of the Holy Empire Army also slowly began to advance.

At a glance, both forces seemed to move forward in a similar manner.

However, there was one crucial difference between them.

“Fire!”

–Ka-boom!!!

Before combat between the infantry could commence, the Holy Empire Army initiated bombardment.

Shells falling among the ranks of marching infantry instantly claimed the lives of dozens of Frantz Kingdom soldiers.

As explosions scattered the remains of comrades everywhere, the Frantz Kingdom Army resolutely continued their advance.

“General!”

“Remain calm. How is the positioning of our artillery?”

“Yes, currently 140 cannons are awaiting your command. Right now…”

“No, keep them on standby.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s not time yet. Focus on getting closer to the enemy.”

“Ah… understood.”

Despite the casualties from the initial skirmishes, General Rafael showed no sign of panic.

In fact, for a seasoned commander who had witnessed countless battles, the visible losses of his own side could be seen as good news.

The fact that the enemy was engaging in bombardment meant that they were likely losing the war of attrition.

–Shuuu…

After a round of intense fire, the cannon fire from the enemy began to subside as they prepared to reload.

However, right after that, the armies of both sides, quietly advancing, finally halted their movements.

“Prepare to fire!”

–Click! Click!

Having sustained some hits, the infantry of the Frantz Kingdom finally reached a position suitable for firing.

The Holy Empire Army also readied themselves for a counter-offensive.

And then.

“Fire!”

–Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sound of gunfire rang out.

As the chilling sounds split through the battlefield, both lines of troops began to collapse.

“Ugh!”

“Cough!!”

A dismal melee where neither side could claim a clear advantage.

With only a few soldiers utilizing magical barriers, the area was filled with flying bullets, sharp gunshots, and the groans of wounded soldiers.

And at that moment, watching the scene unfold, General Rafael spoke in a determined voice.

“Release the cavalry. They are to charge immediately.”

“Yes, General!”

“Cavalry advance!”

Following his order, the cavalry of the Frantz Kingdom surged forward.

About 2000 troops mounted and ready in the rear swiftly charged toward the reloading Holy Empire Army.

This wasn’t just a simple cavalry charge.

To ride in this world, cavalry must be elite soldiers capable of manipulating basic magical power.

They could shield their front with at least a magical barrier.

Their simultaneous charge became a storm of blades that could not easily be brought down by gunfire.

And then.

“Arrgh!!!”

“Cough!”

The cavalry, wielding spears and swords imbued with magical power, suddenly attacked, and the front lines of the Holy Empire’s infantry began to crumble.

Cut by swords, stabbed by spears, trampled underfoot, the soldiers of the Empire fell in a state of disarray.

At that moment.

“Damn it! Form a defensive line!”

“Infantry, to defensive formation!”

Seeing the forefront crumble, the Holy Empire soldiers quickly huddled together.

As trained, they swiftly formed closely packed formations, aiming their guns towards the charging cavalry like a hedgehog brandishing its quills.

Given the innate fear horses have of sharp objects, this made it impossible for the cavalry to attack such a formation.

While a powerful warrior or magician could breach such a line, only those reaching at least an 8th-grade level could muster that kind of strength.

Unable to break through the formation, the confused cavalry prepared to attack the enemy.

But then…

–“Booooo!!!”

“!”

“Huh?”

Suddenly, a blaring trumpet sounded, and the cavalry of the Frantz Kingdom swiftly turned to steer their horses.

The Holy Empire soldiers forming their defensive line were momentarily struck by confusion as they witnessed the cavalry split and rapidly change direction.

At that moment…

–Ka-boom!!!

“Ugh!!!”

“Cough!!!”

The shells began to fall between the ranks.

The previously silent artillery unleashed a barrage, literally shredding through the tightly packed formations of the Holy Empire Army.

And through the gaps made, the Frantz Kingdom formation quickly swung back around, breaking through.

“Damn it! Block… the enemy! Arrgh!!”

“Cough!!!”

As they desperately tried to regroup, the Holy Empire Army crumbled under the pounding hooves.

The broken lines of the enemy were mercilessly ravaged by the Frantz Kingdom cavalry, and the ensuing infantry assault dealt even greater painful blows.

Accurate command through signals and impeccable timing.

It was a straightforward yet precise operation, following the methods to the letter, but in reality, it was only theoretical.

This style of combat wouldn’t have been easy to execute without the organized chain of command that allowed thousands of troops to move precisely on such vast battlegrounds, and the leadership of General Rafael guiding them.

And then…

“Damn it! This can’t continue!”

“Retreat! All forces retreat!”

Ultimately, the Holy Empire Army, unable to hold any longer, began to withdraw.

Though delayed by the late-arriving cavalry of the Holy Empire and unable to continue pursuing, they had no choice but to cross the Rhine back.

“Waaaah!!!”

“We won! Victory for the Frantz Kingdom!”

Amidst the fallen enemies on the ground, the soldiers of the Frantz Kingdom erupted in cheers.

As they reveled in the joy of victory, following Arden, from this place too, General Rafael’s lips began to curve into a deep smile.

“General, we have won!”

“It’s an overwhelming victory. All credit goes to you, General.”

“Haha, what have I done? The Holy Empire was weaker than expected.”

Though it wasn’t a complete victory yet, this battle had taken thousands of enemy lives, merely a fraction of their total strength.

However, amidst continued victories, General Rafael began to feel the tension in his heart ease.

‘Still, I’ve heard that this was a strong army, including the Emperor’s Central Army, but they appear to be nothing special. As expected, no mere faction could possibly defeat our Frantz Kingdom.’