The decision for Dedolant’s retreat was undoubtedly on the quick side.
But the Empire’s movements surpassed their expectations by a significant margin.
Their separate mobile units had already infiltrated the rear, sowing confusion.
The eastern and southern legions, responsible for the Empire’s flanks, were moving at a rapid pace.
Moreover, the western army, which had appeared defeated, and the eastern allied forces surged forward once more.
Shockingly, all of this had unfolded in just two days.
“This speed of movement by the Imperial Army makes no sense!”
“Are the positions marked on the map correct? This shouldn’t be possible!”
“How could they be this fast? Have the Empire’s forces abandoned their supply lines?!”
Even within the Dedolant command, this advance was beyond comprehension.
Moving an army isn’t like running a race—just rushing until you arrive. Supply lines and the specialized units that carry them must be secured. If the supplies don’t catch up, the army collapses. And supply units simply can’t move quickly.
After all, the amount of supplies an army consumes is enormous; how could one carry that much and move swiftly? The supply units would end up consuming twice as much.
Yet the Empire somehow made the impossible possible—not through some world-shaking new technology or invention, but through sheer determination. A single-minded resolve to right their previous humiliations fueled their offensive, throwing everything they had into this attack.
“We must show those who dream of false victories what dreams truly are. We will be the ones to shatter the glory they seek.”
Every time Kael, the newly appointed Chief of Staff, shouted these words, the eyes of the Imperial soldiers lit up. These proud individuals, once humiliated by Dedolant’s tactics, were now driven by pride and vengeance. Their passions ignited a wildfire that spread across the ranks.
The spark first ignited in the Western 5th Legion. Watching the 1st Legion choose to sacrifice itself in Setongrad to tie down the enemy only fueled their rage.
From their own Western Army, two allies fought and perished to protect their comrades.
The 1st Legion had held the enemy in Setongrad, even abandoning the fortress in a mad strategy of entrapment.
No soldier could witness such sacrifice and remain indifferent. The proud Western Legions of the Empire now had their chance to restore glory alongside their fallen comrades.
“Attack! Destroy everything in sight!!”
Having retreated according to strategy, leaving their egos wounded, now was their chance for retribution.
The battle was over in under an hour as the Western 5th Legion crushed Dedolant’s forces, initiating a pursuit that declared the earlier defeats as mere deception.
Next were the eastern and southern Imperial Legions, essential wings for the large encirclement strategy. And Kael had stationed the most inspiring commanders in these units.
“Follow me! As I have done in the east, wherever I lead, no foe will remain standing!”
At the forefront of the Eastern Legions stood Kaya, charging across the battlefield with spear and sword in hand, scattering anyone who stood before her—seasoned veteran soldiers, elite knights, all fell under her blade.
Though a single person cannot sway a war, they can certainly influence a battle. And the Eastern Legion’s territory was near Artria, boosting their motivation further.
“A ghost of the north front has appeared!”
“Men d*e without even realizing why when they face her!”
“Hundreds of Artria’s finest knights have fallen to this warrior alone!”
Fear poisons the enemy, but invigorates allies. With the enemy’s spirits broken, the Imperial Legions pressed forward, preventing Dedolant from fortifying any defense points.
In the opposite direction, Isabel led the Southern Legions forward.
“With you, I fear nothing. Stop worrying about me and worry only about not falling behind your comrades! Glory to the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor!”
The presence of the Princess alongside the harsh journey raised the soldiers’ morale sky-high. They knew that victory followed wherever the Princess went. Surely this time, God would again grant them success.
Moreover, the Empire’s flanks had spent the winter strengthening their forces, training diligently, and stockpiling supplies, ready to launch a fatal assault like a drawn arrow.
“Our enemies haven’t rested properly all winter! Let there be no thought of defeat or even a stalemate! This is a disgrace to the Empire!”
“Eastern Legions! 7th Legion! 12th Legion! Mark our glory in the west, just as in the east! Make our names immortal!”
“6th Legion! 13th Legion! The mighty Southern Legions who once achieved great victory! Regain that glory here with our hands!”
“Remember the 9th Legion! Forget not the 14th Legion! Their souls wait across the river of Hades for the Dedolant men! Do not keep them waiting!”
From the front, both flanks, and even the rear, Imperial forces attacked with ferocity.
Had Dedolant chosen strict defense, there might have been a chance. After all, defending a stronghold, as proven by Setongrad, can withstand even the strongest attacks.
However, Dedolant’s rear was exposed to the Empire’s mobile units. The vital pathways for withdrawal could be severed at any moment, risking large-scale encirclement. It’s no simple feat to focus on an enemy amidst such fear.
Moreover, Dedolant’s weaknesses were growing. Once victorious with many spoils, citizens cheered their leaders. Now, the light has faded from the victories, as glory for the Deo people grows dim. Only news of encroaching doom reached them.
Facing an inevitable encirclement meant inevitable collapse. Dedolant needed to retreat and stabilize their own situation, still possessing the conquered lands of Artria and Dugal.
“Let as many soldiers as possible escape.”
“Close the encirclement faster! Hurry!”
The commanders of various nations clenched their teeth for opposing goals. Kael and Prince Georg anxiously monitored the battlefield.
In the end, the Empire’s mobile units won the crucial battle.
[Key Passageway Blocked. Defense Points Neutralized.]
Having avoided engaging key points until now, they attacked this time out of necessity to cut off key routes. Despite heavy losses, the elite cavalry of the Northern Legions held the line.
“Blast!”
Upon hearing the news of the lost passageway, even Prince Georg swore.
“Your Highness, with this, evacuating all forces is practically impossible.”
“Can’t the rear guard hold out while we retreat?”
“Our flanks are also unstable, Your Highness! If we hesitate, we’ll lose even the forces managing to escape.”
Despite this, tens of thousands managed to withdraw successfully. Yet another mass of soldiers remained trapped within the Empire’s grasp.
Just a bit more. Dedolant’s command pleaded.
Then, an unexpected message arrived: Paels had gathered their forces successfully and repelled the Empire’s advance.
“Good news! If only our rear can hold out just a bit longer, we can regroup and establish a new front!”
Kael would probably have smirked at this point, muttering about how things often go opposite to what people hope.
“And Prince, look… Commander Steiner, who was supposed to guard the flank…”
“Steiner chose retreat over defense. The flank defense has collapsed.”
Those who were supposed to stand firm failed. Their last hope was kicked away. Hearing the news, even Prince Georg couldn’t hide his anger.
“What?! I gave explicit orders to hold no matter what! It was a command! A COMMAND!!”
And finally, the flank crumbled, accelerating the encirclement.
