The Central Army’s main camp.
A war council was held inside a large tent.
A stark contrast to the morning’s urgency.
Those gathered were at ease.
“The enemy is clearly exhausted from their futile assault on the front lines.”
“Ooooooh”
“As expected.”
“If things continue like this,”
“We will achieve victory.”
The Baron’s happy war report filled the room.
The enemy army (invaders’) loss of momentum, felt on the front lines, was not a delusion but reality.
Each person exchanged words of労いの言葉 (recognition) and praise.
“Ahem. Everyone, let’s discuss our strategy for this afternoon.”
“That’s right.”
“We cannot simply push them back. I propose an offensive plan to pursue and thoroughly crush them once they retreat.”
“That’s a good idea. We still have the World’s Strongest reserve army intact. Let’s completely break their will to ever attack us again.”
“But! Have you forgotten that our supply of provisions still hasn’t arrived? Without supplies, our pursuit will amount to nothing more than weakening our rear guard.”
There had been no contact from the caravans.
“Yes, the issue of supplies is a problem.”
The Baron secretly received information that the caravans had been attacked by someone.
(I can’t say that all the carts have disappeared.)
Also, he couldn’t say that whoever attacked them was likely a monster.
If he said so, it would cause panic.
The rear guard would also be forced to watch their backs, and the World’s Strongest bloodlines would once again explode with dissatisfaction.
“Why don’t we just seize the enemy’s supplies as they retreat?”
“Can we secure enough quantity?”
“And can it be distributed accurately? There are some concerns.”
“To boost morale, shouldn’t the fastest acquire the most?”
“Are you kidding me!?”
“That proposal is rejected! You have too many cavalry!”
“I propose an equal distribution!”
“That’s fine, but we need to decide whether to commit to the offensive plan soon.”
“Agreed to the offensive plan.”
“Commander, it’s unanimous. Please give the order.”
Receiving the enthusiasm of those participating in the war council.
“Then, when the enemy retreats, we will pursue them and carry out the offensive plan to thoroughly crush them!”
“Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh”
Everyone agreed to take their lunch by unit and then dispersed.
“He’ll probably give a speech to inspire his subordinates.”
Should I give a speech too?
No, I’ll refrain.
One of the commanders who dispersed, just as the Baron predicted, was boosting his subordinates’ morale.
Holding his lunch tray on his lap, he listened to the plan for dealing with the enemy army in the afternoon.
“Amazing, General~”
“We have the Hero on our side, so I knew we couldn’t lose.”
“I’m on the front lines this afternoon though…”
Some soldiers (mercenaries) felt uneasy.
The rest, believing victory was near and this long war would end, cheered along with their commander, their voices reaching the heavens.
Even in units a little further away, voices of resolve and determination could be heard.
The World’s Strongest reserve army was having lunch in the rear.
Reflecting on the amount of breakfast, they served themselves a slightly larger portion than their consumption after the morning’s commotion.
They silently ate the food placed before them.
Around them, Stok Calibston and other caretakers savored their meals, which were the same amount as the other units.
“The portion size…”
“I’m envious…”
“Shhh. What if they hear you?”
They cast glances at the overflowing plates, muttering criticisms that would be “unpalatable” if heard by the World’s Strongest.
The enemy was also on lunch break, so the front lines were quiet. Neither side was making an aggressive move, but after the meal, the battle for lives would resume.
“How can we fight with this much food…”
“I want to go home…”
Finishing their meals quickly, dissatisfaction began to sprout.
The commanders did not come to encourage this World’s Strongest reserve army.
Therefore, without knowing that the situation was shifting towards victory due to magic tools that also served as soundproofing, they were left in the dark.
“I’m hungry…”
“Should I chew on some leaves for tea?”
Stepping out of the magic tool’s range, they learned that the battle situation was favorable.
“Guess we’ll have to give it another go.”
“Yeah. And then I’ll tell everyone back home about my exploits.”
Their somber moods vanished.
They were indeed fickle.
Whispers of good news reached those who hadn’t yet heard.
The World’s Strongest reserve army became cheerful, but their empty stomachs remained unfilled. Dissatisfaction spilled out of their mouths again. They wanted to vent their frustrations soon.
War drums sounded from both camps.
Finishing their lunch break at the same time, Viscount Dan’s Army charged, while the Baronial Union Army defended.
The troop difference was estimated at 4 to 6.
If 5 enemies died, only 1 of ours would.
“Our victory is near—!!”
“Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh”
The Baron’s declaration was met with thunderous applause.
“Long live the Commander!”
“Long live the Baron!”
Great cheers erupted. The Viscount Dan’s Army heard this.
“Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh”
They responded with equally loud shouts, but their voices lacked spirit. They were forcing themselves to shout, filled with fear. Fear of what? The fear of death. In other words, they felt they were going to lose this battle. Yesterday, they had heard that the supply caravans had not arrived, but they put that aside.
“The troop difference has been reversed (probably)! It’s time to teach them their place—!!”
“Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh”
Leaping from their defensive positions, they engaged the enemy soldiers in fierce combat. Supported by the World’s Strongest reserve army, they broke through the enemy’s front-line troops. Their momentum did not cease. They cornered the enemy’s Commander, Lord Ginse of Viscount Dan’s family, in the enemy’s central army, but narrowly let him escape. Instead, they ravaged the unit that intervened and one of Gins’s trusted Guardian Maids (the tall one). The Guardian Maids were used as bait to lure Gins, so they were not killed, but bound with gags and magic-sealing restraints. By night, their bodies, stained with blood dripping from their wounds, would be used for the pleasure of gang rape. The commanders’ morale significantly increased, and they gave reckless orders to their subordinates. The subordinates grumbled that they too wanted to embrace the Guardian Maids.
“Do you think I’ll let you have them? If it gets to you, when will it ever end♪?”
“Then, please let only the one who performed the best have them!”
“I’ll consider it. Now, hurry up and charge.”
“Ooh. Let’s do this.”
The Baronial Union Army pursued the retreating Viscount Dan’s Army. The World’s Strongest reserve army, seeing the rear guard units as their chance to shine, scattered them and continued the pursuit. Although their supply lines were stretched, to ensure the enemy would never attack again, they pursued into the night, their lights illuminating the dark, pathless terrain, chasing the enemy’s lights. A problem arose when some units, having magic tools or light magic cast on them as decoys, began to cause a disturbance. Among them were members of the World’s Strongest bloodline, and an order of silence was imposed on other units regarding the accidental friendly fire. It was unavoidable to suppress a drop in morale. Those who died from friendly fire were given a moment of silence. The seriously and lightly injured were silenced with money, though a small amount. They were left behind in the rear, with the plan that their supply carriers would retrieve them. A messenger reported from the front lines that the enemy’s lights had disappeared.
“What should we do…”
The Baron conferred with nearby commanders via the messenger.
“Continue the pursuit. — A messenger from the Baron.”
“Likewise. — A messenger from the Baron also strongly requests the continuation of the pursuit.”
The Baron sent messengers to all units, ordering them to advance and pursue the enemy.
