Chapter 201: ???????????????????????? (9)

Chapter 201: Return (9)

“Uh. . . no. . .”

Even though Johan was blowing away the enemy line like a crazy b*stard, the distance was still quite far. Looking at it objectively, the situation was not that bad yet.

However, saying that to those blinded by fear would not get through. Additionally, the wizards were no different, scared as well.

“Hurry!!!”

One of the mercenaries aimed a sword. His eyes filled with malice.

If it was Suetlg, Caenerna, or even Jyanina, they would have shown their abilities and done something.

But the wizards here were so lacking in skill that it was embarrassing to call them wizards. They could only mimic what Uterman had taught them, at the level of disciples or servants.

There was not much they could do even if one made a fuss and demanded something from them.

. . .However, people were naturally inclined to do something when a knife was at their throat. As a result, the wizards made the worst mistake.

“Alright, alright! Get out of the way. I’ll release the monster!”

The mercenaries guarding them could only guess what the wizards behind them were handling, not knowing exactly.

Not only handling monsters but even using them in combat was not a disgusting act.

“What? You brought a monster?”

“These f*cking crazy wizards. . .”

“Is that important now? Get out of the way!”

The mercenaries got out of the way in horror. More frightening than the monster was the knights coming at them.

Clank clank━

With noisy sounds, the cloth was pulled back and the lock on the iron cage was opened. Originally they should have moved to the forest next to them under the chaos of battle to release the monsters.

One might wonder why go through the hassle, but even if the results were the same, the process was different.

While the mercenaries had nothing to lose, the nobles stuck here had a lot to lose. Getting involved in the rumors of releasing monsters would not bode well.

However, the hurried wizards simply opened the cage. A troll and three swamp drakes growled as they walked out.

The mercenaries who at most expected goblins or ferocious monster pigs were horrified and stumbled back.

“What the f*ck. . . What, what are you carrying around? What the hell were you planning to do by releasing such bullsh*t monsters?!”

Even the mercenaries who were only afraid of the knights in front regained their sanity.

Unlike other dangerous monsters, trolls were a common dangerous monster that mercenaries often encountered. Having to suddenly face trolls while suppressing rogue monsters or bandit groups was a nightmare.

As a result, their reaction was intense.

“Did you not tell us to do it?!”

“When did I ever say to release a troll! You crazy wizard!”

While they were arguing, Johan killed three mercenaries next to him and knocked down the captain, breaking his flag.

‘The situation is. . .’

Anyone who has set foot on a battlefield even once would know how difficult command is on the battlefield.

Dust rises from all over, soldiers entangled so complexly it’s hard to distinguish allegiances. Flags fall everywhere as the sounds of drums and war cries assault the ears. Most of all, spears and arrows fly at you as well.

Caught up in the desperate fight for survival, the overall situation soon fades far out of mind. It was common for fighting troops to charge or give chase on their own, forgetting orders.

So at every moment Johan had to devote all his effort to grasp the situation. This was perhaps even harder than the fighting itself, but Johan was blessed with an exceptional physique.

“What are they doing?!”

Thanks to that he was quickest to notice. Johan pointed his spear ahead in disbelief.

Some crazy b*stards back there were releasing monsters. They were so brazen it was unbelievable.

‘Are they insane?’

“How about we retreat for now?!”

Suetlg shouted, straining his throat. He didn’t know what the enemy was thinking doing that, but there was no benefit in facing them like this.

They had to retreat first. He didn’t know how they did it but they wouldn’t be able to control the monsters for long.

Even if they could hold out longer, giving them time would allow discovery of weaknesses. Fortunately, the enemy in this area was fleeing from Johan and the cavalry’s charge. The atmosphere made falling back acceptable.

However, Johan hesitated.

“Why do that?!”

“I think we should crush this side as quickly as possible and provide support elsewhere.”

Johan had little experience leading an army in alliance with other feudal lords, but now he had a feel for things.

Both Adviko and Uterman’s mouths dropped wide open. Unless they were drunk and gave foolish orders, there’s no way they would lose that quickly.

While they were in disbelief and denial of reality, telltale signs began to reveal themselves.

Knights fleeing, throwing up dust, mercenaries abandoning weapons and escaping into the woods. . .

And amidst it all, enemy cavalry proudly revealing themselves!

“Order a retreat! Give the order to retreat!”

“Order a retreat!”

Adviko had no time to be annoyed at Uterman barking orders as if he was someone important. He hurriedly relayed the order.

The mercenaries at the center who were unaware of the situation were confused by the sudden order to rapidly retreat while the enemy was right before their eyes.

“Retreat now?”

“Are they crazy?”

“Captain, do we really need to retreat?”

It wasn’t easy for even the bravest mercenary to retreat with the enemy right in front of them. Some mercenary companies retreated, some ignored the order, some hesitated.

While the troops at the center wasted time, Johan broke through the enemy front and discovered a juicy target.

“Wait, isn’t that the enemy commander?”

“It seems so!”

A large tent and fluttering banners. And the well-dressed men around it were clearly visible to Johan’s eyes.

While Johan preferred wielding a sword himself and fighting amidst knights at the front, commanders were often positioned to the rear like this.

It was good for issuing orders, getting a view of the situation, and avoiding danger. . .

But it had one drawback when the enemy poured in like this – no troops nearby!

“Capture him! You must capture him!”

Even without Johan saying so, the mercenaries and warriors around him had their eyes wide open staring at Adviko. They could sense he was a big catch without explanation.

As over a hundred fierce cavalry began charging at them, Adviko realized things had gone disastrously wrong.

“Adviko-gong, you must retreat!”

If they didn’t flee now, they would definitely be captured. Resisting with a few dozen guards was impossible. They would be annihilated before the advancing mercenaries could turn back.

Adviko quickly mounted his horse, and the other nobles grabbed theirs as well. Ordering their guards to block the path, they madly spurred their horses to gallop off.

Of the mercenaries advancing from the center, the rearmost mercenary cocked his head and spoke to his captain.

“Captain. . . I know this sounds crazy but isn’t the commander retreating?”

“What nonsense are you spewing? Even an idiot born half-witted wouldn’t say something so stupid. . .”

As the captain absentmindedly glanced back, he was horrified. Unfamiliar enemies were raging through like a storm.

????????????????????????

“Let’s retreat!”

“It’s too dishonorable! We should have waited a little longer!”

Meanwhile, on the left flank of the order’s army, a conversation was unfolding that would have made Johan grab the back of his neck if he had heard it.

The battle here was very conventional compared to the other side.

Several dozen knights on horses tangled with each other, went back to their camps, switched horses, came back out and tangled again. In the meantime, the infantrymen without horses gradually closed the distance between them, colliding. . .

There were no knights who could break the enemy’s lines in one charge like others. It was a conventional battle.

Such a battle was relatively slow-paced and allowed room for the nobles to observe the situation and decide whether to surrender or not.

As knights fell and the mercenaries sensed this side was losing ground, the courage of the nobles who had joined the battle quickly faded.

They were eager to retreat as soon as possible to avoid paying ransoms.

The knights serving under Johan were furious and chased after them.

“How do you think His Excellency the Count would feel seeing your cowardice?!”

“Retreating when disadvantaged also takes courage, sir.”

“It’s still neck and neck! We can’t retreat!”

“Neck and neck? As someone who has faced countless pagans on the battlefield, I’m telling you it’s dangerous not to retreat now! It’s not like they’ll suddenly disperse like sand. . .”

Before he could finish, the sound of trumpets signaled the enemy’s hasty retreat.