Chapter 82: Attack (2)
Although we set out late, there was no urgent need to chase down the Western forces. The destination was obvious.
Hurheet.
It was a massive castle situated at a juncture that led into the western region beyond the national borders.
Hurheet Castle, which was built in the distant past when the West was strong, remained intact to this day.
From the natural moat formed by a river to the magic-receptive walls, it was a fortress optimized for defense.
It wont be easy.
On average, besieging a castle required three times the number of defenders. However, for Hurheet, seven times that was necessary. History indicated this fact.
Two hundred years ago, the Empire successfully captured Hurheet Castle, but the losses were too great to progress further. Of course, it was possible that the commanders skills werent up to par back then, but one thing was certainit wasnt an easy place to conquer.
Moreover, the current disparity in forces was around 25,000. Penetrating Hurheet conventionally was challenging.
Considering that the Western forces are determined to defend, it wont be easy.
Because of this, the command center seemed quite busy during our journey. I suspected they were requesting reinforcements. The Empire should have some minimum forces, and they could gather a few tens of thousands more. However, even if they did, the difference wouldnt be significant. It wouldnt be a matter of tens of thousands.
After a long march, we established our camp near Hurheet Castle. Rudehrn immediately summoned the commanders.
This siege will be more challenging than any before.
It was a statement everyone had guessed, but when it came from a Sword Master, it carried weight.
We havent decided on the siege method yet. If anyone has a good strategy, please share.
After a moment of thought, the Second Prince asked.
Can you break through the castle gate, Commander? Cant we just go straight in?
As the prince suggested, Rudehrn was capable of breaking down the castle gate with just one sword. Thats why he was a Sword Master. However, Rudehrns expression wasnt favorable.
I can break through the castle gate, but Hurheet is not an easy target. We would suffer significant losses.
However, Rudehrn was right, it wasnt the best strategy.
The weakest point of a castle was often its gate, so it was constructed with the expectation that it might be breached from the outset.
Given that there were no restrictions on speaking in this gathering, even the nobles and knights seemed to be pondering.
Attacking one side of the castle wall with explosives
Its best not to have high expectations. The magical defenses of Hurheet Castle are quite strong.
This was noted in historical records as well. Ancient magic combined with modern magic in the construction of the castle.
Simply detonating explosives wouldnt create a breach. It might work with a massive amount, but it was uncertain.
Should we consider using spies?
Its just opening the gate. I can do that myself.
How about using internal spies to spread disease or poison?
Poison might work, but Im not sure how effective it would be. It might be better to have spies gather internal information rather than taking the risk.
Then what about launching explosives from our side
It was a method of dispersing artificially created diseases or poisons onto mud or corpses.
Thinking ahead, it wasnt a good idea. As expected, Rudehrn shook his head.
Spreading disease is not feasible. We have to break through the castle gate and find King Rohalak. We cant infect our allies with diseases.
One of the barons spoke up in response to Rudehrn. He was a mage.
I can create healing potions. It might take some time, but with the necessary ingredients, we can proceed safely.
Well, thats not a bad idea. Lets request support for that. If we dont have a plan before the ingredients arrive, well consider it.
Is there any additional support available?
Yes.
The nobles didnt seem pleased. Neither of these methods seemed feasible, and with no additional support, they were left without solutions.
Facing Hurheet Castles walls, they would likely be feeling quite helpless. The adjutant standing by chimed in.
Sir, perhaps we should consider a prolonged siege. That might be our only option. Supplies in the west will run low sooner or later.
That seems to be the case.
Rudehrn nodded. Since the two of them had likely already discussed this matter, it wasnt the moment to show their deliberation.
If a good idea emerged in the meantime, it could be adopted.
We can continue using the trebuchets to exert psychological pressure and establish solid checkpoints to cut off their supplies. That should work.
Our forces had a supply route at the rear and given that the Western forces situation had changed, their internal state would likely be chaotic. Time was on our side.
If we didnt rashly attack, victory was inevitable.
Shall we then surround the castle?
No. If our forces are scattered, the enemy will attack and harass us. Cutting off supplies is sufficient.
It had been 18 days of continuous heavy rain. The soggy ground squelched with every step.
Regardless of the progress of our plans, morale wasnt great.
There were many setbacks. The humidity was one of them, not to mention the inability to do laundry in such an environment.
Due to the dampness, it was common for inflammation to develop on the soldiers feet.
While the high-ranking nobles could call on mages to address this, the soldiers had no such option.
It wasnt favorable for me either. Because of my sight, I couldnt block the rain with my Winds, making the environment less comfortable.
But its almost over.
The construction of the dam was conducted by the main force.
With the soldiers and mages in tow, it was built in just three days. It was an incredible speed.
As we continued to check, a considerable amount of water had accumulated. Unlike predictions, the reduction in the trench water was noticeable.
The Western forces might have realized the situation, but they couldnt do anything. We had completely blocked their path upstream.
Gradually, but surely, as the amount of rain diminished, the Imperial Army was now preparing for the attack.
Rudehrn decided on a water assault.
With ample water accumulated and the land becoming sludgy, the judgment was that, in addition to the explosives, there was sufficient capability to breach the castle walls.
And while the possibility of an outbreak of disease was present, it was better to conclude quickly than to delay further.
For the next four days, the rain continued. Discussions were held about the exact timing of the attack.
Opinions were divided between waiting for the enemy to weaken after water manipulation and launching an attack simultaneously with the breach of the walls.
Rudehrn chose the latter.
Thus, on a rainless night, we decided to launch the attack the following dawn as the dam was destroyed.
Prepare as planned for the next few days. Everyone, get ready.
Taking advantage of the darkness, Rudehrn and the cavalry mages advanced toward the castle walls facing the river.
Attacking the walls took precedence.
At the appointed time, soldiers who had approached beyond the receded trench laid the bombs.
Kwaaang! Successive explosions shook the ground. The only source of light in the dawn was the magic attached to the castle walls.
And hidden within those explosions, those who had moved upstream would have broken the dam.
Mages poured magic onto the walls, where the bombs had done their work.
The explosions of blue walls of defense and flying fireballs were visually magnificent.
Before the Western forces could respond to the surprise attack at dawn, the soldiers and mages retreated swiftly.
In the darkness, only Rudehrn remained.
And so, for ten minutes.
Kugugugung the ground shook as if there had been an earthquake. It was the tremendous rush of water pouring down from upstream.
Despite retreating considerably to prepare for possible danger, there was a significant sense of unrest among the soldiers.
What would be the mood among the Western forces?
Well, they might not have panicked.
The method I had thought of. How many casualties would it result in? I couldnt know. In the darkness, there was light.
It was Rudehrns sword.
The black blade. A streak of blue light illuminated the dawn. It was a beautifully pure swordsmanship.
Just looking at it gave me a feeling of soaring inspiration.
For a moment, the wave-like blade surged forth, accompanied by the rushing water, and engulfed Hurheet.
Kwaaang! Almost simultaneously, the wave-like blade and the torrent of water struck the castle walls.
The Sword Masters timing was impeccable. At the initial collision, the castle walls appeared unscathed.
However, beyond the trench, the torrent of water that surged over the seawall.
Not even five seconds passed before one side of the castle walls collapsed, tumbling down. The gate went with it.
Through the enormous breach in the wall, water surged fiercely.
Drawing my sword while atop a horse, I faced the soldiers in front of me. With determined eyes, they gazed back at me.
The overwhelming destruction and the heightened atmosphere compelled me to raise my voice.
Advance, all troops! Prepare to march!
It wouldnt take long for the water to drain.
Now it was time to launch an attack on the chaotic Hurheet, which had been submerged in water.
Author's Thoughts
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