Chapter 221: (Self Edited) Decisive Battle (2)

Rushing up the stairs and scanning the battlefield, the frontlines were already considerably close to each other. Yet, they had not made contact yet. In the central front, infantry units were slowly advancing while Gin’s combat carriage unit, led by himself riding a horse, was seen moving forward.Just within reach of the enemy’s gunfire, the carriages formed a gentle curve, like arrows descending from the sky onto the ground, while presenting their rear at a 45-degree angle to the enemy, stopping diagonally. Through rigorous training, the carriages were arranged almost perfectly in a straight line.

The draft horses, previously pulled by the coachmen, were detached, and the coachmen mounted the saddled ones. Each coachman held the reins of a single horse, guiding them swiftly past the allies’ frontline and away from the battlefield. The carriages were left behind.

Shortly after, as the enemy’s line drew nearer, the 139 carriages lined up horizontally commenced firing. The enemy soldiers began their counterfire. Unfortunately, it seemed ineffective.

These large carriages, gathered from all walks of life, were equipped with roofs and iron plates on their left sides and rear, providing substantial ballistic protection against enemy bullets. The iron, gathered from various sources and hammered to a thickness exceeding 3 millimeters, was adjusted for optimal defense.

To increase the defensive capability and evasion, they angled themselves diagonally to the enemy’s gunfire instead of presenting a flat side. Trapped inside, the former soldiers of the Second Army would be diligently venting smoke generated by their own gunfire through manual ventilation fans, while listening to the barrage of enemy bullets pounding against the metal. The fans seemed to be working well, as smoke billowed out from the ventilation ports installed on the roof of each carriage like chimneys.

With a crew of 9, one would be tasked with operating the ventilation fan, while the rest, in pairs, would alternate between reloading and firing through the slit-like gunports. Though copious amounts of white smoke rose from the enemy frontline, most of it would likely result from futile attempts to breach the iron plates.

The crucial point was that these carriages could form a wall against infantry without firearms and could unilaterally attack enemy gunmen in a firearms battle. Even if the enemy attempted to bring down the carriages through close combat, by then, the distance would have closed, allowing Dimitri’s elite soldiers to engage in close combat and continue firing even when approached. In close combat, they had no weaknesses.

Through the telescope, it was observed that the infantry catching up were securing chains attached to the carriages, passing them to the neighboring ones, diminishing the momentum of their charge. Originally, this equipment was designed to counter a cavalry charge of several thousand riders, but it seemed such an event was not happening.

As anticipated, the enemy’s attack was most intense at the center. Naturally so, as the center was notably thinner, and if breached, it would lead to the defeat of our army. The attempt by the gunmen to overwhelm us was the end of their luck.

On the left flank, the battle between the Rube Household and the Galilia Union was unfolding. As anticipated, they had formed a phalanx, effectively repelling the Rube Household’s cavalry of 3,100 with the help of about 1,000 allied cavalries. And on the right flank, the crucial maneuver of this decisive battle was about to unfold.

—

The group of enemy heavy cavalry emerging from the forest, instead of gathering once, seemed to prioritize speed over order. Without pausing for even a moment, they surged straight towards us, kicking up dust that resembled gunpowder smoke. The cavalry, seemingly infinite as they poured out from the woods, finally broke, slowing down at the front to merge into a single mass.

Surprisingly few. I had thought there were over 10,000 riders, but it seemed they numbered around 6,000 to 7,000. Though termed heavy cavalry, their armor was of a different caliber compared to what we considered heavy cavalry. Like the Galloping Birds we had fought before, they were clad in steel-colored full-body armor, some even armored their horses. However, it seemed there were no horses with armor seen. Perhaps they had abandoned them along the way.

Their first target was a small group of light cavalry led by Soim, standing alone slightly apart from the right flank. With tremendous force, they charged to crush Soim’s light cavalry. However, Soim, not engaging them head-on, used superior speed, swiftly maneuvering and evading their charges like a matador avoiding a bull’s onslaught.

In their attempt to pursue Soim’s light cavalry with abrupt turns, the enemy heavy cavalry group slowed down. At that moment, due to a lack of communication, the outer side of the arc advanced straight ahead, causing the formation to scatter. Soim’s light cavalry, exploiting the slowed sections with agile movements, charged in, then quickly retreated.

Soim’s light cavalry were armed with spears resembling cones, designed for anti-armored cavalry combat. While the side blades were not sharp enough to cut through flesh, they excelled in penetrating armor and chainmail.

After their retreat, several bodies lay scattered around, and some horses, stabbed somewhere, ran amok, causing chaos. Due to the extremely defensive helmets worn by the armored cavalry, their visibility was poor. Even turning their heads was difficult due to the compromise between armor and maneuverability, and they couldn’t discern surrounding sounds.

While suitable for charging into infantry formations, light cavalry performing complex maneuvers were hard to track, and individuals couldn’t assess the situation, making them unable to respond to such attacks. And once casualties occurred like this, ignoring Soim’s light cavalry was no longer an option. Even if they attempted to ignore them and charge into the infantry formations, Soim’s light cavalry would relentlessly pursue them.

The fact was, the Galloping Birds were inherently faster than mounted cavalry, and given the significant weight they bore from their armaments, there was a substantial disparity.  Soim’s light cavalry, with a mocking counterattack, shook off the assaulting cavalry and withdrew, assessing their next move from a safe distance. The heavy cavalry unit, to prevent further escape, reorganized their formation and widened their width. Then, they began their assault once more.

At that moment, I finally felt assured of victory. Taking my eyes off the cavalry battle on the right flank, I turned my gaze to the center. The Rube Household’s army was pushing forward. I had told them they didn’t need to try so hard. The Tigris army was also showing unexpected resistance. There seemed to be no signs of them retreating against the enemy forces, likely from the Euphos Federation. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NʘvᴇlFirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

I returned my attention to the cavalry battle on the right flank. Soim’s light cavalry, while maintaining a certain distance, were evading the assault of the enemy armored cavalry unit and drawing them toward the southeast.

“Yuri-kun.” (Myaro)

Myaro, who was beside me, spoke up.

“Raise the flag. The Hou Household Cavalry and the Dawn Cavalry, maintain the current strategy, and immediately launch the attack.” (Yuri)

As I said so, the messenger stationed on the rooftop echoed loudly, and a new signal flag was raised. Simultaneously, the trumpet sounded loudly. From behind me, I heard the sound of pounding hooves. Hidden within the city, the Hou Household and the First Army’s cavalry units simultaneously charged out. The number of riders were 7,300.

In less than a minute, they dashed through the main streets, emerged in the outskirts, and galloped along the highway. In no time, they bypassed the flanks of the enemy formation guarded by the Papal Army and proceeded with a wide detour to the enemy’s rear. There was no mobile defensive force to stop them. Soim had immobilized the few troops with him, dragging them toward the southeast, and their horses were exhausted from the prolonged march. They couldn’t swiftly return.

The 7,300 heavy cavalries charged straight into the rear of the Tyrellme God-Protected Empire. Additionally, there were some reserve troops in the rear who reacted, but a few thousand soldiers couldn’t halt the charge of 7,300 cavalry. The Galilia Union’s soldiers might have been able to stop them, but they were deployed on the left flank to hold off the Rube Household’s 3,100 troops, as seen beforehand.

“Raise the flag. All forces, immediately launch a full assault upon the enemy’s collapse. Then, engage in pursuit.” (Yuri)

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Behind me, the soldiers echoed my command, and the flag was changed. An Eagle, hovering overhead, prepared a similar flag and dropped it down on a rope. Meanwhile, the cavalry charge continued, and the Tyrellme God-Protected Empire’s formation, struck from the rear, descended into chaos. Dimitri led the charge of the elite troops from the Hou Household, almost as if he was seeking to avenge the humiliation of defeat over a decade ago. The reserve troops from the rear joined in, overwhelming the enemy as cavalry and infantry clashed in the heart of the enemy formation.

They’ve pierced through the enemy’s center. Only Gin’s combat carriages were left behind in the shifting frontline, some overturned and scattered.

“It’s over.” (Myaro)

Beside me, Myaro, who was also peering through a telescope, murmured with satisfaction.

“It feels like witnessing history.” (Myaro)

Indeed, it was. This battle would shine brilliantly in history. Perhaps it would be recounted as the decisive battle where Yuri Hou exposed the dark side.

“Myaro. Can I entrust you with the aftermath?” (Yuri)

“Yes. I’ll see what I can do.” (Myaro)

‘Let’s go to Carol.’

“Tillet.” (Yuri)

I continued to gaze through the telescope. The enemy forces, in their rout, were now surrounded by Dimitri’s breakthrough and the reserve troops, unsure of where to flee.  It seemed distributing leaflets promising no harm if they surrendered was the right decision. Victory was now decisive, and there was no possibility of defeat.

Finally tearing my gaze away from the telescope, I spoke.

“Yes…” (Tillet)

Tillet was waiting in the corner of the rooftop.

“Aren’t you going to see this view? Tell your comrades later. Your efforts in the shadows led to this glory.” (Yuri)

From producing smallpox pus from the bodies of witches sentenced to death to hellish acts comparable to those of the hell wardens, they had displayed a monstrous brutality. Despite their steely spirits, they were still human and must have hearts. It’s no wonder they might lose their sanity.

“Thanks to your clandestine work, we achieved this glory.” (Yuri)

Because of that, even when ambushed multiple times, the enemy marched on without flinching, and even the fragile Tigris army managed to go against the enemy forces. Without them, who knows how this battle would have ended. At the very least, the enemy forces gathered here would have exceeded 100000.”

“More importantly…” (Tillet)

“I understand. Just make sure to convey it to our troubled comrades. Let them know that their efforts were not in vain, and that it led to the glory of victory. That is the duty of those who endure.” (Yuri)

With that, I said, descending from the rooftop before receiving a response.

“I temporarily delegate command authority to Myaro Gudanvier! You all bear witness!” (Yuri)

Shouting loudly, I made it known to the soldiers attached to headquarters, then mounted the awaiting White Sunset below.