Chapter 63: Battle at the Border

Did the scouting unit leave? What about the supply arrangements?

Yes sir, weapons and armors are already being transported from the Frontier Counts castle.

I was riding the horse at full speed, as I was eating some dried meat.

Any deserters?

None. There are still 1100 soldiers riding, just as planned. No one deserted.

I drank some water from a water bag.

Two days passed since our departure.

We enter the Frontier Counts domain and were rushing towards the goods distribution camp.

The original plan was to stop at the Frontier Counts castle first and then head towards the border, but we found more soldiers inside the castle than we could have expected.

These soldiers were staying behind in order to transport the necessary goods from the castle to the battlefield in the shortest time possible.

From here itll take us another two daysOr maybe, well get there tomorrow.

After such a long march, with no sleep at all, people would drop out normally.

However, the soldiers following me are those who endured the Frontier Counts severe training.

We made camp for the night at the meeting place, since from here onward the battlefield was too close.

Your Excellency Zest, the scout has returned.

The black knight brought along a former adventurer.

Ill start my report: The Frontier Counts Army is in good health. They are confining themselves inside the Border Fortress, resisting the besieging enemy forces.

For the time being I felt relievedIt was ok, I could make it in time.

They havent dropped yet, we can still make it.

The Tarminal Kingdoms Army counts about 20.000 soldiers. The royalty flag was seen above their stronghold.

..The royal family? Should we capture them?

In worst case Ill have them deadBut Id rather have them as war prisoners, if possible

Its useless. I cant put my thoughts in order.

You did a good job. Are there any sings of enemies in this area?

There arent. The defense line is well maintained.

Understood. Go get some rest.

After the scout left, I called for Albert.

Albert, let the Maids Unit go to sleep first. If by any chance a soldier goes to where the maids sleep, kill him.

Yes sir!

As for the lineup, in the center will be the tent, surrounded by the maids, the black knights and the regular soldiers in this precise order. The former adventurers will sleep on the outside of this circle, since theyre used to camping at night and coping with enemy attacks.

What about the Frontier Counts Army?

They will be on the lookout. We cant take them to the battlefield with us so Ill just have them work hard here. You should go to sleep too. Tomorrow is the decisive battle after all.

Yes sir! Understood!

Albert left the tent at a quick pace.

I lay down and fell asleep immediately.It was unknown when I could get some sleep again during this.

The Frontier Counts Army prepared some warm food for us, so we took it and departed.

I cant say the fatigue was completely gone.

But I recovered enough in order to fight without problems.

We arrived in the evening.

And what we saw was the Frontier Counts Army barricading itself inside the fortress and the Tarminal Kingdoms Army lined up on the battlefield as much as the eye could see.

I shall report: The Frontier Counts Army has 3000 soldiers, their morale being very high. They have no problems with the supplies either. They can hold the fortress for one month with 10.000 enemy soldiers attacking it.

I see. Then theres no need to rush foolishly.

Understood. Ladies! Genlemen! We will now enter the fortress.

The soldiers didnt understand those words, so they were all startled.

The black knights started to grin broadly.They seemed to have understood.

Ladies! Gentlemen! We will now assault the enemy army from behind and run straight to the fortress. Dont worry, the black knights and I will be in the vanguard, so you just have to follow us. Easy, right?

As I thought.

Im so fired upWell jump in the midst of the enemy and break through their lines.

Oi, lets compete and see how many of us can enter the fortress before his Excellency.

The black knights were excitedly getting ready for battle.

Good. Dont speak just yet. Were about to kick those blockheads butts any moment now..Still, well run straight ahead to the fortress, ok? If you go astray you might get hit by our own arrows, so be careful.

We were quietly advancing through the forest.

It was evening, the best time for surprise attacks and quick withdraws during wars.

Silently, I waved my hand to signal the soldiers to keep galloping their horses.

Albert and the black knights were following right behind me.

There were 200 meters left until the enemys rear line..They havent noticed our presence yet.

I released my full magical powers and cast 100 light arrows into the sky, then made them downpour on the battlefield.

What the..There is magic behind us! Enenemy attack! Enemy attack!

A few soldiers realized what was happening and tried to warn their comrades, but it was too late.

I shot another 100 light arrows.

Good. They are disorganized! Well run through them at once!

Yeaaaaaaaah!!!

I was in the lead, galloping my horse and constantly shooting light arrows in every direction.

I had plenty magical power and shot so many arrows that the enemy was beginning to loathe me.

As my magic arrows were reaching the ground, they hit the enemy soldiers bodies, with about half of them getting stuck in their armor.

They wont pierce it?..Then what about this?

I controlled the light arrows to fall diagonally from as far up as possible.

I didnt even remember how many times I shot them by that time.

About the time my breathing started to accelerate, I saw arrows and magic spells coming from the fortress and protecting our perimeter.

Haha. Gramps, you understood me well.

The sky! The fortress is providing covering fire! Youll get killed if you go astray, so follow me!!

Because of my surprise attack and the covering fire provided by the fortress, the Tarminal Kingdoms Army could not coordinate itself at all.

I was riding my horse, shooting light arrows to places where groups of enemy soldiers were forming.

Just a little further.

Were nearly at the fortress.

We heard shouts of joy coming from the front.

500 meters until we reached the fortress.

Come on!

Oii, ready your bows!

In order to live up to their comrades rooting and support, the black knights wielded their weapons violently, clearing our immediate surroundings.

Well soon reach it.

The fortress gates were opening.

Oi, its too early! The enemies will get inside

Gahahahahaha! Im just welcoming my son! You guys can go play!

Follow the Knights Commander!!

Yeaaaaah!!!

My foster father, Galef, started to wave his spear and assault the enemies.

..Im glad you were safe, father.

In those few moments when my foster father, followed by the black knights, was leading the assault on the enemy forces, we finally reached the fortress.

You were a big help, father.

.It was too embarrassing, so I didnt tell him that.

We entered the fortress and got welcomed by the cheers of our comrades.

Well, I have to do itI really have to do it

Im not really in the mood, but it cant be helped

My foster father guided me to a balcony.

It was time for the commander of the reinforcement forces to give his speech.

In order to raise the soldiers morale, I must say some sensible and smart words.

I sighed.Cant be helped, huh?

I resigned and motivated myself, then started talking in an imposing manner.

The time you were all waiting for has come. In order to prevent the unnecessary deaths of our brave men, in order to once again fight for the ideals of our Grun Empire, in order to defend the Frontier Counts domain! Comrades, I have returned!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!

It was a huge success

And yeah, I..ended up giving a homage speech for myself. Sorry about that.