novelraw Chapter 13 : Surprise Attack Operation (1)
Chapter 13 : Surprise Attack Operation (1)
Surprise Attack Operation (1)
A chilly wind brushed by as countless people walked along the winding ridge.
Rachmes Ridge, where war was now raging, was connected to the Artuha Mountains.
If one could cross this range, they would be able to reach behind the military camp of the Kainzel Kingdom's army, but the terrain was so treacherous that attempting to traverse it entailed considerable risk.
Even more so now, as winter had settled in and snow was beginning to fall.
The reason the Kainzel Kingdom had been able to prolong the war despite their unfavorable situation was precisely due to such geographical advantages.
"By the way, when did Sir Vanhart become so close with Priest Michelle?"
Because I was participating in the operation under the guise of being Duke Gale's advisor, the duke himself was by my side.
It seemed that Michelle, who was trailing after me right behind, was making Gale uncomfortable.
After all, it was unusual for a priest to participate directly in a war.
"... Haha, it's due to personal circumstances. I hope I won't be a bother."
"Don't worry! On the contrary, having the descendant of the Saint support our army is a blessing for the kingdom!"
At Duke Gale's hearty laugh, Michelle's face stiffened ever so slightly.
'It must be because of that "descendant of the Saint" remark.'
Just as Saint Grancesia disliked being called a "saint", Michelle too was not fond of being called "the descendant of the Saint."
In Grancesia's case, she disliked the title because she felt it demeaned her, whereas Michelle was tormented by a sense of inferiority tied to the name "saint".
'At any rate, I'm glad Michelle followed along.'
I glanced at the "Eye of Shimosha" adorning my finger.
Since then, Grancesia rarely initiated any conversation with me.
Unlike in the beginning, when she used to chatter away like a gossip, now she only spoke if it was truly necessary.
'In any case... it should be soon now.'
I scanned the many people traveling along the mountain range.
The row after row of soldiers and knights armed with heavy armor and weapons was truly a sight to behold.
"The vanguard is to draw the enemy's attention and, if an ambush is detected, should engage only briefly before withdrawing."
"Understood."
Having issued instructions to the commanders, Duke Gale withdrew to the rear.
Because Baian had fled before the whole truth came to light, the fact that he was a spy had not been confirmed.
However, Duke Gale devised his strategy under the assumption that Baian was a spy.
'If that wasn't the case, there would have been no reason for Baian to recklessly target Duke Gale.'
Baian didn't know that Gale was still alive.
So, if he had relayed information to the Kainzel Kingdom, his task would have ended with reporting Gale's death.
Duke Gale's plan was to turn that same information against the enemy, inducing their carelessness.
"Third and fourth units, prepare for possible flank or rear ambushes. Second and fifth units, move as stealthily as possible while maintaining formation, and be ready to fire arrows at any time when the vanguard draws the enemy out!"
"Yes, your grace!"
Duke Gale's attitude, as he anticipated every potential contingency while orchestrating troop movements, was nothing like what I had seen before.
Watching him assess the battlefield with a sharp gaze and take command of the situation, I thought: this was truly worthy of the "Setting Addition".
==
〈Ivan Gale〉
Age: 53
Gender: Male
Role in the story: Extra
Abilities: Magic (2nd class), King of the Battlefield, Appraisal Eye
Notes: The hope of the Talua Kingdom, who defied fate.
The main reason the ragtag forces of the Talua Kingdom could overwhelm the Kainzel Kingdom's army.
Currently, he harbors suspicions about the odd movements of the Kainzel Kingdom.
==
The "hope of the Talua Kingdom," indeed.
If it were an empty title, it wouldn't have meant much, but two of his abilities could only be described as utterly broken.
Particularly striking was his "King of the Battlefield" ability.
==
〈King of the Battlefield〉
The talent to employ the most appropriate tactics in war.
Allows one to assess the flow of a battle at a glance and devise a corresponding strategy immediately.
Also boosts the morale of subordinates and makes them more easily follow orders.
==
The effect of this ability was as dramatic as its grandiose name.
The abilities I'd seen on various people until now reflected what each had honed over time.
Occasionally, though, some abilities were as if they were "innate talents," and such abilities fell into exactly two categories.
They were either broken, or garbage.
King of the Battlefield was, of course, the former.
And then, the second...
==
〈Appraisal Eye〉
Allows the user to roughly estimate the abilities and talents of those they behold.
==
The description was simple, but it was a tremendously powerful ability. Being able to discern another's skills and talent at a glance was a huge advantage.
'It's been registered in Setting Addition, so if I get the chance, I'll try to acquire it.'
There'd be no harm in obtaining both. Though the plausibility requirement was high, unlike Divine Blood, I could pick these up whenever, so there was no need to rush.
"Stop!"
We had crossed a mid-mountain snowy slope when Duke Gale shouted loudly, raising his hand high.
There was still considerable distance to the Kainzel Kingdom's encampment, but the terrain was so complex that it was a perfect place for an ambush.
"From here on, proceed with caution."
The vanguard slowed down and began to advance slowly.
The vanguard consisted only of those handpicked from the army's elite.
They weren't just the centerpiece of this operation, but could rightfully be called the core combat power of the Talua Kingdom.
However...
'Facing the Calamity of the Dragon is too much for them.'
The 7th Calamity.
The princess Asktalin, cursed with the Curse of Dragonification.
Given what I knew of the calamities in the setting, no matter how accomplished a knight, in the end they were only human.
Knowing what was to come, I couldn't let myself relax.
"Sir Vanhart, you don't look well. Is something bothering you?"
"Ah, your grace. It's nothing."
"You're a clever man—I'm sure you've noticed something. Speak freely."
It seemed Duke Gale had sensed something unusual from my expression.
'Even if he asks...'
I couldn't very well say that a catastrophe was about to appear.
Nor could I use the excuse of a divine revelation as I'd done with Michelle—Duke Gale was not someone to take lightly. He would easily see through any lie.
'What should I say, then?'
As I watched the vanguard move out ahead, I raised my head and surveyed the surroundings.
The only thing piercing the stillness of the mountains was the razor-sharp sound of the wind.
"... Isn't it strangely quiet?"
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"The Artuha Mountains have harsh terrain, but are also home to many monsters and animals. But as we came this far, the number of monsters we've encountered has been oddly low."
At first, I was just making plausible-sounding excuses as I spoke.
But as I said it, I realized it truly was strange.
Caught up in the operation, I hadn't noticed until now, but there hadn't even been the usual chirping of birds.
"It's as if everything is holding its breath, hiding from something..."
Duke Gale's eyes widened. He too must have realized something was off.
"So what you're saying is..."
It was at that moment, as Gale began to speak, that the vanguard suddenly raised a red flag high.
"It's an ambush!"
A soldier's shout rang out.
At the same time, a rain of arrows fell upon the vanguard.
"Die, dogs of Talua!"
From both sides, armies bearing flags emblazoned with red emblems rushed at the vanguard.
And so the battle began.
* * *
Marquis Aldin, commander of the Kainzel Kingdom's army, smiled with satisfaction as he watched the Talua Kingdom's forces desperately swing their swords.
They had taken little damage from the first volley of arrows, but he was sure that surrounding and attacking from all sides would soon wipe them out.
'How much easier things are without that damned Ivan around?'
He looked carefully to see if any enemies were acting suspiciously, but there was no sign of Duke Gale.
The reports must have been accurate—he had surely died from poisoning.
'Baian, you did well.'
The only thing worth noting was the resistance of knights unleashing their Sword Aura ferociously.
'Still, it seems the enemy has built their unit from the cream of the Talua forces.'
It seemed they'd mainly filled the vanguard with strong fighters, given how tenaciously they resisted.
"Lucky for me."
If the Talua Kingdom lost its finest knights and soldiers in this operation, it would deal a severe blow to their army.
And, in that case, his contribution as commander of the operation would be rated even higher.
'Now, die. Hurry up!'
The Talua forces were withdrawing under pressure, but none fell easily.
Marquis Aldin started to feel irritation welling up.
"Why are you struggling so much against enemies on the run...!"
"Marquis Aldin."
"Urk?!"
Suddenly, a voice came from behind, sending a chill down Aldin's spine.
Turning, he saw a man with black hair and blood-red eyes, his expression cold.
"Seems like you're having trouble for an ambush."
'A monster of a man.'
He looked human, but Aldin knew he was no ordinary person.
"I-it'll soon be over. See—can't you see them desperately trying to escape?"
"But the casualties are far too low. Most of all—Baian Deoric isn't among them."
"... Maybe he stayed out as a precaution. After all, his whole purpose here was to set this operation in motion."
Aldin gave a forced, nonchalant smile.
"Besides, whatever tricks the enemy pulls, isn't it reassuring to know you'll help us?"
"Incompetent fool. Planning to rely on help already?"
The man clicked his tongue in mockery. The veins bulged on Aldin's forehead, but he swallowed his rage.
"... In any case, I'll hurry up and finish them off before they escape."
Aldin drew his sword, facing the Talua forces withdrawing step by step.
On his command, the soldiers of the Kainzel Kingdom chased the fleeing enemy.
'Their resistance is nothing but a pathetic struggle. If we press on, the battle will end quickly!'
They couldn't ride horses on the mountains, but chasing the wounded and slowed-down enemies was an easy thing.
"Running with your tail between your legs! Surrender quietly, and I'll spare your lives!"
At that moment, as Aldin boasted boldly...
The Talua Kingdom's knights, running away at full speed, suddenly whirled around.
"Huh?"
Aldin hesitated at the sudden reversal, and from within the knights, a warrior bearing a blue sword aura burst forth.
'Tedric Eaton?!'
Tedric Eaton was famous even in the Kainzel Kingdom.
Eldest son of the Eaton marquisate, he was a swordsman rumored to be on the verge of becoming a Swordmaster.
According to Baian's reports, he'd been accused of poisoning Duke Gale and taken into custody...
'Something's wrong.'
Someone under that kind of suspicion shouldn't have been able to participate in the war.
He should have been either confined or executed.
If Tedric Eaton was here, something had gone very, very wrong.
"Cover the vanguard! All forces, charge!"
A voice Aldin never wanted to hear rang out, and suddenly—who knew where they'd been hiding—Talua Kingdom soldiers poured in from all sides.
Though they weren't as strong as those the enemy had fought earlier, their numbers were overwhelming.
"Y-you madmen!"
Did they know about the ambush all along?
Had we fallen into a counter-ambush instead?
'Weren't they supposed to be dead!?'
Worst of all was seeing Duke Gale, alive and well, commanding from atop a high hill.
Clearly, the rumors of his death by poisoning were false.
'Did Baian betray us? Or were we being used from the start?'
As his soldiers fell left and right, confusion swamped Aldin's mind.
There was no hope of winning at this rate.
"Wh-what are you doing just standing there?! Hurry, help us—"
At that moment, a blue sword aura flashed before Aldin's eyes. Out of nowhere, Tedric Eaton had swung his sword at him.
"Krah!"
"That's why you're so incompetent."
But the scream didn't come from Aldin.
Tedric's sword snapped as he was sent flying, groaning in pain. He'd reacted too slowly to the unexpected counterstrike.
He'd survived, but it was clear the blow had been severe.
"You'd better be ready for judgment, Aldin."
All eyes now turned to a single man in the sudden commotion.
A man in pitch-black clothes, with a cold expression.
'Who the hell is that?'
Clay, seeing the scene like everyone else, was dumbfounded.
Black, inhuman Demonic Energy and blazing red eyes.
It could only mean one thing.
A demonkin.
'This wasn't supposed to happen.'
The princess hadn't appeared, but something else bizarre just had.