Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 12

Winston Felius observed the Highserk army from atop a hill.

The Highserk army was advancing towards the hill where Duke Yuse Mayard, the farthest of Felius forces, had set up camp in the shadows.

“Just as expected,” he noted.

Based on the tendencies of the Highserk army so far, they had been overturning disadvantages by using their better mobility, numerical superiority, and better-trained troops in local areas.

“It seems that the Highserk Empire plans to deal with the weaker Mayard forces before facing us in a decisive battle,” confirmed Winston’s advisors, who had accompanied him from their homeland, while arranging pieces on a map.

“The surroundings of the hill are heavily guarded, and while we have only a rough idea of their formation, it’s certain they will attack Mayard’s position. They have deployed three infantry units, each with about 2000 soldiers, on the sides to buy time against us,” reported one of the strategists.

Winston nodded in satisfaction at the report.

“Although they are strong, it’s arrogant of Berger to think his 6000 men can hold off our Felius troops. We’ll put an end to his military career,” he said.

Winston’s eyes moved over the map again, visualizing the deployment of the troops.

Weakening Mayard’s forces, a vassal state, and making them militarily dependent on Felius, and reducing the Highserk army’s strength was the ideal development for Winston.

“No detail has been overlooked in the construction of the fortifications.”

“The Mayard position has horse barriers, placed shields, and even simple trenches made with earth magic. It will take time to overcome a hill defended by over 10,000 soldiers, including militia.”

“The only remaining concern is the Jeyf cavalry battalion.”

The Jeyf cavalry battalion was renowned as one of the strongest in the northern regions. It was widely recognized among Winston and his soldiers that this unit had been crucial in the rapid advances of the Highserk Empire.

“When we go on the offensive, we have to anticipate a defense by the cavalry. Thousands of casualties are inevitable.”

“Sacrifices are part of victory. The cavalry battalion is not invincible. If a majority of the infantry is lost, they too will crumble. Without infantry, ultimate victory is unattainable.”

Winston concluded his words and tapped the table lightly.

“We will bring victory back to King Bariston of our homeland. Remember, don’t slip up. We will decide the outcome with a single strike when both Highserk and Mayard are exhausted.”

◆

As the decisive battle approached, both armies converged on the plains near the capital, Aidenberg. Duwey’s squad also joined the Reglia battalion and waited for the order to deploy from their fortified position.

“It seems that the army from the Felius Kingdom has also joined, according to the vanguard’s information. Their numbers are around 14,000. With 4,000 Mayard troops and 7,000 hastily summoned militiamen, they have over 20,000 men.”

The commanders’ council had already finished, and it seemed that the information was shared with the lower level, including Squad leader Duwey, in a top-down manner.

Facing over 25,000 enemy soldiers, the Highserk forces, including losses along the way, were fewer than 18,000. It seemed that Mayard’s resistance at the border was not in vain.

“It’s rare for the enemy to take the offensive, so that’s why,” nodded Jose in understanding. Since Walm and the others had invaded the Duchy of Mayard, there had been few proper field battles. Most were sieges, pursuits, and clean-up operations, all of which were costly and labor-intensive.

“So, while wearing us down, they called in their big guns.”

“We’re facing an opponent that’s been preparing for war for five years, so we can’t be careless,” groaned Nohl, which was met with a tap on her helmet from Jose. The light sound reached Walm’s ears.

“The Highserk Empire has been at war for five years and can still deploy this number of troops. Domestic development might be delayed, except in some regions, but the troops are mostly experienced regulars. Even with a difference of 6 or 7 thousand, it’s not an insurmountable gap.”

“That’s encouraging.”

“Are you shrinking again?”

Jose made a grabbing gesture, causing Barrit move side to side. He hadn’t forgotten being grabbed in his first battle.

“Give me a break, will you?”

While Jose was making fun of Barrit, Walm had a different opinion. After several battles, saying that the two couldn’t be considered new recruits anymore. Duwey squad’s standards were just too high.

Walm couldn’t tell them that; it would be troubling if they got carried away and died in battle.

“Let’s leave it at that and move on to the main topic. The Reglia Battalion will be on standby in the rear with the Jeyf Cavalry Battalion.”

The squad leader’s announcement was shocking. From what Walm knew, the Highserk Empire, especially Gerald Berger, excelled in hammer and anvil tactics, breaking through one side of formation before enveloping or semi-encircling superior forces.

The driving force behind this was the Jeyf Cavalry Battalion, renowned as the strongest in the neighboring countries and Gerald Berger’s right arm. They loved twisting the enemy cavalry and prying open the infantry’s flanks.

Often, a light infantry battalion combining support and assistance would be deployed behind them.

“Why the Reglia Battalion? We’ve never worked with cavalry against the Libertoa Trade Federation.”

Jose asked seriously. Walm too was puzzled at the sudden expectation to coordinate with cavalry.

In the Libertoa campaign, although there were a few cavalry operations, no battalion-sized cavalry units were deployed. The main force had always been infantry, and Walm had only spoken a few times with cavalry, mainly for messages or enemy disruptions.

“It’s unusual, but the vanguard’s light infantry battalion got too exhausted. And we can’t pull the main force facing Mayard either. So, the experienced Reglia Battalion was chosen. This is going to be tough.”

The usually light-hearted squad leader wore a grim face. A bad omen, Walm had learned.

“Is it that dangerous?”

Barrit, who had lost his usual energy, asked timidly.

“It’s dangerous. We can’t lag behind the cavalry’s speed. Our hearts will feel like bursting, and our lungs and legs tremble at their limits, but if we stop, we’ll be swallowed by the troops behind and the unit will be in chaos. If we fall, we’ll be trampled to death. We have to kill the enemy while running.”

The squad leader’s words carried weight and reality, painting a vivid picture.

“And my squad is at the very front. All because Walm has caused such a ruckus with his ‘Strong Strike’!”

Incredibly, the commotion causing squad leader was trying to pin the blame on Walm.

“No, no, you’re the one who’s always rampaging around!”

Walm protested immediately, but the squad leader averted his gaze.

“With two ‘Strong Strike’ users and Wilart’s magic, even Platoon Leader Cozul couldn’t keep this anymore.”

Walm had understood that the slightly heavier platoon leader always loved moderation. He disliked being placed on the dangerous front lines by earning excessive military achievements. It seems that this sentiment had reached higher-ups.

“I was patted on the shoulder by the Reglia Battalion commander who said he was ‘expecting great things.’ I thought something was off then. It was supposed to be just the usual meeting with squad and platoon leaders, but company commanders were present too. ‘The most elite squad in my company,’ he said. That was the first time I had a proper conversation with our company commander.”

The squad leader was troubled by the mounting issues. For Walm, it was not someone else’s problem, but all he could do was prepare mentally and rest his body until the battle started.