Chapter 514: 514

Chapter 514: Star of Battlefield 1

To the north of Variand Mountains .

Due to the surprise attack from the Symphonia Kingdom, flames were rising all over the castles and forts that were built on the defense line .

Symphonia Kingdom, which managed to bypass the invasion route of the Baroque Empire forces, took over the borders and the forts .

As it was an unforeseen attack, the guards of the fort were either forced to leave the places without closing the gates or fighting their enemies properly .

‘We did the first step perfectly . ’

Belik, who was satisfied with the outcome of the plan, proceeded to the north to occupy the other forts along the region .

The southern troops, who were dispatched to stop the enemies until the reinforcements arrived, tried . However, because of the faster and fatal attacks of Symphonia, they couldn’t hold long .

Two days from the border of the Symphonia Kingdom was at baron’s land .

The wall of the lord’s manor was sturdy, and that made the lord think that he was safe until it fell halfway .

The Gigants of the Symphonia Kingdom were attacking the helpless lord’s manor .

The knights and soldiers of the manor walked up with weapons in their hands . However, they were all shattered along with their Gigants .

Their faces, which understood their defeat in the hands of Symphonia Kingdom, were filled with fear and anxiety .

It was because they knew very well on how the war prisoners would be treated .

However, the soldiers were shocked after a few seconds .

The army of Symphonia Kingdom had just left them there . On top of that, they had handed them some food and money .

“What if they join the enemy side once again?”

Philip’s concerned question was answered by a man who was riding on a luxurious white horse with red armor .

“Hut, maybe I could have reached faster with my own two feet instead of this horse or carriage? And if they join, we will have to smash them the moment they join . ”

The man who replied confidently was Arch Duke Belik, the Commander of the expedition .

Answering Philip’s question, he looked over at the middle-aged knight who was on the other side .

“Look here . Your expression hasn’t been so good for long . Are you hurt somewhere?”

“It isn’t that I haven’t been well . Not long ago, I was protecting this place . ”

“Ah well, that is true . That was why you were chosen as the guide . ”

Belik nodded his head as he realized the truth later .

The middle-aged knight was Count Ferrero, whom Luke had saved from the prison dungeon two months back .

Before heading back to Nemesis, he stayed there to rebuild the Southern Army, the forts and strengthen their skills .

In addition, they knew about the route of invasions that could bypass the original route to Variand Mountains and the other southern territories .

Luke knew that the situation was favorable for him in that area .

So Luke put him and Shirley, who were practicing swordsmanship or moving around the castle without any official title or position, as ‘Guides’ .

Ferrero, who had been defeated by Luke the other day, took Luke as his new master just as he had promised and followed Luke’s orders without a word .

However, he wasn’t feeling happy about it .

It was because, among the knights and soldiers, who were protecting the place, he was one of them .

Because of his faithfulness to the given word, he accepted the condition . However, he couldn’t get the thought of betraying his home out of his head .

However, the one who broke the trust between their war principles was Emperor Rudolf .

He imprisoned Count Ferrero in the dungeon to tame him .

Even if that could be excused, he had taken Ferrero’s family as a hostage and intimidated them . Also, he ordered Ferrero’s followers and retainers to be killed .

It was all Rudolf’s attempt to make Ferrero into a dog that only listened to his words . However, Rudolf only brought antagonism upon himself .

‘Yeah well, I am no longer following Rudolf!’

Upon thinking it through, Ferrero shook his thoughts away .

It was fortunate that Symphonia Kingdom didn’t kill nor discriminate between war prisoners or nobles .

Like before, the normal soldiers weren’t harmed and were released .

Commanders, knights and the officers would be taken to the Symphonia Kingdom . However, there was no danger of them being executed .

They would try to reason with them and turn them toward Symphonia, or they would be given rewards and have them released .

‘Maybe I’ll be placed on the persuasive work . ’

Seeing Symphonia Kingdom act more generously and provide equal treatment, Ferrero had decided to help more in the expedition team . Rudolf had to fall quickly in order to save the people from suffering .

It was then that Shirley, who had been out to scout, returned and reported the situation .

“The enemy troops stationed on forts 40 kilometers to the north are retreating at once . Maybe they will join Sherwood city and defend . ”

Initially, the Southern Army did send reserve troops on command to the support forces .

However, the speed of Symphonia Kingdom exceeded their expectations, and they had to immediately retreat .

And as that wasn’t enough, they were gathering troops stationed at other forts and estates .

“Hmm, that commander there seems to be like a complete fool . It would have been a good plan to gather a capable defense region and watch the leftover power be defeated . ”

Ferrero nodded at Belik’s words and said,

“He is still a young Count and has weak sword skills, but he is someone who can use his commanding abilities to the fullest . ”

“Then we might need to be cautious about Sherwood . ”

The final goal of the expedition forces was Sherwood, the central city of the southern part of the Baroque Empire .

It was a place of commerce and industry that developed as a key point for movement and where the headquarters of the Southern Army was established .

The city was located on a region, which was in the middle of a flowing river, so attacking by regular means would be difficult .

“Surely, the same tactic will not work . If I could work by myself, I would blow up the bridge leading to the city and burn all the boats . ”

“Even then, we need it standing until we reach there . In order to look for the retreating or defeated troops . ”

Belik could only laugh at those words .

Both Shirley and Ferrero noticed that the man was cooking something up in his mind .

“Anyway, for the siege, we need to change tactics and think of a new operation . Tell the engineers to secure the materials for the bridge and any temporary transport . If needed, tell them that Gigants or trailers can be used . ”

“Understood, Arch Duke . ”

Once Philip had been given orders, he stepped back to make the preparations, and Belik asked the scattered troops to attack the South .

If the opponent was going to concentrate their entire power in one region, then this side would play along with them .

Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters .