--The Imperial Guard, under the command of Leon Glantz, had set up camp on a small hill in the western part of the Mildare Plains.


　The reason why they are still in the rear instead of going to the front is because of the mission.
　Not as Nadar's army, but as a general of the Imperial Guard.


　Before the start of the war, he told Poluk Nadar that he would stay in the hills to avoid taking credit, but in reality he was waiting for an opportunity to make a move.
　Because this is a low hill, you can't see everything, but you can still get some idea of the battlefield. First of all, I have sent a unit of mages to Polk Nadar who have been trained in a new type of defensive magic, and while waiting for their report, I am now monitoring the center of the two armies from the top of the hill.


　He is particularly concerned about the Royal Army's mage troops.
　Originally, Leon contacted Polk Nadar because he received a report that the skill level of the Royal Army's mage troops had risen sharply, and he wanted to know their strength.
　That's why I'm watching the movements of the mage troops like this.


　Dusseyr gives you an inquiring look.


"Sir?

I'm not sure what to make of this.


　This is what Leon was talking about.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: ....... If this is the case, the entire unit must agree on the time to activate the spell, and this will take a certain amount of time.
　Adjustment of Magic Power" for the selected spell.
　The "chanting time" is related to the time of magic activation.
　In light of these factors, the waste of time is even greater than in other branches of the military.


　However, contrary to such common sense, the Royal Army's mage troops were agile and in step with each other.
　This could be clearly seen during the first use of magic before the infantry unit clashed.
　Although the chanting of the spell should have been almost simultaneous with that of Nadar's army, the defeating army was slightly faster in casting the spell, and there were fewer failures due to inadequacies, such as the frequent chanting failures that occurred when using magic.
　It is true that there is a difference between a central unit and a local private unit.
　But still, mages of the same kingdom. I don't think there was an insurmountable difference.
　Nevertheless, the fact that we're witnessing this much of a difference right now...


I'm sure that there is something that has improved the skill of the mage troops.

Is that so?

Yeah. It's a good thing that this battle was so fortuitous. It's very important to know that even within the kingdom's army, there is such a difference in strength.

So it looks like we'll need to keep exploring.

Well, Lieutenant. How are the records coming along?

No. Yes, as you ordered, in detail.


　When Leon heard Revel's reply, he turned his head in the other direction.


"Then all that's left to do is report on our mage troops, Lord Aulus. Can I count on you?

"Of course. The doctor also said that this magic is a masterpiece, so I'm sure it will live up to your expectations.


　This is about the anti-magic.
　If it has the endorsement of the messenger of the Silver Star, the high brother of Megas, there is no doubt about it.


　Meanwhile, Dusseyr, who was watching the battlefield, said.


"Do you think Poluk Nadar can take Ceylan's head?


　He asks the obvious question.


"No, he can't. He's so obsessed with Ceylan's head that he's biased his troops in his direction. On the other hand, I'm sure Ceylan knows exactly what ...... that pig is after. He is guarding himself and guiding the Nadar soldiers as a decoy. It's a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for the latest news.


　It was with a smile and a hint of sarcasm that he spoke.
　Poluk Nadar was so preoccupied with Ceylan that he was oblivious to everything else.
　He was like a pig in front of its food.


　Dusseyr points out a part of the battlefield with his staff in his hand to Dusseyr, who still hasn't gotten the idea.
　It was from the center of the battle line to the right flank.
　It's the Nahdar infantry, supporting the front of the vanquishing infantry.


Look.

Ha!

Count ...... has to take out Ceylan. The only way to do that is to go after Ceylan. However, in order to take him out, we must have a reasonable number of infantry to support the front. However, the flanks of the flanking line could not be taken, and enemy soldiers could not be allowed to intervene between the Count and the flanking line. That is why the flanking line stretches out endlessly like this.


　If the flank is taken by enemy soldiers, the line of battle will be cut down from there.
　If there is a hole between the flanking line and Polk Nadar's troops, enemy soldiers will rush in from there, and Polk Nadar may be pinned down.
　That is why the infantry troops supporting the front had to forcibly extend their flanks to the right flank in order to prevent a gap from being created between them and Poluk Nadar, who was advancing south in pursuit of Ceylan.

　Regardless of Polk Nadar's intentions.


If the flanking line had a certain number of troops, it could support the enemy infantry, but Nadar's army is a hodgepodge. If the flanks had a certain number of men, they could support the enemy infantry.


　Not only are the troops concentrated on the right flank, but they are also stretching out the flanking lines to cope with the situation.
　This is a danger that can be seen at a glance from a bird's eye view.


"There must not have been that much difference in the number of the vanquished and Nadar forces.

It was only at the beginning of the war that they were equal in number. If they are defeated, their numbers will decrease, and they will use the troops in the rear to make up for it. And they're using those Rustinell soldiers.







　If the line of battle is extended horizontally, the opponent will have no choice but to extend their line of battle as well.
　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following tips.
　With that, Nadar's army would be eaten up in the line of battle sooner or later.
　If the flanks were thin, the rest would just be torn apart.


As long as the tactics are correct, the vanquishing army will never lose this battle. Even if we have the numbers, the skill level and equipment of the troops are different. But--




　After all, it is Ceylan's ability to do so that should be feared.
　He saw through the enemy's objective, used himself as bait, and took control of the battlefield. Leon had expected this, but he never thought he would be able to pull it off so well.
　A general who chooses to do what he thinks is best is a very capable general.


　Light a cigarette and let the smoke drift.


"...... Ceylan was only ten or so years old. He is a very good fighter at such a young age. It's like we're being shown descriptions and performances from the annals.

"A dragon's son is a dragon, I suppose.

I had hoped you would do as well as I did, but I never expected you to do so well. The kingdom is not to be underestimated.

So far, as you predicted?

Yes, it is. This plan was based on the assumption that the vanquishing army would choose the best option. And it has worked. It's nothing short of insulting.


　There are often many blunders in a plan.
　As long as many people are involved in the event of war, there is no escaping failures, delays, and missteps, and it is impossible to choose the best course of action.
　The fact that we have been able to avoid these things and come this far is enough to be a threat.


If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always try to find out more about it by visiting our website.

I think we should cut them before they grow too big.

It's better that way. We will reap what we sow before the dragon is fully grown into the Dragon King.


　Then, Aulus raises a question.


"My lord, that's what I'm wondering. Since he is the crown prince of the kingdom, wouldn't it be better to capture him rather than kill him?　As a prisoner of war, it will be advantageous for future negotiations with the kingdom.

A hostage?

Yes.


　You're right, Aulus is right, that's one way to go.
　But...


I'm sorry to change the subject, but are you familiar with the story of the King of Yambakla, Lord Aulus?

"...... is the story of a king who appeared in the Second Age of Spirits. Folklore has it that he was a foolish king who tried to harm Cheyne, one half of the Twin Spirits.

"Yes. In order to consolidate his authority, King Yambakla bound Cheyne, one half of the twin spirits, in iron chains and took him prisoner, but on the contrary, the king suffered a calamity that destroyed him. The foolishness of trying to touch something too big for one's body to handle, and the foolishness of making easy moves on someone without carefully studying them. These are the lessons of ancient history and ancient traditions.

"It is true, as you say, that an unreasonable act will always come back to you. But no matter how powerful the other party is, doesn't the Emperor want Ceylan's body?

"No, His Majesty has already given us permission to strike.


　Yes, Leon had already approached him about Ceylan's custody.
　But what the emperor said to him was.


　--Never underestimate Rynor or the Crosselords.

　--There's no need to take him prisoner at your peril.

　--Kill him if you can.

　--If the emperors hadn't been so selfish with Rynol, half of Rynol would already belong to the empire.


　That's what the emperor told Leon.
　Don't get greedy. Don't become King Yangbakra.
　If you don't take him while you can, you'll have more trouble than you bargained for.


The king joked at the time that he didn't know if the beheading would be enough to kill him .......

"Beheading kills.

If so, good. Otherwise, he's no more a man than the emperor.

So you're saying the Emperor can be beheaded and not die?

How dare those court sparrows talk like that?


　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea. You can't say that it's not possible.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


"And the message!　I have an urgent message for His Excellency Granz!


　A soldier with information was rushing towards us, gasping for breath.
　What's the matter? What's going on?


What's wrong?　Is there an emergency?


　When Dusseyr asks, the messenger gives him an unexpected news.


"The First Magical Unit has been devoured by the Kingsguard under Ceylan's command and destroyed!

"What?

It's .......

That's .......


　The report made the area tense.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It was--


It's been destroyed!　That's the unit the Count had you following, right?

What?　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.　However, the unit was destroyed by the magic of the enemy mages!　But the unit was hit by an enemy mage's magic and was destroyed! The second and third units are currently working together to deal with the situation, but the power of the enemy's magic is so intense that they are having a hard time defending themselves.

What about the Wall Alter?　I'm not sure what to make of it.



But the enemy mage's offensive magic is a magic that can easily penetrate the new type of defensive magic. ......

You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


　I'm not sure what to make of it.


I'm not sure what to say.

I'm sure that's not a magic that can be easily broken.


　I'm sure he didn't expect it to be broken. I'm not sure what to make of it.


In the event that you've got a lot more than one of these, you'll be able to use it to your advantage. It is not an easy thing to get through unless it is a very powerful spell.

But the mage troops who learned it were destroyed when the barrier was breached.

"............


　I'm not sure what to say.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm not sure what to do. After she gave him the spell, he confirmed its effectiveness and high performance.
　However, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that it was so easily defeated just as it was put into action.


"Your Highness. Was that the magic of the Crosselords?

"No. No. Ceylan had only used it the first time. From the looks of it, I'd say it was someone from the Kingsguard.

If it was a Kingsguard, then it wasn't a unit-wide magic attack?

Yes. Yes, only one person used it. A nobleman's son by his appearance. And he looked like a young boy.

A child? !　You've been defeated by a child's magic?


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　It's a good idea to take a look at a few of the most common types of shoes that you can find.
　You can sense that Aluas is somewhat surprised.


What kind of magic was that?

"Perhaps it was a spell that shot black debris into the air.


　It was Dusseyr who questioned the messenger's words.


What kind of magic would that be?　You're saying that a spell that only shoots out flying debris could have broken that protection spell?

"Well. I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a way to get your hands on one, but I'm sure you can. In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　The soldier who gave the message turned pale and trembled, as if he had been subjected to that magic.
　Leon was suddenly curious about what the messenger had said.


But why did he preface his explanation with "perhaps"?　If he had definitely seen it, he wouldn't have put that word there.

That's because the ...... debris was so fast, it was hard to tell what the magic was ...... ejecting.

"How fast is that?

How fast is that?" "It's probably even faster than the arrows shot out of a crossbow. So even with the mobility of the cavalry, they could not evade it in time.


　Then Aluas raised his voice.


"Magic faster than a crossbow?　That's ridiculous. ......

"Mister Aluas?


　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　After a moment of silence, as if in thought, she opened her mouth.


"...... Sir. Among the magical knowledge possessed by our Silver Star, there is a law called [Falcon Plummet].

"What is it?

"It's not very difficult to understand. It's a magical law that says you can't create magic with a speed that exceeds the speed of a falcon.


　Aryus broke off there and went on to expound.


You can't exceed the speed of a falcon. Mainly, the mage is hampered by this law when creating injection magic. This happens because the magician himself can't imagine a speed higher than the Falcon's plummet.

Unimaginable?

Yes. Think of offensive magic. Isn't most offensive magic in the ejection system imitating bows and arrows, throwing spears, throwing stones, etc.?　The reason why ejection magic imitates such things is because of the limitations of the human imagination.


　Aryus said, producing a mysterious tone of voice.


"It is very difficult to imagine what we have never seen. Even if you can materialize it as magic, the effect will not be stable if your imagination is vague. That is why mages use observation and experience to help them imagine magic. Only by observing and experiencing things well, and understanding the events well, can you create stable magic.

"Hmm ......, I'm not a mage, so I don't know about that.


　I'm not a mage, so I don't know about that.


Of course, it doesn't apply to everything. You can exclude magic that has its own speed, such as wind, and if it's something you can easily imagine or associate with, you can construct it with your imagination alone. But the more effective it is, the more difficult it becomes. ......

"So you're saying, Lord Aulus, that most of the magic you cast is patterned after what you've just described?

Yes. And given that, the fastest thing we can see is the plummeting of the falcon to hunt its prey on the ground, and the equivalent thing that we have the opportunity to see widely is the arrow ball fired from the crossbow.

And since one can't see anything faster than that, the magic it produces can't be faster than that. That's why it's called [the Falcon Plummet].



"As you may have guessed, sir.

I see. The limits of human imagination. ......


　In fact, one of the national mages, the molten iron mage Cleve Arbent, suffered burns all over his body in order to create the magic that gave him his alias.
　This would be an example of breaking through the limits of imagination because of the experience.


In the story of the messenger, the speed was indeed that high. This means that the mage has broken through that law, and that he knows something that is faster than the [Falcon Plummet]. Specifically, ......

"There is a phenomenon or a flying tool that has an ejection speed greater than the crossbow: ......

Yes.


　Aluas affirmed, to which Dusseyr looked aghast.


You can't do that.　Isn't such a thing more of a threat than magic? ......

Yes. That's why I said the same thing as the Vice Admiral.

Sir.

...... I think we need to look into this as soon as possible.


　As they all groaned at the fact that they could not overlook it, the messenger rushed into the camp again.


"General!　"General! Polk Nadar has requested reinforcements!

"...... is ahead of schedule.

Sir, what can I do for you?

Yes, sir. ......


　I can't ignore the Count's request, even if it's for a mission. There is a possibility that the Count will retreat for his own sake, so we need to keep our collaborators in line to some extent.
　However, it is also true that I would like to wait a little longer.


　...... There is time. Things are going as planned, and there is still no sign of reinforcements for the vanquishing army.
　As long as there are no unexpected intruders on the board, all we have to do is wait for the right moment.
　It is important to wait until the last minute to send reinforcements to the Count, or delay them even if you do.


(Reinforcements: ......?)


　Then, a funny thing occurred to me.
　It's not about the reinforcements for the Count, but about the reinforcements for the defeating army.


　--And yet, there are still no reinforcements?


　Yes, there is still no report of reinforcements to the vanquishing army.
　That can't possibly be true.


Lieutenant Coast.

What?

Have you received any reports other than the Count's request for reinforcements?

No. What kind of report, sir?

Reinforcements for the vanquishers. Have any troops been sent from King's Landing or any other city?

I haven't heard a word from them.

Not a peep?

No. No.

............


　That's funny. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you can use it.
　Even if the Han and Grandshell put military pressure on the kingdom, the kingdom has not only the national army but also the defense of the local nobility. It is unlikely that the kingdom will not be able to send reinforcements at all. It is not impossible that the kingdom will not be able to send reinforcements at all, even if they are reserved for an invasion.


　I did say that Count ...... would not have reinforcements.
　However, I also assume that he will be able to raise some reinforcements.
　Yes, the kingdom doesn't need to move troops on a large scale, it can just move the national mage on its own, which is a major force. In the first place, even with just a few national mages, they should be able to easily wipe out the Nadar army, which is a trivial force.
　Although he would not be able to control such a situation since he would have to share the reward with the military nobles.
　Even so, they should be able to move one or two people, and it would be impossible for them not to do so.


　Suddenly, Revell opens his mouth.


"Is there something on your mind, sir?

"I'm concerned about the lack of reinforcements.

The lack of reinforcements is worrying me," he said. "Neither the strike force nor the secret agents we have hidden throughout the kingdom have reported anything of the sort.


　After all, there are no reinforcements.
　But the other side is that Shinru Crossel Lord. If the situation was still intact, why would he show such laziness when the situation was already underway?
　He may not be able to read our intentions correctly, but there is no way he would not consider the possibility that the Empire is behind Poluk Nadar.
　If so, they must be scheming to make sure that the situation does not change.


　One possibility would be to keep the defeating army in the dark.
　And...


(...... force enough forces to overturn the inferiority in a short period of time without the other side knowing)


　I guess. The current situation is in favor of the vanquishing forces, but if they are prepared for the situation when they are at a disadvantage, they would do so.
　They could move a detachment to the rear, but doing so might reduce Ceylan's credit. The best thing to do would be to add a large force to the defeating force and place it under Seiran's command.
　Presumably, we are already in the forced march phase now.


　He slaps the staff in his hand against his palm.


"Dusseyr. We're ahead of schedule, but I'm going to need you to move. I'm afraid we're not going to make it.

"General .......

You will lead your troops around a large detour into the woods behind the vanquishers. Don't be distracted.



The forest behind you?　But then ......


　Perhaps he thought that the Nadar army would be destroyed in the meantime.
　Just as I was about to give him an explanation, I heard a loud laugh from behind me.


That's where I come in.　That's where I come in, isn't it?


　...... Why is it that you are always the height of stupidity, but only at times like this do you have a keen sense of smell?
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.


"Balgu. I had hoped that you would have made your move after the Nadar army had been defeated. ......

"What? If it falls apart, it's over, isn't it?

"Nadar's army is. But what army are we?

No such thing as ...... Oh, I see. So you're saying you don't care about Nadar at all?

That's what I'm saying.

So what do you want me to do?

I want you to keep kicking the shit out of the infantry on the front lines.

Mmm. Good. Good. I'm more comfortable with that. I'm glad you're not sleepwalking me into rescuing that pig.

I can't have you doing that.

Bwahahahaha!


　Barg Gulbah raised his two battle axes and let out an earth-shaking laugh.


　Then he pointed him to the left side of the battlefield.


Barg. Break the left flank enemy line. Come on.

"Oh!　Got it!


　Balug Gulbah replies in a reassuring voice.
　Dusseya, on the other hand, seems unsettled. I call him close to me.


"Dusseya, give me your ear.

It's .......


　I tell Dusseya the main points of the mission and we talk for a while.
　Eventually, he opened his eyes in surprise.


It's .......

"So, everything is within my expectations. Okay?


　Dusseyr made a firm gesture of understanding. Dusseyr made a firm gesture of understanding.
　Then, an unexpected person spoke up.


"Then let me join you.

"Lord Aulus. Why you?　I thought you didn't want anything to do with this.

I'm just here to lend a hand. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. I'm not sure what to make of it.


　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us.


I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

I understand. You can leave it to me to deal with the national mage when he appears.


　After such an exchange, he turned to Dusseyr.


"Go. Dusseyr Lubanka. Make sure you use your bravery to finish off the crown prince of Rynor. If you succeed, Ceylan's head will be yours. Then maybe you'll get what you want.

"Are you sure about ......?

I have no taste for taking credit for my men's work. Go.

"As you wish, my lord!　Follow me, elite of the Empire!


　The fire in Dusseyr's eyes lit up. Dusseyr's eyes lit up with fire because he was carrying his clan on his shoulders.
　Leon would like to see him continue to play an active role in the future. If he can get the credit here, he may be able to dispel his worries about the delicate position his clan is in.
　Only when he could get rid of such worries would he be able to walk the path to becoming a general.
　With this thought in mind, I watched Dusseyr ride off on his horse.


　As I watched Dusseyr ride off, Revel shouted as if he'd just been eaten.


"General!　General Gulba!

"What about him?　--"What about him?

"To the right, not the left!　He's driving his horse towards Ceylan's Kingsguard!

What's wrong with him? This is going to let Dusseyr get away before he can get around you. ......




　Leon was puzzled by Barg Gulba's behavior and instructed his men to go and stop him.