Chapter 154 Battle of Sarden(7/?)
There was a difference between the Imperial Army and the Republic. The biggest difference lay in their military doctrines. This might have seemed trivial, but it was far from it.
For example, the Imperial military doctrine was a hybrid strategy. It required special discipline and high-level commanders to flawlessly execute various tactics, such as pincer movements, feigned attacks, blitzkrieg, psychological intimidation, and even trench warfare.
In contrast, the Republic's military doctrine was an old one, focused on massive manpower and rapid advancement. It was the most effective doctrine of its time, stemming from the reforms of Grand Lorenzo.
After the fall of the Aurelion Empire and the establishment of the Republic, the Aurelions, who hadn't felt threatened for a long time, had failed to update their military doctrine.
The ruling party, the United Aurelion Party, had become corrupt. It had been in power for three terms and was deeply involved in activities like bribery, money laundering, and human trafficking to line its own pockets. Experience new tales on empire
The technological gap between the Empire and the Republic was rapidly altering the course of the war. At first, Lucifer wanted to equip the army with firearms like muskets and other gunpowder weapons.
However, he rejected the idea to avoid taking risks. The world of Aure had seen no technological advancements for a long time. If the sudden appearance of deadly weapons like muskets was noticed, Lucifer was certain that even the elves would have muskets within a year.
Instead, technologies like zeppelins, fifty years ahead of the modern age, seemed like a better option. Railroads and industrialization were also tools Lucifer intended to exploit.
"Come on! Come on! Hold your ground!"
Republican soldiers quickly took cover behind the trenches built along the defensive line. The ground had been dug up, and stakes had been driven into the earth to prevent the Imperial Army from advancing.
The cavalry's task would be challenging. At the same time, archers positioned on two flanks, while spearmen and shield-bearers stood alert at the front, ready for an imminent attack.
"Those bastards! They're going to bombard us again!" From behind the defensive line, a commander squinted. Unfortunately, the Republic's cannons had limited range.
The Empire's destruction of outposts ahead of the defensive line with flying machines was even more terrifying. When a zeppelin passed over the Republican army, many soldiers were frightened.
The zeppelin was heading toward Sarden. Fearing the damage this machine, capable of annihilating outposts in a single attack, could inflict on the city, the Republican soldiers were anxious, desperate to defeat or at least halt the enemy.
The Imperial Army, although lacking numerical superiority compared to the Republic, was advancing swiftly in a manner incomprehensible to Republican generals.
To defend the city of Sarden, 200,000 soldiers were stationed, with an additional 150,000 guarding the frontline. The rest of the army was en route and expected to arrive as reinforcements within three days.
The Empire was strong, but the Republic was constantly conscripting its people for the war effort. This was the greatest military mobilization of the past century.
"Sir! It appears the enemy is preparing to attack."
"How many are there?"
"Unfortunately, our scouts couldn't get close, but we estimate their numbers to be between 50,000 and 100,000," the scout reported quickly. A thin smile formed on the commander's lips. "Good. What kind of units do they have? Cavalry? Paladins?"
"Our scouts have prepared a detailed report with great effort, sir," the scout said proudly. "Most of the enemy's Paladins and cavalry were held back due to guerrilla attacks. Our strategists believe the Empire will harass us with artillery fire."
"That will be damaging, but it will still delay them. After all, they don't have infinite reserves," the commander said with a sigh, though his expression remained serious. Ever since the war began, constant losses had shaken his confidence.
For now, they could only try to delay the enemy. "Alright, feed the troops before nightfall. There will be no sleeping tonight."
"Yes, sir!" The scout left, and as night fell, the sun disappeared, and the moon rose. The Empire began weakening the defensive line with constant artillery fire.
Occasionally, throughout the night, small groups of mounted archers harassed the Republican army to provoke and exhaust them.
As the Republic's losses grew, by the following evening, sergeants rushed to the military tent to inform the commander.
The commander took a sip of wine and looked at the scout, displeased at being disturbed during his rest but tolerant nonetheless. "What's the problem?"
"Sir! The enemy is retreating!" the scout said nervously. The commander frowned deeply. "Are they trying to flank us?"
Suspecting another pincer tactic, the commander immediately inquired further. The scout replied quickly. "They've shifted toward our flanks. I fear they're aiming for the artillery positions of our defensive line."
"Prepare the cavalry!" The commander stood up excitedly. "Advance swiftly to encircle the enemy and break through their flanks. We'll move from the wings!"
"But sir, if we leave the defensive line—"
Cutting off the scout, the commander remained resolute. For a moment, the scout felt a dark presence in the commander's eyes but dared not voice his suspicion.
"Fool, if the enemy is dividing their forces, then we'll use our numerical advantage to destroy them! It's time for revenge!" Before the scout could protest further, the commander remained firm.
Nearly on the verge of pleading, the scout felt the cold, piercing gaze of the commander. "No more talking. Just do your job and attack."
With no further room to argue, the scout left. The Republic's army was shaken by the sudden orders. Meanwhile, the Imperial Army launched attacks from two directions, provoking the enemy.
But strangely, the Imperial Army began to retreat suddenly, while the officers hesitated to issue advance orders. The defenses, which had cost millions of gold coins and countless hours of effort, now seemed worthless.
Confusion spread among the officers as the commander mounted his horse and charged forward. Shocked by the sight, the officers, realizing there was no turning back, issued the orders.
"Everyone attack! Advance on the enemy!"
Following the commander, the cavalry surged forward. Soldiers crossed the defensive line and advanced rapidly.
However, as the retreating Imperial Army suddenly regrouped and attacked the flanks, the commander, now isolated, led his cavalry away.
"Who made that fool a commander?"
Watching from a distance, the officers sighed in frustration. One officer tried to maintain hope. "At least our army has the enemy surrounded."
Their relief was shattered by a loud rumble as thousands of Paladins emerged from behind a nearby hill.
"Dear Goddess…"
"We've lost…"
The Republican Army, struck from the rear, quickly lost its formation. Simultaneously, the encircled Imperial soldiers began pushing back against the frightened and confused enemy.
The rest of the Imperial Army crested the hill, followed by female archers who began firing into the panicked Republican forces.
The night echoed with screams. The officers ordered a retreat, but it was too late. The Republican Army, believing they had trapped the Empire, found themselves surrounded instead.
The Republic's forces were encircled and annihilated, both from within and without.
"I've had enough! I didn't come here to die! I'm leaving!" A terrified officer mounted his horse and fled.
"Don't run! Y—"
Some officers bravely tried to stand their ground, but those who fled quickly disappeared. Witnessing this, the remaining officers were filled with rage. "Cowards, traitors!"
Their shouts were in vain. The Imperial Army had won again, and the Republic had suffered another loss. Officer Alexius nearly tore out his hair in frustration and trembled with fury.
"No, we haven't lost yet. No, we will have our revenge—"
An arrow pierced the officer's forehead, tearing through his brain, and his body crumpled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. From a distance, Emily smiled and stroked her bow. "Perfect as always."
George smiled, impressed by his sister's skill. "I just hope you're not getting lazy. After all, we still need you, Arrow Princess."
Emily frowned at George's words. That title had been given to her by the people, and it irritated her deeply. Nevertheless, she maintained a mocking smile on her face.
"Thank you, Red Axe."
This time, it was George's turn to feel embarrassed. He scratched his head and laughed. From a distance, Bernard approached, casting a watchful gaze over the battlefield. "It seems the battle will be over soon."
"Yes, the Almighty God helped us. For a moment, I feared they wouldn't fall into our trap," George said with a furrowed brow. Their ambush plan had almost failed.
George didn't doubt that the cavalry arriving behind the commander to spring their trap was divine intervention.
Even though they had won the battle, George made a mental note never to make such a mistake again.
About an hour later, the battlefield was clear of enemies. The Republic's forces, though superior in numbers, had been cornered and couldn't escape. It was a massacre orchestrated by the Imperial army.
George, Bernard, and Emily made their way to Simon, who was resting on the battlefield. Soldiers saluted them one by one as they passed, and Simon turned to them. "We'll reach Sarden quickly now."
"Yes, I have a plan in mind," George said with a faint smile. As Simon and the others looked at him curiously, George glanced at the enemy corpses on the ground. "We can conquer Sarden without a fight through psychological warfare."
"Impossible," Bernard was the first to respond. "Even if we've defeated them a few times, they still have the will to resist. They won't surrender."
Emily and Simon nodded in agreement with Bernard. George paused for a moment, then continued, "Imagine thousands of severed Republican heads suddenly raining down on your city. That would be enough to break their spirit."
The group fell silent at George's words. There was no condemnation, only shock. Simon then looked at George seriously. "How many do we need?"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
"Five thousand heads should do."
"Hey, hey, isn't that a bit too cruel?" Emily asked calmly. George turned to her. "This isn't a game. If we want to protect our soldiers, we have to do whatever it takes."
Emily glanced at Simon and Bernard for support, but when she saw them turn their heads away, her smile faded.
"I'm sorry, but George is right. We need to defeat the enemy as soon as possible," Simon said with a sigh. Bernard looked at Emily hesitantly before speaking. "I wouldn't want this either, but I want to take the capital quickly for my mother's sake."
Facing no opposition, Emily stepped back and pouted. "Fine, I'll go along with your plan, but I won't support it."
George let out a sigh of relief, then laughed and playfully tapped Emily on the shoulder. "My sister is as strong as ever!"
"Cut it out, idiot. You're hurting my shoulder," Emily said, though a smile crept onto her face. After some more discussion, the group gave the order for the soldiers to collect the heads and store them in sacks.
For two days, they advanced and prepared to lay siege to Sarden. As the Imperial army tended to their basic needs, they set out again at dawn...