The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front - Chapter 71

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Mad Spearman of the Northern Front (71)

 

A location where the distant battlefield of Elvarfiel Lake could be seen.

 

Rauben, the commander of the Northeastern 2nd Defense Line, was gazing at the faintly visible battlefield of the 4th Defense Line in the distance.

 

The soldiers looked somewhat exhausted from their rapid march, but thanks to that, they had managed to arrive on time.

 

Whoosh!

 

A cold wind brushed past his cheek, and the metallic sound of clashing armor could be heard from afar as someone approached quickly.

 

“Lord Rauben.”

 

It was Adjutant Erd.

 

Seeing the shadow cast across his face, Rauben asked.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

“The forward reconnaissance unit has just finished their report and returned. However… they say they’ve spotted Kar Tribe forces moving down from the northern lake area.”

 

“…Kar Tribe forces, you say?”

 

Rauben’s expression hardened.

 

One might think the Kar Tribe were simply brutes who pushed forward with sheer force, but they possessed a meticulousness that allowed no gaps.

 

Naturally, he had expected them to request and dispatch reinforcement forces.

 

‘But their speed is faster than I anticipated.’

 

If they had arrived now, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they had requested support immediately after their defeat in that battle he had heard about.

 

‘The Kar Tribe commander facing the 4th Defense Line… I heard he was quite formidable.’

 

He blamed himself for misjudging that along with such strength would come equally strong pride.

 

Rauben calmly organized his thoughts and asked Erd.

 

“What’s the size of their forces?”

 

“The scale itself isn’t that large. However…”

 

Erd lowered his voice and unfolded the map he had brought.

 

Unlike what they had previously, this was a detailed map of the terrain around Elvarfiel.

 

Erd continued.

 

“The problem is the terrain of this place. The location where the Kar Tribe forces are currently positioned is here… As you can see, it’s terrain with narrow, long paths that are difficult for our forces to enter.”

 

If the enemy were to set up an ambush here, the complete annihilation of their forces would happen in an instant.

 

Moreover, there would be many more variables than what was visible on this map.

 

The terrain where the Kar Tribe had positioned themselves wasn’t a place they knew very well.

 

“…”

 

Rauben furrowed his brow deeply as he examined the unfolded map.

 

Despite being around the lake, there were rough hills and terrain that had to be climbed.

 

In such a place, they couldn’t properly utilize the advantages that came with having many troops.

 

However…

 

“If we completely surround the outskirts of this place… it would be good conditions for annihilating those who try to escape later.”

 

“That may be true, but… does that mean you won’t enter immediately to provide assistance?”

 

Erd asked cautiously.

 

At that question, Rauben shook his head.

 

“This doesn’t seem like something I can decide unilaterally. However, having our forces enter such terrain would involve too great a risk…”

 

Who would have thought there would be terrain around Elvarfiel Lake that could create such variables.

 

Rauben bit his lips tightly.

 

“Send a letter to the Corps Commander immediately to report this situation. It seems… this battle will be longer and more fierce than expected.”

 

“…Understood.”

 

Erd bowed his head in response. At that, Rauben turned his gaze back toward the battlefield.

 

He had thought they could easily dispose of the wounded Kar Tribe by combining forces…

 

‘Who would have thought such a situation would arise.’

 

The actual situation upon arrival was far more complex and treacherous than expected.

 

Rauben observed the situation in silence.

 

He had the illusion of hearing shouts carried on the wind along with the spreading lights in the distance.

 

Nothing could be predicted, but one thing was certain.

 

Swish.

 

Rauben looked at the map clutched in his hand again.

 

‘From this place…’

 

The middle ground where both formations had stopped.

 

The forward area from each formation.

 

How the battle flowed from this place would definitely determine the outcome of this fight.

 

* * *

 

A strange tension pierced the skin like needles as it circled the camp.

 

Ulgrak and Makrowdon.

 

The unit commanders and two warriors that the Kar Tribe took pride in stood side by side, gazing at the battlefield.

 

Two people whose skills were recognized with four feather tattoos.

 

Where else could one see a situation where they stood side by side, preparing for battle.

 

The warriors watching the two maintained silence, even suppressing their breathing.

 

Finally…

 

Nod.

 

Makrowdon looked at Ulgrak standing beside him and nodded.

 

Ulgrak also responded with his eyes and turned to look at the warriors in position.

 

Then he stepped forward and shouted loudly to them.

 

“This place where we now stand is a strategic point that the Empire bastards cannot dare enter with their main force. However, we too would find it burdensome to pass through here leading our main force.”

 

This special terrain in Southern Elbarfiel Lake was a place where a small force could block a large army.

 

But conversely, when they needed to attack, they too had to pass through narrow, long paths, so they couldn’t move with large forces.

 

“Therefore, seizing the hill between the Empire bastards and our main force is more important than anything.”

 

This was a fact that all the Kar Tribe Warriors here knew.

 

The warriors’ gazes naturally turned toward beyond the hill.

 

Ulgrak sharpened his tone and continued.

 

“The battlefield here is narrow and rough. It’s impossible for many warriors to move. Therefore, only those with skill and courage will be able to participate in this battle.”

 

At those words, the tense atmosphere became even heavier.

 

Seeing this, Makrowdon unconsciously formed a slight smile.

 

Ulgrak had instantly seized control of the atmosphere with just a few words.

 

Ulgrak gazed at the warriors watching them and slowly opened his mouth.

 

“However, the current Imperial Army has become completely different from those we knew before. In just a few days… countless brothers have departed to the gods’ side.”

 

A solemn atmosphere weighed down on their shoulders.

 

As Ulgrak said, too many warriors had lost their lives in just a few days.

 

“But we cannot retreat in fear. If we fail to seize this hill… this land will eventually fall to the Empire bastards.”

 

The explanation was sufficient.

 

Fighting spirit now blazed like flames in the warriors’ eyes, and they looked ready to shout and release that energy at any moment.

 

A brief silence followed.

 

“Are there warriors who will fight together?”

 

As soon as Ulgrak’s words continued, the warriors’ passionate shouts erupted.

 

“I will go!”

 

“I want to participate too!”

 

“Among warriors with two feather tattoos, none is stronger than me! If you take me, I will be of great help!”

 

“I will join as well!”

 

The suppressed fervor exploded as flames surged in the warriors’ hearts.

 

Morale reached its peak, and Makrowdon inwardly exclaimed in admiration at the sight.

 

‘This is…’

 

Was this the power of Ulgrak, who had dominated Elvarfiel Lake for years and struck terror into the Imperial Army?

 

‘He’s much stronger than what I heard.’

 

Though he hadn’t been here long, Makrowdon was certain.

 

They would definitely emerge victorious in this battle.

 

Soon, Ulgrak looked at the warriors and called out their names one by one.

 

“Maruolka!”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Hukraitam!”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Kwak!”

 

“Yes, Taman!”

 

One by one, another by another.

 

Each time their names were called, the warriors stepped forward, emanating an aura like fierce beasts.

 

In each of their hands dwelt the soul of a warrior that burned even hotter than their weapons.

 

Finally, nearly a hundred elite warriors stood before Ulgrak.

 

Without a doubt, these were the strongest warriors they could assemble at present.

 

Ulgrak looked at Makrowdon.

 

He too had already finished organizing and stood in position with his warriors.

 

Then Makrowdon also looked back at Ulgrak.

 

There was no need for lengthy conversation.

 

After all, their goal was one and the same.

 

‘This battle…’

 

‘This war…’

 

They would definitely achieve victory.

 

Over two hundred elite Kar Tribe warriors began moving toward the mist-covered hill once again.

 

And at that same moment.

 

Inside the Imperial Army’s operations meeting room, a strange tension was circulating.

 

“In this battle, the main force is meaningless. Whichever side occupies the forward hill will unconditionally become the victor of this battle.”

 

Seran, who had come to the commander’s conference room to report, spoke before the assembled officers.

 

His voice was resolute, and his gaze was unwavering and firm.

 

Seran pointed to the map as he spoke.

 

“The more the reconnaissance unit identifies the terrain, the more we reach one conclusion. The moment we occupy this hill, the enemy will be unable to move. Since it’s a path difficult for our main force to enter, they too cannot come out.”

 

“Then if we can completely cut off their supply lines while occupying the hill… couldn’t we starve them to death?”

 

“Completely cutting off the rear supply lines is a different matter… but if we can advance our main force into their formation after occupying this hill, we can completely annihilate them in the subsequent battle.”

 

“…Are you saying we should disregard the significance of the main force?”

 

At Leorn’s words, Seran shook his head.

 

“That’s not the case. I’m simply saying that due to the terrain, the main force cannot exert its power without first occupying the hill.”

 

This was none other than Seran speaking.

 

Considering the weight his words carried, even Leorn couldn’t simply ignore them.

 

That’s why Leorn’s expression couldn’t help but contort.

 

It was the moment his plan to push through with superior numbers was crumbling.

 

Moreover…

 

‘…That bastard Rauben…’

 

A suspicion flashed through his mind for a moment.

 

He had already confirmed information that reinforcements departing from the 2nd Defense Line were stationed outside Elvarfiel Lake.

 

However, they had positioned themselves on the outskirts without even reporting to him, the commander of this place.

 

It seemed they had already grasped this special situation and positioned themselves on the outside.

 

“Huu.”

 

Leorn let out a deep sigh.

 

Soon, Leorn heavily opened his mouth and asked Seran.

 

“So you’re saying we must use a small special forces unit to occupy that hill?”

 

“Correct. The personnel would be roughly 70 to 100 men. Beyond that, I judge it impossible to operate effectively.”

 

Seran answered without hesitation.

 

At this, Leorn glanced sideways at Hadel.

 

In the end, wasn’t that guy completely right about everything?

 

Though he didn’t want to admit it.

 

“…Then prepare quickly.”

 

There was no other option for now.

 

However…

 

“But Seran. You remain here to defend the main force. We don’t know what might happen, after all.”

 

“…What?”

 

Seran’s eyes shook greatly.

 

Had he properly heard his own report?

 

‘Now is…’

 

Not the time to be holding shields.

 

This was precisely the situation where the sharpest swords must clash against each other.

 

Seran urgently continued speaking.

 

“Now is the time to concentrate all our strength. If I don’t step forward, the balance of battle will be broken.”

 

At that response, Hadel looked at Leorn.

 

Though he thought he had grown accustomed to Leorn’s incompetent judgment, he hadn’t expected him to hold them back again at such a crucial moment.

 

“No, I cannot permit it.”

 

Leorn spoke firmly.

 

“If something were to happen to you, the entire 4th Defense Line could be in danger. Besides, who knows? The enemy might circle around and launch a surprise attack on the main force.”

 

“…”

 

At those words, Seran could understand why he had only been defending the heart of the main force until now.

 

‘This man…’

 

He was afraid.

 

Simply afraid of losing his position.

 

And Hadel, standing beside them, gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

 

He wanted to step forward and argue on Seran’s behalf, but hadn’t he already had a major conflict with Commander Leorn once before?

 

If he stepped forward again now to create more conflict, it would surely have a significant impact on the unit’s morale.

 

‘With such an incompetent fool… we can never reclaim this lake.’

 

Must they retreat like this once again?

 

But then.

 

“Commander.”

 

A chilling air enveloped the conference room.

 

Seran stepped forward and spoke quietly but resolutely.

 

“I refuse that order.”

 

“…!”

 

In an instant, the air in the conference room began to freeze cold.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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