On a small hill about 50 meters high, Raul and the knights were surveying the surrounding terrain from their horses.
“Thankfully, it seems to match the information. The terrain is precisely symmetrical.”
Pierce said as he deactivated his 『Long-Range Reconnaissance (B)』 skill.
“With such an open mock battle, if they meddled even here, they’d cross every line.”
No matter how much of a magical kingdom the Leslie Kingdom was, the Mage Association itself wasn’t part of the Leslie Kingdom. If the association were wholly swayed by Skyler Tower’s influence, they’d have to relinquish their title.
The terrain of the battlefield viewed from the hill was both intricate and straightforward. Below the hill was a vast forest, and beyond its edge stretched a broad plain. Though called a plain, it was peculiarly varied, amalgamating different terrains.
There were areas where a shallow stream flowed through a pebble field, spots where tall reeds obscured the view, broadened sections of the stream that turned into a river, and even sections with sandy beaches and muddy tidal flats.
“Those mage folks. They’ve really gathered everything unnecessary, haven’t they? The battlefield is already set.”
Jake shrugged his shoulders and looked in one direction. In the center of the battlefield, a long stretch of barren wasteland lay devoid of any obstacles, as if inviting them to charge straight through.
“For mages who draw upon the power of nature, having related terrain nearby would be advantageous. In mock battles between magic towers, other terrains might have been useful.”
Raul had also pondered the terrain information received from Department Head Dario, considering if there was any useful area. But in the end, he chose the dull wasteland.
‘That choice carries more impact.’
No matter what they thought, for Raul, today’s battle was a kind of warning. To demonstrate clearly the power of the First Knight Order and Raul himself. To show how the world was changing while they were sabotaging themselves.
‘Feel it to the bone this time.’
Otherwise, Leslie Kingdom would be brutally defeated by the upcoming next phase of Gate Waves and the invasion from the Empire. And there was also the objective of raising the First Knight Order’s value within the Leslie Kingdom through this opportunity.
“Everyone, get ready to march. Proceed as planned. Let’s show those fools exactly who they’ve picked a fight with!”
“Yes! We’ll smash them so thoroughly they won’t even dare to look us in the eye.”
Philip said, placing his fist on his chest.
“Ah, this feels great! Battling mages again! I haven’t felt this thrill in a while.”
“Don’t you always get the same thrill once you enter battle?”
“Ahem. Isn’t that called fighting spirit?”
“You know, if you go berserk and get retired again, you won’t hear the end of it.”
Philip’s comment caused Jake to glance resentfully at Raul for support, but Raul just chuckled and looked away.
“Ah, seriously. I’ll get it right this time, okay?”
Ignoring Jake’s grumbling, Raul and his group headed down the hill. For today’s battle, Raul had gathered his elite forces.
Philip, Jake, Pierce, Kane, several top-level Experts, as well as most of the officers and armor users were participating in the fight.
Additionally, there were individuals being deployed on the battlefield for the first time today. Raul was inwardly excited to see what performances they would show.
***
Clop, clop.
The 250-member knight order slowly marched through the forest. The mages were securely protected within the formation as they walked.
“Sigh….”
A young mage, appearing to be in his thirties, let out a deep breath, seemingly tense. No matter how reassuring it was to be surrounded by sturdy knights, it didn’t seem to alleviate his anxiety about the impending battle.
“Are you worried?”
“Ah! No, sir.”
When Tower Master Perido asked, the young mage waved his hands in denial, but his expression told a different story.
Perido could only gently pat his back in encouragement. After all, it was his failure to properly lead the tower that forced these young mages to enter the battlefield.
The young mage seemed a bit calmer, though his expression was still far from bright.
“Do you think we can win?”
His eyes reflected his anxiety.
“Can we really win against the mighty Skyler Tower? Our allies are mostly knights, and some strange ones are mixed in.”
Just as he said, many among the 50 mages looked nothing like mages. Though they wore robes, their attire underneath was more akin to the armor-clad knights.
Tower Master Perido nodded understandingly. If he hadn’t met ‘her’ before the mock battle, he would likely share the same sentiments.
“Don’t worry. We will not lose this battle.”
“Pardon…?”
In response to the young mage’s doubt, Perido only offered a gentle smile. Finally, they reached the edge of the forest. From the opposite forest, almost as if on cue, skyler Tower’s forces began to reveal themselves.
“They’ve taken the bait as expected.”
It was just as anticipated. Even their opponents weren’t foolish; they knew from which direction the knight-heavy forces would approach.
If they were earnest about winning, they would have stayed hidden in the forest until the last possible moment.
‘Then they would have bombarded us with concentrated fire once we were within range.’
Whether due to pride or overconfidence, the enemy had chosen to reveal themselves openly. Raul watched as they assumed a textbook formation. Shield soldiers at the front, knights on the flanks.
Mages positioned just before the forest’s edge. There was no surprise element, but their plan to decimate the forces with magic before they could engage was evidently clear.
‘Well, we wouldn’t move differently either.’
Raul also chose a frontal assault. He had no intention of flanking the battlefield or employing cunning tactics to confuse the enemy.
It was to be a straightforward clash of strength.
“Knights forward! Rear mages advance with the main force until within range!”
Clop, clop.
Exiting the green forest, the First Knight Order slowly urged their horses forward. Despite the looming battle, the knights seemed unperturbed, casually stretching atop their horses.
The distance between the two forces closed to within 500 meters. They were now entering the range of certain spells.
Whoosh, boom!
Around a dozen fire spells exploded harmlessly above Raul’s head, almost as if it were an illusion.
‘Such futile acts.’
If it was meant to intimidate them, it was pointless; there was no practical impact. And the battle-hardened warhorses showed no fear at the loud noises and flames.
“Everyone, prepare for battle!”
At Raul’s command, the knights swiftly formed ranks and began to boost their fighting spirit. The 250 knights split into three wedge formations.
At the head of each formation stood Raul in the center, Philip on the left, and Jake on the right. Knights specialized in long-range combat and Pierce stayed back to provide support fire and protect the mages.
The formations were all set, but the charge didn’t commence immediately.
Thud. Boom.
A scene straight out of a fantasy unfolded in the mock battlefield. From the knights’ inventory, 1-meter-sized stone blocks began to stack up in the middle of the wasteland, forming a small fortress in less than three minutes.
“My God, how is this possible!”
“Huh, how many spatial expansion bags do they have?”
The mages of Perido Tower, who had been nervously waiting behind the formation, gaped in astonishment at the surreal sight.
‘Who would’ve thought this was possible.’
Tower Master Perido also gazed at the improvised fortress with admiration. Given more time, perhaps they could replicate something similar, but to do it in three minutes?
Seeing the knights handling the large stones as if they were toys and moving swiftly, a newfound confidence began to build.
‘If this impresses us, imagine how startled they must be.’
Perido ascended the fortress walls and looked at the enemy camp with a satisfied smile.
*
“This is absurd.”
Thaddeus Skyler muttered with a frown.
Bringing a lot of knights was one thing, but now they were putting on a show like this.
“Droysen.”
“Yes!”
Droysen, the traitor of Perido Tower, quickly responded to Thaddeus’s call.
Slap!
Thaddeus struck him across the face and said,
“Why is this different from what you reported? Why didn’t you mention so many magical pouches at Perido Tower?”
“…Those aren’t from the tower. If they were, the Tower Master would have sold them off by now.”
His cheek reddened, Droysen answered calmly.
“Hmph. Are you sure the Tower Master didn’t hide these well enough for you to uncover? Useless man.”
With a dismissive gesture, Thaddeus signaled Droysen to step back, who did so with a respectful bow.
‘Damn it. What kind of trickery is the old man up to?’
Despite his outward calm, Droysen was boiling inside. Unexpected meddlers had nearly ruined the plans he had meticulously laid out.
‘In any case, there will be another chance once this battle is over.’
He glared resentfully in the direction of his former master.
“What should we do?”
The lieutenant approached and asked, but Thaddeus, staring at the enemy lines, remained silent for a moment.
Soon, in a lighter tone, he responded, “We stick to our plan. If the enemy approaches, intercept them.”
“Yes, understood.”
There was no need to approach an enemy who had fortified themselves with a fortress. Maintaining distance was obviously advantageous for Skyler Tower.
Sure, the ability to erect a fortress in such a short time was impressive, but so what?
A simple fortress without magical defenses was just a sitting target for magical bombardment.
‘Are they really thinking of a prolonged siege?’
That was… not good.
Even if they won, dragging out the battle against mere knights, in a mock battle broadcasted across the whole kingdom, wouldn’t win him any praise from his father, or rather, the tower master.
‘Still, I’m reluctant to make the first move…’
Thaddeus’s worries were interrupted by timely news.
“The enemy knights are moving!”
“Everyone, prepare to fire!”
Thaddeus’s lips twitched into a sneer.
*
The improvised fortress’s role was simple. To prevent enemy knights from flanking and targeting their rear. And to gain a bit of elevation to extend their range.
The battle would ultimately be decided by the clash of the main forces, and Raul was merely taking measures to ensure an overwhelming victory without significant losses on their side.
‘If you have it, use it. Plus, it serves another purpose…’
Leaving a lasting impression on the viewers of the battle was essential.
“The formation is set.”
At Philip’s report, Raul drew his sword and shouted,
“Activate all armours!”
Swoosh!
Atop their horses, the First Knight Order’s armor gleamed, revealing dazzling white power armors engraved with golden hawks and blue patterns.
Having finished repairs on the power armors captured in the previous battle with the count’s house, they now had a total of 180 power armors.
Repainted and rebranded, the once-misfit power armors now formed a unified force of armored knights. With all eyes focused on him, Raul shouted again,
“I won’t say much. The objective is to crush the enemy camp! Sweep them thoroughly. Everyone, charge!”
“Waaah!”
With a roar, the First Knight Order surged forward. Three wedges of knights charged unhesitatingly towards the enemy. Galloping horses reached speeds of 60-70 km/h.
Even carrying knights, it took only 40 to 50 seconds to cover the 500-meter distance. Ultimately, this battle would be decided in less than a minute.
As if determined not to allow the knights any closer, skyler Tower’s formation lit up brightly.
Whoosh! Fwooosh!
Dozens, no, hundreds of spells arched across the battlefield towards the charging First Knight Order.
(To be continued)