“W-What was that just now!? Was that ‘Fire Magic: Fireball’? But why would someone capable of such an advanced spell be stationed at a mere fort!?”
Amid the charge, the commander of the Lancel Kingdom’s army shouted in shock upon seeing flames rise in the middle of their formation.
“Your Excellency, the recent attack originated from the gate, but it seemed to involve some sort of large weapon. It wasn’t a mage; they likely used a magic tool to launch the flames,” a veteran adjutant reported in a calm tone.
Hearing this, the visibly shaken commander began to regain his composure.
“The gate has already been shut. It appears they only had two shots. There’s no need to worry further about those attacks.”
“I-I see… Troops! The fire attack is over! Don’t falter! Keep charging forward!”
Encouraged by the commander’s orders, the soldiers of the Lancel Kingdom let out a war cry and resumed their advance with a kind of desperate fervor.
But from the fort’s walls, where no archers should have been stationed, small bolts suddenly rained down, mowing down the soldiers at the vanguard.
“Gyaaah!”
“Argh! Damn it!”
“What the hell is this!?”
Soldiers struck in the head or heart fell lifeless instantly, while those hit in their arms, legs, or shoulders screamed in pain.
Those who survived the first volley, along with those in the rear, continued their advance bravely. However, a relentless barrage of hundreds of bolts steadily claimed lives and shattered morale.
“What is that!? Weren’t we told the enemy was mostly beastfolk with few archers!? This makes no sense!”
Watching his troops fall before even reaching the fort, the commander lashed out at his adjutant, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.
“Your Excellency, please remain calm. Although it’s hard to make out at this distance, the enemies on the wall appear to be holding some sort of weapon. It’s not a magic tool but rather a device resembling a small bow mounted horizontally.”
“I’ve never seen or heard of such a weapon!”
“Nor have I. It must be a new invention. That so many beastfolk are equipped with it suggests it’s easy to use, mass-produced, and capable of being operated even by non-archers. Your Excellency, I recommend retreating to regroup and reassess.”
The adjutant’s logical analysis caused the commander to waver.
“B-But… this will cost me my glory.”
“Their weapons are formidable, but now that we know their nature, countermeasures can be devised. We shouldn’t waste our forces unnecessarily.”
“…Very well. Retreat! Retreat!”
Reluctantly, the commander gave the order, his face twisted in frustration.
“Look! The enemy is retreating! Victory is ours!”
“Oooh!”
Frederick’s shout was met with jubilant cheers from the soldiers.
A group of conscripted farmers had repelled an enemy force more than twice their size, preventing them from even touching the fort—a flawless victory.
Amid the commotion, Noein conversed with Pence, who stood beside him.
“The enemy retreated so easily. Was it the shock of the explosive arrows and crossbows?”
“Most likely. Still, the decision to withdraw rather than press on shows their commander is sharp.”
“I see… so that’s how it is.”
“At least their leader isn’t an idiot,” Pence remarked.
Hearing this, Noein steeled himself, knowing this was far from over.
Upon assessing the situation, it was confirmed that their side, the Lordberg Kingdom, had only four injured from stray arrows, while the enemy suffered over 100 fatalities. It was an indisputable victory.
“The enemy likely won’t attack again for some time… but we can’t let our guard down. Their commander’s quick retreat shows he’s competent. They won’t let us rest easy.”
“It’s safe to assume they’ve identified the crossbows. If I were in their shoes, I’d prepare shields or other countermeasures. With plenty of wood around, they can easily do so.”
Frederick addressed the officers gathered in the command room. Yuri added his perspective.
“I agree. Next time, we should expect them to close in more easily, possibly reaching the walls for close combat.”
Frederick’s deputy chimed in.
“However, the ballistae will still prove highly effective.”
“Indeed. We’ve made it appear as though each can fire only once. That misdirection should catch them off guard again.”
Noein nodded at Frederick’s observation.
Thanks to the strength of Noein’s golem, the ballistae could be reloaded swiftly. Another volley of explosive arrows could once again devastate the Lancel forces.
Everyone assumed that the next battle wouldn’t be much more challenging.
Two days passed without further attacks. The Lancel army had set up camp at a distance, maintaining a tense standoff.
“The enemy is quieter than expected.”
“Yes. As your deputy predicted, they’re using the forest to craft shields. They likely won’t attack today either.”
As the air grew slightly lax due to the lull, Noein and Frederick shared their thoughts.
“But… their constant messenger activity is concerning.”
“Yes, their couriers have been busy. What could they be coordinating so frantically?”
Reports from sentries noted numerous riders entering and leaving the enemy camp, far more than routine communication would warrant.
Suddenly, a sentry shouted.
“A soldier approaching from the north! Appears to be an ally!”
Frederick immediately ran to the northern wall, with Noein following close behind.
As reported, a lightly armored soldier was sprinting toward them at an unnaturally fast pace, as if propelled by a strong tailwind.
“That’s the stride of a wind mage. Must be a messenger from another fort.”
Wind mages could use magic to run faster than normal humans, with some advanced practitioners capable of flight. However, this one seemed limited to enhanced running.
“The enemy has noticed and is mobilizing! Cover him! Redirect him to the east gate!”
As Lancel dispatched riders to intercept the messenger, crossbows provided suppressive fire, while signal flags guided him toward the east gate.
Within minutes, the wind mage safely entered Barrel Fort.
“R-Reporting… from the northern Rezad Fort…”
Drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted from exerting himself and his mana, the young messenger, likely in his twenties, delivered a grim message.
“Rezad Fort… has fallen.”
The brief report sent shockwaves through the officers gathered around him.
