NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21
A month after the Eastern Alliance of the three nations declared war on the Empire, the Imperial 12th Legion finally arrived at the eastern borderlands. From there, they advanced without pause, reaching their designated point.
The area where the 12th Legion halted was known as Pavilion in the Empire’s nomenclature. It was imperative to secure this location to ensure a smooth advance against the Eastern Alliance. Aware of this, the Empire deployed the elite 12th Legion for the task.
The Legion Commander, staff, and field commanders who were leading the Legion were seasoned veterans of the battlefield. From the moment they reached the borderlands, they had already established a grand strategy that would not waver.
“We will completely block off the Pavilion area and crush the enemy’s attacks.”
The crux of the plan was to block the main thoroughfare. They needed to obstruct the limited routes of movement. An army is not made up of individuals; it can’t just go wherever it pleases. It must stick to designated paths to preserve combat effectiveness, ensure a smooth chain of command, and stabilize supply routes. Just because a side path is found doesn’t mean thousands can traverse it safely.
Thus, careful scrutiny of the surrounding geography made it easy to predict the army’s routes. The command deemed this Pavilion area of utmost importance. For the Empire, it was vital to hold; for the Eastern Alliance, it was essential to seize. Although their goals contradicted each other, there was only one route for maneuvering: the main road through Pavilion.
“Fortunately, it seems our Legion is moving slightly faster than the Eastern Alliance,” reported one officer. “Commander, we’ve blocked their main route. Thankfully, the passage is narrow, allowing us to effectively halt a larger force with fewer troops.”
As the reports came pouring in, the 12th Legion Commander nodded and surveyed the operational map. Though the news was undoubtedly good, his expression showed no signs of relief.
“Commander, will everything really be alright?” came a cautious voice from his staff.
“What choice do we have? It was the Imperial Decree of Her Highness the Crown Princess,” he replied. “However, the Crown Princess might acknowledge your discretion and judgment as the commanding officer in the field.”
“That’s enough. Anyone overhearing this might think we’ve already suffered a great defeat,” he warned.
While he scolded his staff, it didn’t mean the Legion Commander felt optimistic. He fixated on the map before him, more specifically, the narrow point where the Legion’s main force was stationed.
‘What on earth is he thinking, doing this?’
He repeatedly mulled over a mountain slightly detached from that point.
[Listen to the advice of Kael Clausewitz accompanying us.]
It was an order from the Crown Princess, essentially sanctioned by the Emperor himself. In the face of such authority, even the commander could not protest. In fact, he secretly held expectations for the young man Kael.
He was none other than the firstborn of the Duke of Bertier Empire—a young strategist who had distinguished himself in the conflicts near Nobogord. He had lifted the morale of the battered troops and dealt a solid blow to the Demon Tribe, reputedly delivering a thrilling strike to the proponents of monetary reform.
‘So, how extraordinary could this friend be…’
Given his hopes and the Crown Princess’s order, the commander wondered what kind of strategy Kael would propose. But as they neared Pavilion, Kael spoke up.
“I will ascend the mountain.”
This was bewildering. Why would he choose to venture into the mountains while there was an easily defensible corridor?
Could he be under the impression that holding a higher ground is crucial in battle?
Sure, that could be the case—occupying highlands provides a definite advantage. However, this time, it didn’t seem relevant. If the enemy passed through Pavilion, the game would be over.
They could sever their connection with their forces while simultaneously joining up with allied troops arriving from elsewhere.
“Prince Kael, may I ask why you wish to climb the mountain instead of blocking the corridor?”
“That’s due to our esteemed teacher’s grievances… No, it’s because there’s no more effective method than this, Commander.”
The commander felt a strong urge to dismiss the nonsense and insist on immediately securing the corridor to await the enemy. However, Kael remained resolute, and with the crown princess’s order backing him, he couldn’t act against it. Just before they reached their destination, Kael added.
“Merely blocking the thoroughfare would lead to a disjointed battle, Commander. The Empire needs a victory.”
“It’s said that victory or defeat in battle depends on which side makes fewer mistakes,” the commander replied.
“And I intend to make the Eastern Alliance commit many mistakes,” Kael declared.
His words were utterly perplexing. So, the commander pressed for a more detailed explanation. Yet, Kael insisted that only this much information was suitable for the operation’s perfection.
“Just block the thoroughfare at Pavilion. I will handle the rest.”
Eventually, Kael detached some of the Legion’s forces and climbed up the mountain, staring at the Imperial flag atop. The commander couldn’t shake off his anxiety.
The Eastern Alliance, not being foolish, would undoubtedly concentrate a significant portion of their troops in this location. The 12th Legion had to defend two segregated areas against a concentrated enemy force.
Could divided friends hold up against the concentrated foes?
‘…It’s decided. The die is cast.’
Yes, as he thought. The 12th Legion had already positioned itself in their respective areas—the corridor and the mountain. What remained was to fight the best they could against the enemies.
*
“…What kind of formation is the Imperial Army deploying?”
Bethel, the commander of the allied forces from Polrand, smiled at the good news.
He had been vexed by having fallen one step behind when news arrived that the Imperial 12th Legion had reached Pavilion.
Simultaneously, he hadn’t forgotten to curse the individuals from the Burgai and Kaden factions who, due to his Polrand origin, constantly challenged his authority. If only they had cooperated a bit more, they could have arrived before the Imperial Army.
Surely, there was a chance to force them into bleeding via geographical advantages.
But with internal strife, all sorts of noise arose, and ultimately, the deadline slipped away.
‘Do they think they can disregard Polrand even when the fate of the East is at stake?’
Polrand, the smallest in territory and population among the three nations of the East. Naturally, there was no way to seize the initiative, and that turned into an issue for command.
To remedy that, he needed to secure a glorious achievement.
As a commander from Polrand, he had to absolutely defeat the Empire.
With this weight on his shoulders, hearing such good news felt like pure joy.
“The 12th Legion from the Empire has divided its forces: one part at the corridor, while the rest are positioned on a slightly detached mountain.”
“Is it confirmed?”
“Yes, Commander. We can see the Imperial flags beyond the corridor, and there are also a sufficient number of troops stationed on the mountain.”
Initially, he had felt some doubt; he sent another reconnaissance party to confirm. But the returned report was the same: Imperial troops positioned both at the corridor and on the nearby low mountain.
Along with the information regarding the enemy’s command, a rough picture began to emerge.
‘He was heralded as a young strategist who appeared like a comet. It seems he’ll disappear just as quickly.’
From the stories he heard, he sounded quite impressive.
But that was as far as it went. It was clear he had made the sort of mistake typical of someone inexperienced.
Concerning high ground benefits? Does he think that merely forming up in a lofty position allows for easy mobility?
This isn’t a narrative book, nor is it a game where thousands can move based on a single word.
Every soldier is human—when exhausted, they will falter before death itself.
‘If our allied forces charge all at once, crushing half the Legion stationed at the corridor, those on the mountain will surely surrender soon enough.’
It seemed the Empire was getting overly excited. They probably had strong desires to promote outstanding talent.
Otherwise, there would be no way to commit such a fundamental error.
From Bethel’s perspective, a blatant fatal flaw was evident.
“Let’s pretend to attack the mountain while pushing through the corridor first.”
In terms of numbers, their forces held a significant advantage. They would finish it before the mountain troops could descend.
After that, it would be far easier. They could swallow an entire Imperial Legion whole.
Bethel trembled slightly with glee and anticipation for that future.
He must achieve something, and he must defeat the Empire for his homeland, Polrand.
And show those individuals from Burgai and Kaden who disregard him and his land what he’s capable of.
He felt a mounting pressure to succeed; it was hardening his flexibility. Unknown to Bethel, that anxiety was gradually constraining him.
*
It has begun. The enemy is coming. There’s no room for mercy now.
Though he felt like he was suffocating, he made himself forget about it.
Act coolly. I’m no genius, not even a strategist. I’m merely someone who can share what I know adequately.
Acceptance is key; I’m just someone who knows a bit more than others.
I’m also a bit luckier than most.
So, for this moment, I could step forth with confidence.
Human beings learn from others’ mistakes, then transition from errors to success.
‘Mocking those who love mountain climbing, in a way, is the accumulation of the best values leading to a conclusion.’
I know what not to do, and I also know what should be done.
Luck ultimately favors those who are better prepared.
So. Once again. The goddess of fortune will smile upon me.