479: Chapter 74, Full of Confidence_2 479: Chapter 74, Full of Confidence_2 This approach may be steady, but it always gives a sense of reluctance.
The Moxi Duchy desperately needs a big victory now to stabilize the unsettled hearts within the country.
Lifting the siege on Dapes may not be the best decision at the moment, but it is definitely the most effective choice in the short term.
…
Flying Bear Fort has been under the most brutal attack from the Bearman Imperial Court since the Expeditionary Army withdrew.
Mounted Crossbow Arrows, catapults, Magic Crystal Cannon, and Magic Bullets are raining down, with all firepower being directed at the soldiers on the city wall.
It’s clear that the Bearmen Emperor wants to vent all his frustrations on this castle.
This kind of blood-spattering blitz has resulted in a considerable amount of psychological pressure on the defenders from the start.
The Magic Crystal Cannons atop the city wall continuously fire, and mounted crossbows and catapults ceaselessly fire downwards, however, the Flying Bear Fort is after all only a fortress.
Compared to all the firepower that the Bearman Imperial Court possesses in the Moxi Battlefield, they are still at a disadvantage.
After all, before the outbreak of war, who could have expected the Orc’s Royal Court to incur such a vast cost to attack one military stronghold?
Even if the offensive was this fierce, it should be targeted at the defensive hub of Teluns City, not at Flying Bear Fort, which has a secondary strategic position.
Subject to pressure it shouldn’t be bearing, the ancient Flying Bear Fort weeps in the flames of war.
In the face of the overwhelming offensive of the Orc Army, had it not been for the fact that they were besieged in the city with no way to retreat, the defenders might have collapsed long ago.
However, this is now just the appetizer.
The real bloody battle is yet to come after the city has been broken into.
“Boom!
Boom!
…”
Huge explosions are constantly heard, and each blast causes a section of the city wall to collapse.
“What’s the matter?
Why isn’t the enemy’s city wall ripped apart?” The Bearmen Emperor watching the battle asked with a puzzled face.
“Your Majesty, the enemy thickened the city wall.
Even if we buried the city-busting Magic Bullets under the city wall, we cannot tear it all open at once!”
Perhaps seeing the displeasure on the Bearmen Emperor’s face, the middle-aged military officer quickly added: “But even if the enemy thickened the city wall, it can’t stop the brave Orc soldiers.
The collapsed city wall serves as a natural ladder, and the soldiers can rush up to the enemy’s city wall along the ruins.
…”
Whilst speaking, Orc soldiers are already charging along the collapsed ruins of the city wall.
Unfortunately, the road that’s been blasted is not smooth.
It is difficult even to walk normally, let alone to charge.
Any delay on the battlefield costs lives.
Orc soldiers who were a bit slower in their charge became targets for the archers.
These sacrifices were not in vain, as a large number of Orc soldiers’ bodies gradually filled in the ruins, paving a road with their lives.
Seeing this scene, the delighted Bearmen Emperor quickly ordered, “Let the Bearmen Heavy Infantry go up and tear open the enemy’s turtle shell!”
The appearance of the Bearmen soldiers immediately drew the attention of the city’s defending general.
Without any hesitation, Rakel immediately ordered, “Pour the oil quickly and light it as soon as the enemy comes up!”
Transforming from a second-generation prodigal son to a defense commander, Rakel also experienced his share of bitterness.
He’d originally planned to go along with the Expeditionary Army and earn military merits by clinging to Hudson’s coattails .
But plans fail to keep up with changes, and he didn’t know what was wrong with his father that he thought it was too dangerous to follow the Expeditionary Army to lift the siege of Dapes, so he had Rakel stay and defend the Flying Bear Fort.
Rakel didn’t know how risky it was for the Expeditionary Army to go, but he had already experienced the dangers of holding down the Flying Bear Fort.
In the recent siege, at least thousands of Orc soldiers had died.
Such a significant loss should have resulted in a pause.
But the Bearmen Emperor, who is commanding the entire army outside, clearly doesn’t heed the number of casualties among his soldiers.
Facing an enemy who disregards their own casualties to take over the Flying Bear Fort is, without a doubt, bad news for the defenders.
Deep down, Rakel couldn’t help but curse his father for putting him in such danger.
Past successful experiences didn’t necessarily equate to future victories.
Yes, engaging the Orc Army in open combat was risky, but the Flying Bear Fort, a symbol of humiliation for the Orc’s Royal Court, was not necessarily safe either.
Adversity was the best teacher.
Having followed Hudson through thick and thin, Rakel had acquired considerable knowledge.
He now directed the defense as rehearsed, prepared for the attack by the Orc Army.
Though somewhat mechanical, Rakel had plenty of reserves.
Wherever a problem emerged, he sent troops to reinforce the area.
Several days of intense battle found the Flying Bear Fort impervious to attack.
The Orc Army hadn’t found an opening.
Raging flames not only stalled the advance of the Orc Army, but also claimed the lives of dozens of Bearman Heavy Infantry charging in the front.
Perhaps the Bearman Emperor’s mental resilience had grown with the failures of previous sieges, for his countenance remained unchanged amidst this defeat.
“Your Majesty, we’ve wasted too much time at the Flying Bear Fort.
If we keep dragging our feet, I fear it may jeopardize our future plans.
Any consequent turbulence on the front line will be tough to explain to our allies.
Why not deploy a part of our forces along the Expeditionary Army’s route, thereby blocking their retreat and fulfilling our commitment to our allies?”
An elderly Sacrifice Shaman suggested.
As the most unique group in the Orc Empire, Sacrifice Shamans not only fulfilled the holy duty of worship but also played the role of wise counselors.
Confronted with the Bearman Emperor’s obstinacy, others dared not counsel him.
However, the prestigious elderly Shaman held no such fears.
After a slight hesitation, the Bearman Emperor nodded and said, “Bruno, you’ve faced the Expeditionary Army before and understand them the best.
I’m entrusting you with this mission.
The Third and Seventh Legions will serve as the backbone of your force.
Add two Minotaur Corps, two Leopard Corps, two Boar Corps, and one Centaur Corps to create an Army Group.
I don’t care what else happens, this Expeditionary Army from the Alpha Kingdom should not escape at any cost.”
As the losing party in the last big battle, under normal circumstances, Bruno would have been relieved of duty and sidelined.
But in the military, apart from achievements, loyalty is also crucial.
Bruno may have suffered a major defeat in the last war, but he indirectly saved the Bearman Imperial Court, proving his loyalty.
The Bearman Emperor was usually lenient towards loyal subordinates.
Given the circumstances, he decided to give Bruno another chance.
The troop composition made it clear that the newly formed Army Group was no group of weaklings.
Even among the Orcs, there were significant differences in combat capabilities.
Not only does this reorganized Army Group have two main Bearmen forces, but the other major corps are also strong combatant races capable of ranking upper-middle in the Orc Empire.
Although they may not be as strong as the main forces, they are still superior to most cannon fodder legions.
On the battlefield, unless they confront the elite human race, they can wreak havoc.
The Bearman Emperor had no choice but to put forth such a robust force, for disgraces can only be washed away in blood.
The stain on his reputation would remain until the Expeditionary Army is dealt with.
“Your Majesty, rest assured!
This time, I will let the Expeditionary Army know that the dignity of the Bearman Imperial Court can’t be violated!
Earl Hudson will die in regret!”
Bruno assured with full confidence.
Still burning from his previous defeat, Bruno found no reason to fear now that he was backed with such a formidable force.
As to the famous reputation of the Expeditionary Army in the Orc Empire, Bruno saw it as more of an illusion propped up by their own propaganda.
If it weren’t for the circumstances, Bruno could’ve laughed out loud.
Leading these armies to cut off the Expeditionary Army’s retreat path would be like gaining a major merit delivered to his doorstep.
The only thing he needed to worry about was the enemy escaping.
That too wouldn’t be an issue, as long as the Expeditionary Army didn’t flee in his direction.
If so, he could always pass the buck to his allies.
Though he wasn’t likely to annihilate the enemy, defeating them would suffice.
By breaking the unbeaten myth of the Expeditionary Army, he could still become a hero of the Bearman tribe.
Of course, deep down, Bruno was eager for a one-shot victory, to annihilate the Expeditionary Army led by Hudson, thereby securing his title as a famous general in the Orc Empire.
Pleased with his subordinate’s overflowing confidence, the Bearman Emperor said, “That’s the spirit!
Bruno, once you bring me Hudson’s head, I will personally host a victory banquet for you!”
…