481: Chapter 75, Night Battle_2 481: Chapter 75, Night Battle_2 If the timing of the support is late and the expeditionary army combines with the defenders of Dapes, the besieging three hundred thousand Orc Army may not be able to hold on.
The Imperial Court’s reinforcement has just embarked on its mission.
If the Orc Army of three hundred thousand collapses first, then his Bimon Cavalry Corps would be isolated.
A Bimon army corps, that is less than fully staffed, falls into isolation; This is like delivering heads to the enemy.
Numerous nobles will view them as stepping stones for their promotion, and the swarming enemies will tear them to pieces.
The war can fail, but the myth of the Bimon Cavalry, “an invincible force in the tens of thousands,” cannot be shattered.
The political interests entwined behind it are too great, and Prince Butzweig does not want to become a sinner of the Bimon Tribe.
…
As dusk approached, an army with orderly footsteps appeared on the horizon.
The soldiers were not even close yet, but their neat footsteps resounding everywhere had arrived first.
Initially, Hudson didn’t want to come over in such a hurry, but the sudden change in the situation made him give up the illusion of preserving strength.
As the chief commander of the expeditionary force, he was no longer the small regiment commander.
Apart from considering the interests of the expeditionary force, he must also consider the overall situation.
He has already, from the limited intelligence, perceived that the situation in Warhammer Kingdom is not good, and Moxi Duchy is also on the brink of collapse.
If these two allies fall, the next target of the Orc army will definitely be the Alpha Kingdom.
Hudson knows too well the principle, “once the lips are gone, the teeth become cold.”
He cannot reach the Warhammer Kingdom, but there must be ways to save the Moxi Duchy.
With one more ally beside him sharing the burden, the pressure facing the home front will drop a fraction.
If they lose both allies, a million Orc Army will be added to the western front of the kingdom.
The expeditionary force alone cannot cope with so many foes.
They’re closer, ever closer…
At some point, the top brass of Moxi Duchy also appeared on the city wall, and were now looking expectantly into the distance.
If the Orc Army should abruptly initiate a siege, maybe the defenders could pull in one or two big fish.
Sadly, the Orc’s attention is now all on the expeditionary force.
Some of the forces besieging Dapes have also split off and stood in the path of the advancing expeditionary force.
The daylight is gradually fading, nightfall will arrive soon, and it is no longer suitable to engage in warfare at this time.
“Send out word, a volley from crossbowmen, then the heavy infantry will charge!”
Hudson ordered, atypically of him.
Whether it’s counterattack disadvantageous for night warfare, he just doesn’t want a Bimon Cavalry appearing unexpectedly behind him during the battle.
The purpose of this strategy is to break the siege of Dapes, not to annihilate the Orc Army; It’s sufficient to repel the enemy.
Blame falls on the Orcs for leaving their hearts behind, knowing that the expeditionary force is approaching, but still not loosening the siege on Dapes.
Splitting the troops to intercept seems to balance both fronts, but in reality, it’s hard to balance both sides.
Originally, it was somewhat reluctant for a three hundred thousand army to besiege Dapes.
Now having to deploy half of the force to face off against the expeditionary army, it’s obviously a joke for the remaining one hundred and fifty thousand to besiege more than a hundred thousand defenders.
Even though he knew it was unfeasible, Balatz was at his wit’s end.
Although the Orc Empire was ruled by the Five Royal Clans, military orders were paramount on the battlefield.
He received the order to besiege Dapes City, so he must execute it.
Otherwise, even if he won the battle, he would still be held accountable.
Wanting self-governance?
Dream on!
How could he, not being a member of the Five Royal Clans?
Being able to act as a commander, that’s because Prince Butzweig regards him as outstanding, but that’s all there is to it.
Cannon fodder are just cannon fodder, the stronger the ability, the faster they usually die.
Appointing him as acting commander seemed to be a recognition from Prince Butzweig.
Who could guarantee that it was not a setup to find a fall guy?
A bait is a bait; no matter how thorough the plan, there will always be oversights.
Once an accident occurs, someone must be held responsible.
Neither Prince Butzweig nor the dignitaries of the Five Royal Clans want to carry the can.
A general who can command hundreds of thousands of troops is high-level talent wherever he is.
Prince Butzweig can’t risk his own people, so Balatz, being of the Monkey Tribe, was pushed forward.
The “swoosh, swoosh, swoosh” sound of rain of arrows marked the beginning of the great battle.
“Counterattack!” “Send out an order.
Magic Crystal Cannon should aim their muzzles at the enemy central army!
All the crossbow arrows…”
Before Balatz could finish speaking, the Magic Crystal Cannon on the city wall started first.
Apparently, the defenders on the city wall also realized that the war had broken out, and they too launched an attack on the Orc Army.
“Thud, thud…Ahh…”
The heavy infantry at the forefront of the formation suddenly dropped into a hidden trap, letting out a dreadful scream.
Seeing this, Hudson slightly furrowed his brows.
Clearly, the enemy was well prepared, the facing commander wasn’t the fool he had previously thought.
“Earth Elemental Mages come forth and cast spells to fill in the enemy’s pits!” As Hudson commanded, he also silently joined the casting rank.
Naturally, the primary force was still Belsden.
The distance between them and the enemy’s position was merely around a hundred or eighty meters, and there couldn’t possibly be too many traps, destroying these obstacles was not difficult.
If the entire unfolding path was filled with such traps, there would be no alternatives.
The mages would be exhausted to death, and they still wouldn’t be able to fill them all.
The brief delay did not affect the continuation of the battle.
The close-quarters combat rapidly commenced.
The high-ranking officials of Moxi Duchy, who were watching the battle from the city wall, all stared nervously at the battlefield.
“Why would they choose to attack at this time, when it’s getting dark and soon will be night?”
“Right, the outside world all acclaim Earl Hudson’s military strategies to be god-like, but why would he be making such a blunder?”
“You are right, it is indeed a dip in standards for Earl Hudson this time.
Even if he is planning to raid the camp, he should’ve waited till midnight.
Starting the battle now, sigh…
in the end, he is still too young!”
…
A discordant sound rose, followed by a series of ridicule that irritated the spectators of the battle.
However, the battle had already started, irrespective of their thoughts, they could only follow the developments now.
“Everyone, please don’t rush.
The fact that Earl Hudson chose to initiate the battle at this time is actually comprehendible.
You all know well how swift the Bimon cavalry is.
I surmise they must have received the news by now, and they should be able to rush back by noon tomorrow.
Unless we can end the battle by tomorrow morning, otherwise what we will have to face is not just the three hundred thousand armies outside the city, but also a highly mobile Bimon Army Corps.
Starting the battle now, although it’s quite challenging, it’s also the time with the highest chances of success.”
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Count Martins quickly explained.
Regardless of whether the guess is accurate or not, the defending troops must cooperate with the expeditionary force’s actions.
Any disorder would ultimately cost the Moxi Duchy.
“Count Martins, there’s a lack of leading generals in the city, and among us, you have the most military knowledge.
Thus, the upcoming battle will be entrusted to you.”
Chancellor Helcheg stated gravely,
There were no other choices, either.
When Dapes city was encircled, the generals with significant influence were all stranded outside.
Having served the position as Minister of Defense for multiple years, Count Martins was seen as the most military knowledgeable among those present.
The least to say, Count Martins’ resume was quite appealing, having once led a large army to keep the peace during multiple civil wars, as well as organizing troops to thwart the Orc tribes’ plan of pillage from the south.
Compared to the combat experience of others, Count Martins could already be considered rich in experience when it comes to leading troops.
“Fine, leave the next battle to me!”
In this critical moment, Count Martins displayed the weight of his duties as Minister of Defense by accepting the responsibility without any hesitation.
After a glance at the battlefield and another at everyone present, he slowly opened his mouth to speak: “During a night battle, the biggest challenge is differentiating friend from foe.”
“I will bother the prime minister to organize this: gather all the magic lamps, and the luminous gems in the city.”
There was no hesitation at all, Chancellor Helcheg agreed instantly and then said to everyone,
“During this national crisis, we should all work together, and please lend temporarily your family’s illumination devices.
Hams, go back and bring over all the lighting equipment in the Prime Minister’s mansion, especially that big magic lamp in the storehouse!
Filte, go summon all the light element mages in the city.
Even if they are just magic apprentices, as long as they can release an illumination spell, bring all of them to me!
Let’s split up now, each of us is responsible for a district in the city, to gather illumination devices.
Count Reynato, you are in charge of…”
Given the reasonable request, everyone readily cooperated.
As shareholders of Moxi Duchy, none of them wished the ship would sink more than they did.
Though they were aware that the items being lent now would likely not be returned untouched after the war, everyone still chose financial loss.
…