Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 31: Journey to Axellibra, part 1
The battle lasted a long time. Without the presence of their leader, the Knights Templar had a hard time dominating. Plus the arrival of the 4th Division and the 7th Division of the Imperial Army that followed their commander, significantly the battle became one-sided. The Knights Templar's struggle was indeed worth a thumbs up, but defeat remained inescapable from them. The opening battle ended on a rather late afternoon.
Of the 79980 Knights Templar soldiers deployed to occupy the Carolinas, nearly 50 thousand were killed. The rest managed to escape. Some joined the two Saints who were in the other two cities of Ekralina Kingdom, while the majority managed to return to the main camp of the Knights Templar.
The name of the battle, each camp was harmed.
However, compared to the number of Knights Templar killed, the number of Imperial Army soldiers killed was not five digits. The 6th Division lost about 3000 soldiers. The 7th Division had to be willing to have their forces reduced by almost 2000. Meanwhile, there were over 2000 Division 4 warriors returning home to any realm that greeted them after death. In total, there were over 7000 Imperial Army soldiers who died.
Perhaps this was the first time the Knights Templar had been defeated so badly. Of course this is just the beginning of the war. The situation can turn around quickly. However, until sunset, today the victor was the Imperial Army. Today the loser is the Knight Templar.
However, even though the Imperial Army successfully repulsed the Knights Templar decisively, it did not necessarily make the Imperial Army superior. The key to their victory was the action of the commander of each division. And, the cause of the defeat of the Knights Templar was the absence of a leader who became the damper of the commanders.
Nevertheless, winning is winning, and losing is losing. Imperial Army can be proud of themselves for successfully defeating the Knights Templar who are “ unbeatable”. Moreover, one of their 12 Saints had been killed. Of course, no one has confirmed that Alfonso was actually dead, but anyone trapped 100 meters underground without air would be absurd to be alive.
...* * *...
In the dining room of the royal palace, Mortana smiled wholeheartedly welcoming the three Imperial Army commanders. The fact that he had once ordered an army to attack Avada City was forgotten from his head. The fact that he was once hostile to them was simply ignored. At Mortana's head now, they were the humans that the gods moved to give him victory.
“Please sit down, Commander Hekiel, Commander Dermyus, Commander Reinhart.” Mortana, who had never before stood up from the chair when welcoming guests, this time stood with her hands shaking all three seats in front of her. “I have prepared the best menu to appreciate your victory. Of course I know we are far from destroying Emiliel Holy Kingdom, the land of sinners. However, today we win, and a small celebration is needed to raise the morale of— while respecting those who have fallen.”
“We are honored to receive this so good welcome,” said Hekiel representing his two colleagues. “Please Your Majesty sit back. It's not right if we sit before His Majesty.”
Mortana laughed, then said, “As can be expected of the commander of the Imperial Army, you guys have the right etiquette.”
Mortana again sat down; the three new commanders sat themselves down after he had comforted himself in his seat.
“First of all, I have to thank you for coming even though we didn't ask for help.” Mortana showed off a smile with her white teeth. “I know this is the will of the gods, since the beginning he has set you guys coming here. As a man of choice, it is not appropriate for liars to win over me. The result of today's battle was only a small apparition of the divine hand. Even so, a word of thanks from me still deserves you guys.”
“God that King Mortana means..is it Edenia?” ask Hekiel carefully.
“Of course. Who else is a god besides Edenia the Great?” Mortana's not waiting for anyone's response. “Edenia has chosen me from the many humans in the world as a messenger. He has chosen to bless my kingdom, and curse Emiliel the Holy Kingdom who belied it.”
“Of course it's surprising. I myself was very surprised when I heard the whisper of the god. But, let's keep quiet about me and the gods. Let's enjoy the dishes that have been served. Please eat as much as you are happy.”
...—Translation Knight Templar—...
Eleventh Saint Rodolf Vlasenki just finished his dinner when a soldier— whom he had previously sent back to Axellibra to report what happened to Pope Genea— entered the tent to give a report.
Based on what the soldier said, Pope Genea wanted them as much as possible to prolong the course of battle. The mobility of the Imperial Army was quite impressive ‒ they could quickly respond to the movements of the Knights Templar. Pope Genea admits the Knights Templar are unable to defeat the Imperial Army in terms of mobility. Therefore, he asked Rodolf to prolong the course of the battle until Order 4 led by Saint Bedivere arrived.
Initially, the troops that should have joined Rodolf and his comrades were the order that Saint Petra led. However, the explorations of Pope Genea indicate that the Dwarf Kingdom is in danger. As their loyal ally, Saint Petra was ordered to operate in the Dwarf Kingdom. He and his order will help the dwarves overcome the enemies.
“Good. Thanks for the report.”
“It has become my duty, Sir!”
Rodolf smiled wisely, saying with a regretful expression on his face, “I don't want to keep you exhausted, but you are the best at teleportation among all the soldiers. Therefore, I want you to say that to Marya and Dimitar. We will not avenge our defeat today and Alfonso's death immediately. We'll go back to attacking massively when Bedivere arrives.”
“I understand, Sir. Now I'm going to meet Dame Marya, then see Sir Dimitar. Only then will I return here to rest.”
“Yes, I'm counting on you.”
As soon as the soldier left the tent, Rodolf's eyes squinted with a frowning forehead. Although Rodolf was an acute level narcissist, he really cared about his fellow Saint. Although Alfonso is an idiot, they have a good relationship. Therefore, Rodolf wanted to strike back and avenge the man's death. But what can I do. He could take advantage of this opportunity to analyze the strength of the enemy commander.
“[Earth Magic] the amazing. It can turn soil into adamantite. Sixth Commander Hekiel von Vanguarta.”
Rodolf was determined to face the man, and he would kill him with his own hands. Alfonso owed him 425 gold coins, and the man killed the saint before he paid the debt? Unforgivable.
That is so inexcusable.