Chapter 6: “The Declaration of War”
The day of the declaration of war. It was a clear and sunny day Unusual for recent weather,. Hazen was stationed at the central gate. There were 2,000 soldiers posted at the front of the gate, and 1,000 more within the castle walls.
The young man with black hair surveyed the enemy troops from the castle walls.
Before him was an army numbering more than 10,000. Previously, he could have taken them on single-handedly, but with his current abilities, it would be an almost impossible task. Therefore, he would have to utilize his entire army if he hoped to win this battle.
The situation heavily favored the Diode Duchy. They had more than three times the number of troops, and their morale was vastly superior. They let out a unified roar, trying to intimidate the imperial forces.
Hazen rode his horse, surveying his own troops. Their expressions were dazed, lacking any vigor or energy.
The imperial soldiers had already resigned themselves to defeat. Many were looking down, their fighting spirit completely gone. Some had even sat down, certain that death was imminent.
” …… “
As Hazen continued his patrol, he came across one unit whose morale was strikingly high –
the 8th platoon.
“Lieutenant Hazen! Good work!”
Sergeant Bazz saluted, and the entire 8th platoon followed suit.
“So you have not been consumed by despair,” Hazen observed.
“Of course not! As long as Lieutenant Hazen is with us,”
Bazz replied confidently.
“The enemy force numbers 50,000,” Hazen warned.
“No problem!”
“Their commander is the renowned General Gizal.”
“With Lieutenant Hazen, we can win!”
“…I cannot guarantee that all of you will survive,”
“We are soldiers, we are prepared. As you told us, ‘if you are to kill, be prepared to be killed.'”
” …… “
Hazen left without another word.
And then.
Standing atop the castle walls, Hazen surveyed the vast Diode army. The imperial soldiers still lacked any fighting spirit.
“…… It’s hard being a soldier, isn’t it?”
Hazen sighs. Then he opens his mouth with his eyes closed.
“Soldiers of the empire, can you hear me?”
Hazen’s voice suddenly rang out, amplified by some kind of magical staff.
“Don’t be surprised. I’m Lieutenant Hazen of the 2nd Battalion. I’m waving my magic wand so that everyone can hear me.”
The troops stirred in surprise. Even the higher-ranking officers like Colonel Gedor and Captain Lorenz were taken aback, having never seen such a magical staff before.
“I have but one thing to say. In three days, at high noon, the battle will be decided – whether in victory or defeat.”
A hush fell over the troops as they listened intently.
“You junior officers were not able to choose your own assignments, so some of you may have despaired at being stationed here.”
The junior officers kept their eyes downcast.
“Desertion is punishable by execution. But with 50,000 troops and the famous Thunder General leading them, your options are limited.”
The officers’ faces fell into expressions of hopelessness.
“You have only two choices left – desert and face execution, or place your faith in me for the next three days and hold out in this fortress.”
The junior officers glanced at each other, their faces
“Even if you fight and die, it is an inescapable fact.”
their faces a mix of confusion and determination.It showed their emotional turmoil. It was never just despair.
Hazen showed hope to his underlings
” But I promise, I will save you, even if half of you survive”
At these words, the officers looked up, their expressions shifting.
“I will defeat General Gizal, repel the 50,000-strong army, and ensure that half of you live through this desperate battle.”
His voice carried absolute confidence. Those who could see Hazen were stirred by his overwhelming presence, and this energy rippled through the ranks.
“So I give you three days. This will be an incredibly short siege. Fight desperately, without fear of death. There is no path behind you – your only hope for life lies ahead.”
Scattered voices of hope began to rise.
“Trust in your rigorous training. Trust in your well-honed bodies. Trust in your comrades who have fought beside you.”
A great cheer went up.
“Follow the orders of your superiors. Act calmly and without haste. This is not a battle you cannot win if you give it your all.”
The cheer turned into a roar.
Hazen turned his back to them and shouted,
“All troops, raise your voices!”
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!”
The thunderous roar shook the ground, directed at the enemy army. Hazen let out a small sigh as he was enveloped by the sound. Lei-fa observed with an unusual expression.
“How unusual, for Hazen to give such an impassioned speech.”
“I had to boost their morale. No one else besides Captain Lorenzo is truly trustworthy.”
“Huh. …… What happened to your high-spirited speech earlier?”
“I did something out of character. There are a few people I don’t want to kill, you see.”
Hazen answered, his thoughts turning to the 8th squad. Lei Fa smiled wryly at his retreating back.
“You’re not being honest.”
“…Well then, I’m counting on you for the rest.”
!?
“Huh? Where are you going?”
The suddenly departing commander alarmed Lei Fa.
“With this level of morale, even a terrible commander could last a day. So I’ll do the one thing only I can do.”
“Huh!? What about the 2nd battalion? Who will command them?”
“Rely on Captain Lorenzo.”
“You took away his authority and now you’re just disappearing!?”
“I’m delegating the authority to Captain Lorenzo. There’s no problem.”
“It sure seems like a problem to me! And I’m the one saying that?”
“It’ll be fine. Captain Lorenzo is a flexible officer.”
“I feel sorry for that person you’ve entrusted with this.”
Ignoring Lei Fa’s sigh, Hazen descended beneath the castle walls and vanished from sight.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
On the first day of the war, Gizal deployed his forces to the east, west, south and north. Then his main force began advancing from the central gate. As per the standard tactics, he divided around 10,000 men to each direction, planning to overwhelm with numbers.
Before his eyes, a large number of soldiers eagerly awaited the order.
“This battle will be a momentous one! We have long endured the hardships against the Empire, but the time has come to avenge those pains!”
“OOOOOOH!”
Gizal’s rousing speech was met with the soldiers’ enthusiastic response. Feeling their high morale, he was about to give the signal to charge, when-
“UOOOOOOOOOO!”
An abnormally fierce battle cry from the Imperial side shook the ground.
“…What is this ferocious morale?”
Gizal muttered in surprise. Normally, those cornered by death would lose their will to fight. Discovering a path to survival in the face of death was a feat only the greatest commanders could accomplish.
Yet the voices of the Imperial army were united, brimming with an immense fervor. Even Landoble, the commander of the garrison, felt the oddity and spoke up.
“Shall we go for a prolonged battle?”
“…No, a decisive short battle. We’ll go all out from the start.”
“I suggest you reconsider. First, we should try to pacify the enemy’s morale, shouldn’t we?”
“What if we can’t pacify them?”
“……”
“We don’t have excess time either, and we don’t have full information on the enemy.”
“Are you saying we should wait for something?”
“……”
It was likely the famed General Mishil of the Four great general. That military genius had repeatedly overcome disadvantages and brought victory in battle. If news of the invasion had reached them, she could arrive much faster than expected. The soldiers were likely mustering their courage by relying on Mishil’s aid, Gizal surmised.
Truthfully, as a soldier, Gizal would have liked to clash with Mishil. But that would bring harm to the Duchy of Diode.
“If they are ‘enduring’ to find a chance at victory, then a half-hearted attack would be counterproductive. Instead, we should strike with all our might to crush them completely.”
“…Understood.”
General Gizal raised his hand, signaling the troops to advance.
First, the archers fired their arrows. Then the infantry began scaling the castle walls. But the Imperial soldiers responded in kind, shooting arrows to stop them. Until noon, a stalemate of mutual fervor was maintained.
“They are fine soldiers.”
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