Chapter: 363
Nomads lived scattered across the vast grasslands until they came together under His name. They were organized into tribes and sometimes clans, making it nearly impossible to unite, even if they occasionally ran into each other.
Every now and then, aspiring leaders would try to unite everyone under their grand ambitions, but alas, no ambitious soul ever succeeded. They were simply dreamers, not heroes capable of subduing the warriors who survived the Empire’s oppression—the wolves racing over the horizon.
Thus, the nomads remained divided, and the Empire thoroughly suppressed them, conducting physical purges at regular intervals. Despite the bleak reality that sweeping through the desolate grasslands wouldn’t yield much profit, the Empire persistently mobilized its military.
The reason for their periodic purges was simple.
“Show the southern serfs the wrath of the grasslands!”
“Let their blood and our honor praise the heavens!”
Chieftains rallied and shouted encouragements to the warriors, whose presence was the very reason the Empire felt threatened by the nomads—they were living embodiments of despair.
If it were just a handful of tribes, the Empire could easily suppress them. However, if those tribes began to unite, it would be a different story.
‘Threatening through numbers isn’t just a method for the Empire.’
If nomads, who lived and died alongside their steeds, began to gather in the thousands, they could inflict a critical wound on the Empire. Those walking imperial soldiers, even if mounted, would be nothing but easy targets for us.
Of course, if the Empire retaliated with their own numbers, in the end, we’d probably lose—
– ■■■■■■■■──!!!
But so what? The sound of hoofbeats shaking the ground and filled with heaven’s roars would forever echo in their memories.
“Khan.”
Keshik, riding right behind me, called out. I turned to glance at him.
“We will soon arrive in the territory of the Sarey tribe.”
“A perfect spot for greetings.”
A smile naturally spread across my face at the mention of the Sarey tribe’s territory. Last war, it was the tribe of Tala that spearheaded the battles. Facing the Empire in the lands they once thrived upon felt delightfully ironic.
“This is our first greeting, so let’s keep it short. But don’t make it too light. We wouldn’t want our hosts to feel disappointed.”
“Yes, Khan. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With a quick reply, Dashan began shouting commands to those behind us. He was probably instructing them to hit hard and retreat quickly. When you’re up front, it’s hard to hear what’s going on behind you.
‘He’ll manage.’
Watching Dashan, I turned my gaze back to the front. The survivors wouldn’t question the command to keep greetings light.
Attacking a territory occupied by the Empire isn’t a simple task. Even though there were many occupied regions with the Imperial army scattered around, they weren’t fools—they must have anticipated an assault of this magnitude. They’d be on high alert and ready to send reinforcements if one of their lines came under attack.
In that case, the longer we stayed active, the more disadvantageous it would become for us. If we were ever surrounded, we’d lose our mobility and become isolated.
‘So, it all comes down to numbers in war.’
A chuckle escaped me. Right now, the forces I was leading were the entirety of our offensive power, but in the past, we had several units of ten thousand striking the frontlines simultaneously. The Empire would’ve been ecstatic about that sort of action. What a pity they couldn’t host their guests as splendidly as they would’ve liked!
Still, since I’m making the effort here, I hope they find it satisfactory.
*
A raucous welcome began. I felt a powerful surge of mana and bloodlust approaching from afar.
“Your Grace!”
Soon enough, a trembling knight rushed into the tent and saluted.
“A massive army is heading our way! About fourteen thousand strong!”
The near-screaming report caused the commanders and staff gathered in the tent to freeze. Just when it seemed the frontlines were calming down, tension surged again, this time with numbers that far exceeded what we had faced before.
There’s only one person who can lead such a multitude.
“Given that the banner of the Gaar tribe is among them, it seems Dorgon is at the forefront!”
“Is that so?”
As expected. There’s really only the Paljunma among the nomads carrying this level of spirit.
“Inform Grand Marshal and all fronts immediately. If we quickly build a blockade, we might be able to take out the traitor.”
Though those words were spoken, I didn’t hold much hope. Udesser Dorgon, who calls himself Khan, was notoriously difficult to deal with. If the situation calls for a protracted engagement, he’d know it’s time to retreat before reinforcements arrived.
“Deploy all knights and mages. They’re not a force we can handle with mere soldiers.”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
As the commanders leaving the tent answered, I drew my sword and checked its condition.
Thankfully, it was intact. I could swing it right away without an issue.
‘If I just stall, they’ll naturally retreat.’
But during that time, I couldn’t guarantee how many lives would be lost and how many valuable special forces would fall.
So, I, too, would take part. Among the warriors stationed at the Sarey front, I was the strongest.
‘They won’t ignore me.’
Besides, I am the father of the sword. From Dorgon’s perspective, I’m the prey he absolutely cannot overlook, so he’d target me instead of the other allies—
“Wilhelm!”
“Georg?”
The tent flap was suddenly pulled back, and Georg barged in.
Wait, why is this guy, who’s supposed to be commanding another front, showing up here so often? Sure, I requested assistance from all fronts, but not this quickly!
“How did you get here so fast?”
“I teleported! Are the mages just for decoration?”
I frowned at that. Teleportation is useful but comes with a ton of limitations. The number of people who can be moved at once is limited, and it consumes a ridiculous amount of mana. So, during wartime, teleportation should be used sparingly.
“Considering that one special force is incredibly valuable, using teleportation is reckless. Are you out of your mind?”
It was a fair point, but Georg snickered as if I was being ridiculous.
“With the Marshal possibly facing death, if we can save him with just one mage, that’s a win.”
Saying that, Georg stepped closer and grabbed my wrist, the one holding my sword. His sudden movement nearly made me drop my weapon.
“Have you already forgotten about the incidents from years ago? When a Paljunma appears, you never confront them alone. Isn’t that an order from the Vice Captain himself?!”
“This time, he hasn’t issued such commands. And there are knights and mages here too.”
“How much help could a mere knight or mage provide against a Paljunma?”
That was a point I couldn’t argue against, so I turned my head subtly.
In the last war, only a select few could hold their own against a Paljunma. While we did manage to take one down with the combined forces of knights, mages, and soldiers, there were always those with strength strong enough to engage in combat with the Paljunma. Ambiguous numbers only increased our losses.
The only good thing is that I met the minimum criteria to be classified as a fighter against a Paljunma. It was a close call, but I could at least pretend to qualify. That was reason enough to fight.
“Your expression tells me you’re not up for it.”
Georg sighed and released my wrist.
“You need to keep the rest of the troops in check.”
Georg, seeming irritated, grabbed the spear he had slung over his shoulder.
“With two of us, we might not die outright, but it could get dicey. At least as long as we’re breathing, that’s a start.”
“…Thanks.”
“Just don’t make any silly mistakes.”
As I watched Georg ruffle his hair vigorously, a smirk slid onto my face.
I’d let him slide for now, even if he’s running around the frontlines leading to Zenobia’s complaints.
*
The assistant, wearing a stiff expression, whispered something to the Vice Captain, who promptly closed his eyes.
“Udesser Dorgon has appeared on the Sarey front. His forces number around fourteen thousand.”
However, the Vice Captain quickly collected himself and calmly shared the information. This was no longer just small skirmishes; a serious battle was about to begin.
‘…Sarey?’
Hearing where Dorgon would show up, I froze. The Sarey front is where the Patriarch is stationed.
Out of all the fronts, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated that it had to be where the Patriarch was. The fact that the quiet Dorgon had decided to make his appearance at Sarey felt almost like destiny. Could it be that he was aware of it all?
‘Damn.’
Sadly, that was a rather plausible scenario. Just as I sent his father, Kagan, on a one-way trip to the underworld, Dorgon could very well seek revenge by eliminating the Patriarch.
“Currently, Marshal Hiden is moving towards the Sarey front with several knights. He claims he intends to confront Dorgon alongside Marshal Tailglehen.”
That was somewhat encouraging news. If the Patriarch teams up with a powerful figure like Count Horfelt, they might be able to buy some time against Dorgon. Plus, there would be additional special forces and soldiers, so they should at least be able to survive until reinforcements arrive or until Dorgon retreats.
Still, I felt oddly uneasy. Objectively, it wasn’t the worst situation, yet the anxiety was unbearable.
“You have already done enough in terms of dedication and duty. No one should ask for any further sacrifice from you.”
Perhaps it’s because the Patriarch in my heart had transformed from a mere Patriarch into family. Since the day the Patriarch showed his heart, mine had changed too.
Thus, it’s only natural to feel anxious. Who could feel at ease knowing that family was facing off against a formidable foe?
“Your Grace.”
After much contemplation, I finally spoke to the Vice Captain.
“The enemy leader has appeared on the frontlines. While Marshals Tailglehen and Hiden are strong warriors, it’s unlikely they can take down Dorgon on their own.”
At my admission, the Vice Captain’s expression slightly twisted. It wasn’t that he didn’t know that two wouldn’t be enough.
“I will move to the frontlines as well. I’ll join forces with the two Marshals to subdue Dorgon.”
He probably anticipated my words coming.
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