Translator: Cinder Translations
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While the kingdom's envoy and the orcs were engaged in difficult negotiations, a battle that would decide the fate of the kingdom's northwest was about to unfold.
After staying at Silver Moon Fortress for a month, Paul's long-awaited supplies were finally gathered, and the arrival of large amounts of ammunition filled him with confidence.
With the fully equipped Alden army at its core, the Aldor forces began to march eastward, aiming to reclaim lost territory.
At last, in a place called the Usola Plains, an inconspicuous stretch of land in the vast northwest of the kingdom, the Aldor army, advancing eastward, unexpectedly encountered the orc's western invasion force, which had gathered to the west.
Upon learning that the enemy's main force was near, the two armies, heading toward each other, instinctively halted and set up camp, conserving energy for the impending decisive battle.
As they marched, the Alden army had repeatedly encountered orc cavalry tactics, where the enemy would break into small units, emerging unexpectedly from the left, right, or even behind them, showing their vicious and deadly side.
For the newly arrived Alden forces, such frequent and forceful skirmishes were unprecedented in their military careers.
In the beginning, this placed immense psychological pressure on some of the less experienced soldiers, but Alden's firearms and artillery, with their superior range and accuracy, ultimately proved more effective than the orcs' bows and crossbows. Combined with strict discipline—prohibiting anyone from leaving the unit to pursue the enemy without superior orders—the army eventually overcame the impact of this tactic.
The Alden army tried to choose open terrain for their route during the march to make the best use of their telescopes. The orc cavalry's attacks were often detected early, allowing them to prepare their defenses. For the Alden army, shifting from a marching formation to a defensive one was easy, and with early warning, other armies also had more time to react. By the time the orcs reached them, they were often met with devastating volleys from firearms, cannons, and strong crossbows.
As the Aldor army adapted, the orcs' harassment tactics grew increasingly ineffective, with each attack leaving behind large numbers of corpses, while the Alden army suffered only minimal casualties.
The logistics team of the Alden army, responsible for supplying the troops, also armed themselves like porcupines, making them difficult targets.
Furthermore, the Alden army had paid off their previous "debts," earning good credit in the area, which made acquiring living supplies much easier. The Alden army's steadfastness on the front lines also greatly encouraged the civilian population in the rear, leading to the spontaneous formation of militia groups to defend their homes. This created significant trouble for the orc cavalry that had infiltrated the Aldor army's rear.
The orc commander, Calem, was displeased with the current situation. The Aldor army gathered at Silver Moon Fortress seemed different from previous enemies that had collapsed after a single blow.
Upon learning that Princess Catherine was at Silver Moon Fortress, Calem concluded: Clearly, humanity had recovered from the panic caused by their previous defeat.
He summoned his officers, decided to launch a direct confrontation like the one at Sunset Valley, and aimed to crush the Aldor army's restored confidence.
Once successful, Calem believed his forces could surge forward once again, optimistic that he could ride to the sea.
Having defeated humans once, he believed he could do it again.
Thus, the two armies met at the Usola Plains.
The Aldor army made no special movements, maintaining their usual routines, though the camp's alertness was heightened. Scout cavalry frequently went in and out, gathering intelligence on the surrounding situation. The soldiers' camps were quiet, but the hidden tension and unease were palpable. Everyone knew the big battle was near.
On the orc side, the camp was filled with chaos and noise. Calem ordered the army to be rewarded, and the smell of roasted meat and alcohol filled the air. Orc soldiers chewed and drank wildly, singing and dancing. This was a traditional custom in the orc army—generous rewards boosted morale, and unlike humans, orcs had a unique constitution that allowed them to rapidly convert large amounts of temporary food into energy for battle. However, their camp was also on high alert.
By sunset, both camps fell silent, awaiting the arrival of the new day.
On August 26th, 1995, at dawn, the sound of trumpets from the Alden army and the orcs' horns simultaneously broke the morning stillness.
The armies assembled and advanced. The human and orc armies finally faced each other from about a mile apart.
As no charge had yet been made, both sides kept relatively neat formations. The morning breeze made the flags flutter, and the flat plains were filled with a tense atmosphere.
The Aldor army's formation was simple. The infantry formed a line centered on the Alden army, with cavalry from the royal city knights and other factions covering the flanks.
The Alden army employed a linear tactic, with six battalions arranged in three shallow, wide rows. Two battalions were held in reserve at the rear, and over forty artillery pieces were deployed in front of the line and between the rows.
Paul, on horseback, used his binoculars to observe the orc army. The orcs had cavalry as their main force, with light cavalry at the front and heavy cavalry at the rear. On the flanks were human infantry troops from vassal armies.
"It's going to be a real battle," Paul thought nervously. All his years of effort were about to be tested.
He looked around at the commanders of the Aldor army, who were gathered around him, then nodded at Schroeder.
Schroeder took out a pocket watch, "Gentlemen, time check!"
The commanders pulled out their own pocket watches. These watches, issued by the Alden army, were much more compact and refined than the bulky old clocks, making them easy to carry, and everyone liked them.
"7:24 AM!" Schroeder announced, and everyone checked their watches to confirm the time.
With the time synchronized, Schroeder immediately ordered, "Take your positions!"
The commanders saluted Paul and Schroeder, then mounted their horses and rode off to command their troops.
"I'll go too. Good luck," Catherine said, looking at Paul.
"Good luck to you too!" Paul nodded at her.
In truth, he wished Catherine would stay by his side, but the princess insisted on staying with her soldiers.
(End of the Chapter)
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