Chapter 573

Chapter 573: Barbarian Warriors

The vast army of Frost Rose, despite its large numbers, did not rush all at once to the frontline due to issues with supplies, preparations, and routes. Instead, they advanced in batches and from different directions.

The vanguard, naturally, was stationed near New Vergha. Under the command of the experienced veteran Jenkin, 200,000 troops, along with the golem legion, crossed through the dense Yellow Camphor County jungle towards Hope Lane.

Another group of 50,000 soldiers sailed northward along the Black Pine River. This force primarily consisted of infantry adapted for mountain warfare, with the golems being smaller and more agile.

The last contingent was a naval fleet centered around newly built ironclad ships, supported by a few airships. It included over 30,000 sailors, 60 ironclad ships, and 20 airships. Many high-ranking mages (Sequence 5-6) were aboard, gathering elites to intercept any possible reinforcements from the Southern Islands.

Compared to the weak New Vergha, Frost Rose was more concerned about the Juvenile Moon Council in the Southern Islands. Both factions’ mages came from the same lineage and understood each other’s strength, so they did not dare underestimate them.

Yellow Camphor County, the front camp.

A black-gray isolation zone was cleared near the jungle. Soldiers cut down trees to create simple wooden fences surrounding the camp. As night fell, hundreds of bonfires lit up inside the camp, where soldiers ate and rested, easing their day’s fatigue.

It was early autumn, and the weather was no longer as hot. Most soldiers wore black and dark blue uniforms with steel armor.

After long journeys, many removed their armor due to fatigue and placed them aside, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

As the night deepened, snoring sounds emerged from tents of various sizes, and the camp grew quiet.

In the central, spacious tent, Jenkin continued to examine the map under the lamplight, marking the terrain around Hope Lane. Chess pieces were arranged nearby.

The dim candlelight stretched the shadows of cups, pens, scrolls, and other items on the low table, occasionally flickering with the flame.

Suddenly, the tent flap opened, letting in the cold outside air. A female knight entered after removing her helmet.

Jenkin looked up briefly before continuing to focus on his map, occasionally jotting notes.

“Still awake, Eda? We need to travel tomorrow. Now isn’t like back home; wartime rules apply, and I can’t favor you.”

“Mm, I’ll sleep soon. Came to check on you.”

“What’s there to see? Afraid I might run into trouble? Not only do we have guards, but also the mages’ warning barriers. Anyone approaching would be detected.”

The 20-something-year-old female knight shook her head and found a cushion to sit beside the low table.

“This is my first campaign, still somewhat novel and a bit nervous,” she said, looking at the map.

“Nervous about what, my daughter? You’re usually not one to be so sentimental.”

Jenkin put down his pen; he too was tired and stopped thinking.

“I’m unsure if I can kill the enemy. Those people, just like me, were raised by their parents. We don’t really have any deep enmity.”

Eda leaned her head on her father’s knee.

“Hmm, having such a kind heart is good, probably inherited from your mother,” Jenkin stroked his daughter’s crimson hair.

“But, getting overly emotional won’t do.”

“Don’t place yourself too high. We can’t please everyone, nor can we make everyone content. That’s impossible.”

“So, sometimes, for our own benefit, we must harm or even take lives.”

“Just like wolves eating sheep—neither good nor evil, just part of life.”

“Showing compassion among friends is virtuous. But being merciful to enemies is foolish,” Jenkin explained to his daughter.

“I understand these principles, but still find it hard to fully accept.”

Eda closed her eyes, her beautiful face reflecting faint light in the fire. Without her helmet, she appeared quite lovely.

“Then adapt gradually. Many things take time.”

Jenkin sighed. After years in the military, he had seen veterans who, though surviving the battlefield, struggled post-service. Not everyone is cold-blooded; some detest combat. Yet, this world’s nature remains unchanged.

Even the kindest person will pick up weapons when faced with enemy blades and death threats, knowing that not doing so means losing their own life.

Many ordinary soldiers don’t think much about national honor; perhaps it’s more about survival. They want money to support their families and change their circumstances.

But once on the battlefield, retreat is impossible. Unlike daily order, wartime killings aren’t considered. Where months pass before seeing an execution, now they’re everywhere, leading to desensitization.

Reflecting on his military career, Jenkin sometimes questioned whether he was just. The truth revealed that his role wasn’t about justice but loyalty.

Just as they conversed, urgent whistles erupted outside, followed by commotion and shouting. Footsteps and clashing armor echoed.

Jenkin stood abruptly, grabbing his sword to investigate, while Eda dashed out faster. This female knight, a rare genius in the army, was even more renowned among the younger generation than her father.

“Attack!” Sharp cries echoed. Many soldiers ran toward the incident holding torches and weapons.

“From the south!” a soldier on watch shouted.

“Many, are they barbarians?”

As summoned soldiers approached, they finally recognized the faces of those fighting against them.

Under the yellow flames, these enemies wielded shields and long axes, their faces painted white and red, appearing fierce.

They charged wildly, disregarding their lives, hacking with long axes, leaving bloody traces aimed at vulnerable joints, splattering blood and limbs.

These warriors, with minimal armor on key areas and otherwise in single-layer clothes, were vulnerable but quickly breached the camp, causing chaos and killing unprepared soldiers.

Soon, Frost Rose’s defenders arrived, restoring order after brief confusion. They formed ranks, using scythe lances to repel the wild attackers.

When Eda led a squad of fully armored personal guards in deep green cloaks, the situation was largely under control.

She put her sword aside and asked an officer nearby.

“Can you identify them?”

“Knight Eda, these may be northern barbarian warriors hired by the New Vergha Alliance. Since the western winds subdued the barbarians decades ago, they scattered. This group seems to be kept by a major merchant guild as guards and mercenaries.”

“How strong are they?”

“While lacking armor, individually they’re strong. Unfortunately, without discipline, they lack advantage against organized forces.”

As the officer spoke, a group of soldiers surrounded the approximately 800-strong night raiders, systematically eliminating them.

“Kill!” Many soldiers suppressed their unease, joining their teammates to thrust spears, pinning enemies to the ground.

Most were new recruits, trained thoroughly but inexperienced in combat. Fortunately, surrounded by comrades, they stabilized.

Following the strange night attack, nearly 100,000 soldiers in the camp woke up. Scouts were dispatched to investigate, confirming safety before the camp gradually calmed down, dawn approaching.

(End of Chapter)