Chapter 74 – Recognition (4)
[Current battle zones total: 32]
Of course, after systematically breaking the expeditionary forces sent by the enemies, we must now retaliate. Mobilizing all the workers to build a new nest and supply nutrients while simultaneously advancing our troops for multi-directional attacks.
In response, the localized battles erupted simultaneously.
Lords were desperately trying to protect their lands by allocating troops to garrisons and fortresses. Meanwhile, I had to break through their defenses or evade them to proceed with raiding and conquering.
‘There’s no need to confront them head-on.’
The sight of hundreds of thousands of troops clashing in a chaotic whirl isn’t something that easily happens.
Both our side and our enemies require genuine intent to truly fight. Winning would bring significant advantage, but losing also entails great risks, which means these engagements cannot be carelessly provoked.
I had no intention of honestly leveling garrisons where enemies were entrenched, preparing for a prolonged defense.
“You absurd monsters, surely you’re not just going to keep raiding until our strength runs out?!”
Count Agor, the Orc, angrily slammed his desk upon hearing the urgent news during the conference with the officers of the Cruiger Mercenary Band, including my avatars.
This was due to my soldiers following my directives, starting a thorough campaign of raiding and destruction.
The defensive forces, entrenched in their garrisons ready to fight, could only watch helplessly as my soldiers trampled their cultivated fields, massacred refugees, and destroyed villages and facilities.
“The territories of other lords are facing the same plight. Truly, these bastards are cunning. They already know how regrettable our previous defeat was.”
“Lord! The creatures already possess vast nests and will soon replenish all the troops they lost in the last battle. If the raiding continues, we’re going to be at a greater disadvantage!”
Agor’s subordinates shouted with varied opinions.
While some believed we’d surely lose if we continued like this, others argued we needed to hold on. Each side had its own reasoning.
“Although uncomfortable, it is true. But with Marcella and her vampire knights wiped out, the higher lords will surely intervene.”
Especially those who argued for buying time cited intervention from the Superior Lords as their justification. Agor clearly looked uncomfortable, but unfortunately, their own lives mattered more to them than the pride of the lord.
Whether our territory becomes a complete puppet for the Superior Lords doesn’t matter much as long as their status remains secure.
‘But I’ll wipe them out before that happens?’
Of course, all that depends on what I decide to do.
—
“It seems they think we can’t attack their fortresses and are simply raiding instead. We need to dispel that false assumption.”
From the very start, I was prepared to end this war before the bigger forces intervened.
Through the actions of my avatars inside their ranks, I already knew that the Superior Lords were too busy checking each other’s moves to send reinforcements quickly. Thanks to that, we still had enough time.
Certainly, the fortresses and strongholds they’ve carefully fortified aren’t easy targets. The facilities and manpower far surpass the border forts.
But we’ve evolved too.
This means we no longer need to rely solely on scaling walls for our sieges.
—
“—!?”
A fortress built on rugged terrain. This is a critical chokepoint guarded desperately by Agor’s Orc army.
I can see it right now. Unlike the rough, dangerous landscapes, the open skies give me a clear view of their astonished expressions.
‘Should this plan succeed, the traditional concept of siege warfare will change.’
I redirected my vision. The possessed flying species, the Bloody Ghost’s, head turned, revealing the surrounding area.
There, several thousand Bloody Ghosts, responsible for chaotic skirmishes, and hundreds of flight-based bombardiers, the Bomb Flame Demons, were flying in formation across the sky.
This is the new strategy we’ve introduced to bring down the enemy’s castles.
We hold back the ground forces for now and break down the enemy’s defensive troops with overwhelming air power through bombardments and raids.
Ground troops are only used for breaching walls once the aerial force has wiped out the defensive forces.
“Destroy them!”
Smirking at the shocked enemies, I commanded a synchronized bombardment to my troops.
As the Bomb Flame Demons opened their massive mouths, the enemies, assuming we’d climb the walls, had readied all the defenses toward the ground. They were still frantically trying to redirect their attacks to the skies at that moment.
“Aaah!”
“炸弹! 毒气!” (Bombs! Poison gas!)
The projectiles fired from within the Bomb Flame Demons’ bodies rained down on the ground, striking the unprepared enemies.
Their defensive systems failed completely. The magic shields designed to protect from falling projectiles, the magical artillery, and large ballistas for anti-aircraft fire—none of them worked.
Only screams of horror and shouts filled the air.
“Charge now.”
After the bombardments, the Bloody Ghosts that had been waiting struck without pause. Those struck by the attacks faced relentless assaults from countless Bloody Ghosts.
The attackers, using sharp claws and poison stings, tore through the defenders. Even skilled warriors were overwhelmed by numbers, dragged into the air, and ultimately fell to their deaths.
‘This is passable. They can be used anywhere adequately.’
Satisfied with the sight of the approaching ground forces, I smiled.
With substantial resources and forces secured, nothing can stop us now. As we’ve advanced once more, it’s time for our enemies to catch up.
*
“I was wrong. I thought the enemies were crafty, avoiding our castles and fortresses to sap our strength. And that during that time, the Superior Lords would eventually intervene and take away our rights.”
It was late at night. Agor sighed deeply and drank the contents of his massive goblet, holding enough liquid to fill someone’s face.
“That’s not it at all. The bastards are the same. They’re simply trying to kill and destroy everything in their path.”
“Are you considering changing tactics?”
But there was no time to marvel at the situation.
There must be a reason why Agor called me to his quarters after hearing the news from the front.
Agor, who had aged in just a few weeks, didn’t radiate the cunning of Marcela.
“We can’t stop them alone. We made a mistake at the start. Someone, no doubt, will be pushing hard to take control, so it’s better if I request help first. By taking the initiative, we can still have some leverage.”
Agor finally admitted that he would ask for support from the Superior Lords.
Because, like me, his priority was the protection of the territory and his subordinates over any personal pride.
And by addressing a simple mercenary unit like mine, he clearly had his reasons.
“Zumun has already told me everything. Your skills and intellect are impressive. What do you say about formally joining under me? Regardless of your origin, I will treat you properly.”
“I am…”
“All of your group. If you follow my orders, you’ll have the freedom to operate independently.”
Agor needed strength with his main forces devastated. Without it, he’d just become another puppet for the Superior Lords to control.
Even as a mere mercenary unit, our power and demonstrated abilities were clearly desirable.
‘Finally, acknowledgment.’
The corners of my mouth curled up faintly beneath my lowered head.
My plan to infiltrate a key faction—one that I would eventually consume in its entirety—and to plant within it a fatal cancer was proceeding smoothly, better than anticipated.
“The captain is Cruiger, so I’ll follow his judgment.”
“Remarkable loyalty for a mercenary. I already knew you follow your captain fully, which is why I aimed to recruit your whole group. They say a human woman who’s tasted an Orc cannot resist them. Is that true?”
With a cynical laugh, he nodded his head. I ignored his crude, irrelevant remarks.
‘If the Superior Lords have to intervene, let them do so.’
From the start, my aim was to turn this region into a swamp.
A swamp designed to gradually drain and devour the Superior Lords guarding the entrance to the Demon Realm’s core.
In the end, the only ones left standing will be us.
