The Story of Hero Among Heroes ~The Founding Chronicles of Arestia - Chapter 130 – Conquering the North part 1 ~First Match~

[So it’s exactly as Shion predicted.]

Ares turned his head to the military staff who was riding diagonal to him.

Shion replied from atop of his horse.

[Yes. Well, not like they have any other choice to begin with…]

The day after Zekka returned with the report, Ares immediately ordered the entire forces of Fort Troia to prepare.

The troops were to be divided into three and they must act as quickly as possible.

The first group would be led by Sigurd and consisted of the second army. Mostly filled with cavalry, they’re to march to the north. Of course, the dragon riders were also with this group.

The second group, led by Lauren, would stay to defend Troia fort. This group consisted of the 1st army… the 『Blue Legion』of Ares’ 『Broken Legions』.

[I’m sure they’ll at least try to attack the fort. However, their cavalry are not suited for sieges. Solidify the defenses and don’t hesitate to counter attack with long range magic.]

That was Shion’s message to the defending forces.

And lastly was the group that Ares led personally. A combination of the 1st army 『Red Legion』and parts of the 3rd army.

[The 3rd army is a mix of cavalry and infantry… I will be bringing the cavalry with me since our opponent is also cavalry. The infantry will come out last to decide the game.]

Receiving Ares’ order, the army quickly arranged themselves. The cavalry soon took their position behind Ares.

Ares’ plan was to entrap Batu’s barbarian army.

This way, the war should stop immediately.

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About two weeks had passed since Ares dispatched the army. Batu couldn’t hide his frustration anymore.

[Damn it! What is their real goal?!]

When Batu attacked, the Grants army which consisted of cavalry would flee away. But when he decided to attack the fort, the cavalry would attack them from the rear. However, the enemy would flee with horrifying speed before Batu could counterattack. This pattern had been repeating itself for a while now.

[Batu, calm down.]

Shu spoke to calm the younger Batu.

[They’re going to scrape us little by little at this rate. We need to somehow pull their defending force out.]

[But if we do that, their cavalry will just attack us from the rear again. Either way, we are in trouble…]

Batu considered their situation from atop of his horse. It’s as if they’re dancing on someone’s palm. He had never experienced something like this before. And it made his impatience grow. There’s little amount of provisions left. Yet, they couldn’t plunder to replenish their supply since all nearby villages had been burned down. There was nothing left to rob.

[Batu… I have an idea…]

Shu told Batu his plan to recover the situation. Batu nodded in agreement.

[Let’s go. I don’t know how long we can last at this rate…]

Batu murmured with a determined look on his face.

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[Information has come in from Zekka. It seems that Sigurd is already done with his part.]

Ares laughed as he told Shion

[With this, the first stage is completed. Time to end this.]

[It’s about time for them to reach their limit. With that, it’s easy to predict their next move.]

Shion also chuckled.

[I actually wanted to stretch things out for another one or two days. It can’t be helped. Well, in any case we managed to buy some time for Sigurd to complete his part of the plan. Let’s go in earnest.]

[Sigurd also said that he’ll be riding Zephyr on his journey back… do you think he’ll get here in time?]

[He will. But before that… we need to weather the barbarians’ last stand first.]

[They say a cornered cat will bite back. Let’s be careful.]

Ares nodded at Shion, and proceeded to command the army.

[Announce this to all troops. We will now commence the 『Second Operation』to defeat the barbarians. Everyone is to act according to the plan.]

[Understood!]

The messenger quickly went to inform the entire army.

[Alright… it’s going to get busy here.]

Ares muttered to himself as he looked around.

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Now, how many times has it been already? Batu attacked the fort and as usual, arrows and magic rained down to welcome them.

[Now… they should be coming soon…]

[We need to endure for now. They’ll appear in due time.]

Shu nodded in agreement. This time, Shu didn’t attack the fort like he usually did. Instead he was preparing for the enemy reinforcement, which should be coming after this.

According to Shu’s understanding, the enemy should call for reinforcements to attack Batu’s army from behind whenever the fort is attacked. Then, by the time they could turn around to retaliate, the reinforcements would’ve already fled.

And so, Shu devised a plan to destroy the ambushing reinforcement by pretending to attack the fort, while actually preparing to retaliate as soon as the enemy attacked their rear.

[Our cavalry won’t miss them if we are ready. I myself will take the lead and take their general’s head. That will determine everything.]

Batu nodded at Shu’s words. He was on the lookout for that opportunity.

[Here it is. They’re coming!]

Batu tightened his fist and shouted

[They’re here! Shu!]

[Understood!]

Shu held up his cross spear, determining the moment to charge.

The opportunity he was looking for was when the enemy cavalry turned around to flee… but so far they didn’t show any sign to do so.

Both Batu and Shu were perplexed by this unusual behaviour. Then they finally noticed.

[Don’t tell me, they are…]

[Apparently, they are really going for the kill this time…]

Batu gritted his teeth upon hearing Shu’s.

[Dammit! And with great timing too! Has my luck finally run out?!]

But Shu stayed calm as he responded to Batu.

[As long as we’re still alive, the result is not set in stone yet.]

After saying that, he told Batu.

[It’s just a little change in the plan. I will still do my part as planned. Batu, shall I?]

Batu looked back at Shu. The latter’s eyes had been stuck in one direction all this time. Perhaps he’s looking directly at the enemy general. Batu decided to give Shu the go.

[You are the best warrior in my troop, Shu.]

Batu grabbed Shu’s shoulder.

[If you lose, I think I will also perish in this battle. Our fate, let’s determine it here.]

[That resolve, I have accepted.]

Shu then shouted loudly to the allies behind him.

[Now, I’m going for the enemy general’s head. Those who are courageous, with me!!]

And he alone charged first at the enemy line. Seeing that, many barbarians soon followed behind him.

Watching the situation… Batu gave out his orders.

[Batoru, Mukasa. Lead the remaining troops to capture the fort. You must at least prevent them from sending their troops out of the fort!!]

[ [ As you wish!! ] ]

Both Batoru and Mukasa were Batu’s childhood friends. They had served under Batu since he was young, making them Batu’s most reliable subordinates.

[No matter what, we will survive this predicament. I’ll leave everything to you… everyone…]

Batu muttered inwardly.

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[Finally got lured in, huh.]

[The bait worked.]

Both Ares and Shion smiled as they saw Shu charging in towards them.

[He’s most likely the greatest warrior in this barbarian army. I will go.]

Ares then urged his horse to meet Shu’s charge. Watching this, Shion also followed from behind.