Translator: Cinder Translations
...
General Webster was once again entrusted with a grave responsibility. Whether as a devout believer or a loyal soldier, he could not refuse this duty.
He inspected the army, delivering an inspiring speech that boosted the morale of the troops. He sent envoys to the inland countries of the Horns Bay to continue to rally their support.
The various supplies allocated by the Holy See were distributed fairly and justly by Webster, earning the respect and trust of all.
The ranks of the Church Army were replenished, their equipment maintained and updated, and under the General's relentless efforts, they gradually regained the strength of their former glory.
At the same time, under Webster's insistence, another division, originally advancing northward to attack Eaton, was recalled and joined with the main force. The Church Army would once again unite into a powerful fist to strike a single enemy.
Among the reinforcements coming from the north was a special group—the army of Duke Giles of the Southern Aldor Territory. They arrived in the Horns Bay as mercenaries and were employed by the Horns Bay Church to fight.
Recalling the so-called "Horns Bay Volunteer Army" from the New Faith Alliance, the sight of two of the most powerful lords, one from the north and the other from the south, clashing on foreign soil became a topic of conversation. Many people secretly regarded it as a symbol of the collapse of Aldor's royal power.
The confidence of the Church Army was restored. Reflecting on the beginning of the war, when they were pushing through enemy territory, they now believed they could create another miracle by pushing forward once again.
The nations to the north of the Horns Bay, including Eaton, realized that the enemy forces advancing toward their territories had retreated. Given the current situation, they quickly understood the enemy's intentions.
At the request of Marianna, an army composed of northern New Faith states was dispatched by sea to support their allied Horns Bay Alliance.
Because they still had to defend their own lands, this reinforcement was not large, and who could say if the southern advance of the Church Army was just a feint? But it showed enough sincerity, as it was led by Duke Elliot of Eaton himself, accompanied by his wife Helen and Helen's teacher, Marianna—her identity still a secret.
The Horns Bay War situation temporarily quieted, but everyone knew it was the calm before the storm, as both sides were preparing for a decisive battle.
Regardless, the New Faith Alliance was exhausted, and their remaining strength was barely enough for one last desperate gamble.
On the Holy See side, with its headquarters far from the Horns Bay, supporting the Horns Bay Church came at a huge cost. Originally, it could have been solved through Aldor's (mainly the northwest bay) sea trade routes, but Collins' attack on Lion's Port had pushed Aldor's merchants into opposition, making the Holy See's aid to the Horns Bay increasingly difficult.
Thus, the upcoming battle might be the final battle for the Horns Bay.
Many far-sighted people could see that the outcome of this battle would, in some sense, determine the fate of the world.
If the Church Army won, the Holy See would largely restore its prestige, reassert control over the Horns Bay—regarded as a crucial trading hub at the continent's corner—and then be free to deal with Gabella.
If the New Faith Alliance won, the Holy See would lose face, and the notion of being the voice of God would collapse. How could God let His representative fail?
More nations would rise to imitate them, and the Holy See's authority would vanish under repeated blows.
Various factions sent spies and scouts to infiltrate the Horns Bay, closely monitoring the situation.
Finally, under the watchful eyes of all, the final battle began.
The Church Army, after sufficient rest, was the first to move. Webster ordered his troops to advance westward, and the New Faith Alliance immediately sent forces to confront them.
The New Faith Army, including the Horns Bay Volunteer Army, numbered about 45,000, while the Church Army had about 48,000 soldiers. The two armies collided head-on in an open area called Hestia, each taking positions and preparing for battle.
As the Horns Bay Volunteer Army contributed the most troops, Andrew naturally became the overall commander on their side.
The Horns Bay Volunteer Army was positioned at the center of the formation, with Alden's nine battalions using their standard linear tactics, forming several shallow ranks of horizontal lines. The mercenaries and other allied forces used traditional square formations. The Horns Bay Alliance's army, second in number, was placed on the right wing, while Eaton's forces were positioned on the left.
The Church Army used square formations throughout. They arrived at the battlefield first and took the high ground, gaining a favorable view.
At the beginning of the encounter, both sides were cautious, unsure of each other's strength, and refrained from launching full-scale attacks. The engagement consisted mainly of small-scale cavalry skirmishes, testing each other's weaknesses.
However, it wasn't long before Aldor's artillery took their positions and, using their range advantage, heavily bombarded the Church Army's square formations, causing significant casualties to the Church Army, who had never encountered such weapons before.
Webster ordered the repositioning of crossbows and other long-range weapons to counter the artillery.
Aldor's artillery redirected their fire to target the enemy's long-range units. Thanks to superior craftsmanship and training, Aldor's guns were more accurate, and as one after another of the Church Army's long-range artillery pieces were destroyed, General Fedotov, who commanded the Church Army's cavalry, lost his composure.
This fierce general had once led the Church Army through neutral countries to launch a flanking attack on the Horns Bay's northern territories. But when they reached Eaton, his army was ambushed by evil wizards, suffering a disgraceful defeat.
The sight of Aldor's artillery reminded him of those terrible memories. It was with fire and explosions that his forces had scattered under mysterious attacks and ultimately suffered a crushing defeat.
Fedotov had sworn to reclaim his honor on the battlefield, and the sight of the Eaton Duke's flag in the enemy camp drove him to madness.
Seeing the "evil magic" used again, Fedotov could no longer contain himself.
"Tell the boys to prepare for a charge!"
His aide, terrified, replied, "General, Lord Webster hasn't given the order yet!"
Fedotov's expression twisted with fury. "God above, Webster doesn't understand the danger of those magic spells! We must kill the wizards hiding in their ranks before those terrible fire explosions happen. If worse comes to worst, we can cause chaos to disrupt their spellcasting."
Without hesitation, he commanded, "Send someone to inform Webster, everyone else follow me in a charge!"
Thus, with the sound of horses' hooves, Fedotov led his cavalry into a full charge toward the enemy's left wing, where the Eaton Duke's flag flew.
The cavalry's charge raised a great cloud of dust, visible from far away. Andrew immediately ordered the left wing to brace for the attack, setting up a pike formation.
Meanwhile, General Webster, furious, shouted toward the rising dust, "You are going to destroy my honor and fame forever you idiot!"
(End of the Chapter)
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