Chapter 82: Attack (2)

Although they started late, there was no need to urgently chase the Western Army. The destination was obvious.

Hrit.

A massive fortress built at a strategic point where one can cross the border and head into the Western region.

Hrit Castle, which was said to have been built when the West was powerful in ancient times, still stood strong today.

With a natural moat formed by the river and walls with high magic capacity, it was a fortress optimized for defense.

‘It won’t be easy.’

On average, to besiege a fortress, one needs three times the number of troops defending it.

However, for Hrit, seven times are needed. History has proven this.

Two hundred years ago, the Empire succeeded in besieging Hrit but suffered such heavy losses that they could not advance further.

Of course, it could have been due to the poor leadership of the commander at that time, but it was definitely not an easy place.

Moreover, the current difference in troops is about 25,000. It’s difficult to breach Hrit with conventional methods.

‘The Western Army will likely be determined to hold their ground.’

Thus, the command staff seemed quite busy throughout the journey. I thought they might be requesting reinforcements.

The Empire needs to maintain a minimum number of troops, but they could gather a few tens of thousands more.

However, even so, it wouldn’t make a significant difference. It’s not like hundreds of thousands more would come.

After a long march, we set up camp near Hrit Castle. Lüderen immediately gathered the commanders.

“This siege will be a tough battle, more so than any other.”

Though everyone had guessed as much, the words of a Sword Master carried weight.

“We haven’t decided on the siege method yet. If you have a good strategy, feel free to share it.”

After a moment of thought, the Second Prince asked:

“Can you break the castle gates, sir? Can’t we just go in that way?”

As the Prince suggested, Lüderen could indeed break the castle gates with a single sword.

That’s why he is a Sword Master. However, Lüderen’s expression was not good.

“I can break the gates, but Hrit is not that easy. We will suffer significant losses.”

However, it’s not the best strategy, as Lüderen said.

The weakest part of a castle is the gate, which is built to be breached from the start.

With no restrictions on speaking, the nobles and knights were deep in thought.

“Attacking one side of the wall with bombs...”

“It’s best not to expect too much. While we have a decent number, the magic on Hrit’s walls is quite strong.”

This was a part mentioned in history books. Ancient magic combined with modern magic.

Bombs won’t breach it easily. Perhaps with a massive amount, but not otherwise.

“What about using spies?”

“Even if they open the gates, I can do that alone.”

“What about spreading a plague or poison through internal spies?”

“Poison is possible, but its effectiveness is uncertain. It’s safer to receive information from spies rather than risk it.”

“Then, what about using catapults to throw...”

This method involved spreading artificially created diseases by magicians through corpses and filth.

It’s not a good idea to think about the future. As expected, Lüderen shook his head.

“The plague is not an option. We need to break the gates and find King Rohalak. We can’t risk our own troops getting sick.”

A baron, one of the magicians, spoke up.

“There is a disease for which we can make a cure. It will take some time, but if we have the materials, we can proceed safely.”

“Hmm, that’s not bad. I’ll request support. If there’s no other option before the materials arrive, we’ll consider it.”

“Is there any additional support?”

“Yes.”

The nobles’ expressions were not good. No methods worked, and there was no support.

Facing Hrit’s walls, they must have felt a sense of helplessness. A staff officer spoke up.

“Sir, let’s consider a long-term battle. It’s the only way. The West’s supplies will eventually run out.”

“Agreed.”

Lüderen nodded. They must have already discussed this, so this was just for show.

If a good idea came up, they could adopt it.

“Continuously using catapults to apply psychological pressure and thoroughly setting up scouts to cut off supplies should work.”

Our troops have a supply line behind us, and the Western Army will likely be in chaos due to the changed situation. Time is on our side.

If we don’t attack rashly, victory is guaranteed.

“Then, should we surround the castle?”

“No. If we disperse our troops, the enemy will attack and cause trouble. We just need to cut off their supplies.”

“Then, I’ll gather the cavalry and reorganize them.”

While discussing the details, Lüderen looked at me and asked:

“Do you have any other ideas?”

It was a sudden question. The nobles’ gazes turned to me, filled with expectation.

Due to my past achievements, I was expected to have a good idea. If I didn’t, they would be disappointed.

“Proposing surrender might be a good idea.”

“They won’t accept it, though.”

“We can guarantee their lives and offer compensation to those who surrender.”

The staff officer next to Lüderen understood and his eyes lit up.

“If we proceed as discussed, the longer it takes, the more they will realize they have no chance of winning.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They can’t stay in Hrit forever. Their morale will definitely drop. Even if not immediately, we can expect internal betrayal.”

“That’s a good idea. If done well, we might take the castle easily.”

Lüderen smiled. The other nobles nodded. It was approved.

At that moment, raindrops began to fall on the tent.

“Damn. It’s started.”

“What do you mean? What has started?”

“The rainy season in the West. It will rain for the next three weeks.”

The nobles were discussing this.

Suddenly, an idea flashed in my mind. Perhaps this siege could be resolved more easily than expected.

“What about building a dam upstream of the river?”

“A dam?”

Surprised by the sudden suggestion, Lüderen tilted his head.

“Hrit’s moat is a natural one formed by the river. And the rainy season is starting now.”

“...Ah!”

Lüderen’s eyes widened as he understood.

“Are you suggesting a water attack?”

“It might not be enough to collapse the walls, but if we use bombs and magic before the dam breaks, it could work.”

“True. If it’s not enough, I can use my sword.”

The staff officer next to him expressed a minor concern.

“There could be problems.”

“Yes. If we can’t breach the walls, the risk of a plague spreading inside increases.”

Even if the walls don’t collapse, the water will flood the inside, mixing with sewage and creating unsanitary conditions.

One of the issues with a water attack during a siege.

“If it doesn’t work, we can just let it be. The dam itself can serve to drain the moat.”

The moat is a major obstacle during a siege. Whether we use a water attack or not, reducing the water level is beneficial.

“Since it’s the rainy season, the moat will remain full, making it difficult for the enemy to realize we’re building a dam.”

“True. There are fewer elements to interfere. By the time they realize, it will be too late.”

“The incident at the Epidere Plain wasn’t a coincidence. It was an excellent strategy.”

Lüderen agreed, and the staff officer nodded.

“Impressive.”

“The Princess has a talent for finding capable people.”

The nobles murmured, their eyes filled with admiration.

Well, I thought of the water attack first and the rest later, but a good idea is a good idea.

“Let’s do it. First, let’s build the dam.”

The soldiers will suffer, but it’s much better than a direct assault on Hrit Castle.

I met Lüderen’s gaze. He nodded firmly, indicating approval.

Erendil and Emet, standing next to me, smiled with wide eyes.

As the meeting ended, the nobles gathered around Erendil.

“Your Highness, you truly have a wise knight. It’s a blessing for you.”

* * *

The rain lasted for 18 days. The soft ground squelched with every step.

Morale was low, regardless of the progress.

There were many difficulties. The humidity was high, and there was no way to do laundry.

Dampness often caused infections on the soldiers’ feet.

High-ranking nobles called magicians to solve the problem, but the soldiers had no such luxury.

It wasn’t good for me either. I couldn’t use wind magic to block the rain due to the observers, so the environment was not pleasant.

‘But it will end soon.’

The dam construction was carried out by the main force.

They took most of the soldiers and magicians and built it in just three days. It was an incredible speed.

After continuous checks, a significant amount of water had accumulated. The moat had visibly decreased.

The West must have noticed the situation, but they couldn’t come out. We had thoroughly blocked the path to the river’s upper reaches.

The amount of rain was gradually decreasing, and the Imperial Army was preparing for the attack.

Lüderen decided on a water attack.

With the water level sufficiently high and the ground muddy, it was judged that the walls could be breached with bombs.

There was a risk of a plague, but a quick resolution was better than further delay.

The rain continued for four more days. Discussions about the exact attack time were ongoing.

Opinions were divided: wait for the enemy to weaken after the water attack, or attack immediately when the walls collapse.

Lüderen chose the latter.

Thus, on a night when the rain stopped, we decided to start the attack at dawn the next day.

“Prepare as we have for the past few days. Everyone, get ready.”

Using the dark time, Lüderen and the cavalry magicians advanced towards the river-side walls.

Attacking the walls was the priority.

At the agreed time, soldiers approached the reduced moat and planted bombs.

Boom! The ground shook with consecutive explosions. The magic on the walls was the only light in the early morning.

Hidden by the explosions, those who had moved upstream destroyed the dam.

Magicians poured magic into the walls damaged by the bombs.

The blue walls and flying fireballs, defended by magic, created a spectacular sight.

The soldiers and magicians quickly retreated before the Western Army could respond to the surprise attack.

Lüderen remained alone in the darkness.

Ten minutes later.

Rumble! The ground shook as if in an earthquake. A massive flood of water poured from upstream.

Despite retreating quite far to avoid potential damage, the soldiers were still shaken.

What must the Western Army be feeling?

‘Perhaps they are in a panic.’

I couldn’t know how many casualties my plan would cause. There was a light in the darkness.

Lüderen’s sword.

Sword energy. A blue light beam illuminated the early morning. It was a purely beautiful sword technique.

Just watching it, I felt inspired.

For a moment, the sword energy, carrying the force of a wave, surged with the flood and covered Hrit.

Boom! The sword energy and the flood hit the walls almost simultaneously.

It was a perfect timing created by a Sword Master. The walls initially seemed intact.

However, the flood of water climbing the walls and overflowing the moat.

In less than five seconds, one side of the wall crumbled, along with the gate.

The massive gap between the collapsed walls was flooded with water.

I mounted my horse and drew my sword. The soldiers in front of me looked at me with determined eyes.

Amid the heightened atmosphere of overwhelming destructive power, I raised my voice.

“All troops! Prepare to advance!”

The water will drain quickly.

Now it’s time to attack the chaotic Hrit.