Chapter 94

### Ten Thousand Army

It was a secret treasure passed down through the bloodline of the first Orion.

A Level 7 inherited skill that made the name Orion known throughout the neighboring countries.

The effect of this skill was to issue one-sided commands to designated members within a certain range.

The skill had a limit of ten thousand designated members and even had a range of effect.

Despite this, the skill was extremely powerful, allowing instantaneous commands to be issued from the center.

However, those who inherited Orion's skill never overestimated their own abilities.

They faced the strengths and weaknesses of the skill with honesty.

For centuries, they continued to study whether they could win in a single mass formation.

As a result of trial and error, the Orion family mostly acted in a single mass formation in past battles.

Naturally, the enemy would devise strategies against this.

In hundreds of battles, Orion's defeats numbered only three times.

These were also the times when the head of the army's command tower, the inheritor of Orion's skill, was beheaded.

However, in all the battles where Orion was defeated, the enemy's numbers were four times greater.

Moreover, all three of these battles were brutal, reducing the enemy's numbers by half.

Thus, out of respect for Orion's strength, the enemy called this formation:

A Mobile Fortress.

### The First Battle Ended in a Crushing Victory

Father's skill and the four generals were just too strong.

Although we couldn't capture the enemy strategist, Grid, we did manage to defeat the enemy's general, which was a great victory.

What? Why the gap in time?

N-no, it's not because I couldn't think of his name for a moment!

No, no, wait a minute.

The victory was so overwhelming that I almost became a bit cocky.

Calm down. This is a battlefield, and we are almost in enemy territory.

Complacency is the enemy. I want to send this message to myself and Prince Grid.

I quickly returned to the makeshift tent set up on the battlefield, escorted by Captain Rand, who had just returned with a bloodied spear.

I didn't have any particular thoughts about Captain Rand's bloodied spear.

If he had brought back a head, I would have definitely vomited, but a bit of blood was no problem.

He must have been considerate.

Since it was too quiet, I decided to talk to Captain Rand.

"Captain Rand, you're really strong, aren't you?"

"No, this is nothing special."

Was he implying that the enemy general was too weak?

Well, Gildor's skill was the worst match for Captain Rand's.

Captain Rand's attacks should not be blocked.

They should be dodged or deflected.

With his towering height of over two meters, dodging was impossible.

Therefore, the only option was to deflect.

A general as strong as Gildor should have been able to deflect.

However, Gildor was different.

Gildor had the power and skill to crush the enemy in one blow.

As long as he didn't lose in terms of power, Gildor's attacks could not be deflected or blocked.

The enemy could only dodge, but most of the generals were on horseback, and it was impossible to dodge Gildor's massive hammer.

Thus, Gildor had never properly fought an enemy.

He had never needed to deflect enemy attacks, which is why he couldn't deflect Captain Rand's thrust.

Now that he is dead, we can't confirm, but I think that's what happened.

As I was thinking about this, a scream-like voice came from outside.

"Huh? What's that? Let's go check it out."

As I tried to stand up, Captain Rand suddenly became serious and stopped me, saying, "Lord Rain, you must not go! It's too early for you."

What?

"What's the reason?"

When I asked, Captain Rand solemnly replied.

"…All the prisoners we captured this time will be killed."

"What?! Why! Normally…"

"Yes. Normally, we would sell them as slaves or trade them for money with the enemy country.

However, this time, that is not possible.

Our army is overwhelmingly outnumbered by the enemy.

We don't have the troops to bring them to Pornezia, nor the time or people to bring them to our destination.

We can't release them without any benefit either.

There's a possibility that they will join the Badragia army and kill Pornezia's soldiers.

Lord Rain, I know it's difficult, but please hold back."

Captain Rand bowed as he said this.

"…"

I was thinking.

About a way to avoid killing them.

I won't say I suddenly felt sorry for them.

I won't say I don't feel sympathy.

They were shown the difference in strategy so easily.

I think there is room for sympathy for those who followed orders.

But, of course, I won't act on it.

If it harms Pornezia, I must turn a blind eye.

However, based on my knowledge of historical dramas, massacring surrendered soldiers is generally a bad move.

If a major country does it, it might be acceptable, but for a small country like Pornezia, it could affect future reputation.

Moreover, it would almost eliminate the possibility of reconciliation with Badragia.

That would be bad.

In this warring world, small countries must make as many allies as possible to survive.

So, I thought.

About the benefits of releasing them.

"Ah…"

I had an idea.

"Captain Rand! Get Father here immediately! We can't kill them!"

Captain Rand was surprised and asked, "Why not?"

"Of course, it's because not killing them is more beneficial for Pornezia."

When I stated this, Captain Rand replied, "Understood," and immediately stood up.

His quick judgment was based on his knowledge of everything I had done, except for my Divine Eye.

He quickly left and returned with Father.

Without any formalities, Father said,

"Riddle. Time is precious. Tell me immediately.

What are the benefits of releasing them as they are?"

"Yes. Please release them as they are, without taking their weapons or horses.

This way, they will not turn against us in the future."

"Why? They might join the enemy army again… No, wait."

He realized.

"Yes. The enemy will be suspicious of those who were released without being harmed or disarmed.

They might suspect that there are traitors among them. Even if they are elite soldiers, they won't be sent to the front lines.

Therefore, they will likely return to the Kingdom of Badragia and be assigned to rear support.

Moreover…"

Father continued where I left off.

"Moreover, by releasing the prisoners without compensation, we can gain favor with Badragia and other countries, improving Pornezia's reputation.

Furthermore, the rumor of elite soldiers being released without compensation will spread to the enemy, causing them to suspect the released soldiers of being traitors.

This will create some confusion and delay their advance.

Is that right?"

"Yes, well done."

Father quickly understood the knowledge I gained from historical books.

Good job, Father.

"Is that so. …Well done, Rain."

"No, it's not that big of a deal."

It's not my strength.

It's really not.

I want to tell the person who came up with this idea.

"Anyway, please act accordingly."

"Of course!"

Father enthusiastically went outside and approached the captured Badragia soldiers.

I watched from the tent with my Divine Eye.

Father had a broad smile on his face and was telling them that they would be released as they were.

The Badragia soldiers showed signs of confusion, and their weapons and horses were likely returned to them on Father's orders.

Then, they were quickly driven out of the camp, still showing signs of confusion.

They will likely be suspected and sent to remote areas when they return to their country.

There's nothing we can do about that.

If they survive, they will find a way.

I want to send this message to them.

And that message pierced my heart like a boomerang.