Chapter 82

According to the information brought by the elf scout, the enemy army numbers over 2,000, and it seems to be a unit centered around knights bearing the emblem of the Rosaria Kingdom.

The presence of mages suggests they are elite forces.

I ask for more details.

"What kind of emblem do the knights bear?"

And—

Anemone's answer was that it depicts "two eagles."

"In other words, the emblem of two eagles. This means the enemy force is centered around the Double Eagle Knights."

"Are the Double Eagle Knights a strong knight order?"

Lilith asks.

"One of the best in Rosaria."

"Stronger than the White Rose Knights we defeated before?"

"They shouldn't even be compared," I answer.

The White Rose Knights were a ceremonial order that required a maiden as its leader, while the Double Eagle Knights were a practical order. In other words, it was an order of fierce warriors who trained daily to crush enemy forces and ravage enemy territories.

"In that case, this time won't go as smoothly as last time, will it?"

Lilith asks, unusually pessimistic.

"Why do you think so?"

"When we defended Ivalice, we had the support of a strong fortress, but we don't have that this time."

Indeed, that makes sense.

I thought this girl, who seems to think nothing, is actually thinking, but I didn't say it out loud and explained in detail.

"True, there are no walls in this forest, but the forest itself is like a labyrinth. As long as we have the elves who know this forest well, the advantage is on our side."

I turn to Anemone.

She answers proudly.

"Yes, this World Tree Forest is like our backyard. We have a complete grasp of its terrain."

"On the other hand, they are visiting this place for the first time. The complex forest terrain, the blessing of the spirits, everything will work to the enemy's disadvantage."

"In other words, a tenfold difference in numbers won't be a problem?"

"It's not that it won't be a problem, but we'll manage."

I say this and give Anemone instructions to disperse the elf troops.

Lilith questions this order.

"Disperse the troops?"

"Disperse them."

Lilith seems surprised by my order, and so does the dwarf king Gunther.

"Isn't it standard to keep the troops concentrated and form battle formations?"

"Indeed, that's correct. In a direct confrontation between armies, forming battle formations is overwhelmingly advantageous. However, this time, it will be a disadvantage."

"What do you mean?"

Gunther asks. He doesn't doubt my strategy but seems genuinely interested in the tactics.

I explain my thoughts to everyone.

"The elf warriors are brave, but as warriors, they are fragile."

Hearing this, Anemone looks indignant, but I continue before she can protest.

"However, they all have agile legs, are skilled with bows, and can use spirit magic. We must take advantage of these traits."

"What do you mean?"

Gunther asks.

I answer in one sentence.

"We will wage guerrilla warfare."

"Guerrilla warfare? I've never heard of it."

That's right. It's a concept that doesn't exist in this world.

I explain it clearly to Anemone, Gunther, and Lilith.

"Guerrilla warfare is a strategy that avoids direct confrontation with the enemy and instead launches surprise attacks with small groups. It's commonly used in a certain country."

"Japan again?"

Lilith asks.

To avoid trouble, I nod in agreement.

Actually, it's not very common in Japan, and the term "guerrilla" originates from Spanish in my previous life.

It comes from a series of armed uprisings in Spain against Napoleon's occupying forces.

The key to this strategy is to disrupt the enemy with small units and cut off their supplies. Using ambushes and hit-and-run tactics, you strike the enemy sharply and then withdraw.

That's the essence of guerrilla warfare.

"What's the point of this roundabout tactic? If you're going to launch a surprise attack, why not just charge in?"

Lilith questions.

"No, the key is to withdraw immediately after the attack. Think about it. Whether it's midnight, noon, during meals, or while sleeping, the enemy will attack without warning. How would the humans feel?"

"It would wear them down. If I were a human commander, I wouldn't be able to handle it."

Gunther answers.

"Even if we can't deal a fatal blow, the enemy's morale will gradually but surely decline. That's the strength of guerrilla warfare."

And I add,

"The elves are agile and have good night vision. With the forest's terrain, this strategy will be effective."

I turn to Anemone, and she agrees.

"Hit-and-run tactics are what we excel at. With the help of the wind spirits, we will fly between the trees, fire arrows, and pierce the enemy's throats."

It's a feat only lightly armored elves can perform.

Her tone suggests confidence that they can hit the gaps in the armor of fully armored knights.

It's reassuring, but I don't want that confidence to turn into overconfidence.

"Don't push too hard," I caution.

Lilith and Anemone both answer, "Yes!" but I'm a bit worried.

These two have a bit in common.

There are always concerns, but for now, I have to trust them.

As I watch them start their battle preparations with enthusiasm, I ask Gunther,

"Will they be alright...?"

Gunther answers,

"I'm not worried at all."

"Why not?"

I ask, but Gunther's answer is simple and clear.

"Because the one commanding is the best commander on this continent."

"Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"

I respond, but Gunther laughs heartily and says,

"That will be revealed after this battle. No, the history books will record it. 'The Demon King's army had a general named Ike. This man was the driving force behind the Demon King's army's victory.'"

"..."

I can only respond with silence.

I don't think I'm that capable, and I don't have an inflated ego.

But regardless, we must win this battle.

With that in mind, I reply to Gunther,

"Then, let's make you a living witness to history, shall we?"

Gunther nods vigorously.

"Agreed."

Gunther and I each lead the elves under our command to our respective battlefields.