Volume 2 Chapter 20 (1/2)
Editor: Tan
Chapter 2 Episode 20
(Defensive War 1)
Day 169 after being summoned to another world: (Defensive War) 1
”Listen up! From here on, the mercenary units must build the defense facility as instructed. Our performance here will be our lifeline! I want everyone to remember that!”
The sun was s.h.i.+ning in the middle of the sky. The cloudless sky was so clear as if it is favouring Ryouma's camp.
”””Uooooooo!”””
Countless fists are raised up to the sky in response to Ryouma's command.
Before his eyes, there are 2000 knights whom he was put in charge by the princess, and 100 mercenaries led by Lione.
The advance party led by Ryouma has successfully crossed the Thaves River within three days just as they had planned, and now they are building a defensive facility on the east bank of the Thebe River.
This is to enable the other 20.000 troops led by Princess Lupis that will arrive at the Thaves River west bank in four days to cross over.
And for the sake of their survival until the main force arrives.
”There's a high probability that the enemy is already aware of our actions here and is planning to attack! Our time is limited! However, if we can surround our camp with water and fences to some extent before they attack, you guys who are elites should be able to hold them off even if the enemy numbers are 30 times greater than you!”
”””Uoooooo!!!”””
Echoing roars followed Ryouma's words.
(Fuuh, at least I have no problem with morale for now. After this, it's just a matter of how much they can prepare as I've instructed. )
After Ryouma's speech had ended and each platoons have returned to their posts, one man remained standing in front of him.
”Mikos.h.i.+ba-dono. I'll begin the reconnaissance together with 500 Knights. ”
Ryouma nodded toward Mikhail's words.
It is dangerous to split a quarter of their force into reconnaissance. However, this is still much better than overlooking the enemy movement and ended up getting a surprise attack.
That is what Ryouma had judged.
”Very well, though I will say this once again; you must only do reconnaissance. Withdraw immediately and do not attempt to engage in battle even if you spot the enemy. ”
There's no meaning in reconnaissance if they cannot locate the enemy.
A reconnaissance is an information gathering mission.
Thus there's no need for them to engage the enemy.
”I understand. I don't really approve showing our backs to the enemy, but this is also part of the strategy. I guess there's no other choice. ”
Mikhail answered Ryouma in disappointment.
However, because Ryouma was given the authority by the Princess directly, Mikhail has no other choice but to follow his orders.
”I asked of you to do this because you're one of the best, and we can’t afford to have too many casualties from this mission. It is not an exaggeration to say this mission’s success depends on your performance, you know?”
It is a demanding role, considering Mikhail's insufficiency in the brain department, but there's no other suitable person than him.
Ryouma has no other choice than to trust Mikhail for it.
”I understand. Well then, please excuse me!”
Mikhail turned his body and walked away after saying that words.
Ryouma looked at the Mikhail’s back as he left.
Because there are no capable people around, Ryouma had no choice than to leave it to Mikhail, but later on, Ryouma will find himself regretting this decision.
”Listen up! Just do like how we have trained! And keep your guards up!”
””” O spirits that controls over the earth. Hear our call and transform the land before us !”””
The mercenaries began their chant together with Bolts.
”””Earth Sink!”””
That was a low level earth manipulation magic arts.
When they placed their hands on the surface of the ground, the earth sank simultaneously for about 1 meter in front of the chanters.
”Alright! This is good. One group magic user, dig the same hole again after you get to rest for 15 minutes; and the second group should handle the places that were out of the magic art area!”
”How is your work progressing?”
A voice called out to Bolts who was tasked with the construction work.
Currently, the sun is just about to set.
It has been just over three hours since Bolts had began his work.
A trench with 20 meters width and 5 meters depth entered Ryouma’s field of vision.
Not to mention that the length is over 500 meters. It was unbelievable for them to achieved it in such a short amount of time.
”Ah! Young master! Well, let’s see, I guess we're going to be okay. ”
Bolts answered him while still facing towards the trench.
”But still... Young master really is an amazing person. To come out with such plan. ”
Bolts' praises were by no mean an exaggeration.
Ryouma had suggested using Earth magic not as a weapon;
But as a tool that will give them an advantage in war.
It was treated the same level as other tools such as swords and spears.
”It's not that big of a deal. ”
Ryouma lightly brushed off Bolts' praises. However, unbeknown to Ryouma, his idea has in fact revolutionised both the military and the economic world.
The effectiveness of utilising magic arts outside of combat is overwhelming, particularly in the field of construction.
Usually, when Earth Sink is casted, a pit with diameter of 5 meters and depth of 5 meters is created.
No matter how you see it, it is just a simple hole.
Generally it was used offensively to trap enemies by making them fall into it. However, most magic users often overlook this magic art in actual combat.
Since it has a diameter of 5 meters, it would be understandable to think that this magic is a useful attack. The truth is, it hardly has any use in actual combat.
The reason is because your enemy wouldn’t simply stand in the same position all the time.
It would be difficult for someone to predict their opponent’s movement and land the spell accurately.
Moreover, despite being 5 meters deep, such depth wouldn’t kill someone immediately.
It is also easier to just use other magic arts with higher killing potential rather than Earth Sink.
But now, what would happen when people start to use Earth Sink as a magic art to create a trench that can be used to reinforce a defence rather than to create just a pitfall?
....................................
”No, young master, you don't understand the significance of your idea at all!”
When someone sees Earth Sink casted as a weapon in a direct battle, they would more or less ignore it.
However, looking at this, if people use it outside of combat, Earth Sink can be useful for a wide range of applications.
It was no wonder for Bolts to praises Ryouma for coming up with such idea.
”Is that so?”
Ryouma tilted his head in contemplation.
From where Ryouma came from, such idea is a no brainer.
On the contrary, he thought that this world people has a very inflexible mind since no one has noticed such thing.
”It is!”
Ryouma shows a wry smile when he saw Bolts who strongly nodded.
”Well this fight will depend on the result of the reconnaissance, I think we won't have much time left. I can leave this matters to Bolts-san, right? ”
”Sure! Leave it to me..., Oi! We won’t be able to finish the work in time if you don’t properly calculate the distance between each other! Please excuse me, young master, I'm going to take a look. ”
Even while he was talking to Ryouma, he seems to be properly monitoring the construction progress.
As expected from a veteran warrior.
Ryouma was grateful of how reliable he is.
Monitoring the trench construction progress was one of the reasons why Ryouma had come here.
”By the way, where is Sara now?”
”Sara-jou-chan is it? … Hmm...., ah! Over there! She is keeping an eye out just like the young master has ordered huh. ”
<tln: sara-jou-chan,=”” literally=”” means=”” “young=”” lady=”” sara=”” miss=”” sara”,=”” currently=”” in=”” dilemma=”” should=”” i=”” translate=”” this=”” or=”” leave=”” it=””>
Blonde hair swayed in the direction where Bolts finger pointed at.
”That means it was that black haired woman huh?”
”Indeed, that is correct!'
Ryouma gazes were directed at the black haired woman who's working next to Sara.
”Because Sara-jou-chan has been watching her properly, I feel a bit relieved!”
”Indeed. Had we got outsmarted by that, it would be pretty bad. ”
”Yes..., I also know that.”
”If any unforeseen circ.u.mstances were to happen, please deal with it appropriately. ”
Bolts showed an astonished expression hearing Ryouma's words.