[Adrien PoV]
The second day of the invasion into the Empire's eastern territory...
Yesterday, we successfully conquered two villages with ease thanks to the element of surprise. However, it is highly likely that the Imperial forces in this region have already realized our presence and will reinforce the Town of Sarisa, which is our operational target for today.
"Hey, is the rumor about the ghost true?"
"According to the Reconnaissance Unit's report, twenty Knights led by Mr. Alesio did not return from their search mission with them!"
"The rumor says they were slaughtered by a mysterious figure in a burning cornfield last night."
I overheard the soldiers gossiping. They were discussing what happened to Master Alesio and the Knights he led to search for the townspeople.
Actually, I had discussed this with him yesterday as well.
Mr. Alesio explained that he and the twenty Knights he led followed a horse's tracks and arrived at a cornfield. He initially suspected the rider he was following intended to burn the cornfield so our soldiers couldn't consume it.
However, that assumption was wrong. The rider did not intend to burn the field, but rather utilized the location to kill all the Knights he brought, one by one, in a secluded place.
He described the figure they fought as being like a ghost. His footsteps made no sound, his movements were incredibly fast, and he possessed a sharp killing instinct. He had black hair and eyes like the darkness of the night.
For now, he referred to the figure by the nickname 'The Ghost of Cataluna.'
He also said that never in his life had he felt such an overwhelming fear toward a single person.
Hearing that explanation, it is certain that the figure is no ordinary Reconnaissance Unit member if he is capable of defeating twenty experienced knights at once in a single location.
As a fighter myself, I find myself wanting to meet and face him on the battlefield.
Currently, I am walking toward the main tent to attend the briefing held before the main army moves toward the small town of Sarisa.
Upon arrival, two guards let me in as they recognized me. Inside the tent, several military officials had already gathered, as conquering this small town is one of the most important stages of our invasion into the Empire's territory.
I sat in an empty chair while waiting for the briefing to commence.
"Good morning, Master Adrien. You look energetic today."
Turning to the side, I saw a man in his early 30s smiling at me.
He is Marian mel Travuna—the third son of a Duke of the Draconia Kingdom. He and I were once part of the elite force named Bolgarev before being appointed as military officials.
"Ah... Good morning, Lord Marian," I greeted him back. "To be honest, I can't wait for the battle later and hope to meet the figure who kept Mr. Alesio awake all night."
My colleague chuckled at my words. This wasn't because he was mocking me, but because he has known me for a long time.
"As usual, you always want to fight strong people, Master Adrien," Master Marian said.
"If this so-called 'Ghost of Cataluna' is left unchecked, none of our Reconnaissance Units will be able to perform monitoring missions in peace, right?" I said, half-joking.
"You're right."
While I was conversing with Master Marian, General Melisandru finally entered the main tent, followed by several of his aides. He then sat in the provided chair and looked at all the military officials gathered there.
"We begin today's briefing," the General said. "As you know, yesterday our forces just entered the territory of the Cataluna Margraviate in Aragon Empire safely, with very few casualties on the way here."
On the journey through the Stretto path shown by Master Alesio, our main army managed to cross the Montana Mountains with only 24 casualties resulting from accidents, either from falling or being hit by rocks.
This number is very small compared to having to climb through steeper paths, which could have resulted in thousands of our troops' lives being lost before even fighting the enemy.
"This was possible because of the guidance provided by the spy agent sent by the Venetian Republic—Mr. Alesio," General Melisandru said, appreciating our ally. "However, due to injuries sustained from the successful operation carried out by Master Adrien yesterday, he cannot join us in this briefing."
Mr. Alesio is a Non-Sorcerer; it is certain he would be helpless when facing a Knight. Could that be why the Ghost didn't kill him—because he posed no threat—and used him to spread rumors to terrify our Reconnaissance Units?
I don't know, but surely many strong people await in the coming battle.
"At 9:00 AM, we will move toward the Small Town of Sarisa to conquer it and establish our Main Force Base for the war on this front," the General revealed to us all. "Firstly, this small town originally only had 3,000 guarding troops. However, according to Reconnaissance Unit reports, they sent 2,000 additional troops, bringing their number to approximately 5,000 now."
General Melisandru then explained that this small town has no walls at all, so it will be easier for our forces to attack and surround it from all directions.
However, he also explained that reinforcements from Cataluna Fortress City could arrive at any time, so the attack on this small town carries its own risks if we are not careful.
Knowing this, he then ordered us to concentrate the attack in one direction only and not spread our forces to every corner of the town, making the assault more effective.
"The first stage of the attack is to bombard the town buildings so they cannot be used as good defensive positions for the Imperial soldiers," the General began explaining the attack process. "The second stage, the main force will begin entering the town, escorted by knights and sorcerers from all sides."
These two stages are standard procedures for a nation's army in conquering a town. Except perhaps for the Venetian Republic, since they have neither Knights nor Sorcerers unless they hire groups that can provide them.
"Stage three, the First Infantry Unit will be tasked with securing the town's food warehouses so the enemy cannot destroy them when our forces successfully push their troops back," General Melisandru explained. "Stage four, the First and Second Cavalry Units will charge their forces that we successfully push out of the town as they attempt to flee toward Cataluna Fortress City."
In our country's military structure, an Infantry Unit is a foot soldier force numbering 5,000 men per unit. Meanwhile, a Cavalry Unit is a horse-mounted force consisting of 200 riders per unit.
"Master Adrien, I entrust the leadership of the First Infantry Unit to you in its task of securing the town's food warehouses," the General said, looking toward me. "I am confident you can complete this task well."
"Ready, General!"
General Melisandru nodded and continued naming the military officials who would lead the various units in the upcoming attack on Sarisa.
After assigning tasks to the officials present, the briefing ended. General Melisandru then ordered the mobilization of the forces toward the Small Town of Sarisa to begin the offensive operation.
***
[Raul PoV]
The Small Town of Sarisa...
It is a town located in the Cataluna Margraviate. This region has one more small town named Nuova, located 50 km northwest of this town.
Last night, my team just finished evacuating the residents of Alto Village, whose homes were attacked by the Draconia Kingdom forces, to Sarisa. However, the residents of Alto Village and the citizens of this town are still not safe, as the next target for the Draconia Kingdom forces is likely this town.
Currently, I am heading to the residence of Baron Meyer de Ginoa to report the mission undertaken by Reconnaissance Unit 21 yesterday.
The people passing by the town appear to be fewer than yesterday, before the emergency declaration was issued by Marquis Fran regarding the sudden attack from the Draconia Kingdom in this region.
The citizens are still preparing to evacuate to safer areas of the Empire. It seems the first wave of their departure will begin at 12:00 PM today.
After walking for a few minutes, I finally arrived at the Baron's residence, a mansion surrounded by a five-meter-high wall.
"What is your business here?"
Two gate guards approached me.
I then showed them my Reconnaissance Unit badge and informed them of my business—to report the mission my unit performed yesterday at Alto Village.
"Go in, Baron Meyer is in his study at the moment."
I nodded and entered the gates of the Baron's residence. One of the guards escorted me into the mansion and told me to wait in the corridor while he checked on Baron Meyer.
Not long after, he returned and told me to enter the Baron's room at the end of the corridor.
Opening the door, I saw a man in his mid-20s reading several documents on his desk.
"Mr. Raul, come in and sit here," the Baron said, smiling at me.
"Thank you, Baron Meyer," I said as I sat in the chair in front of his desk.
"Now, do you wish to give a report on yesterday's reconnaissance?" the Baron asked. "Previously, Mr. Raul and the unit you led did well bringing the refugees from Alto Village safely to this town."
"Thank you for the praise, Baron Meyer. My purpose for coming here, besides providing a report, is to give you instructions from Marquis Fran," I revealed, handing him a still-sealed letter.
He took the letter, broke the seal, and removed the piece of paper inside to read it.
It contained the plans I had drafted while discussing with Marquis Fran a few days ago.
"Is that so? We don't need to fight to the death to defend this town..." the Baron muttered. "Though it is hard to let the enemy occupy my territory, I will follow the Marquis's orders."
After he finished reading the order from Marquis Fran, I provided a report on my mission yesterday regarding how the enemy was able to take Gela Village easily and our efforts to burn the granaries and fields around Alto Village.
"Haaahh... It seems the battle with the main army of the Draconia Kingdom will happen soon," the Baron sighed. "Mr. Raul, in your opinion, when will they attack this town?"
"I think their forces have been moving since around nine and will reach this town by midday," I answered him.
"This is bad, we must speed up the evacuation process for the residents here!" the Baron exclaimed.
There was only one hour left before the estimated arrival of the enemy forces. After leaving Baron Meyer's mansion, I went to the barracks where my unit is currently stationed.
They were currently playing card games, as they hadn't been assigned any duties yet.
"Everyone, gather up!"
Hearing my voice, the fifty people stopped their activities and all lined up facing me.
"Listen to me carefully, the enemy will arrive shortly and attack this town," I revealed to them. "We will head to the food warehouses to intercept the enemy moving toward that area."
Suddenly, someone raised their hand, seemingly wanting to ask something.
"Captain, does that mean we won't be fighting many enemies if we're only stationed to guard the food warehouses?"
The one asking was Piers Morgan—one of the members of the Disciplinary Committee I brought into this unit.
"No, quite the opposite, Piers."
He looked confused by my answer.
"The enemy forces will target the town's food warehouses as one of their primary objectives in attacking this town," I said, looking at all the members I lead. "This is because they brought very few food supplies so they could move quickly into this territory, making everyone unprepared for the surprise attack they launched."
Everyone nodded, listening to my explanation.
To be honest, I want to execute my plan immediately and lead the 200 people I will command later into the City of Dwarves in the Montana Mountains. However, it seems that I and the disciplinary committee members I brought will be very much needed in this upcoming battle.
I hope everything goes well until my plan can be executed later.