Chapter 462 The Battle of the Two Aces, Alchemy Technology? Merely a bunch of gimmicks and tricks!
In the autumn of the year 341 of the Gregorian calendar, at the border between the two countries.
The Crimson Cavalry of the Kingdom of Aura, led by Ranger General Elvie, seized the strategically important Iron Wall Fortress on the border of the Kingdom of Theo in a lightning-fast raid, taking advantage of the roar of the torrential rain.
This surprise attack was incredibly swift, tearing a vicious gap in Theo's defenses, which he had built up over many years.
The long-standing tense standoff between the two countries was shattered by this heavy blow, turning into the flames of a full-scale war.
When the news reached the Aura Royal Court, the Red Iron Dragon Emperor stood atop a high platform, overlooking the kingdom that stretched out between the wilderness and mountains, the wind carrying the chill of late autumn sweeping across his thick scales.
His blood relative, Iron Dragon Sorog, reported the frontline battle reports and the reactions of the surrounding countries in a low voice.
After a moment of silence, Garros slowly turned his massive head, and Sorog's image was reflected in his deep black vertical pupils.
"A battle between two Olympic champions?"
He repeated the word, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Yes."
Sorog bowed slightly. “Romania and its surrounding countries now use this name to refer to our war with Theo, because both countries’ names contain a similar syllable ‘O’, and geographically they are bordered to the north and south. Their grudges run deep. Based on their relative positions, they call us North O and Theo South O.”
This conflict was thus known as the "Battle of the Two Olympics".
Galos let out a soft breath, a response that was neither affirmative nor negative to the title.
He was more concerned with the substance: "Tell me your thoughts."
Tie Long nodded slightly.
“Our territory is vast and our borders are long, resulting in considerable gaps between defensive nodes. Supply and troop movements in various places are also limited by the terrain.” Sorog stated his plan, drawing rough lines on the stone platform with his claws. “Taking Ironwall Fortress is a crucial wedge.”
“I intend to establish a foothold here and turn it into an outpost and fortress for our deep penetration into Theo.”
He paused to make sure the emperor understood the strategic intent: "With the Iron Fortress as the core, amass a large army and strengthen the city's defenses. At the same time, dispatch several lords to lead their armies to strategic locations such as Green Valley, Norman Pass, Dry Wind Hills, and Palmer Heights."
"In this way, we can use the Iron Wall Fortress as the axis to launch multiple battle lines, build an offensive line that extends deep into Theo's territory, and force Theo to divide its forces to defend it and be exhausted by the situation."
Galos listened quietly and finally nodded.
"Go ahead and do it."
He said.
Sorog said no more, powerfully pushed off the ground with its hind legs, and spread its huge wings, stirring up the airflow on the high platform.
His figure quickly rose into the air, transforming into a gradually shrinking black dot in the sky, flying towards the front line.
Galos did not follow them to the battlefield.
Kingdom-level wars have their own set rhythm.
Legendary powerhouses are like nuclear weapons; they are not easily thrown onto the chessboard at the beginning of the game.
The Kingdom of Theo has a greater number of legendary powerhouses, including some high-level powerhouses, while the Aura side is known for the strength of its legendary individuals, especially the Red Iron Dragon Emperor, whose illustrious record is awe-inspiring.
Even a stalk of hemp can frighten both sides when fighting a wolf.
Mutual distrust and testing of one another is the norm.
Galos returned to the back mountain of the royal court.
There were mountains of highly concentrated black oil, crystals, and gemstones of various colors piled up there.
He needs time to devour these energy-rich substances, to soak his body in the black oil, and to silently hone his claws and scales, adjusting himself to peak condition to prepare for the inevitable higher-level confrontation.
This war has only just begun.
Time ticked by, quietly slipping away amidst the increasingly thick smoke of battle at the border.
Following Elvie's successful surprise attack, the war machine of the Kingdom of Aura has been fully activated.
Troops belonging to legions such as "Shattered Star Hammer", "Iron Will", and "Eye of Annihilation" continuously advanced along the breach point of Ironwall Fortress.
These legions were eventually mixed and organized within the fortress, under the unified command of the Gluttonous Demon Karu.
The Crimson Iron Cavalry then withdrew after achieving their goal.
This elite mobile force will not remain confined to one city; like ghosts, they are always ready to bare their sharp fangs at any weak point in the battle line.
Immediately afterwards, centered around the Iron Wall Fortress, a large number of engineers and slaves began to work day and night.
They fortified the walls, dug trenches, set up magical traps, and built barracks and warehouses, attempting to transform the captured fortress into an impregnable fortress.
at the same time.
Amethyst Dragon Lion, Eight-Headed Serpent Leopard, Golden-Feathered Griffin, Phoenix.
These four powerful lords each led their most skilled legions, like four arrows released from a bow, heading towards the planned Green Valley, Norman Pass, Dry Wind Hills, and Palmer Heights.
The flames of war were instantly ignited along the long border.
To counter Theo's potential multi-pronged counterattack, the four lords—the Holy Spirit Deer Lord, the Iron Dragon Leticia, the Blue Dragon Zolaia, and the Golden Dragon Alberto—were deployed at several key defensive nodes along the border of Aura to ensure the stability of the rear.
On the other side, the Kingdom of Theo reacted quickly as well.
There were no futile diplomatic protests, nor any impulsive decision to immediately assemble a large army to counterattack the Iron Wall Fortress.
On one hand, they mobilized elite knights, mages, and a massive alchemical golem force, rushing to the border; on the other hand, they rapidly assembled troops on the relatively open Ash Plains south of the Iron Wall Fortress, building a continuous network of fortifications, trenches, and towers, constructing a solid defensive line named the "Indestructible Wall," intending to block the main passage for the Aura Legion to the south.
At the same time, Theo did not simply play a passive defensive role.
They also chose to take the initiative, directing their forces towards key locations on the border of Aura, such as Shadow Forest, Rusty Valley, Dragon Tooth Pass, and Steel Spine, using offense as a form of defense to tie down Aura's forces.
After the initial month of troop deployment, probing contacts, and tactical deployments, the form of the war quickly solidified.
Iron Fortress, Green Valley, Norman Pass, Dry Wind Hills, Palmer Heights, Ash Plains, Shadow Forest, Rusty Valley, Dragon Tooth Pass, Steel Spine.
A fierce tug-of-war has unfolded around these ten strategic priorities.
Every strategic location has become a meat grinder.
The Kingdom of Theo, with its more mature and comprehensive military command system, well-trained officer corps, and powerful alchemical industry, holds an advantage in organization and equipment. The Kingdom of Aura, on the other hand, relies on the generally stronger individual qualities of its subordinate races, the formidable combat power of its lord units, and its own alchemical armaments, and is not at a disadvantage at all.
The battle lines shifted repeatedly, and positions were gained and lost repeatedly.
Both sides paid a heavy price, but neither was able to achieve a decisive breakthrough.
The legendary powerhouses remain behind the scenes, observing with detached indifference, waiting for an opportunity to strike decisively or to intervene when necessary.
A stalemate became the dominant theme.
Two months slipped by in this process of attrition, and late autumn turned into early winter.
Ash Plains Theo Front Command.
Fine snowflakes began to fall from the leaden sky, mingling with the lingering smell of gunpowder and scorched earth on the Ash Plain, filling the lungs with the taste of ice and fire.
Watchtower.
A tall, imposing figure stood like a javelin nailed to the spot, letting the chilly wind tug at his dark blue general's cloak.
Rodrigo Crown, the supreme commander of the Kingdom of Theo in this battle, and the holder of the title "Shield of Theo".
His light gray eyes pierced through the falling snow, gazing at the scarred battle line in the distance.
Explosions occasionally erupted there, and faint sounds of fighting could be heard, but overall a brutal balance was maintained.
Rodrigo comes from the Cronn family, known for their loyalty and military prowess.
This family has served as the military commanders for the Theo royal family for generations and is known as the "Shield of the Kingdom".
Rodrygo himself is one of the best among them.
Eagle's Beak Gorge earned his reputation and authority through its legendary defense against overwhelming odds, its decisive quelling of the Highlord's rebellion, and its outstanding performance in the First Lor'then Civil War.
He is not a legend, but he has the authority to mobilize the power of legends.
After standing in the cold wind for about fifteen minutes, Rodrigo wrapped his robe tighter, turned and walked down from the watchtower back into the warm but somber command room.
The huge model almost filled the center of the room.
The board is densely packed with red and blue pieces representing the forces of both sides, interlocking around the ten key locations to create a suffocating stalemate.
The war has lasted for three months.
Every small flag that moves on the sand table represents the loss of hundreds or thousands of lives.
Rodrigo stood ramrod straight, the communication crystal floating beside him flashing faintly, transmitting real-time information from the front lines to his ears.
"Report! The Seventh Knights successfully repelled the Golden Griffin Legion's third aerial assault in the Dry Wind Hills, but the anti-aircraft artillery array has suffered severe damage and needs to be replenished."
"Norman Pass urgently requests reinforcements! The Eight-Headed Calamity and its troops have broken through the outer defenses and are launching a fierce attack on the second line of defense. The defenders are under immense pressure!"
"Battle Report of Longya Pass: When our legion attacked Longya Pass, it was attacked by the Red Iron Cavalry at high speed on its flank. More than 40% of our troops were killed or wounded, and our position is shrinking. We urgently need reinforcements and supplies!"
"Seven small-scale firefights occurred in Green Valley today, with casualties on both sides, and no changes to the front line."
...
As he listened to these reports, Rodrigo's face remained calm, with only the lines of his jawline slightly tense.
The adjutant, Torres, handed him a newly compiled parchment report, his voice even lower.
"In the past week, the total number of casualties across the army has reached over 8,700, of which 4,200 have been confirmed dead in action. Sir, at this rate of attrition, our reserve troops and supplies..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
Rodrigo took the report, his eyes quickly scanning the numbers, before gently placing it on the edge of the sand table.
"What is the enemy's casualty estimate?"
He asked, his voice steady.
"Based on observations and intelligence gathered from various fronts, the weekly casualties of the Aura Legion are estimated to be around 10,000."
"That sounds like a good number."
Torres paused briefly, then added, "However, the vast majority of their casualties were minions or low-ranking troops such as gnolls, kobolds, and war lizardmen."
"The casualty rate is much lower among the core forces such as ogres, trolls, centaurs, and tauren, as well as the elite guards directly under the lords."
"Moreover... their soldiers have a strong ability to recover."
"Many injuries that would require evacuation for us humans can be treated simply or even healed by themselves, allowing them to return to the battlefield within a few days."
The physiological differences between monsters and humans gradually became apparent during this long war of attrition.
Even more fatal was the fact that it was the dead of winter.
The wind, snow, and low temperatures pose a severe test to the morale and physical condition of human soldiers, while the monsters from the wilderness are much more resistant to them.
"They are trading the lives of those scum of the wilderness for the lives of our soldiers."
Rodrigo's gaze was incredibly sharp. "And we, for now, have no choice but to accept this exchange."
Trading precious human soldiers for the lives of kobolds and gnolls that multiply like weeds is a losing proposition in the eyes of any commander.
Torres remained silent for a moment.
He asked in a low voice, “Commander, more than one frontline general has asked... how long will this tug-of-war continue? The soldiers are exhausted, many units are not getting proper rest and rotation, and the pressure to evacuate wounded soldiers is increasing.”
Rodrigo did not answer immediately.
He turned his gaze back to the sand table and stared at it intently.
Ten strategic points were marked in red, and supply lines stretched out like a spider web, with many other locations marked as high-risk.
“Aura’s intentions are clear,” he finally said, pointing to Ironwall Fortress and the other attack points. “Using Ironwall Fortress as a stronghold, he will launch attacks from all sides, while using the rugged terrain of the wilderness to solidify his defenses. His aim is to force us to constantly divide our forces and fight them at various key points, exhausting us.”
"This is an open conspiracy, and we have no choice but to deal with it, otherwise our defenses will be broken down bit by bit."
"Behind them... there is a mastermind."
Rodrigo looked up at the direction on the sand table that symbolized the heart of the Kingdom of Aura, as if he could see through the walls and into the cold, vertical pupils of the Iron Dragon.
Based on the intelligence he had, he knew very well that the Red Iron Dragon Emperor had handed over full military command of the Kingdom of Aura to his blood relative.
Iron Dragon Regent, the War Prince of the Kingdom of Aura.
His performance also earned him the favor of Emperor Red Iron Dragon.
Rodrigo withdrew his gaze, his tone becoming decisive: "Summon all generals for an emergency military meeting here. At the same time, contact the capital with the highest level of encryption. I need to request authorization from His Majesty."
"Yes, Commander!"
Shortly after, at the command post.
The long table was filled with the generals of the Kingdom of Theo who were on the front lines.
Their faces bore the marks of long battles, their eyes were solemn, and the room was filled with the smell of pipes and the faint rust of leather armor and steel.
Rodrigo stood in the main seat.
Behind him was a huge, magically projected dynamic map of the Ash Plains and the surrounding war zone, with dots of light slowly moving across it, representing different units.
"Gentlemen," he said bluntly, skipping all pleasantries, "the war is now at the end of its third month."
"We engaged in repeated back-and-forth battles with the Aura Legion in ten key strategic locations, suffering more than 67,000 casualties."
"We held the main defensive line and prevented the enemy from making a strategic breakthrough, but we also failed to recapture the Iron Wall Fortress and failed to deliver any decisive blow to the enemy."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of each general.
"The battle has reached a stalemate, and this stalemate is slowly draining our blood."
An old general with fresh scars on his face, the commander of the Third Army Corps, said in a deep voice: "Commander, it's not that the soldiers aren't fighting hard."
“Those monsters… are far more ferocious than ordinary soldiers. Their lords often need to deploy high-level alchemical golems or gather multiple combatants of the same level to barely contend with them.”
"A direct confrontation is something our flesh and blood bodies simply cannot afford..."
While the Kingdom of Aura may not have as many top-tier legendary figures as Theo, it possesses a formidable advantage in the middle and upper ranks, particularly in terms of powerful lords and their core retinues.
Theo's alchemical golems and equipment are more advanced.
However, when facing those thick-skinned, tough, and incredibly strong monsters, it often takes a considerable price to achieve any results.
It was as if their more advanced alchemical industry was merely some kind of whimsical skill.
"This is the crux of the problem, and the reason why we can't continue like this."
Rodrigo nodded in agreement, then changed the subject, "So, from today onwards, we will change our strategy and no longer fight according to their rules."
He turned to the side, gesturing for a white-haired monk standing in the corner of the conference room to come forward.
"Please allow me to reintroduce to you the 'Sky Eye' strategic magic satellite, the pinnacle of my country's alchemical engineering."
“Master Erwin, please explain its complete strategic functions to everyone.”
The court mage representative, spellcaster Elwin, stepped forward, holding a staff inlaid with amethyst.
He is old, but his eyes are still as sharp as an eagle's.
With a light tap of the staff, a complex and intricate three-dimensional magic circle, composed of countless luminous runes and lines, appeared in mid-air.
"As my colleagues know, Sky Eye has been providing us with crucial battlefield surveillance, communications relay, and weather forecasting support."
"But its capabilities go far beyond that."
He tapped his staff again, and the magic circle began to change, displaying various images.
"The Sky Eye is equipped with three sets of strategic-level magic arrays."
Irwin explained each point one by one.
"First, a precision delivery array beyond line of sight."
"It can lock onto any precise coordinate on the front line from the rear, with an error of no more than ten meters, and deliver organized troops, equipment or supplies directly from space orbit to the target location, completely ignoring the terrain and enemy obstacles in between."
"Given Aura's advanced alchemical industry, they are completely unable to stop our satellite delivery."
A suppressed gasp and whispers rippled through the conference room, and several of the younger generals looked shocked.
"Second, the array of holy healing rain."
"It can project a high concentration of life and energy light rain onto a designated area, greatly improving the wound healing speed and physical recovery ability of our soldiers, and can enhance the combat capabilities of designated generals or troops in a short period of time."
"Third, and also the most offensive, is the orbital precision strike array."
"By gathering and guiding energy in space, we can carry out devastating bombardments on point or small-area targets on the ground."
A brief silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint hum of the magic circle.
Some senior generals seemed to have known all along, their expressions solemn but unchanged; others could not hide their astonishment.
Clearly, not everyone was fully aware of the full strategic effects of their own satellites. The vast majority of Theo's people only knew that the satellites had reconnaissance capabilities, including rank-and-file soldiers and some junior officers.
"If it's so powerful, why didn't you use it before?"
A cavalry general from a western province couldn't help but ask, his tone tinged with confusion and a hint of resentment.
Irwin's gaze fell on Rodrigo.
Rodrigo took over the question and said in a calm voice, "Because it comes at a high cost and means a strategic upgrade."
(End of this chapter)
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