Realm of Power

In the blazing flames, the cavalrymen pulling their horses fiercely were like a black whirlwind that suddenly stopped. The red firelight reflected on the armors of these black-armored cavalrymen, flashing with a dark and dynamic luster. As the order was issued, the Falcon Cavalry turned to the direction of the initial attack, but the Southwest Army also responded very quickly. The tens of thousands of Southwest Army troops stationed on both sides quickly organized a blocking queue after the initial confusion.

"Stop them at all costs!" Looking at the grain warehouse devoured by fire, the Southwest Army's eyes seemed to be ignited with flames. Countless Southwest infantrymen with their spears raised high, desperately collided with the front end of the black cavalry, and a group of people turned on their backs. , the spear pierced the cavalry's horse, and the man was hit hard by the horse and flew out, "Kill him!"

The Falcon Cavalry waved their sharp swords and forced their way into the tight ranks of the Southwest Infantry. This was a life and death battle. Blood exploded like flowers between the two armies. Groups of cavalry were among the soldiers of the Southwest Army. The flowers were stirred up, the infantry queue was like shredded cloth, and the soldiers were knocked over by the horses. past, but more soldiers came like a tide, cutting off the retreat. "Sir, our circuit has been cut off! What should we do now?" A squadron leader of the Falcon Guards Cavalry was covered in blood. Turn around from the front and report loudly to Statunko, "The circuit is cut off?"

Statunko frowned. He reined in his horse fiercely and looked at the fierce battle ahead. The surprise attack of 4,000 Falcons disrupted the Southwest Army's position, but the Southwest Army obviously also issued a desperate order. Although there were many casualties and broken spears, The ground was covered with corpses on the battle line. The soldiers behind were also pushed back by the cavalry, but they still showed no intention of retreating or escaping. "The other party wants to trap us to death!" Statunko Taking a deep breath of cold air,

The advantage of cavalry lies in strong assault. Once the horse's hoof is entangled, it is definitely no match for the phalanx infantry. He only has 4,000 people. In a short period of contact, he has already lost about 300 people on his side, while the opponent's backup force is 15,000 people. , the contrast is too great, the momentum of a strong assault is Once it is contained, the opponent can easily eat up his 4,000 cavalry alive by relying on their superior strength. "Sir. The opponent must have guessed that we will withdraw to the north after we succeed! So most of the troops came in this direction. ! "Guard Cavalry The squadron leader expressed his opinion loudly, "If this continues, we will be completely wiped out in two hours at most due to exhaustion!" Ordered each team to stop attacking. Since we can't go north, then we will Go South! "State University of Science and Technology He ordered the captain of the Guards Cavalry, "Tell the troops in front to break away from the fighting as soon as possible and turn the whole army to the south!" "South?" The cavalry captain was stunned for a moment on his horse. The transport fleet was still docked in the north. Lord Governor, this is What a fun place to play! "Didn't you notice? All the enemy's main forces are concentrated in the north to stop us. There are almost no troops in the south." Statunko raised the whip in his hand and pointed to the fierce fighting ahead. "The whole army can be avoided by turning south." Fight to the death with the enemy's main force, the mission has been completed. What I need to consider is to bring more people back alive instead of letting them die here! ""But sir, how can we go back after we break through to the south?" The captain of the Guards Cavalry tightened his hands on the horse. He asked with an ugly face, "Our transport fleet is in the north. If you turn to the south, won't it get further and further away? ""madness! Statunko let out a heavy groan. "To tell you the truth, it was wrong to see the opportunity." Just choose to break out to the south. This is His Majesty's order. The main force of the Empire's privateer fleet is in the south. As long as you get rid of the enemy's pursuit, are you afraid that you won't be able to go back? "

"Yes, I understand!" There was a hint of joy on the face of the Guards Squadron Leader. While galloping on his horse, he took out a horn bugle from his horse's bag and fought hard along the battle line. Blow, "Woooooo!"

Three long-note bugles resounded across the battlefield of fierce fighting, and the commanding bugles were heard. The Falcon Cavalry who were still charging turned around one after another. The Falcon Cavalry who had been deeply trapped in the enemy's formation suddenly fought their way to the rear.

In a chaotic battle, it is impossible to convey all orders. Based on previous experience, the Falcon Army has developed a method of transmitting horns. Two long and one short means attack, while two short and one long means retreat. If you are breaking through with the team, there will be three long sounds of "What's going on?"

Looking at the black color turning in the distance, a hundred meters behind the fierce battle line, a trace of confusion flashed in the eyes of a general of the Southwest Army.

His name is Oppa, and he is the commander of the Sixth Army of the Southwest Army. Although he came over after seeing the light of fire from behind, the battle situation in front of him still made this battle-hardened Southwest general take a breath of air. The position of the granary was dangerous. The flames shot up into the sky, The sky was illuminated by a red light, and on the battle line less than 100 meters ahead, a dense formation composed of five imperial infantry squadrons was fighting fiercely with the black cavalry. The bloody ground was covered with corpses, which was shocking to those who saw it.

Just as he was muttering to himself, a middle-aged general with golden hair happened to come from the opposite side with a group of cavalry.

"Commander Oppa Army, you are really slow to react!" The blond-haired middle-aged general sneered. "Look at my troops, they react so quickly. This cunning mouse ran into the granary and wiped it after eating it. The mouth slipped away. If I hadn't been fast enough, this mouse would have really escaped. ""Are you sure you are blocked? Why did I see that the other party was changing the direction of the breakout!" Opa glanced at him dissatisfied. This commander of the 10th Army, Robinson, who is responsible for guarding the flank of the granary, is in the Southwest Army. He is famous for being self-righteous inside, what a quick response! The opponent rushed all the way, killing the seventh legion like dogs and cats. It was not until the granary was set on fire that this guy arrived belatedly. It was obvious that he wanted to hide behind and take advantage. "My opinion is exactly the opposite of yours. I think the other party is gathering troops for a last-ditch effort." Robinson responded very optimistically. He curled his lips indifferently and said, "Although the opponent's combat effectiveness is very strong, and it will definitely It is an elite unit in the Falcon Army, but the opponent can bypass it. Getting here through the layers of defense should rely on the navy's capabilities, so now that they have accomplished their goal, their ultimate goal must be to go back! As long as they cut off their way back to the north, we can completely trap them! "Okay, even if you are right"

Oppa didn't want to argue with the proud Robinson Crusoe. He said solemnly, "The food stored here is enough for the army for one month. But now that the army's food has been burned, as the person in charge of the defense, how can we report it to the general?" Sir, tell me! "It's just a matter of food. This is not a problem for us at all!"

"I don't understand what you mean?" Oppa looked at the relaxed expression on Robinson's face. He really didn't know where this guy's confidence came from. That was the rations for a hundred thousand troops. Once the Lord Commander knows that, in addition to the unfavorable supervision of the Seventh Legion, it will be difficult for him and Robinson to escape punishment.

"Although I don't want to show off, but the so-called granary, isn't there a ready-made one in front of us!" Lu Bingsunke sneered at the corner of his mouth, raised the whip in his hand and pointed in the direction of Atwood Sea City, "You are Speaking of Atwood..."

Opa's face suddenly changed, a chill came from his tailbone, and he looked at Robinson as if he had seen a ghost. Atwood Sea City has more than 50,000 citizens. If it were before, the food reserves had always been sufficient and all of them were collected. It is true that the problem of military rations can be solved, but it is winter now, the fish schools on the sea have basically disappeared, and Atwood Sea City has suffered a tragic and devastating blow. Large tracts of houses collapsed, and the number of refugees reached more than 10,000, accounting for almost one-fifth of the city. There is also a blockade by the Falcon Navy on the sea, and the chance of obtaining food by sea is zero.

This year in Atwood, not only does the city not have as sufficient food reserves as before, but there are already signs of famine due to too many refugees.

During the time he was stationed there, the playboy Robinson, who had always liked socializing and women, was a frequent visitor to various noble banquets in Atwood Sea City. It was impossible that he was unaware of Atwood's current situation and that it was difficult for him to take care of him. , not to mention handing over food that can support an army of 100,000 people. There is only one possibility, and that is to rob it! "How sad!" Oppa shook his head secretly. He had heard that the Atwood people spared no effort in order to please Robinson Crusoe. I would never have thought that just after being turned around, Robinson could say such bloody and cold words, "No matter what you think, if you don't want to participate, I can do it alone!"

Robinson shrugged his shoulders sternly, seeming to enjoy Oppa's surprised look, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly, "I am a soldier, and my personal feelings are private feelings. I can't let the hundreds of thousands of troops on the front line fall into this trap." There is no food available, and I think that little Atwood is really not worthy of consideration compared to the trust of the commander-in-chief! At the end of the day, I will try my best to stop the soldiers from killing too much!

"Sir, the enemy suddenly turned to the south to break through! Our army can no longer stop it." A messenger ran from the front,

"South!" Robinson and Oppa stopped talking, looked at each other, and couldn't help but said in their hearts, no, the other party really fled to the south! "...

On December 9, a terrible news shocked the entire northwest. The Southwest Army stationed in the Atwood area suddenly attacked Atwood Sea City, which had always been close to them, and looted Atwood Sea City, causing Atwood Sea City to collapse. More than 10,000 people died in this catastrophe, and more than 30,000 people became refugees, including a large number of wealthy nobles. They were the key targets of the Southwest Army's plunder.

Relying on the Atwood defense map provided by Commander Robinson of the Tenth Army, three thousand soldiers of the Southwest Army suddenly marched into the unsuspecting city and quickly took control of the weapons and various strongholds of the defenders. Then the Southwest Army's third The formations of the Seventh Army and the Tenth Army marched into the city in a mighty manner, and went straight to the mansions of these dignitaries in the city in the name of a break in the search.

Using huge siege wood to break open the iron gate of the exquisite courtyard, the soldiers swarmed in, pushed the beautiful marble statue hard, and pretended to search for food among the scattered debris, although the order above was to search for food. Food, and they were not allowed to kill at will, but seeing the precious treasures at their fingertips in front of them, the soldiers' eyes were completely red, and they swallowed hard.

An officer came over and picked up one of the pure gold ornaments. After examining it for a while, he put it directly into his pocket. The soldiers followed suit. All the belongings of this noble family were immediately swept away. The soldiers who were still looking for food outside saw their companions coming out of the room hanging large and small treasures, and immediately ran into the room and took away all the rest. In order to force the nobles to give away all the treasures they may have hidden privately, The soldiers handed over the nobles, and the soldiers tied the nobles to the white marble in the courtyard and took turns beating them with thorny sticks until the nobles even handed over the last bag of copper coins in the family. The bright red human blood seemed to bloom in the depth of winter. The plum blossoms dyed the pure white marble surface red,

That night. White snowflakes floated in the sky,

The Southwest Army swept through like locusts, searching house to house and snatching away all valuables in the city. When they saw beautiful women, they lined up and took turns to get on them, until the women breathed their last in humiliation and despair. One night In a short time, the beautiful long street turned into a hell: corpses scattered everywhere. The beautiful and pure white snow shows ferociousness. Some streets even require stepping through thick piles of corpses to move forward. In the clear dawn sky, countless smoke pillars are rising. Those were burned houses. Groups of rioters were randomly smashing shops, snatching items, or throwing piles of corpses into the fires burning in the city.

To cover up the traces of looting. Realizing that the situation was out of control, Robinson, commander of the 10th Army of the Southwest Army, issued an order to burn all the corpses and drive all living people out of Atwood City so that he could more thoroughly clean up the traces of the atrocities. In the end, he simply ordered the whole city to be burned. The flames that filled the sky burned for three full days before they were extinguished. Atwood disappeared from the map.

"I made an unforgivable mistake and stupidly led the wolf into the house. I can hear Atwood's cry, like a curse lingering in my ears in the middle of the night! May God have mercy on me, a poor man!"

Duke Neiman of the Sea City of Twowood wrote the last long and bloody words in his diary with a quill stained with his own blood, and committed suicide in his study that day. Before that, he killed with his own hands His most beloved wife and two daughters, in order to prevent them from being insulted in this catastrophe, his son was still studying in Kyoto, the Gallic Empire, so he escaped this disaster. For his family and the entire Atwood , are all devastating blows.

The Falcon cavalry that broke out from Atwood to the south, after getting rid of the pursuit behind them, released the carrier pigeons for communication. The transport fleet that received the carrier pigeons passed directly through the Atwood waters and was 40 meters away from Atwood. At a stopping point inside and outside, the cavalry who broke out of the encirclement were picked up on the boat.

The transport fleet, escorted by seven Dragon Tooth battleships sent by the privateer fleet, embarked on the return sea route three days later.

When crossing the Atwood waters, Statunko specifically stopped the warship. On the sea twenty miles away from Atwood, Statunko looked at the stocks rising on the distant horizon with flickering eyes. black smoke,

That was the burning Atwood. For Statunko, who had seen the panoramic view of Atwood, this picture was very shocking. The whole city was on fire, and the black smoke was like a huge Dark clouds shrouded the sky and lingered for a long time. Through the lenses of the telescope, one could still see the shaking of flames. The Southwest Army had withdrawn, leaving behind a scene like hell.

The Southwest Army would attack Atwood frantically, which was beyond Statunko's expectation. The reason why he specifically asked the battleship to stop was because he suddenly thought of something.

His mind flashed back to the image of His Majesty Falcon pointing at the map when he was arranging combat missions. At that time, His Majesty Falcon looked a little weird and said, "Because the enemy's military rations were burned, they will inevitably turn to other areas to look for food! This is our Chance"

"Opportunity, so this is what I mean!" Statunko said to himself, and suddenly understood a lot. It turned out that everything was as expected by His Majesty. His Majesty did not tell him the specific movements of the Southwest Army at that time. He didn't specify which area he would turn to in search of food. It really didn't seem like His Majesty's usual confident style. At that time, he naturally thought of Bangor.

But now that I think about it, I realize how wrong I was. There is a famine in Bangor. It would be great if they don't starve to death. It is obviously impossible to store much food from there, so there is only one possibility.

Your Majesty is actually referring to Atwood!

Statunko took a deep breath of the cool air from the sea and borrowed the knife to kill someone. In the hands of His Majesty Falcon, this move was no longer as simple as a proficient one! Through the looting of Atwood, the Southwest Army obtained a batch of food that could last for more than half a month, but at the same time it lost the last initiative in the war. The choice before the Southwest Army suddenly became clear.

There is no retreat except moving forward,

Otherwise, the crime of plundering Gatewood, a navy directly under the empire, would be enough to make the Southwest Army drink a pot, unless the Southwest Army can defeat the Falcon Kingdom on the northwest coast in a short time, proving that Atwood's sacrifice is Worth it

The urgency of time will cause the main force of the Southwest Army besieged outside Rwanaka to give up the siege and instead move directly towards the base camp on the northwest coast.

"Using Atwood's food, forcing the Southwest Army to forcefully pass through the Bangor area and advance towards Oacha, this may be the road of death that His Majesty the Falcon has already set for the Southwest Army!" Statuenko looked at Atwood in the distance, and felt a chill on his back as the sea breeze blew (To be continued...)