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Chapter 13: The Onset Of Crisis (4)
“Is it because I have never once failed when I proposed an operation?”
The battalion commander looked at me with intrigued eyes.
“Alright, but considering the circumstances, get straight to the point.”
“We need to lead our allies immediately to support the battalion that has fallen for the enemy’s bait operation. We could leave the insubordinate student platoon leader to his fate, but if we continue like this, our division will suffer irreversible damage.”
My reasoning might sound like arguing in an FPS game that we need to rescue a troll during team play.
Thus, in such a gaming situation, one might lightly argue, ‘Let the troll die and rejoin after respawn.’
However, in real combat, not only would the broken battalion never revive, but the morale of the soldiers who witnessed their allies getting trounced would plummet.
Furthermore, our strength decreases as the enemy kills our troops.
To put it dramatically, if a single troll died, it would be a 2v1 instead of a 2v2, distancing us further from victory.
The battalion commander seemed to understand and fell silent in contemplation.
Trying to press the urgency, I urged,
“The enemy also suffered considerable losses in their attempt to bait us, so they will take some time to reorganize. If we shoot magic and arrows at the enemy battalion that’s pushing our allies and then launch a full-scale attack, we have a chance of winning.”
“You have a point, but…”
Judging by his hesitance, it seemed like he was wondering what was in it for him.
Though it was disgraceful to see a soldier prioritize personal gain in such a situation, there was nothing I could do if that’s how the superiors operate.
“If we rescue the battalion in peril due to the student platoon leader’s rash actions, perhaps I, who proposed this plan, could be awarded the 1st Class Silver Cross. But wasn’t it the battalion commander who recognized and led this operation? Thus, aiming for the 2nd Class Gold Cross and the Allied Rescue Medal seems reasonable.”
Upon hearing this, the battalion commander asked with a satisfied expression,
“Fine, I’ll follow your suggestion. It’s within my authority to move the troops to rescue another battalion.”
“Thank you. Additionally, please send a messenger to the division commander to request support for the isolated battalion using the same method. The insubordinate student platoon leaders can be beheaded or punished later. What have the innocent platoon members done wrong?”
“Our soldiers have had enough rest, so let’s get ready to move out. This time, let your company take the lead.”
Five minutes after the conversation with the battalion commander, me and my company were at the forefront of the battalion, awaiting the charge order as instructed.
In the midst of this, the company commander, with a mix of jest and displeasure, remarked,
“That brat now moves not only company commanders but even battalion commanders. I couldn’t even imagine doing that in my younger days. There’s definitely a difference with someone who has received a 2nd Class Silver Cross.”
Given the light complaining, it seemed like he was making a joke to ease the tension and fear before a dangerous charge.
So, I took the joke as it was intended and replied with a smile,
“I apologize for that. But haven’t I secured a one-rank promotion for you and the other platoon leaders?”
“If you hadn’t, do you think I’d be talking to you like this now? Maybe I’d be telling you to take a walk to the brig. But our soldiers are having a hard time because of you. Do they get anything in return?”
To that, I shouted to my company members,
“I’m sorry for putting you through this tough operation! But after this, the battalion commander will assess you favorably, which means faster promotions! This will expedite your discharge, so hang in there!”
The soldiers, who had observed my activities for a month and fought alongside me, cheered in response.
“Platoon Leader Yaeger has promised our quick discharge!”
“For the glory of the Empire! For a future where we can relax at home and embrace our fiancées!”
“That bastard’s words are vulgar yet hilariously apt!”
After lifting the company’s spirits, a signal came up to support the trapped battalion in collaboration with the entire division.
Simultaneously, a massive horn and drum sound came from behind, and arrows and magic flew at the enemy from the rear.
The enemy battalion, caught off guard by this long-range attack, began to falter.
This allowed our trapped allies to regain their footing, transitioning from a one-sided retreat to a counteroffensive.
“All units, charge! Let’s rescue those who have been foolishly trapped by the enemy! Yaeger’s platoon will lead!”
As soon as the order was given, our company rushed towards the enemy at approximately 10 kilometers per hour.
Right before the collision with the enemy, the company commander ordered,
“Mages, target only those in front of Yaeger’s platoon! Since Yaeger’s platoon is leading the charge, all other platoons should support the lieutenant!”
As those words ended, a fireball the size of my face flew by, incinerating the enemy soldiers right in front of our platoon.
Thanks to that, our platoon could infiltrate the enemy lines without much resistance.
Thanks to the battalion commander, our platoon could easily charge from the very start.
They say a good start is half the battle. If one could perform well on the first charge, victory on the battlefield was almost guaranteed thereafter.
“Let’s repay the battalion commander’s strong support! Yaeger platoon, prepare the third tactic we learned during the training! Together, we’ll break their momentum!”
My platoon’s soldiers acknowledged the order, grasping the rear end of their spears with both hands and extending them forward.
Taking advantage of the enemy regiment’s soldiers, who were still organizing their formation, they charged forward without discretion, like a rampaging tank wielding their spears.
Under normal circumstances, such a tactic would lead to being impaled by the enemy’s spears.
The threat of spearmen was when they were properly postured to counter the enemy, not when they were fumbling and couldn’t even properly wield their spears.
Just before their spears pierced through their enemy’s body, the Yaeger platoon’s soldiers shouted out loud, increasing their speed.
“Kill those who envy the nobles for eating snails and grow snails in their ears!”
“Show them what a real man is!”
“Kill them all!”
Our platoon’s spears accurately targeted and pierced through the enemy, who didn’t even have proper armor.
Almost 10 enemy soldiers, trying unconsciously to cover the holes in their bodies with their hands, painfully died.
Seizing the moment, I laid down my spear and drew the sword from my waist, cutting down soldiers in awkward positions where the spear couldn’t reach.
Deep down, I wanted to kill all the enemies, find the regiment commander as before, behead him, and get the 1st Class Silver Cross medal…
Looking around, I saw the enemy’s reserve regiment slowly approaching our flank.
At that moment, the battalion commander signaled for our battalion to retreat and face the approaching reserve regiment. .com
“Leave playing with these young ones to the next battalion. Our platoon will immediately leave here and skewer the supporting Francois troops like shish kebabs. Retreat.”
Following the battalion commander’s order, our battalion quickly retreated to face the newly emerging enemy regiment.
Meanwhile, out of concern, I checked the state of our battalion that had been caught by the enemy’s feint.
Thanks to our momentum breaking and causing chaos, they seemed to be leading the battle slightly favorably.
As our battalion completely retreated and regrouped, the Francois Republic’s reserve soldiers approached us.
There were approximately three companies, which were about four hundred men.
Normally, with our greater numbers, one would think we’d easily win, but due to the continuous battles, our manpower and stamina were significantly drained, making these four hundred men a substantial challenge.
Fortunately for us, the enemy’s reserve forces weren’t the Black Lion Mercenary Group.
The fact that the Black Lion Mercenary Group didn’t come towards us meant…
Our battalion achieved a partial victory, but overall, we suffered significant losses.
Still, if we could withstand this… wouldn’t there be a chance for a turnaround?
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