NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 66: Similar Tactics
Chapter 66: Similar Tactics
The reconnaissance knights sent by the two barons soon arrived at the mining site. Seeing the sparse number of troops, Thor frowned in confusion.
"Sir, the troops of Baron Valmy and Baron Graton have halted twenty miles away and haven't advanced further," Steve reported respectfully with the information he had gathered.
"Got it," Thor responded. "Steve, take three official knights, twenty apprentice knights, and the enslaved people we've captured to meet them. Hold them off as long as you can. If you can't win, retreat immediately and don't worry about the slaves. Make it look like our mining site is very weak and can be taken over at any time."
Thor's eyes sparkled with understanding. The cautious approach of Barons Valmy and Graton indicated their fear of his previous victory over Baron Pape. He decided to let them test the waters with minimal risk to his forces.
"Yes, sir!" Steve responded, albeit with some confusion, but without question.
The troops quickly assembled. Over a thousand slaves gathered, a chaotic mass barely kept in line by the knights. Steve drew his knight's sword.
"Goddess of Life, bless us! May victory be ours!" he shouted, leading the charge down from the mine.
The sight of a large group of people surprised the two scouting knight contingents. However, their surprise turned to amusement upon realizing they faced a disorganized mob of slaves.
"Hahaha, it seems Eagle's Ridge has no real forces left, only slaves," the commander of Graton's knights laughed.
Baron Valmy's commander also smiled. "Attack!"
Both commanders drew their swords, and their knights charged. Though fewer than a hundred, they cut through the slave mob like wolves through sheep, scattering them and causing chaos.
Steve, wielding a knight’s lance, pushed through the crowd, his strength as a grand knight unmatched. However, he soon found himself targeted by six official knights from the opposing contingents, who coordinated to hold him back.
The battlefield descended into utter chaos with cries, shouts, and the sounds of fleeing slaves. Steve's face darkened, and he made a decision.
"Retreat!" he shouted after unleashing a powerful burst of life energy that knocked back his attackers. He and the other knights quickly retreated, leaving behind only a few who couldn't escape.
Upon returning to the mine, Steve, covered in blood, reported to Thor, "Sir!"
"Well done," Thor praised. "That was enough."
Meanwhile, Barons Valmy and Graton were elated by their reconnaissance results.
"Are you sure?" Graton asked his commander, breathless with excitement.
"Yes, my lord, but there is a grand knight among them," the commander replied respectfully.
"A grand knight indeed. The Dresrosa lineage always has strong members," Valmy chuckled. "But one grand knight can't stop us."
Excited by the prospect of easy victory, the barons exchanged cautious glances, each contemplating future moves. Despite their current alliance, they were wary of the formidable Dresrosa lineage.
Orders were swiftly issued, and a large force began moving toward the mine. The sheer scale of the approaching troops was visible from afar.
On a hillside, Thor watched the advancing army with a smile.
"Get ready," Thor commanded. "Steve, take your men to the right. Mark, take the remaining troops to the left. Remember, as before, don't let anyone escape. Surrendering enemies can be spared; fleeing ones must be executed."
With his orders clear, his forces prepared for the upcoming battle.