Day and night we marched. Towards the battlefield, without knowing what will happen. Some are exited, they get to finally fight against the enemy for honour, for glory and to gain lots of riches.
Some began to wonder. In a state of anxiety , they ponder to them selves. Why they haven't been informed about the state of the battlefield, or at least, why we don't even know the enemy we will be fighting.
Others remain indifferent, they'd careless about the state of the world around them. They don't even care if we win or lose. They are simply people who enlisted just so they can get money and some free food / rations.
On the 6th day of the march. We managed to link up with the other forces. They have been called in the midst of training similar to us. They were just told to assemble in this encampment , and wait for further orders from the higher up.
Even the generals leading our troops are mostly unaware of the current situation. They were just to march their respective armies here immediately. Most of the generals just followed orders, and brought everyone here with no further questions asked.
They seemed to either put their faith in the Supreme commanders decision and ability to lead the armed forces or simply had no idea what their up against and was just as confused as us. Only, they choose to not show any signs of doubt to keep moral from dropping. For What ever the reason, I just hope that we are not just simply marching to our deaths.
I was called to the command HQ up on a nearby hill. Its located in the middle of the encampment. It is the most heavily guarded place in the entire camp, no one is allowed near the hill unless they are summoned directly by the General or they are couriers sent by the people of the front lines to inform the commander of the state of the battlefield.
As time goes on keeping an eye on the battlefield situation is needed to coordinate a quick and decisive response. A single order from the General could change the course of the entire war. As the saying goes "The only thing that matters in war are its generals."
That saying resounded around the world. Because day by day the generals prove to be the greatest decisive factor in any battle nor conflict. As one soldier or the terrain could barely change the course of the battlefield, if the course is already set by a great general, then nothing could change it.
Or so they say. As times change , the generals role in the military will slowly deteriorate over time. Replacing them are the technology of warfare, and the abilities of each fighting individuals. At least for this age , a single individual could change the course of the war, just like the stories of old.
Once I reached the HQ main tent, I saw the others who were called into the meeting. All of the armies high ranking generals are gathered here, at present there are the nine generals of the combined armies. They led three separate armies here. One army consist of one to three commanding Generals, The commander and its right and left hands.
Present there are also, a few small squad leaders whose rank are similar to mine. We were gathered here for a mission. We were to take a few of our men and scout the area. 15 squads are assigned to scout the area around the camp. While 5 squads are assigned to scout a head.
My squad is assigned to scout the area a head. And map the areas surrounding the plains, most likely the battle will commence on the field up north of here. According to the previous maps of the area there is an opening in the middle of the hills area. A prefect place for cavalry battle.
After explaining about the specifics of our assignments. We were dismissed, each of the squad leaders immediately went back to their respective units and started gathering their men to finish the missions assigned to them. I went back to the camp, gathered a few quick and flexible individuals of my troops to join me in this mission.
By using the system I was able to find the best candidates for the scouting mission. Since stealth and speed are required for this mission. I choose the most nimble individuals I could find. Now the Six of us went towards the fields up north to our designated areas.
We rode horses across the fields to reach the area. Turns out The area we were supposed to scout out wasn't a field of grass . It was a sea of trees raging as far as the eye can see. The dense forest could hinder the movements of large troops, a small detachment should prove more efficient in combat within this area.
The dense trees hindered our sights . The paths became smaller and smaller the more we advance inwards. We decided to leave our horses here to move faster in the forest, I assigned the slowest individual of the team to stay and guard the horses, in case they were attacked or if we should encounter any problems in the forest , we would need a quick get away.
The rest of us walked deeper into the forest. The deeper we go the darker it gets, the trees rose high , the leaves covered the skies above us. The sun could barely reached us inside this forest. Little by little we cautiously went around the forest scouting the surrounding areas as we went to the other side of the forest.
Suddenly as I walked steadily towards the other end of the forest. I saw a group of people a head walking in the distance. I told the members of my group to quietly sneak around to their position quietly, we shouldn't show our selves just yet. Not until we've confirmed their identities.
We crept slowly into their direction. I remembered all of the faces of the other squad leaders sent on a scouting mission. I know that one of them is stationed near here. I was wondering weather they were here or not.
As it turns out I couldn't recognize any of their faces from the meeting. I decided to maintain caution and approach them slowly. The suddenly , when I managed to get close to them. The system reacted to them. They suddenly glow red, in front of me. I realized that they are hostiles.
I immediately signaled my squad to move into position to ambush them. There was only cover from the front and sides. So we decided to spread out and flank the enemy from three sides. When they reached their positions. I signaled them to open fire upon the enemy.
One by one they fired pulled on their bow string , launching arrows at the enemy. Surprised by the sudden attack they weren't able to react. The first enemy drops dead, shot in the left leg once by an arrow, and twice in the chest , killing him
The second and third enemy died by my arrows. Both of them shot directly to the head. They immediately fell over and died. The fourth enemy was stabbed in the back by one of my troops.
However the last enemy managed to run away for a few meters before finally killed by Xi an . He was a friend of mine when we enlisted originally he wanted to join the main army , he is a very gifted swordsman . But he decided to follow me to enlist as an archer although he wasn't as talented with a bow as he is with the sword , he managed to rank second best in the entire regiment after me.
I choose him to join the scouting group because he is the person I trust most. And the fact that I know he had my back at any situation. In training he managed to out do 20 people alone in hand to hand combat.
His stats are similar to mine if not better.
Xi An
Strength : 15
Agility : 21
Intelligence : 12
Stamina : 35
The system suddenly reacted to the satchel that the enemy was carrying. I checked to see what's inside. It glowed the colour gold meaning it's a valuable item, Turns out it was a map which shows the locations of the other enemy scouting parties. It even has the information about the terrain on the enemies side.
If we could get rid of the other enemy scouting parties. We could prevent the enemy from spotting our main army, and even could stop the enemy from knowing the terrain on the battlefield, basically make them blind.
I took the enemy satchel and weapons with me. I took my squad back to the horses. I told them that we will continue and eliminate the other enemy scouting parties on the other areas.
We immediately ride out To the locations of the other enemy scouting parties. We stayed vigilant along the way moping up the rest of the enemy scouting parties. We managed to eliminate all of the enemy scouting parties that are known by the information.
On every encounter we managed to surprise the enemy by either ambushing them from hiding spot. Charging at them with the Cavalry or by hunting them down one by one in the Shadows.
In every group I managed to find the enemy leaders satchel that contains all of their gathered information and list of other teams. As night looms over the field. We decided to head back to the encampment to report out findings to the general.
After reaching the main HQ. I gave all of the information I gathered to the general. He was thrilled to hear the news, thanks to our efforts the war favors in our direction.
Both myself and Xi an become highly commanded newcomers. The general held a meeting and agreed that both of us should be promoted. Since we worked better as an independent unit. They decided to make me an independent unit commander.
I over the course of a day I became a 1000 man commander of an independent unit. And Xi an was promoted to 100 man unit commander. Xi an wad given his own independent unit, however he decided to follow me with his unit so our numbers in total became 1100 men.
9 100 man commander joined under me as part of my unit. I recognized some of them, They were the leaders of the other scouting parties who were sent to scout the terrain a head. They came towards me and thank me for eliminating the enemies, because of that they won't be ambushed while scouting.
Turns out they all volunteered to join my unit. Because of my merit and my skills were acknowledged by them. And the fact that joining an independent unit means that they will have relatively more freedom then with the main army.
A few days after that another army had arrived at the encampment. They number in at 6000 infantry and 2000 elite cavalry led by the The Lord of the army himself.
The entire combined army marched in formation to the plains for a massive battle. The enemy numbering to 10000 cavalry and 8000 infantry. Our forces in total amount to 25000 men in total. We outnumbered the enemies by 7000 troops.
However the Lord expected more troops should arrive as reinforcements in a few days. Numbering around 2000 footmen and 1000 cavalry. I guess they think highly of the enemy to summon more and more troops into the battlefield.
The Lord personally led an army of 20000 men to engage in battle with the enemies main army. While sending the other 5000 men to besiege a nearby City. The City itself is only garrisoned by a meagre 1000 troops. However they are led by the enemies best strategist Chen Gong. Although outnumbered 5 to 1 he managed to defend the city for three days without giving our forces the opportunity to advance.
The Archer units are assigned as part of the units besieging the City. My group along with many others fired volley upon volley of arrows each day into the siege. Trying to whittle down the enemy numbers as much as we can , before the main army attempted to take the City walls once more.
The General realised that they couldn't win the Siege battle fast enough so that we can occupy the City and send reinforcements to the main army in time. Without a significant victory on our side. The Lords plans are about to be thrown in shambles.
In the end of the Fifth day the general grew more and more desperate by the hour. He thought that the City would fall by the third day and now were entering the sixth day without making any progress .
The officers are gathered once more on the field HQ. We gathered to decide what are we going to do next. We have to win by the end of tomorrow. Everyone pondered to themselves , thinking what are we supposed to do all of our plans kept failing one after the other. Without some kind of change we won't be able to win.
I conveyed my plan to the others.
" Why don't we assassinate Chen Gong, and open the gates form the inside."
The entire room suddenly went quiet.
The general replied to my suggestion.
"Because it's easier said than done."
"Unless you have a plan."
I replied with a grin smile.
" Yes I have a plan for that."
I pointed at the the map of the City laid out in the table set previously before the meeting.
"We will send a small group of highly skilled archers to infiltrate the City at night."
"They will split into six different smaller groups."
"4 Four Groups will be tasked on securing and opening the gates simultaneously at the signal, and the rest of the troops will charge straight into the city."
" While the other two groups is sent towards the inner city to kill Chen Gong."
"So even if the two assassination squad failed at capturing or killing Chen Gong, by the time the enemy realised the plot if will be too late as our troops would be flooding into the City."
As I finished my explanation, suddenly the entire room filled with officers stood in aw.
The General decided to continue with my plan on taking the city. Since I was the one who suggested the plan naturally, I was the one who is sent to lead the night attack.
I gathered the best archers of the entire army and led them on the night attack. We made a small ladder and climbed up the wall using it, slowly and quietly. We managed to slip through the gap of the enemies patrols.
There we split up on our respective missions. The four groups sent to secure the gates are led by the skilled commanders who joined my unit just moments ago. While the two groups who are sent to deal with Chen Gong. One is lead by myself and the other was lead by Xi an.
Each group consist of five individuals. To secure the gates , to defend from enemy attacks and sneak through the enemies defenses.
The four groups sent to secure the gates managed to finish their respective missions. With ease, they barely met any resistance. I guess surprise attacks are the enemies weakness in this age. I just hope that our mission went as smooth as theirs.
My group took the towers guarding the main building with ease and now were preparing to snipe the enemy from a distance. We waited for the enemy to appear while also picking of patrols and stragglers along the way. At the top of the tower I managed to find information about the enemies locations.
Turns out that Chen Gong is on the top floor of the City lords mansion. He is guarded by his elite guards. The Guards are stationed along the route to the top floors where he is located. So fighting is unavoidable.
So we decided to make our way up as quiet as possible killing the enemy bit by bit along the way. No matter how elite the enemies are as long as they are exposed they will fall easily as any normal troops.
I took the initiative at the front of the group snipping enemies as we went up to the next floor. I ordered the rest of my group to slit the throat, of the enemies sleeping in the rooms on the way there . Because if they suddenly woke up and alerted the garrison we will be trapped.
Room by room we searched all the way to the top. One by one the enemy guards fall into the ground their blood spilling out of their body. I shot them dead in the head with one shot each. Without missing a single shot we advanced.
Since the enemy had superior stats and levels. I managed to gain quiet a few XP. I am now level 10 with stats that are comparable to a level 20 soldier.
As we went up the mansion. I noticed that Xi an's group isn't here. I Wondered why aren't they here yet, they should have arrived earlier than we did, since they went directly into the mansion from the back door. While we went into the tower first.
I hope that nothing bad happened to him.
After we reached the top floor. I found a disturbing sight. The floors smeared with blood. The stench of rotting corpses reeks , contaminating the air around it. There I found the dead body of women and children massacred. Their bodies pilled up into a mountain.
I was disgusted by what I saw in the rooms. I immediately closed back the door and went directly to the main room. I kicked down the door and there is were I saw it the corpses of both the enemy guards and the men I sent with Xi an.
I was shocked , by the sight of it. Turns out Chen Gong placed an ambush here and Xi an's group fell for the trap. I looked around the room for Xi an. Only to find that he wasn't here. I guess he managed to escape the trap , but his men weren't so lucky.
I took apart the room searching for any of value there. I managed to find Chen Gong's note book containing the knowledge he learned over the years and the information regarding the other troops. Inside the chest, I found a bag of gold coins. An ornamented dagger. And A piece of jewelry made of gold and Rubies. I decided to take everything of value before going out in search of Chen Gong's real location and possibly the location of Xi an's.
As we went running down the narrow corridors of the inner city. We came across the sound of metal clashing the screams of dying men. Wallowing through the night. We came closer to check it out , turns out that the sound we heard was the sound of our enemies being cut down.
As we draw closer and closer to the origin of the sound. And there I saw him, Xi an was there being cornered by the enemy guards. Next to them was Chen Gong in the flesh. Chen Gong had trapped Xi an's group at the top floor then proceeded in chasing him down to the alley of the inner city.
[[ Ding !!!!]]
[[ The host has triggered a story branch.]]
[[ Host please choose between 2 options.]]
[[Option 1 Save Xi an]]
[[ Reward : Xi an affinity level 12, 1000 XP, White item box, admiration + 15]]
[[ Loses : Chen Gong fled]]
Story line : In this choice Chen Gong fled the battlefield unite with the main army and make it more difficult to win the next battle.
[[Option 2 kill Chen Gong]]
[[ Reward : Promotion to 3000man commander/ officer, 2000 XP, Black item box]]
[[ Loses : Xi an dies, admiration - 10 ]]
Story line : In this choice Xi an dies, an important comrade for this story will perish. Chen Gong dies the next battle will be much easier to win.
I asked the system a question.
"System if I decided to save Xi an, what are the chances of me being able to kill Chen Gong right after that ?"
[[ Reply ]]
[[ With the host current strength, host has a 10% chance of successfully killing Chen Gong ]]
[[ 17% chance of critically wounding Chen Gong ]]
[[ 30% chance of crippling Chen Gong ]]
[[ 50% chance of slightly wounding Chen Gong ]]
" System what are the chances of me choosing to kill Chen Gong and then go to save Xi an?"
[[ Reply ]]
[[ With the host current abilities, host can kill Chen Gong at 30 seconds or up to 5 minutes ]]
[[ Best case scenario Xi an will be heavily wounded and won't be able to fight for at least three months ]]
[[ Worse case scenario Xi an dies and the guards cornering him rushed towards the host, the host will fail to kill Chen Gong and the entire unit will be killed and the host will be heavily injured ]]
[[ Host please make your decision ]]
Its obvious what I must do.
I clicked on the system icon, then time flows back normal. I ran towards Xi an as fast as I can firing arrows upon the enemy as I went.
" Men shoot the enemies surrounding Xi an, I will rush directly to his aid."
" Quickly now !"
The troops replied with a stern voice.
" Yes sir !"
They immediately took position and started shooting arrows at the enemy. One after the other enemies fall towards the ground. I ran towards Xi an cutting down enemies as I went closer.
When I reached Xi an, he breath in a breath of relief. He gathered his breath and spoke to me.
" Thanks, I owe you one Ji wei."
" Calm down Xi an, were close friends just call me brother Ji."
With our combined might we struck down the enemies before us. Our swords cut through the enemy armor and flesh alike. The both of us fought side by side till the last enemy falls. After ensuring his safety I rushed towards Chen Gong slicing through his remaining bodyguards.
After chasing him for sometime I managed to sliced his head clean off his shoulders. Blood gushing out of his torso through his neck. Like a fountain of blood.
[[ Ding!!! ]]
[[ System calculating the host total achievement and rewards for this stage]]
[[ Congratulation , the host has killed the enemy general ]]
[[ Congratulation , the host has slain 100 elite guards ]]
[[ Congratulation , the host has successfully saved Xi an ]]
[[ Calculating rewards ]]
[[ Total : 17000 XP, 15 points ]]
[[ Ding!!! ]]
[[ Host has unlocked the system shop ]]
[[ The host can now access the system shop, Host can now spend the system points received on items available in the system shop ]]
I took the items he owned such as the strategist fan. The cold iron sword. And the silver ring.
[[ The strategist fan ]]
[[ Grade Unique ]]
[[ Intelligence + 15 ]]
[[ skill acquired infantry tactic sword wall ]]
[[ Cold iron sword ]]
[[ Grade common ]]
[[ Strength + 3 ]]
[[ silver ring ]]
[[ Grade uncommon ]]
[[ Intelligence + 4 ]]
[[ Reputation + 5 ]]
I decided to use the cold iron sword as my secondary weapon with the sword I bought earlier on. Thus I'm mainly an archer and secondly I am a dual wielding swordsman. I kept the strategist fan incase I needed it in the future. Mean while I equipped the silver ring because I had no better gear yet.
After that I returned to where my group and Xi an were located. They were glad that I was alive. They welcomed me back to the group , embracing me .
After finishing the mission , we went back to the camp outside the walls. The other commanders welcomed us with excitement. I reported our findings from the enemy base and told them about the atrocities that the enemies have commited. Then I showed them the head of Chen Gong on the table as if its brought to them on a silver platter.
The General praised us for our bravery and news had just went in that we managed to take over the city. It was a glorious victory for our force. However celebration fell to soon. We needed to sent troops to reinforce the Lords battle at the plains.
The general ordered all available troops to immediately march for the plains up north east of our current position. I guess our job isn't done yet.