Amber Sword

The Noble Private Soldiers took a step back, but the Burei Infantry in the second row had already pierced through the forest of long spears with their war-hammers. However, all those war-hammers were futilely striking against the large shield, and the Noble Private Soldiers in the rear thrust their long spears through the gaps between the large shields, accurately knocking these stragglers to the ground.

Yet the Light Infantry in the rear continued to advance, stepping over the bodies of their comrades. The Noble Private Soldiers had no choice but to keep retreating. Due to uneven impacts from all directions, although the officers on the front line were shouting hoarsely ’Retreat! Retreat!’, continuous gaps started appearing on the front line.

Brand was internally shouting that things were not looking good, but he realized that the Burei Light Infantry on the opposite side weren’t taking advantage of these gaps either. They maintained a blind advance, and he then realized with a palm to his forehead, that he was commanding no more than a Noble Private Army, and the opposing side was but a second-line corps of Human Light Infantry that didn’t even count as first-tier.

He breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he was being overly paranoid. This was, after all, the Sword Year, and the battlefield wasn’t populated with those famed troops of the later ages. He calmed himself a bit, looked up, and saw among the sea of helmets, shield tips, spear tips, and flags, that there was a group of Earth Dragon Rangers patrolling outside the formation in the distance.

"It’s that guy..."

Brand realized that the other side was waiting for an opportunity for the gaps to expand enough for the rangers to seize it.

He instinctively glanced toward the northern slopes of Machenko Mountain and Vileco Mountain, while von Doggen was making the same movement. The young Viscount, mounted on an Earth Dragon, was watching the vanguard of the Finn Column and the Constantine Column already appearing at the forest edge — and directly in front of them were the left and right flanks of the three phalanxes of Noble Private Soldiers.

"Hmm, advancing faster than expected," Viscount von Doggen was slightly taken aback. He knew very well the nature of the Finn Column and the Constantine Column, but did not expect the other side to grit their teeth and push through the explosions at such a crucial moment.

Heaven bless Sipah.

But what flashed through Brand’s mind, upon witnessing the same scene, was a different thought: "Beth did a good job."

The phalanx of Noble Private Soldiers, backed against Angerk Mountain, slowly retreated step by step, while the previously withdrawing Grey Fin Naga Guard and Officer Cadets of the Royal Knight Academy quickly appeared on their two wings on the southern slope of Angerk Mountain —

In an instant, Viscount von Doggen understood what Brand intended to do. Concentrate the superior forces on the left and right flanks, lure in and crush the Northern Alliance’s protrusions at Machenko and Vileco Mountains, forming an encirclement by the main forces of the Burei Infantry, "Signal the flag," Viscount von Doggen immediately ordered, "Tell Viscount Finn and Baron Constantin to hold on, inform them that victory is in sight and not to hesitate, to commit all their forces."

He paused, "Relay my orders to Count Vitojin, and best request him to give the same command once more."

The command rider immediately departed to the rear.

The battle had gradually reached a fever pitch —

Due to repeated assaults, the formation of Noble Private Soldiers had started to slowly tilt to one side, as if a gigantic slab of butter was beginning to melt, with one corner severely lagging behind. Viscount von Doggen, keen in observing this change, pointed his long spear towards the flank of the Noble Private Soldiers and shouted, "Concentrate attack on the left phalanx, defeat their main formation first, and victory will be ours!"

Brand heard Count Oting behind him hoarsely roaring, "Watch out for that group of rangers, don’t expose your flank to them!" For the first time, he felt crisis was approaching, realizing his opponent was indeed a renowned historical figure, and if it were merely a battle of commanding troops, he might really not be able to match that person’s skills.

"Mr. Brand," Princess Griffine’s fair cheeks were tinged with a blush, and the hand grasping the sword trembled slightly due to exertion. She surveyed her surroundings on horseback, surrounded by enemies as if she was in a boundless ocean, endless: "The left flank is barely holding!"

Brand merely nodded to her.

"Nemesia," he immediately turned his head and shouted loudly.

"Present!"

"The command is transferred to you."

Nemesia turned her head, black hair flying in the wind, and Brand saw a peculiar look in her eyes. But the Female Knight asked nothing further, simply nodded.

"Mr. Brand, you...?" the Princess was slightly taken aback: "What do you intend to do?"