The old man slowly walked toward the oval-shaped table.
He rested both hands on its edge before looking around the tent.
"I've heard both arguments."
"They're both valid."
"We don't know the enemy's true numbers."
"And yes..."
"This could very well be a trap."
He paused before continuing.
"So why must we choose only one plan?"
Everyone inside the tent frowned.
The old man pointed at the map.
"Our scouts will continue watching the enemy's rear force."
"They'll report every movement."
"We won't send our infantry after them."
"We'll only use our cavalry."
Several officers exchanged confused glances.
The old man continued calmly.
"More than half of our cavalry will harass the rear force."
"Hit them..."
"Then retreat."
"No prolonged fighting."
"No chasing."
"Strike..."
"Fall back."
"We'll repeat it."
"Again."
"And again."
"Perhaps four times before committing to a full battle."
He looked toward everyone gathered around the table.
"In war..."
"Always prepare for the worst."
"If it's a trap..."
"We retreat before they're able to surround us."
"If it isn't..."
"We slowly wear them down."
He shifted his finger toward the nest.
"Meanwhile..."
"The remaining cavalry and the infantry will attack the nest."
"But this time..."
"Our goal isn't another raid."
"It's complete destruction."
"The cavalry will charge from the front."
"The infantry will slowly surround the nest."
"Our mages will begin bombardment from a safe distance."
"Once the bombardment ends..."
"The infantry advances."
"We destroy the nest completely."
He stepped back from the table.
"This is merely my suggestion."
"The final decision belongs to you, Commander."
Everyone's eyes turned toward Azpen.
Azpen silently stared at the map.
His fingers slowly rubbed his chin.
The tent remained silent.
Finally...
He raised his head.
The sun had already climbed higher into the sky.
Unlike yesterday, the horns sounded much later.
I washed my face at the water barrel before eating a quick breakfast.
Soon everyone gathered near the platform.
Azpen stepped onto it.
He looked over the assembled mercenaries.
"Our scouts have located the enemy's rear force."
"We're dividing our forces."
"One group will continue attacking the nest."
"The other will harass the rear force."
"The detailed assignments are waiting outside your tents."
"Read them carefully."
"They contain your unit..."
"Your objective..."
"And your role."
He looked across the camp one last time.
"Let's make those lizard bastards regret coming here."
The mercenaries answered with loud cheers.
After the speech ended, I walked back toward my tent.
A parchment had already been nailed to the wooden post outside.
I searched through the names until I found mine.
Rear Force Assault – Cavalry Unit.
I let out a quiet sigh.
So this time...
I wouldn't be attacking the nest.
I tightened Rusty's saddle, checked my emergency healing potion, and secured my spear and sword.
Just like yesterday, I left my bow behind.
A cavalry battle demanded mobility.
Not long after, the cavalry gathered outside the camp.
This formation was different.
Yesterday we had charged in a spearhead.
Today we moved in broad rectangular lines, prepared to spread out the moment combat began.
Azpen rode at the very front beside several knights.
He drew his curved sword.
"This ride decides everything."
Without another word, he kicked his horse forward.
The entire cavalry followed.
Instead of riding toward the nest...
We turned toward the Dark Swamp.
The journey lasted nearly two hours.
The deeper we rode, the darker the swamp became.
Tall twisted trees blocked much of the sunlight, leaving patches of dim light scattered across the muddy ground. Thick mist drifted over the stagnant water, while insects buzzed endlessly around us. Every now and then, the distant croak of swamp creatures echoed through the silence, making it impossible to tell whether something was watching us or not.
No one spoke.
The only sounds were the steady rhythm of horses' hooves splashing through the shallow water and the occasional clinking of armor.
I activated my Sensory Field.
Aura flowed into my eyes as my senses spread across the surrounding area.
A few moments later...
I sensed movement ahead.
Lizardmen.
Some rode massive water lizards.
Others marched on foot carrying long spears, shields, and bows.
They still hadn't noticed us.
Azpen never slowed.
He drew the greatsword from his back.
Just as we burst through the trees, one of the lizardmen finally spotted us.
A sharp hiss echoed across the swamp.
The enemy immediately sprang into action.
Shield bearers rushed to the front.
Spearmen hurried into formation behind them.
The mounted water lizards turned toward us, their heavy claws splashing through the muddy water as they prepared to charge.
The archers scrambled to nock their arrows, shouting warnings to one another.
But they were too slow.
Azpen was already upon them.
One mounted lizardman charged straight toward him.
The greatsword flashed.
One clean swing.
From shoulder to waist...
Both rider and mount were split apart.
Blood sprayed across the swamp.
Azpen raised his sword.
"CHARGE!"
The cavalry surged forward behind him.
The battle had begun once again.