Let's return to the front lines.
It was two days after I'd resumed duty under Major Renvel's command.
In front of the Tar River Bridge, the Sabbath and Austin armies were locked in a tense standoff, but hostilities finally commenced with the spring thaw as a signal.
"The deployment of our forces is complete."
"Good."
Austin was the first to launch an offensive.
That day, with temperatures rising and full combat operations feasible, Austin exhausted what few resources we had and bombarded the enemy's frontline trenches.
Of course, Bern and the General Staff understood it was a battle in which the attackers were at a disadvantage.
However, Austin had to launch an offensive while we still had ammunition and food supplies.
Rushing in recklessly was out of the question, but we had to take some action.
The situation would only worsen if we remain passive.
"Austin has finally moved."
"The final battle has begun."
The day the shelling began, tension ran through both armies as the soldiers braced for the start of full-scale war.
The enemy troops holed up in their trenches sipped cold rations, anticipating our assault.
However, that day passed without an Austin charge. We had only expended ammunition and magical stones until dusk.
As the Sabbath forces puzzled over what Austin aimed to achieve with such precious resources…
"What? The communication relay outposts have been destroyed?"
The Sabbatian Army received reports that several communication relay posts to the northern bridge had been attacked.
Yes, the artillery fire on the first day was a feint. The real goal was to destroy the relay post on the bridge that connects the north and south.
"Austin must be planning to destroy the northern bridge first."
The Sabbatian Army realized our objective.
Relay posts were communication hubs positioned within trenches that connected the two bridges.
Even though it was destroyed, the damage only affected one platoon, so there weren't serious casualties.
However, these relay posts were essential for communication between the northern and southern bridges.
At that time, the technology for communication over distances longer than 2–3 kilometers had not been established. Relay posts were necessary for long-distance communication.
Despite their name, these "outposts" weren't fortified; they were just small platoons holding communication equipment, stationed several kilometers apart along trenches, with limited defensive capability.
If a relay post was destroyed, it could be easily reestablished by redeploying equipment and personnel to the same spot.
The problem was the inability to maintain reliable communication between north and south until the posts were restored.
"The Sabbatian Army had also set up a route for communication, taking a roundabout path that passed through Sabbatian territory."
However, this resulted in a time lag of about 30-minutes because the signal has to travel a longer route.
A 30-minute delay could be fatal in modern warfare.
Moreover, these posts served as "patrol outposts" between the two bridges, so destroying them also weakened the Tar River's defenses.
Austin's diversion of resources to eliminate these relay posts clearly indicated an upcoming ambush at the northern bridge.
As mentioned earlier, there were two bridges over the Tar River.
One was a narrower, smaller bridge to the north, and the other was a larger bridge heavily defended by the Sabbath's main forces.
The northern bridge was so narrow that soldiers had to cross in single file, making the larger bridge behind the main defensive line more crucial to the enemy.
This was why they had constructed an extensive trench network stretching several kilometers in front of the larger bridge.
The typical range of magical artillery in this world is a few hundred meters.
To reach a distance where we could destroy such a bridge, we would have to break through more than ten layers of trenches.
The Austin Army's goal is to annihilate the enemy's main force.
To achieve this, we must destroy all the bridges on the Tar River while keeping the Sabbatian Army on the Austin side.
Even if we go through the trouble of destroying the main bridge at the rear, it would be pointless if the enemy escapes via the northern bridge.
It was only natural that we'd need to harass the northern bridge as well.
"The enemy's main force may move to the north. Conduct close reconnaissance."
The Sabbatian Army couldn't afford to let the northern bridge fall.
They expanded the scale of patrolling soldiers and increased reconnaissance against the Austin Army.
According to reports from increased scouting, Austin was gradually redeploying its main force toward the northern bridge.
"What should we do? Do we strike the diminished main force at the front?"
"It could be another enemy trap."
"It might be a diversion. Don't attack recklessly. Send reinforcements north to guard against a potential offensive."
Realizing this movement, the Sabbatian Army also moved their forces to follow the movement of Austin's main forces.
The Sabbath was patient, avoiding risky offensives.
They had been caught in Bern's traps many times, enduring counterattacks after being lured into attacking, and had grown increasingly wary.
Therefore, they did not launch a reckless offensive and merely sent reinforcements to the northern bridge.
"The soldiers on the move were annihilated after suffering a surprise artillery attack."
"…"
The next day, the Sabbatian forces sent north as reinforcements were ambushed and annihilated.
Bern had perfectly anticipated the timing of their movement within the trenches.
***
"How about using the northern bridge as bait?"
The head of the General Staff, Brustav, boldly proposed a plan to abandon the northern bridge.
"If we want to attack, we should let the enemy attack the northern bridge and then feign a retreat."
"And then what?"
"Once they're busy destroying the northern bridge, we can encircle them and launch a surprise attack."
He didn't consider the northern bridge to be particularly valuable.
It was small and unsuitable for moving large forces. Losing it wouldn't result in major losses.
He believed it was better to concentrate their forces on defending one bridge thoroughly rather than splitting their forces to defend two bridges.
"Please wait, Father."
"Oh, Sylph."
The one who objected was his only daughter, Sylph Nova.
She was adamantly opposed to abandoning the northern bridge.
"Our forces are superior. We can surely defend both bridges. It's crucial to secure an escape route if needed."
Sylph desperately explained to her father the importance of the northern bridge.
She argued that losing it could lead to the Sabbath's defeat.
"If I were an Austin commander, I'd destroy the other bridge on the same day I secured the northern bridge."
"What? How?"
"By launching a surprise attack via water."
What she feared was a surprise attack by a suicide unit aboard boats.
The northern bridge was upstream of the Sabbath's position.
If the enemy secured this bridge, the Sabbatian Army would have to be wary of a surprise attack using the river's current.
Sylph explained that if Austin loaded boats with large quantities of gunpowder and launched a suicide attack, it would be difficult to defend against.
"We absolutely must not abandon the northern bridge."
In reality, the likelihood of us attempting such a strategy was considerable.
To defend their own bridges, the Sabbath would have to secure the upper reaches of the Tar River as well.
Thanks to Sylph's advice, the Sabbath Army adopted a plan to divide their forces and secure both bridges.
And this decision…
***
"As predicted by Bern-sama, the enemy is splitting their forces to the north."
"Idiots. I made it clear from the beginning that the main attack was on the central bridge, even by how we deployed."
Austin had successfully balanced the nearly two-fold difference in forces that had been too severe.
They had opened the first door to breaking through the tightly closed trenches around the Tar River Bridge.
"Now, let's open the second door."
Bern then launched several surprise attacks on Sabbatian soldiers moving towards the northern bridge.
The objective of these operations was to deplete enemy forces and supplies rather than to secure a position.
This was within Austin territory, so we were able to take advantage of the local soldiers' familiarity with the terrain.
The enemy was moving along trenches that had been dug over a long period of time.
However, the only area where the trenches were thick enough to be immune to artillery fire was around the bridge itself. If the position of any moving units was discovered, they could easily be targeted by artillery.
By repeatedly conducting these small-scale ambushes, Austin continued to inflict damage on the enemy at a low cost.
"There's no need to force movements through the trenches in Austin territory; we can move within Sabbatian territory."
The Sabbatian Army began using the opposite bank to move its forces.
Previously, they had been transporting supplies north via long trenches along the riverbank.
But to avoid surprise artillery strikes, they began using the northern bridge to cross into Sabbath territory and transport supplies and personnel through that route.
This turned out to be another critical mistake by the Sabbath.
Due to the change in the route, the number of soldiers patrolling the riverbank decreased, making it easier for Austin saboteurs to infiltrate the gap between the northern bridge and the main camp.
Bern seized this opportunity and ordered the placement of numerous traps along the trenches between the camps.
Thanks to this, magical traps were set up throughout the trenches without the Sabbatian Army noticing.
These traps would remain inactive and hidden until the moment of the final confrontation.
Bern's strategy was perfect up to this point.
With the diversion causing the enemy to spread their forces and the traps set between positions, the Sabbatian Army was playing into his hands.
This was a demonstration of Bern's true prowess, solidifying his legacy as a genius strategist.
Had everything gone according to plan, the probability of Austin's victory would have been very high regardless of what Sylph did.
That is, if nothing unexpected had occurred.
***
It was a certain day, less than a month after full-scale military operations had begun.
Arunoma suddenly disappeared from the medical department.
"All of Arunoma's belongings were left behind. It was as if someone had abducted him."
"…Yes, I have received the report, Touri."
"Lieutenant Verdi, are there any signs of an intruder?"
"I'm sorry, we are still investigating."
Austin, on the brink of extinction, had painstakingly woven a thin but definite thread towards victory.
Yet, an incident occurred as if to mock our efforts.
It all began with the disappearance of Arunoma.
"…"
From that day on, Sergeant Dollman remained expressionless, almost like wearing a mask.
No matter what was asked, he would mechanically repeat, "Continue your work as usual."
Reports from the front lines indicated that operations were progressing well.
The medical department was bustling with wounded soldiers with fighting having resumed.
However, since half of the new medics from the capital were active healers, the department was running smoothly.
So why does Sergeant Dollman look so grim?
Many of the medics, including myself, were scratching our heads.
***
"Chief Medic Touri, I need to ask you some questions about Arunoma."
Three days after the change in the atmosphere of the military.
I was summoned by the military police and arrived at their office.
"Has Arunoma been found?"
"…"
The middle-aged military policeman who greeted me there wore a frightening expression.
Without answering my question, he simply said:
"He is currently suspected of being a spy. Please let us know if you have noticed anything unusual about him."
"What…?"
That was the message he gave me.
***
Of course, I pleaded for his innocence.
Arunoma is a sincere and straightforward person. Although we have only known each other for a short time, I've never had a bad impression of him.
"If Arunoma were a spy for the Sabbath, it would be strange for him to disappear now. He didn't flee; he must be lost or abducted. Please find him quickly."
"…He hasn't disappeared. We have him detained. Rest assured."
"Huh?"
That's when I learned the fact that Arunoma was not missing, but rather "detained by our side."
According to the military police, Arunoma is still undergoing interrogation and is kept in prison.
"What! What grounds do you have for this?"
"…"
Hearing this, my voice grew increasingly angry.
If my precious subordinate had been treated like this out of nowhere, of course I was upset.
"I don't have the obligation to disclose the information that serves as the basis."
"I didn't see anything suspicious about him. There is a high possibility that this is a case of mistaken arrest. I strongly advocate that he be released immediately!"
"…Calm down. Your job is simply to provide accurate information."
Why is Arunoma being suspected? Is he still safe?
I pressed the military police officer to find out.
"I do not have the authority to disclose this information. If you wish to learn more, you must go directly to the person who gave the orders to detain and interrogate Arunoma."
"And who issued that order?"
I was then informed of the person who issued the order to apprehend Arunoma.
"It was Major Renvel's daughter, Captain Aria.
***
Normally, a medic like myself would never be able to request a meeting with someone of Captain Aria's rank. Such a request would usually be denied at the door.
However, my situation with Aria was different. She acts as my guardian, so my meeting request was easily granted.
Despite her busy schedule, she found the time to meet with me.
"Ah, I thought you'd come. I've heard you had a good relationship with Medic Second Class Arunoma."
"Captain Aria, why did you detain him?"
"…I can tell you, but are you able to maintain confidentiality?"
At that moment, Aria was addressing me not as an acquaintance but as a superior officer.
She is the type of person who makes a clear distinction between her public and private life.
"Yes, Captain. Please tell me what Arunoma did."
"…No, he hasn't done anything. Even after interrogation and investigation, there's no concrete evidence that he was involved in espionage. Honestly, I'm starting to think he's not a spy either."
"Then, will Arunoma be released?"
"That's difficult."
"Why not? The possibility of him being a spy is low."
Captain Aria, as a commander facing her subordinates.
Despite my strong request, she still refused to release him, maintaining a stern expression.
The reason is…
"Flamel and their allied country, Aerys, have declared war on Austin."
"…"
"Under these circumstances, I cannot allow a Flamel citizen to work freely. He is from the enemy country."
I was informed that the glimmer of hope for Austin's survival had been crushed by outside forces.
***
Exiled Austinites had turned into mobs, looting from the people of Flamel.
They considered this an act of aggression and declared war on Austin in retaliation and self-defense.
────That was Flamel's justification.
Given the current situation, some Austinites may have fled the country.
Without a means to sustain themselves, it wouldn't be surprising if they turned to crime.
In fact, there's a high chance that Austinites actually looted within Flamer territory.
With that declaration of war, Flamel began its invasion of Austin.
The total number of troops was estimated to be 80,000 for the advance forces, with a combined force of 130,000 including that of the allied forces of their ally, Aerys, providing reinforcements.
This was more than four times Austin's current army.
…There's no way such a massive deployment of troops could have been mobilized overnight.
It would be impossible to mobilize this number of troops unless they had been preparing since before winter, when the Western Front was broken through by the Sylph Offensive.
This is undoubtedly an act of aggression.
Nevertheless, Flamel also has its reasons.
If the invading Sabbath Federation annexes Austin, it's easy to imagine that the next target will be Flamel.
That's why they probably sought Austin's land as a "buffer zone" in the war.
They intended to use Austin's territory as a shield to protect their own country, and further planned to turn the captured Austin citizens into slave soldiers to fight against the Sabbath.
That's likely the reason why Flamel reached out to Aerys.
Flamel also didn't think that a single country could compete with the Sabbath.
They launched the invasion together with the friendly nation Aerys as an ally.
Well, it's also possible that Aerys simply wanted to join for the sake of colonial expansion.
Either way, they declared war on Austin in order to oppose the invading Sabbath.
As soon as it became clear that Austin was going to be defeated by the Sylph Offensive, they immediately launched their invasion as part of their national strategy.
But in all this… there was not a shred of compassion left for the nation of Austin.
"…What are we going to do?"
"There's nothing we can do."
This was the information that was making Sergeant Dollman's face grim for the past three days.
"We had a good chance of winning against the Sabbath. The strategy devised by that man, Bern, was working perfectly."
"…"
"However, I'm afraid we don't have the military strength to repel 100,000 Sabbatian troops and 200,000 allied forces at the same time."
Flamel came to take our land and lives, as if bullying the weak.
"Austin is finished."
Austin's demise was all but certain before the Battle of the North even began.
***
It's a feeling of despair that I don't even know how many times I've felt before.
How selfish and desire-filled were the people behind this military action?
It's true that Austin exposed our weakness during the Sylph Offensive.
It was a disgraceful display of being pushed to the brink of extinction.
Because we showed such weakness, the neighboring countries licked their lips and began preparing their military forces.
If things continued like this, the nation of Austin would disappear… our homeland and people would scatter and be oppressed by the world.
The entry of these two countries into the war is synonymous with news of defeat.
If such information spreads among the soldiers, the army will be unable to maintain its form.
Therefore, a strict gag order was imposed so that this information did not reach the ears of ordinary soldiers.
"…Touri, start organizing your belongings."
"What?"
"If it's just you, I can find some way to get you expelled from the military using an appropriate excuse. Prepare for exile."
Aria whispered this seriously, her expression grim.
"This is how it'll go: I will falsely accuse you of aiding your subordinate, a Flamer soldier, to escape with keys you unlawfully took. On those charges, I will expel you from the military."
"Eh, Captain Aria?"
"Then, rendezvous with Arunoma and seek asylum in Flamer through his contacts. If you do that…"
"W-Wait, what are you saying, Captain Aria?"
"That way, a precious comrade will be able to survive in a foreign land."
She quietly told me this in a rapid manner.
"That's all. I have nothing more to discuss with you."
"Wait! Please wait! I still─"
"You must not disclose what I have just said to anyone else. Keep your composure and do not show any agitation to those around you."
"…!"
"I cannot leave the military. I have many things I need to protect. Of course, that includes you."
Finally, with a sad expression, she smiled at me.
"I will call you again. The details will be explained then."
"…"
At that moment…
I wondered if I would be able to maintain a composed expression as Aria had ordered.