Tactical Ambush

The moon hung high over the encampment as Acting Duke Edward gathered his light cavalry for a crucial briefing. In the dimly lit clearing, the clinking of metal and murmurs of anticipation filled the air. Edward, flanked by Knight Roland, approached the men with a sense of determination.

"Gather around," Edward commanded, his voice carrying authority. The soldiers formed a semi-circle, their eyes fixed on their leader. Edward gestured to a pile of newly arrived weapons, gleaming ominously under the flickering torchlight.

"These are the new guns from Mongolysia," Edward announced, lifting one of the weapons. The soldiers examined the guns with curiosity. Each weapon was a compact marvel of engineering, capable of firing only a single shot before requiring a reload.

"Trust me when I say these guns will change the tide of our battles," Edward continued. "They may seem strange to you, but their power is undeniable. We'll use them in tonight's skirmish. I need you to believe in their potential and in our strategy."

A murmur of skepticism rippled through the ranks, but Knight Roland stepped forward. His presence alone commanded respect. "I've seen these guns in action," Roland said, his tone firm. "They're unlike anything we've faced before. I assure you; they will prove their worth."

Edward then demonstrated how to load and fire the guns, the process precise and methodical. "Remember, these weapons are single use. Make every shot count. We'll be facing looters tonight, and I need every one of you to use these weapons as if your lives depend on it."

The soldiers nodded, their doubts melting away as they handled the new guns. Edward's words had instilled a sense of purpose.

—

Count Riverton and his band of marauders stormed the village, their laughter mingling with the screams of terror. The once-peaceful settlement of Grafton Dukedom was now a scene of chaos. Villagers, helpless against the onslaught, fled in every direction as Riverton's troops looted and set fire to homes.

Riverton, a man of cruel satisfaction, barked orders as he plundered. "Leave nothing behind! The Duke's forces will pay dearly for siding with the Queen."

The fires cast an eerie glow over the scene, illuminating the devastation. The village was in ruins, a stark contrast to the peaceful life that once thrived here.

—

Edward and Roland, leading their 20-light cavalry, approached the outskirts of the village. Their horses moved silently through the night; the new guns slung over their shoulders. Edward's eyes scanned the horizon, calculating their approach.

"We'll strike from the west," Edward whispered. "We'll use the terrain to our advantage and take them by surprise."

Roland nodded, the light of determination in his eyes. "Let's show them the power of our new tactics."

The cavalry crept closer, the village's tormented cries guiding their path. As they reached the designated position, Edward raised his hand, signaling for the advance.

Suddenly, the cavalry burst into action. Edward and Roland led the charge, their mana-infused strikes cutting down the first line of Riverton's troops. The new guns were put to immediate use. Each single shot from the guns caused bewilderment and chaos among the looters. The loud, unexpected bursts of fire shocked them, their confusion palpable as they struggled to understand the source of the deadly projectiles.

The sound of gunfire echoed through the village, starkly contrasting with the traditional clash of blades. The looters, already disoriented, were further thrown off balance by the new weapons. Edward's strategic mind came to the forefront as he directed his cavalry with precision. He called out orders, guiding his troops to flank the looters and press their advantage. The combination of gunfire and skilled swordplay created a devastating effect.

Roland, wielding his sword with practiced ease, used his mana to enhance his strikes. Each swing was amplified by a burst of energy, cutting through the enemy lines. "Keep pushing!" Roland shouted. "We're turning the tide!"

The looters, caught off guard by the unexpected firepower and the overwhelming skill of Edward and Roland, faltered under the relentless assault. Edward and Roland fought their way through the enemy ranks, their mana techniques blending seamlessly with the new weapons. Edward's blade, infused with mana, sliced through the defenses of Riverton's knights, while the guns provided cover and support.

As the battle raged on, the combination of the guns and the knights' mana techniques began to break the enemy's morale. The sight of their comrades falling to the new weapons and the relentless pressure from the cavalry led to panic and confusion among Riverton's troops.

Eventually, Riverton's forces, now thoroughly demoralized and overwhelmed, began to surrender. The surviving marauders dropped their weapons and raised their hands in defeat. Edward, observing the change in the tide, called for a ceasefire.

The village, though battered, was safe once more. Edward surveyed the aftermath, his resolve firm. The new weapons had proven their worth, and the villagers, while shaken, could now begin the process of recovery. As the sun began to rise, casting its first light over the ravaged village, Edward knew that this was just the beginning of their struggle in these chaotic times.