Chapter 51: Battle in the Wasteland 3

Our reconnaissance confirmed that the enemy was retreating. Well, nobody would want to drink that water.

It would take at least two weeks for them to return to Romulus and accumulate new supplies including water at Usou. I believe we've gained enough time to summon the Northern Army. For now, our immediate strategic objective has been achieved.

Two weeks later, 25,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry from the Northern Army arrived at the royal capital. My own 1,000 cavalry also arrived.

In addition, 10,000 survivors from the Southern Army and 10,000 Italican troops had gathered.

The enemy had significantly strengthened their supply point in the center of the Bassus Wasteland and sent numerous cavalry scouts to the surrounding area. At the hill where we had launched our previous attack, the catapults had of course been burned. Furthermore, simple lookout posts had been built with soldiers stationed as sentries. Another attack on the supply base was impossible.

However, thanks to the time we had gained, our preparations were also complete. "Schwartz, I'm counting on you again." "Leave it to me. Our strategy is flawless, and all preparations are in place. Please rest assured." "I entrust this to you. The fate of the kingdom is in your hands. Please, save our country." "I will do everything in my power."

"All forces, move out! We will crush these ruthless invaders!" Schwartz rallied the troops. Hearing this, the entire army raised their right arms and cheered. We are the strongest, led by the legendary commander Lord Schwartz. There's no way we could lose. Besides, the enemy invaded without reason—they are lawless. Justice is on our side, how could we possibly lose? Morale was soaring.

The decisive battle would take place on the plains slightly west of the center of the Bassus Wasteland.

The enemy had adopted a basic but solid formation, placing their main force of 30,000 heavy infantry in three groups of 10,000 each in the center, left wing, and right wing, with 1,000 cavalry on the far right of their right wing and 1,000 cavalry on the far left of their left wing.

Our army likewise positioned our main heavy infantry force in three groups of 10,000 each in the center, left wing, and right wing. The difference was that we placed the remaining 5,000 spearmen to the right of our right wing. The spearmen formed a solid three-tier spear formation, creating an extensive battle line stretching to the forest at the right edge of the plain.

The Northern Army's heavy infantry was positioned in what were considered the most important areas—the center and right wing. The Southern Army's 10,000 were placed on the left wing. Behind them, the 10,000 Italican troops were positioned as reserves. Well, we couldn't entrust the main force to them. They can do their best as reserve troops.

And our 2,000 cavalry were hidden behind the main force so that their position was unknown to the enemy.

The strategy was simple. The spear unit on our far right would prevent the enemy cavalry from circling to our rear. We would concentrate all 2,000 of our cavalry to annihilate the enemy's 1,000 cavalry on their left wing, and then surround the enemy from behind.

And we had one more hidden trump card. This trump card is going to hit them hard.