Chapter 56: Imperial Army Invasion 1

This is the wasteland in the western part of the Italica Kingdom. While not as barren as the Garmu Wilderness, the soil is poor, yielding only coarse grains and potatoes.

Yet even in such places, farmers lived and diligently worked their fields. A cloud of dust appeared in the western distance. "What's that over there?" "A sandstorm, perhaps?" "In this season?" "Hmm, it seems to be getting closer."

As it approached, they could see it was an army. And an enormously large one at that. "That's the Imperial army! They're attacking again!" "There's an unbelievable number of them!" "Let's go inform the soldiers at the fortress!" "Yes, let's flee!"

A seismic shock ran through the Italica Kingdom. After sending requests for aid to various countries, the royal palace and the entire army immediately abandoned the capital and evacuated to Fort Baris.

At that moment, a shock ran through the royal capital. A messenger rushed into the king's chamber. "Message! Message!" "What is it?" Grosser questioned. "A message from the Kingdom of Italica. The Imperial army has invaded the Kingdom of Italica!" "Again? Those incorrigible bastards." "But this time, it's a massive army exceeding 200,000 troops." Everyone present shuddered. Two hundred thousand—an army beyond imagination.

"So the previous one was just a reconnaissance in force," Grosser murmured. "A reconnaissance with 30,000 troops?" "That's how it seems to be in their country. We should assume they've learned our strategies from the previous battle." "They likely know about our attacks on supply units and our skillful use of cavalry, and have studied them. We should assume they've taken countermeasures, making the same attacks ineffective." "Massive supply bases will be established at Usou, observation towers will be built on the hills we used for our previous attack, and scouts will be frequently deployed." "We should also expect them to anticipate cavalry attacks. We must assume the enemy has also assembled numerous cavalry units."