Breaching Hasmon Castle
From Yalk Island to Hasmon Castle was roughly four hours.
Even if the enemy pushed hard right away, they'd arrive without much delay.
Combined forces come to nearly ten thousand. Plenty of time to stall.
Once that happened, reinforcements would pour in from all directions, and at that moment, the Lycan Empire's army would have nowhere to run—they'd be annihilated on the spot.
"Looks manageable, doesn't it?"
Major General Teph spoke positively, but the commanders' expressions were all somewhat ambiguous.
"I know what worries you all. But what can we do? We can't just hand over Hasmon Castle."
The funds and supplies tied up here.
Even if the enemy just swept in, burned everything, and left, the losses would be incalculable.
"Then I'll relay the order to prepare for the defense to all troops."
"Do that. Given the situation, arm every able-bodied man. That'll boost our numbers somehow."
"Understood. Our navy will head to the walls as well…"
"No."
Major General Teph cut off Brigadier General Besil.
"Send half our navy to the walls and have the rest form a defensive line at the docks."
"The docks, sir?"
"Position the wall-bound navy nearby so they can return immediately if called."
"Do you plan to abandon the walls if things worsen…?"
Major General Teph nodded at the question that sounded almost accusatory.
"We have to hold the docks for reinforcements to arrive. Blocking them at the walls would be ideal, but if not, we need a Plan B."
His words were logically sound.
He might get called cold-blooded, but that beat being a defeated general any day.
"Time's short—move quickly."
"Yes…!!"
The commanders dispersed to their posts, complex emotions churning inside them.
"Hurry and move it! Time's not on our side!"
"Get every magic bullet off the warships—don't miss a single one!"
"All able-bodied men, come here and arm yourselves! Hiding will mean punishment by law!"
Late evening.
The sleeping city was jolted awake in an instant.
And the adult men, without proper explanation, found weapons thrust into their hands.
"What the hell is this, so late at night?"
"I've barely held a sword my whole life…"
The unfamiliar, incomprehensible situation bred pure chaos.
But the commanders were far too busy to explain.
"They're here."
The sun began to rise.
From his perch in the watchtower, Major General Teph spotted the Lycan Empire's army.
"The enemy numbers look bigger than expected."
The walls weren't packed solid, but there were no major gaps—filled right up.
"From their gear and formation, plenty seem to be civilians. 1st Battalion Commander."
"Yes, sir!"
Lieutenant Colonel Schultz called, and Lieutenant Colonel Garen snapped to attention.
"Report the wall situation to command and urge an attack order. They're probably buying time until reinforcements arrive."
"Got it. Contacting them now!"
Garen, who once seemed so imposing, looked like just another officer before Schultz.
This guy's presence is on another level.
His neatly trimmed beard and solid build made him the picture of a veteran general.
"The walls don't look that high—should breach quick. Remind me, didn't the ops staffer fight at Rimir Castle too?"
"Yes, sir."
"Tough to siege at his age, but he's got a bright future ahead."
"Ha… haha."
No intention of living up to that, so he just gave an awkward laugh.
Get it together. No heroics—no standing out.
Not that there was any worry.
In a battle this size, a mere captain had no room to shine.
Lieutenant Colonel Garen's report came through the signaling tube after checking with command.
Lieutenant Colonel Schultz confirmed it, wheeled his horse around, and faced the battalion.
"Attention."
"Attention!!"
Eyes locked on Schultz amid the synchronized response.
Tension peaked—battle imminent.
"Per the plan, in three minutes, each division charges the walls first."
Schultz explained calmly, his voice remarkably steady.
"We'll use magic bullets to breach, and that's our cue to charge."
"Yes, sir!!"
"1st and 2nd Battalions with me—straight to the inner keep. 3rd Battalion, neutralize the watchtowers and walls."
The plan was set and briefed—no surprises.
Still, reminders are key.
Tension bred mistakes; vigilance was essential.
"You'll all see plenty more action post-op, so no needless casualties! Dismissed—battalions, prepare for battle."
"Battle prep!!"
Schultz finished, turned his horse toward the castle.
Moments later.
Boom!!! Boom!!! Boom!!!
Three drumbeats signaling attack echoed across the Hasmon Castle plains.
"They're panicking, wavering! Attack without hesitation!!!"
"We'll seize the castle before full dawn! Follow me!!!"
Mounted commanders led the charge, boosting morale.
Playing their roles to perfection.
Galloping at the forefront took real guts.
And that courage yielded massive results.
"That ain't even a wall!"
"Charge!!!!"
"You Aditz bastards—lucky day!!!"
Tens of thousands surged toward the walls behind their leaders.
Through binoculars, the enemy's wall-top disarray was plain as day.
Just like Schultz said—civilians mixed in.
Lots of bodies, but combat-wise? Useless.
Once our guys top the walls, it's over.
Might end easier than thought.
Don't get cocky. Suspect everything to the end.
One slip meant death.
"They're hitting the walls."
Troops reached the base, as Schultz predicted—no binoculars needed with the swarm.
Insane speed.
Momentum decided battles.
Neigh.
Schultz stowed his binoculars, yanked the reins.
A simple motion.
But everyone knew what it meant.
"103rd Battalion, advance!!! Aim for the enemy's heart!"
His explosive speed led; the 103rd's Special Forces followed, Palan included.
Whoosh!
Magic bullets greeted their battlefield entry.
Dizzying.
Honestly, dodging blind shots was pure luck.
Definitely luck…
Whish! Crackle!
Whish! Crackle!
Shit?
Schultz drew his waist dagger, hurled it skyward.
It nailed every incoming magic bullet dead-on.
That's the move Aness showed me.
No—even more shocking.
How many did he neutralize at once?
Turning "luck" into certainty? Pure awe.
Kabooooom!!!
As if calculated, a massive blast punched a hole in the wall just as Schultz arrived.
"Out of the way!"
He bellowed at nearby troops, barreled through the gate—no hesitation.
"Damn, what speed."
Lips bitten, he clung desperately.
Swish!
Inside the castle, enemy soldiers rushed them.
Clang!
A soldier's unthreatening swing.
Habitually checked insignia: private first class.
"Gutsy, at least."
"Huh…?"
Swish!
A shove unbalanced him.
Seized the opening—clean decapitation.
Painless end's the only mercy I can give.
Shook blood from the blade, scanned around.
Way fewer than expected.
Unlike the anticipated swarm, wall-base enemies were sparse.
"They ditched the walls…"
"Abandoned 'em. Tch."
Schultz voiced Palan's thought, clicking his tongue.
"Battalion Commander, stick to plan?"
Lieutenant Colonel Garen asked; Schultz shook his head.
"Change of plans. Focus on seizing the walls now. Wrap this quick, regroup."
"Yes, sir!!"
New orders.
Easier than before—no issue executing.
Pity the wall-top enemies, though.
Just cut loose.
Harsh, but like pigs in a pen.
"What the hell were they thinking with tactics like that?"
Couldn't fathom it, but orders first.
"Hya!"
Schultz yanked reins; horse bolted toward dozens of foes.
Whirl! Pffft!
Unilateral slaughter, numbers irrelevant.
Godlike prowess terrified the enemy—naturally.
"Th-that's a monster."
"Can't win. No way!!"
They dropped weapons, fled.
All from one man.
Imperial Knights are full of guys like him?
Couldn't even imagine their power.
"What're you gaping at?"
Schultz glared back.
Same voice.
But blood-soaked? Chills from feet up, body shivered.
"S-sorry, sir!"
Unsure the offense, drew sword, charged visible foes.
Thus, smoother than expected, the full force entered the castle.