The Dark Elves #3
"Is everyone ready?"
"Yes! All ready! My King!"
War preparations were complete. All that remained was to march out. The supplies were packed, and the Lamias and Pixies would guide us along the invasion route.
The Dark Elves hadn't finished their village yet, nor had they completed their palisades. Now, while they were focused on labor, was the perfect time to strike.
"Then, assemble! Tell everyone to pack their gear and gather at the parade ground!"
"Keruk!"
Buril shouted his salute and sprinted off, bellowing the order. The dungeon erupted into chaos as my soldiers began to congregate on the parade ground. I followed them out.
"Today!"
I climbed onto the platform and shouted.
"Our target is the Dark Elves!"
"You remember those bastards who attacked us last time! They are invaders! Enemies who tried to harm our kin! Those very enemies have set up camp right in front of us!"
I infused my voice with mana, delivering the speech as if I were breathing fire. Demon Breath was useful even in situations like this.
—Keruuuuk!
—Krrruuuuk!
—Gyusatsat!
My soldiers roared in response! Their essence was, after all, that of monsters! I had confirmed time and again that they possessed a savage fighting spirit. With soldiers filled with such fervor, defeat was not an option for me!
"Therefore, we will launch a surprise attack! We will go and crush them all, and take everything they have! We cannot share our living space with a race like the Dark Elves! We strike first! We attack and seize victory!!!"
—Waaaaaaah!
Even the Pixies joined in the war cry.
"Then, we march! Platoon leaders! Execute the march as discussed!"
Immediately.
—Thump, thump, thump.
—Thump, thump, thump.
—Thump, thump, thump.
My army began to advance.
It was a sight to behold. All my past experiences had not been in vain. Through constant battles alongside me, my subordinates had been reborn as powerful elite soldiers.
Hadn't we just wiped out the Orcs without a single casualty last time? That experience had amplified their fighting spirit and morale. And well, since we'd done this so often, even their movements now exuded the air of veterans.
"Shaa. My King. It feels really impressive this time."
"Right?"
Even Sharan could feel it. The way skilled soldiers marched was just different.
"But I'm a bit worried about the new recruits."
The new recruits we'd recently brought in. I had gathered them separately and placed them in the rear. They hadn't trained much, and due to their low proficiency, I had assigned them tasks like supply transport.
Unless there was an emergency, I wouldn't throw them into combat. All they would do today was watch the war. If nothing else, witnessing this firsthand would be an immense experience. I could turn them into skilled soldiers in no time.
"Shaa. Sharan is worried too."
"I'm worried too. I hope they don't run away when the fighting starts."
Sharan and Lumika were also concerned.
"So, keep a close eye on them. Make sure they don't run."
"Yes, My King."
And so, we continued our march.
"Hmm."
Wow, though.
It really is convenient having a brain on the team. Having Ruby, the captured mage, calculate and manage logistics made things so much easier. She handled everything without me having to think about it, which significantly reduced my burden. I wanted to capture more women who could serve as such "brains."
"Hmm... My King. To be honest."
"Yes. Speak."
"If we move along the waterway like this, the chances of being discovered are high."
We were currently marching along the waterway. I had intended to use it for as long as possible.
"That is unavoidable. The opponents aren't low-intelligence races like Orcs, but Dark Elves, similar to the Lamias, aren't they? This isn't a small scouting party like last time; if a force of this size moves, it's inevitable that we'll be discovered."
I was already prepared for that much.
We were no longer a small force. If we were to fight a race with intelligence like the Dark Elves, it was inevitable that our march would be detected.
"I see... I suppose having large numbers isn't always a good thing, My King."
"No. It's unconditionally good. Even if we are discovered, what are they going to do about it? The Pixies are already scouting diligently."
Of course, we had to prevent a surprise attack during the march. No matter how elite my subordinates were, if we were struck in the flank while marching, we would inevitably suffer heavy losses.
Naturally, we were maintaining constant reconnaissance and vigilance.
—Buzz.
A Pixie flew in just in time.
"Oh. Pixie. How is it over there?"
"Nothing much. I don't see any Dark Elves yet."
"Good work. Rest your wings for a bit, then head back."
"Okay."
Besides that, I had selected those with quick feet and was having them march at a distance from us.
"So, there's nothing to worry about. We are fully prepared. With the Pixies and the others, we are monitoring both the ground and the air. Besides, it's impossible to move a force of this size secretly, Julia. We must do what we must, and cut away what needs to be cut."
There was a story in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms where Liu Bei, when fighting the Yellow Turbans, had his soldiers take a detour to climb a cliff in secret and strike the enemies from behind, crushing them. That was truly astonishing.
Are they even human?
"Hoho... As expected. Your perspective is different from mine, My King. I understand. I will trust your words and act accordingly."
"You've thought well."
I should create a specialized platoon for ground reconnaissance during marches in the future. Should I call it a "Scout Platoon"?
We moved on in that manner.
The next day.
"Found them! It's the Dark Elves!"
As we were marching, a Pixie brought urgent news.
"Everyone, halt. Enemy discovered. Prepare for combat. Pass the word quietly to the person in front of you."
After immediately issuing the halt and combat readiness orders, I heard the details from the Pixie.
"Which direction?"
"That way! There were two of them! Two males were holding spears, so I came right away!"
She was very urgent.
"Do you think they saw us?"
"Um... I don't know. Not that far."
"I see. By the way, is there a possibility there are others?"
"I only saw those two in the area... I don't know for sure. I'm sorry."
Two enemies.
"Don't be sorry. You scouted well. As for passing the word to the other Pixies... Sharan. Sharan, could you handle that? Pixie, you guide the Lamias."
"Okay!"
First, the subjugation.
We had to strike first.
"Julia. Two male Dark Elf warriors. Can three Lamias handle them?"
"Of course. In a head-on clash, there might be injuries, but right now..."
"We have the advantage of surprise."
"Then it's possible."
Julia smiled like a snake again. She was enjoying the combat, which was like a hunt itself.
"Understood. Lead three Lamias and capture them alive."
"As you command."
Julia bowed and spoke to the Pixie. Soon, armed Lamias joined Julia. They muttered as if they were planning their strategy.
They would capture the prisoners on their own.
"They really are good. The more I see, the more it seems they have the talent of a commander."
Vanessa said, sounding impressed.
"The unit size isn't that large yet, after all. Can't you do this much, Vanessa?"
"If I had complete control over the unit, I could. But that is also a difficult task."
"That is true."
It is a difficult task. But I had done this several times since falling into the jungle. It was all because experience had accumulated.
"I also want to sortie."
"Excuse me?"
What.
"Are you asking for a chance to earn merit?"
"Is that not allowed?"
This was welcome news! Vanessa was actually requesting to sortie, asking for a chance to earn merit!
"Hehehe, so you've finally developed the desire to offer me merit! Welcome! Since you've said something so commendable, I'll be sure to dote on you later!"
"U-um... I wasn't particularly looking for that. I understand. I will assist the Lamias."
—Clatter, clatter.
Vanessa immediately approached Julia. Julia and she had been very curious. How strong was Vanessa, who was called a knight?
Soon, the subjugation party sortied.
They would handle it well on their own.
As I was resting while maintaining vigilance.
—Rustle.
The subjugation party returned.
"Ugh..."
"Kuk..."
They were dragging the two male Dark Elf warriors, who were practically reduced to rags.
"Mission accomplished, My King."
"They were easier opponents than I thought."
Julia and Vanessa said so with triumphant expressions.
"Wow! You did this faster than I thought! I expected it to take a bit longer! You completed the mission much faster than I anticipated!"
As I stroked their heads in admiration, the two women blushed, perhaps feeling shy.
"I-it was a simple task. They couldn't even think of resisting when we launched a surprise attack. Oh, and it was also great that Vanessa charged into the midst of us Lamias and quickly suppressed the enemies."
"The Lamias' bodies served as natural cover. It's only natural that the opponent would be startled if one suddenly appeared after hiding behind them."
Whatever the case, had camaraderie blossomed because the two fought together? Seeing the two women say that made me feel good.
"Anyway, I'll reward you for this later. Julia. And Vanessa. We're going to strike the Dark Elves this time, so if there's any information you think we need, find it out immediately. I'll decide the attack strategy after hearing that."
"Understood."
These prisoners weren't dying like the last ones. I would be able to extract meaningful information.
Even just finding out the completion status of their palisades and their patrol routes would be a jackpot. If that happened, we would be able to launch a more perfect surprise attack.
"This feels good from the start."
Why would they send only two people to scout, then?
This is why the first strike is advantageous in war. It makes all the difference whether you prepare for war or not.