Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 89

Zetta Great War (4) – Unexpected Situation

Not long after Hogg-san invaded…I mean, visited us, we received the words that the 10th Division had departed from the capital. I was a little relieved to hear that, apart from a few units, there were fewer delays than I had expected.

To be honest, I was optimistic about the upcoming war.

Our situation was more advantageous compared to my past life. We had more soldiers and better preparation. Our situation was looking pretty good. And finally, the awaited day came.

“Nearly 20.000 soldiers have gathered in Heath Fortress and more soldiers are on their way!”

It was in the coldest early morning of the year when there was a major movement from Gorber.

“They are here,” Boltras-sama said with a grim expression while rotating his right arm.

“It’s finally the time for the war to start,” Hogg-san said while calmly drinking his tea.

In the end, Hogg-san didn’t return to the 2nd Division. He spent his time chasing Yuimei or Rufa in Kitsar Fortress. Seriously, what was he doing here? Would the 2nd Division be fine with his absence?

“The plan is for us to buy time while waiting for the reinforcement from the south and north to come, right?”

“Since I haven’t received any message for a change of plan, so yes, that will be our plan.”

We created an encirclement for the Gorber army. Our 7000 soldiers and 3000 soldiers from Eren Fortress that would come later would fight the Gorber army in the Kitsar Fortress.

We would buy time until the reinforcement from the 2nd and 10th Division came, and then we and the reinforcement would besiege the Gorber army from all sides. Although the total number of our soldiers would be less than Gorber’s in this plan, we have the terrain advantage.

If we fought from the fortress, while the reinforcement army attacked the Gorber army from their sides, we could corner the Gorber army.

News of Gorber’s movement had been sent to various fortresses. All that was left to do was for us to fight the Gorber army using the Kitsar Fortress as our shield until the reinforcements arrived.

“Then, Rufa-dono, may I ask you to do your job as the war maiden?” Rufa nodded sheepishly at Boltras-sama’s words.

Soon, many soldiers gathered at the plaza located in front of the central building. Everyone was in high spirits. 

“ATTENTION!”

Boltras-sama’s loud shout caused the gathered soldiers to fall into silence.

“Those Gorber’s cowards have never learned their lesson and keep attacking us! But there is no need to be afraid! We had made ample preparation for the upcoming battle! With the war maiden amongst our rank, we had also received the blessing of the Goddess of Fate, Waldowart! We will not be defeated! Lady War Maiden, please, give us your blessing.”

Rufa took a step forward at Boltras-sama’s words and she took a deep breath.

“I am Rufa Roudel. May the Goddess Waldowart be upon you!”

After Rufa finished saying that, cheers so loud that the ground shook echoed throughout the fortress.

Even though it was cold here, I felt that the fervor of the soldiers made me sweat a little.

***

A certain information was brought to us as we were discussing the details of our plan in the building.

“Enemy soldiers are heading to Eren Fortress?” Boltras-sama asked while frowning.

“Yes sir. Their number is 10.000.”

“10.000!? That’s a lot.”

It was shocking news. It was said that a large number of Gorber soldiers appeared early in the morning.

“What flag did they use?” I asked

“What we managed to confirm was a flag with thistle on stag’s horn, three swords lined side by side, and the flag of thorn and wheat.”

“General Faiz, General Ledur, and General Tsiker. Is their supreme commander General Faiz? That man is persistent like a snake so he’s a troublesome opponent. Eren Fortress might get taken over if we let this be. Hogg-san, I think it’s better to send the 2nd Division to Eren.”

When I turned to Hogg-san, he showed a surprised expression.

“Roa-chan, you…you remember which flag was used by which general? Or maybe you just coincidentally know about them this time?”

“I remember flags used by all generals from Gorber and its nearby countries, though.”

Well, my hobby was reading war records after all.

“No way…” Hogg-san said in disbelief.

“That’s just how Roa-dono is. He even knows generals from the southern continent,” Wickharlt explained.

Well, I knew a general from Fezaris but not that much about other generals from the southern continent. I only knew the famous ones.

Regardless of the denial in my heart, Hogg-san seemed convinced after listening to Wickharlt’s explanation.

“As expected, someone who has Rays’s recognition won’t be ordinary…”

“Then, shall we follow Roa-dono’s advice and send the 2nd Division to the Eren Fortress?”

“Yeah. Boltras-chan, can you contact them in my stead? I’ll stay here a little longer.”

“Understood. Hey, prepare the messenger!”

After an agreement was made between fellow Knight Commanders, the soldier hurriedly left.

But Eren, huh? At first glance, Gorber Kingdom seemed to be making a good move but…it was actually a weak move.

The Gorber army should have about 30.000 soldiers. Since they sent 10.000 soldiers to attack Eren Fortress, they would only have 20.000 soldiers remaining to attack us.

True, the 2nd Division wouldn’t be able to help us now since they would be protecting the Eren Fortress, but even without the 2nd Division, our side still had 7000 soldiers and reinforcements of 10.000 soldiers from the 10th Division that would come later. In total, we had a little less than 20.000 soldiers while Gorber had 20.000 soldiers.

The chance of Eren Fortress being taken over by Gorber was also low. There were already 3000 soldiers of the 4th Division staying at Eren Fortress and the fortress would also receive reinforcement from the elite cavalry of the 2nd Division. It would be very difficult for Gorber to take over Eren Fortress.

The only way for Gorber to win against us now was to attack our nearly 7000 soldiers using their entire 30.000 soldiers army.

“How many soldiers did the Heath Fortress currently have?”

“The report didn’t indicate any major increase, so they still have around 20.000 soldiers.”

As I expected.

As I was contemplating, we received yet another shocking news.

“Urgent message from Schwaba Fortress!”

“From Schwaba Fortress?”

Schwaba Fortress was a small Rudek’s fortress located south of Kitsar Fortress. Currently, a unit from the 10th Division is staying there.

“An enemy’s army of 10.000 men was seen near the Schwaba Fortress!”

The sudden appearance of a 10.000 men army that I didn’t know about brought the situation into chaos.

T/N: A tldr about the current situation:

Zetta Plain (mc is here!)

Gorber’s side -> around 20.000 soldiers

Rudek’s side -> around 7.000 soldiers

Eren Fortress

Gorber’s side -> around 10.000 soldiers

Rudek’s side -> around 3000 soldiers + about 4000 elite cavarlies of 2nd Division

Schwaba Fortress

Gorber’s side -> around 10.000 soldiers

Rudek’s side -> one unit from the 10th Division. Probably around several hundred

Initial plan:

10.000 soldiers in the Kitsar Fortress would buy time until reinforcements from the 2nd and 10th Division arrived. Then, the soldiers in the Kitsar Fortress and the reinforcement would besiege Gorber from all sides.