Chapter 66: The Battle of Gahara Gate
September, 305 Yamato Calendar.
Finally, the Albatross Union Army marched towards the Black Elven Empire.
Luna’s army 50,000, Lusiya’s army 40,000, Dorcelli’s army 30,000, Freyd’s army and Londeria’s army 20,000 each. Furthermore, with the addition of the armies from each small country, the total number is about 170,000.
Maintaining such large forces would be difficult for medieval armies, which relied heavily on plundering for their supplies. Therefore, they began their march, dividing this huge army into three.
The Northern Army Group consisted of Dorcelli, Freyd, and Londeria.
The Central Army consisted of Lusiya and other small countries.
And then the Southern Army, which is just the Luna Army.
Each army group is about 80,000 at most. If it’s about this amount, it can be sufficiently covered by plundering.
From Dorcelli in the north, from the former Porlant in the center, and from the Kingdom of Lusiya in the south. Each army proceeded on its path.
In opposition to this, was the Eastern Army of the Dark Elf Imperial Army, 90,000 strong. Because of Luna’s betrayal, they were aware of the invasion ahead of time and thus, they were able to prepare to counterattack thoroughly.
And then… Both armies simultaneously gather at the biggest key location within the Dark Elf territory, the Gahara Gate.
The Ulla Mountains are a massive mountain range that runs north-south, bisecting the Black Elven Empire, if the Albatross Union forces were to invade deep into the Black Elven Empire’s territory, they would inevitably have to break through this formidable mountain range.
The Gahara Gate is a narrow plain, about 15 km wide, between the mountains and the only point of passage.
Divide and conquer.
The Albatross Union Army, which has been plundering from all directions as it advances, finally reaches the Gahara Gate, where the various army groups merge into a single large army.
The Dark Elves have also deployed their forces to defend themselves.
The two armies, with a combined force of more than 250,000 men were about to engage in a decisive battle.
The battle was truly back-and-forth.
While the dark elves deploy at the Gahara Gate and take a defensive stance, the human forces attack with their superior numbers.
The elves unleashed many spells and the countless bullets fired by humans flying through the narrow Gahara Gate.
“Incredible! I’m holding my own against that elf! This weapon is amazing! As expected of something made by Yamato!”
“Ugh, damn you humans… Using such strange weapons.”
It can be said that the performance of the weapons on both sides is equal, no, the human side has a slight advantage.
Until now, the elves, who possess magic infantry, had the upper hand, but this time the human side boosted the firepower of their infantry with the Type 4 Rifle they purchased from the Yamato Empire.
They also have a weapon that the elves do not have―― a cannon that provides significant support and firepower.
Rain bullets and cannonballs upon the elf army, dealing a heavy blow.
The humans, who had been tormented by the elves’ magic, were overjoyed, while the elves, unable to carry out the battle as they wished, wore bitter faces.
In terms of numbers, humans are superior, thus they can continue to push through as is.
“Well, I’d say the first battle was a win.”
“Yes, that’s right, Dina.”
The royals of Albatross who observe the front line from behind the battle lines wear optimistic smiles. As if to say that victory is already certain.
However… Suddenly, Muscle Princess Diana noticed something strange.
“……It’s strange, there’s no gunfire from the left flank, where Luna is positioned.”
“Oh my, is that so? I am not well-versed in military matters, so I don’t understand it well.”
The battle formation of the Albatross Union Army, which has a large army of 170,000, this formation stretches up to 15km, and the left flank situation is too far away to be seen by those in the center, such as Diana and her group.
However, Diana’s intuition, who has continued to purge the rebels since her seizing power through a coup d’état and experiencing countless battles, senses a clear abnormality.
There are 50,000 Luna troops on the left flank.
Even though there’s a huge force there, it doesn’t look like they’re fighting.
Suddenly she turned around.
And then, she approached Julius, who was sitting in the corner of the command tent enjoying wine.
“Just so you know, I have a short temper. I won’t wait long, Julius. What is your army up to?”
“……Hehe. Well, I don’t know, I’m leaving the command of the frontline to the general. More importantly, how about some wine? I hear Luna-produced wine is popular even in that Yamato…”
“Tch, this guy…”
Julius laughed creepily.
Diana unintentionally raised her fist and was about to punch him, but… She thought over it calmly.
……It’s pointless to punch a guy like this. As if she has that kind of time…
“Order the Cossack cavalry to go to the left flank and keep an eye on the situation.”
It would be much more worthwhile to give orders to the Lusiya army officers who were in the vicinity. Send out cavalry scouts and have her trusted subordinates check on the situation.
And then she herself rushed out of the tent and went to give orders to the surrounding soldiers.
“……Heh heh, it’s already too late.”
Hence, she did not hear the small whispered voice.
The human army has a slight advantage on the front line.
So, after finishing the firefight, the two sides transitioned to the final stage, close-quarters combat using bayonets.
This time having learned from their defeat against the Beastkin army, they had made modifications to their long staffs by attaching blades to them, thus improvising them as spears…
At best, they were evenly matched against the human army that was coming to attack with a bayonet charge.
The center and the left flank of the elf army were being pushed back, and it was unlikely to last long. The only unharmed right flank was not literally facing against the left flank of the human army, Luna’s army.
“……General Moriah! Why Luna hasn’t made their move yet!”
“They still haven’t moved yet, was their betrayal a lie after all?”
Ugh… The eastern commander of the elf army, Musta, grits his teeth in frustration.
But here it is at last…
“……!!! The Luna Army has started moving! They are attacking the center of the Albatross army!”
“Alright! Just as you would expect from the traitorous Luna! To betray the humans so quickly! Alright, general, it’s time to go on the offensive here!”
“Yes!”
Unlike a moment ago, the human army’s situation is now at a disadvantage.
After all, 50,000 troops from their own military forces on the left flank have turned against them.
Up until a short while ago, against the Elf army of 90,000, the Albatross Union Army numbered 170,000 and was superior in numbers. But now that Luna’s army of 50,000 has become an enemy, they are outnumbered by 120,000 to 140,000.
Moreover, the fact that they have continued to push forward until now has backfired on them.
The Elf army is in the front and the Luna army is on the sides, they are pincered and under concentrated fire. Although the frontline did not collapse immediately, the chain of command was disrupted and thrown into chaos.
On top of that, Luna made their next move.
“What do you think you’re doing, you!”
“I can’t believe it! This is a case for execution.”
“Betrayal at such a crucial moment… You bastard, are you really the same human as us.”
The tent of the royals at the center of the front line. There, Julius is being cornered by Diana, Sharu, and Valheim II.
But he just kept on laughing.
“Unfortunately, the ones to be executed are you guys.”
Having said that, he snaps his fingers.
The next moment, Luna soldiers all at once swarm into the tent.
“This place has been completely seized by our Luna army. Will you quietly become a prisoner?”
“……Is this also going according to your plan? Julius Gallius, King of Luna.”
“Yeah, of course. Ugly muscular woman. And, let me correct you. I am not the King of Luna. It’s Emperor Julius Gallius of Luna.”
Because of Luna’s betrayal, the situation on the battlefield has become unfavorable, and the commanders who are royalty have been captured, making it difficult to regain control of the front line.
Thus, the Battle of Gahara Gate ended with the defeat of Albatross.
What’s more, this battle did not end here.
The Albatross army who invaded the elves’ territory and ended up being hunted down as they retreated.
The resentment of the elves was tremendous, for they had been plundered and pillaged by the Albatross armies as they marched by, and thus a fierce retaliation took place.
The Albatros armies, which initially launched their attack with 170,000 troops, only a mere 70,000 were able to return to their homeland. Most of them are Luna’s soldiers.
Thus, the Albatross Union Army was destroyed. No, it has effectively ceased to exist.
All of the royalty, except for Queen Elizabeth of Londeria, who was too old to go to war, were all captured by Luna, and the Albatross countries were in a situation where even their ability to function as a nation was in jeopardy.
The Dark Elf army and Luna’s army seize this opportunity to invade.
Luna’s army, in particular, formed a large army of over 100,000 troops using 150,000 muskets purchased from Yamato and rushing into the neighboring country Freyd.
“Hehehe! As expected, this Julius Gallius is a genius! Now with this, I can establish the Luna Empire.”
Julius is overjoyed.
Up until now, everything has gone according to his plans.
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