Chapter 7 - From Peasant to an Aristocrat, Chronicle of Ascent
The 3rd Oda Commander, Axel Van Solidor, and his compatriots looked arrogantly toward the Carceron Kingdom and their troops aligned, awaiting the terms of the war.
“Whoa…” Saix was amazed at the size of the enemy forces.
“That’s 6000 men over there. Mostly 2nd or 1st Rates,” Loutch quickly deduced the level and the population.
“Indeed,” Krist remembered this event as his first big battle. There were 3000 in the past life. No doubt our constant meddling of their supplies had made them on edge.
“Is it you guys? The famous 7th Division?” A fellow ranking soldier noticed Krist and his group.
“That’s right. We’re in charge of the rear,” Krist had received positive greetings this time as opposed to his past life.
Banter. Banter.
Many words were spoken between the soldiers whilst maintaining military bearings. Like before, the 7th Division comprised of just a few hundred soldiers. Survive this engagement and become my troops to build my Empire!
The terms spoken between the Commanders had come to an end and they retreated to their side of the battlefield. Badump. Badump. To feel the thrill of battle! Krist was excited to see the results after the skirmish.
“All forces charge!!”
Just like that, the land became hell on earth, “Die!”
“ARGH!”
“Ack!”
“Retreat and break formation!” Krist relayed these orders to his party members.
During the fight, Lukedonia’s cavalrymen slowly gained dominance as fighting on a flat and wide plane is advantageous and strategic for such fighters. When the stalemate was about to be broken because of the tactics of the cavalrymen, Carceron deployed their elite soldiers to the frontlines.
Similarly heavily armored like Lukedonia’s cavalrymen, Carceron had cultivated these elites for a decade and displayed their prowess. Other than having more metal-like steel plates, these elite soldiers wielded weapons that required two hands like a greatsword, spear, and such.
Lukedonia’s Footmen Soldiers composed of peasants and paid mercenaries were losing ground as they were overwhelmed by the Carceron Elite Soldier, “Enemy soldiers incoming! Form a shield wall!” Lukedonia had a surprisingly quick uptake to the sudden shift of the stalemate between the two countries.
“AAARGH!”
A Carceron Elite Soldier who looked like the leader of the group destroyed the shield wall, “Talbot Elites! Move forth!”
There was a noticeable scar on the Talbot Leader’s face, “Show them that mere peasants and mercenaries do not make a nation!”
The entrance of the Talbot Soldiers has changed the battlefield as foreseen. Time to gain valuable experience for my trustworthy companions. Although this opportunity may serve as another experience for Krist to see his potential, thanks to the previous spar with Foriss Zecht had allowed the limits to be seen, in effect, such experience was relegated to Saix, Loutch, Reddas, and Laciel.
“Listen up!” As per usual, Krist would relay his thoughts and orders through the voiceless skill learned by cultivating The Divine Art of the Lionturtle Breath, Will O’ Wisp. “The enemy is northeast of us and we’ll stalk the sides and blitz them from the rear!”
While the enemy was slowly culling the Footmen Soldiers, the Sergeant Major attached to the 3rd Oda Commander spoke, “The Talbot Elites have joined the fray!”
Axel Van Solidor was weary of the appearance of the unforeseen force and the Commander’s Adjutant made an order in reaction to the impeding situation, “Dispatch the Heavy Cavalrymen! Show them that our Elites are better!”
The Talbot Elite Leader was gaining ground as he slayed tens of soldiers, “Ridiculous! No one can stop the Talbot Elites!”
With their morale at an all-time high, the Talbot Elites began to speak more, “Lukedonia has nothing but weaklings! Destroy them and claim the honor of heroes!” Such things were spouted from their mouths filled with bloodlust.
On the other side of the battle, Loutch reported. “That squad has around 100 of those Talbot Elites.”
“Perfect. Begin the blitz attack!” Krist held nothing back and allowed his well-trained companions to see how high their potential could reach. And just like that, the Talbot Elites crumbled in the face of the true elites cultivated with a Divine Mana Breathing Method. It showed that no matter the physical prowess and a decade of training could not reach the heights of fine mana control.
Deeply enamored with their deluded success, the Talbot Elite Soldier reported to their leader about the sudden decrease of ally forces from the rear, “Commander, there appears to be trouble in the back!”
“ARGH!” Slashing a soldier in half, the Talbot Commander replied, “Screw them! Keep the advance going!”
While the battle may seem favorable in the Talbot Commander’s eyes, the overall scheme of the battle did not show such results as Krist culled their forces.
“The Talbot Elites are the real heroes of this wa…” Unable to finish his statement due to being deeply enamored by the advanced tactics, the dust would settle and the earth littered with Talbot Elites. “How? My…men.”
Krist and his group made quick work of 100 Talbot Elites without the explicit use of Sword Aura. Though it may have served as a problem for most fighters, the Mana Breathing Method taught by Krist allows for physical enhancements as well, making the standard arm strength or leg strength exponentially stronger.
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“An order has come! Retreat at once!” A messenger came to the Talbot Commander in the midst of his sudden loss of troops.
“Shit! How the fuck did this come to pass?!” Perplexed at how his Talbot Elites could be killed, this battle ended in a bittersweet feeling for him.
When the Talbot Commander and the remaining Talbot Elites fled the battlefield, Lukedonia and its soldiers were confused about the ongoing events due to the loss of Officers, meaning, there would be no leader to command the soldiers.
I’ve been waiting for this moment since regressing. My moment of “capturing” as many soldiers as possible! This thought would be exemplified spectacularly by the speech that would begin forthwith.
“I am Master Sergeant Krist Ceringer from the 7th Division!” The scattered soldiers began to face their attention towards the individual speaking.
“It’s Krist the Medical Sage!”
“He’s the one who thwarted Carceron’s supply routes!”
“Krist? The Aura Knight?”
Praises of recognition immediately verified the person speaking and accentuated his image, “I have cured the Ice Demon disease! I’m the leader of the squad that killed the Talbot Elites! Hear me!”
Soldiers clamored and were in a deep spell from the charisma being at play, Krist had gotten them through high speechcraft. “Follow me, for I am the Lance God!”
In such a speech was to glamourize his skills shown with the spear and to kindle as many followers as possible. With such efforts, this one method was to lead the founding of a Kingdom.
***
A spear was thrust and Krist easily perceived such an attack, “HAA!”
Is it supposed to be that slow? Perfectly evading such an attack, Krist made it look like he was indifferent to what was going on around him. The movements that I could barely get a glimpse of in the past. Now I can see them all!
In sequence, Krist impaled the soldier with his peerless lance skills, “ACK!”
To think I would be showing more than my spear skills? Krist was making more of a showing with different weapons as he seamlessly switched from one fighting style to another with a completely different weapon like a knife.
“Die!” An incoming attack was launched behind Krist before being killed by an ally.
“I’m Master Sergeant Noir from the 5th Division. I’ll be joining your squadron!”
“Sergeant Rosenberg from the 6th Division will join you as well! Don’t count me out!”
“The 4th Division is with you, Krist!”
Affirmations of fealty were shouted as they all swore to follow Krist, “Foward! Destroy all of them!”
The mayhem of the battle rang clear throughout the land as Lukedonia and Carceron fought against each other, “GHAAA!”
As planned, applying that speech boosted their morale in an instant!
“Cull the remaining forces! Victory is in reach!” Krist gave the last order and Lukedonia sealed the day.
In the ending scene where the bloody appearance of Saix, Loutch, Reddas, and Laciel showed them as killing most of the enemy forces, a comrade spoke, “We…won!!”
The climax ended in favor of Lukedonia as cheers and celebration erupted from the soldiers.
“Excellent work, Master Sergeant. We’ll take it from here,” Lieutenant Zecht came by and observed the battlefield the whole time.
While Zecht and his regiment swept the battlefield of stragglers, the enemy squad and their headquarters would receive daunting news, “Talbot Elites reporting, sir!” A messenger soldier hurriedly entered the headquarters of Carceron.
Soon after, the Talbot Leader hurriedly reported to the superior, “I’ve failed you, Talbot Commander!” The one with the scar on his face expressed his shocked state and descended to his knees.
“What nonsense…Talbot?” The Commander was apprehensive.
“This happened because of him… 24 out of 100 of the Talbot Elites…”
“What?!” The Talbot Commander was not expecting such news.
“The one with the black hair… He’s the reason for everything…” Sweating and unable to grasp his own failure, the Talbot Leader remained debased.
Back to the main events happening after the victorious battle, Krist was being accompanied by Master Sergeant Noir from the 5th Division. He was the first to vocally declare support in letting Krist take command. I remember you. Most of the people in my life come and go, however, I thought there was something different about you. Similar to Laciel, Hal Ron Noir was transferred and was never seen again.
“By the way, not only are you a great fighter, but, a master in horsemanship,” Master Sergeant Noir, observed how Krist would gallop the horse and saw major skill.
“Mastering Horsemanship is a rudimentary skill. I learned how to ride horses in my village!” Krist replied valiantly.
“We’ve arrived,” Noir had escorted Krist to an important event after the great victory.
Shortly coming into view, many people and soldiers were gathering around a platform that looked to be ceremonious. Hanging yonder, a black and gold flag with a white fortress wall emblazoned. Hmph. Krist already knew the important figure that would make his appearance.
Count Ludwig Van Solidor!
The elegant appearance of a long ashen-haired man began to initiate the event, “By the power vested in me by His Majesty, Lord Emir, I declare the beginning of the meritorious awards ceremony.”
The Count would be reading a list of persons listed on a scroll and would go from lowest to highest rewards.
“Among the individuals who participated in the battle, I promote the selected few to the rank of Master Sergeant; Sergeant Loutch Lawliet, Sergeant Saix, Sergeant Laciel, Sergeant Reddas, and Sergeant Rosenberg.” Krist and his friends received quite commendable rewards, however, there was much more.
“I will also reward Master Sergeant Jarvis Mondair, Master Sergeant David Cross, and Master Sergeant Hal Ron Noir the position of Sergeant Major…” Incredible! The ranks alone provide prestige and well-earned pay from the Royal Family.
“Next! The Commander of the 7th Division, Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Nickson, at the rostrum!” Gerald was stalwart and held his frame seamlessly.
“I acknowledge all your feats against the constant hampering of Carceron’s forces, including their supply routes, thereby, appointing you a special status and position as ‘Baron’ of Lukedonia. An official appointment will be granted by the Lord Emir, Gene Di Kenesis.”
To be granted the special status ascendence from a peasant to a Noble was something that a Count had the power to do in the country of Lukedonia. After all, a Count is a high-ranking position in any country.
“Lastly! Master Sergeant Krist Ceringer from the 7th Division to the rostrum!” At last… My ascendence to Nobility. Kuku. A devilish grin appeared for a brief second.
“Master Sergeant Krist, for sabotaging Carceron’s supply routes and secret encampments whilst retrieving enemy resources and your meritorious contributions for curing the Ice Demon disease… For taking the lead and guiding your fellow soldiers at a crucial time and to come out victorious… Your reward will be the ‘The Medal of Merit!’”
“By the order of the Lord Emir, Krist Ceringer is hereby appointed the status, ‘Knight,’ and is acknowledged by this Count. Outstanding work!” Krist had received his medal as he was being pinned the illustrious award for his military service.
“Thank you, sir!” Krist replied confidently. To think I would rank higher? I had ascended to a Master Sergeant, but, a Knight? Kukuku! The satisfaction was ingratiating and increased Krist’s ambitions for the future. Even now, he could see the advancements of many things for himself and his people.