YEAR: 1724. OCTOBER 8TH. LOCATION: DEVON’S OFFICE IN FORT KESPARE
"Your orders are to take 3,000 soldiers and reinforce the 4th Corps on the Eastern Line."
Those were the first words I heard when I entered Brigadier General Devon’s office after being summoned.
"Beg your pardon, sir?" I asked, still trying to make sense of the situation.
The Kingdom of Shiena, where I was currently in, was locked in a war with its neighboring nation, the Emavia Empire. Emavia sought to dominate the entire continent of Olina, and the Kingdom of Shiena, with its vast mineral resources, had become their target.
The 9th Corps, to which I belonged, had successfully defended the Northern Line, repelling the Empire's second assault. But things were different on the Eastern Line, where the 1st through 7th Corps were engaged in relentless combat. The 5th Corps had been completely annihilated.
There were troubling reports that a Knight Order from Emavia had been deployed. From what I knew, the Knight Orders were an elite force within the Empire, feared for their skill and brutality. The news sent shockwaves through our ranks, especially the 9th Corps, as we anticipated our redeployment to the Eastern Line. The 4th Corps was on the verge of destruction, and the 6th and 7th were close to collapse.
The 8th Corps, responsible for defending the capital, might be the one to be deployed as reinforcements in the Eastern Line. Especially with the Emerald Order, Shiena's only Knight Order, stationed there as well. However, that was unlikely. The 8th Corps was largely composed of inexperienced soldiers, and most of the talented officers and seasoned fighters had been reassigned to the front lines. They were more of a public display than a fighting force.
However, even then, it wasn’t as simple as just marching to the Eastern Line with a cheerful "Ta-da! We’re here to help!" Even though we had successfully repelled the recent attack, there were still 15,000 Imperial troops lurking at Fort Estonal. One reckless move on our part, and they could be on us in an instant.
To make matters worse, the 9th Corps, now swelled to 40,000 strong thanks to fresh recruits, couldn’t move quickly. The larger the force, the slower the march. Yet, the absurd order from Marshal Vespera Sinhope, commander of the entire military, was to reinforce the 4th Corps within a week.
A week! It was impossible. Even under the best conditions, it would take two weeks on foot to reach the Eastern Line. Sure, we could shave off time by riding horses, but we didn’t have enough mounts for 40,000 men. And there were no enchanted items or magical artifacts that could speed up an entire army.
That was why General Cedric, commander of the 9th Corps, had proposed sending small groups of soldiers ahead to support the Eastern Line while the main army marched slowly behind. The 8th Corps would temporarily take our place on the Northern Line. The proposal was accepted. The plan was simple: the first wave would consist of 3,000 soldiers, followed by a second wave of 5,000. After that, the remaining 32,000 would advance.
I understood that part.
What I didn’t understand was why I had been chosen to command the first wave of 3,000 soldiers. Typically, a force of that size would require a seasoned Brigadier General, someone with extensive battle experience. I, on the other hand, was only a Major with little real combat experience to my name. Aside from the training I had received in Shiena's military and what I’d learned back on Earth, I had hardly seen enough action to lead an army.
Sure, I had been awarded the Crown of Emerald, a medal given only four times in the kingdom’s entire history, but that didn’t change the fact that I was far from the most qualified. Why me? What had they seen in me that I couldn’t see in myself?
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"That’s the order from General Cedric," Devon said wearily, glancing at the report in his hands. "Major Aria will lead 3,000 soldiers to reinforce the 4th Corps. On your way, make sure to pick up the MPA 62 from the capital."
"There’s more MPA 62?" I asked, surprised.
MPA, Mana Powered Armor, was enchanted gear that boosted the wearer’s strength and agility. It had saved my life in the last battle, though I had to ditch it when the mana ran out. Wearing it without a power source was more of a burden than a help.
"Yes, of course. Based on your last report, the research team in the capital has developed a new prototype and they’re asking for another field test."
I pretended not to hear the part about a “test.” But at least it was comforting to know that the last model hadn’t malfunctioned mid-battle. This new version might actually hold up too.
“You’ll be leaving today,” Devon said, placing his hand on the desk. “You’re dismissed.”
Realizing there was no point in arguing, no way to convince him to let me off this mission, I simply saluted and made my way out of the office. A heavy sigh escaped me as I stepped into the hallway, my mind racing with what I needed to do next.
[(0)]
LOCATION: GENERAL KHILE’S OFFICE IN FORT STONEBRIDGE.
"Major General Remnell and Caelen are both dead?!" General Khile, commander of the Eleventh and Twelfth Legions, was visibly shaken.
He had sent two divisions from the Eleventh Legion to secure victory on the Northern Line, but all that had come back was a report of defeat—and the deaths of Remnell and Caelen.
"Yes, sir," Colonel Elten, Khile’s aide, confirmed. "Colonel Aylsia, now promoted to Major General, is in command of the remaining 15,000 troops."
Khile was silent for a moment, weighing his options. "Send her word that she’s free to take whatever action she deems necessary."
Elten hesitated. "Are you sure, sir?"
Khile nodded, though the decision was bitter. The second campaign had failed spectacularly, and he saw no point in sending more reinforcements to the North. They had already lost too many men. Besides, with the Eastern Line now on the verge of collapse, every remaining soldier was needed there to secure a decisive victory.
His mind made up, Khile knew the best course of action: take the Eastern Line quickly, before the 9th Corps could intervene.
But then a sudden thought crossed his mind. His expression darkened as he turned to Elten. "I must ask," Khile said, his tone sharp. "Who is responsible for their deaths?"
From what Khile knew, both Remnell and Caelen were formidable warriors. Remnell, in particular, had a powerful enchanted sword at his side. Khile couldn’t fathom how they had both fallen so easily.
"It’s unclear, sir…" Elten hesitated, meeting Khile's gaze. "But several witnesses claimed to have seen the Silver Angel."
"The Silver Angel?" Khile asked, confused.
There were several named soldiers and officers in the enemy who were powerful enough to be considered significant threats, like General Cedric, widely known as "Silver Tip." However, most of these individuals had been on the battlefield for some time, meaning intelligence about them was already well-established.
But Khile had never heard of a soldier with the title "Silver Angel," much less recognized them as a threat. The name was completely unfamiliar, which made the reports all the more unsettling.
"Yes, sir. Soldiers have started calling a girl with silver hair by that name. They say she appears on the battlefield, turning the tide and bringing victory. Almost like a savior to her allies."
"Why is there so little information about her?" Khile asked, frowning.
"Because no soldiers close enough to her survive long enough to report back." Elten hesitated, then continued. "The best intel we have came during the battle when an enemy force of 1,000 infiltrated the camp and killed Major General Remnell. Even then, she was too fast to get a clear look at."
Khile remained silent for a long moment, deep in thought, before speaking again.
"Find out exactly who this 'Silver Angel' is. And get me in contact with the commander of the Knight Order. I need to tell him to make quick work of the 4th Corps."