Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 17: A Great Victory

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

As the sounds of battle ahead reached his ears, Paul's heart began to tighten.

This time, the soldiers showed improvement compared to the last, refraining from reckless charges. A reserve unit stayed by Paul's side, with senior officers like Bryce leading the charge. Though Paul disagreed with senior officers entering the fray, it did indeed boost morale significantly.

However, the situation gradually turned unfavorable. Their side began to show signs of decline, and both sides slowly moved towards the town center.

Paul grew anxious, "Send the reserves up."

Schroder shook his head, "Not yet."

Just then, a report came in: suspicious figures appeared on the other side of the town at the pier, likely another band of pirates.

Schroder said, "Send the reserves over."

Paul sighed, "It's a good thing we kept the reserves, otherwise letting another band of pirates into the town would've been disastrous."

The reserve unit swiftly ran towards the other side of the town.

The movement of the reserve unit didn't matter much, but the soldiers engaged in battle ahead thought their lord had abandoned them and stealthily withdrew. Many immediately broke off from the fight and ran towards this side.

"No retreat signal given, everyone, get back here!!!"

Bryce and the other officers, seeing soldiers running back, shouted in frustration while fending off enemies. Some returned to the battlefield, but many did not listen.

Their disadvantage became more apparent...

Just then, the old knight Schroder took action.

He rode over, swiftly approaching a fleeing soldier, drew his sword, and struck.

Almost in an instant, before Paul could react, the soldier's head was no longer on his shoulders, rolling under his horse with a dull thud.

The headless body collapsed to the ground, blood spraying from the neck, quickly staining the ground red.

The soldiers running away and Paul were stunned by this brutal action.

The old knight's eyes blazed with anger, veins bulging on his red-faced neck, almost feeling like something was pushing through the air towards him.

"This is the fate of deserters!!!"

His thunderous voice echoed across the battlefield, striking fear into everyone's hearts.

"Guards, obey my command! Anyone daring to retreat will meet the same fate, no exceptions!!!"

All the guards froze, looking at each other, unsure how to respond.

"Haven't you heard my orders?" The knight turned to them, his attendant Joyce immediately drew his sword and faced the still-dazed guards.

The old knight's single glance struck terror into the bewildered guards, prompting them to quickly recall how to act upon receiving orders from their superiors. "Yes!!!" they all shouted in unison, then raised their spears towards the retreating deserters.

Disobeying the command would likely result in losing one's head next.

"Fight with the pirates!" Someone shouted first, and the deserters returned to the front line to fight the pirates. Since death awaited them either way, they might as well fight back and kill one or two enemies to make it worthwhile. If they were unlucky and died in battle, Earl Grayman promised substantial compensation for their families.