Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 160: Siege of the Fortress 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Scott turned to several other mages and said, "It's time. Let's enchant the soldiers."

His companions nodded and followed him to a formation of infantry.

The soldiers in this formation were clearly elite, mostly tall and robust men who looked like each could take on ten others. There were also a few who, though not tall, were sturdy and agile.

These were specially selected assault soldiers by Samal.

They were all dressed in meticulously crafted, high-quality leather armor, even covering the exposed parts of their limbs.

This group of men would serve as the fist of the rebels, breaking through the defenses of Thorn Fortress to pave the way for the following troops.

After the four mages arrived, a military officer dressed in the formation stepped forward and bowed to them.

"My lords of the clergy, we are ready."

Scott nodded to him. "Yes, we will now pray for you."

As a mage, Scott had to conceal his identity from these low-ranking soldiers who were followers of the rival church. He felt a wave of disgust, but he knew he had to endure for now.

Scott and his three companions stood on each side of the formation, extending their arms with palms facing the soldiers, and began chanting softly.

Accompanied by their incantations, a faint glow started to emanate from the soldiers, specifically from their equipment.

The soldiers saw this for the first time and widened their eyes to inspect their own or their nearby comrades' equipment. Some tried to exchange a few words with their neighbors but were immediately stopped by the officer.

Was this the effect of praying to the gods? Was this the blessing of the Lord of Light? Even though they had been informed beforehand, everyone still found it incredible.

Days ago, they had been selected from their respective units, informed that they would lead the charge on Thorn Fortress's walls as the vanguard. Whether they survived or not, they or their families would receive substantial rewards, enough to live without worries.

Some were ecstatic, anticipating a good life if they survived, while others were dismayed. Leading a charge in a siege was a dangerous task, especially against Thorn Fortress, renowned as the South's foremost stronghold. What good was all that reward if they lost their lives?

Then, priests accompanying the army suddenly appeared before them, proclaiming that four clerics had come from the Holy See. They brought a prophecy: the soldiers leading the charge in this battle were chosen champions blessed by the Lord of Light, tasked with overthrowing the fallen royal house. These four clerics would also pray for them before the imminent battle, a prayer unlike any other, imbuing their armor with the invulnerability of steel.

Upon hearing that they were chosen ones blessed by the Lord of Light, everyone became excited. It was the priests themselves who spoke, and even those who had been disheartened were now rejuvenated.

Under the protection of the Heavenly Father, they would be invulnerable, easily surviving to enjoy the lavish rewards. The morale of these five hundred soldiers soared.

About twenty minutes later, the four "clerics" ceased their chanting. They crossed their arms over their chests, seemingly adjusting their breathing. Each one looked as if they had just completed an intense workout, sweat streaming down their faces.

The soldiers' glow faded, and their equipment returned to its usual appearance. Seeing the "clerics" with closed eyes, adjusting their breathing, everyone held their breath, afraid to disturb them.