The girl who ate the death god

Chapter 13: Red Sauce Garnished Walnuts Taste Strange; Delicious

One week after the operation had been decided, David departed from Belta, leading 15,000 troops under his command. He set up camp on his side of Sulawesi Grand Bridge and hoisted the flag of the corps commander.
The Liberation Army in response, as if hailing them, also spread out their forces on the opposite shore. They were showing their intent of 'You shall not cross.' As if they would let Antigua, which they so arduously took possession of, fall so easily.
Seeing their camp, David snickered.

"From a rough look, perhaps 40,000? It seems drawing out the main force has gone according to plan."

"We too as per the plan have pretended to have reinforcement forces continuously arriving. All that is left is to root the enemy to the spot it appears."

Said the Chief Staff Officer, and David nodded.

"We should order the officers and men to make sure to not be negligent... We must also restrict them from forcibly crossing the river. Strengthen the surveillance."

"As I have been informed. Scouts have been sent to the riverbank, and our lookout preparations are complete."

"Just as I would expect of you, Chief Staff Officer. You work as fast as ever."

"I tremblingly accept your praise."

The Chief Staff Officer respectfully lowered his head.

"It'll be a long journey from hereon. I will be carefully watching the execution of the plan from this headquarters."

David headed back, and the staff officers followed after him. The stare-down continued endlessly. Sometimes, horns or drums would sound out, and signs that they were about to attack were repeated over and over. With not even a single arrow fired, the day bade welcome to night.

—-Alucia River, River Crossing Site.
The construction soldiers, waiting until night, lined up small boats until the opposite shore, and built a bridge of wooden boards. As of now, there still were not signs of enemy soldiers. They had not been detected.
After a few hours, several floating bridges were being created. The faces of the construction soldiers showed a little impatience. If they were discovered now, it would be all too simple to send them all underwater. They would be faced with annihilation perhaps. Even so, they safely completed their duty. When the final one was tied down, the construction soldiers went onto land. They would reinforce the bridges until carts could cross them, and they sent a signal to the cavalry of the First Division.
The sky was growing brighter. The sun would rise shortly.

"The establishment of multiple pontoon bridges has been completed. The rest is up to you. We, as soon as the First Division crosses the river, will construct a bridgehead position."

"Well done completing your duty. Leave the rest to us. We'll trample them in one fell swoop, just watch us!"

The commander of the cavalry, Major General Alexei encouragingly nodded. The head of the construction soldiers straightened his back and saluted.

"Sir- May the fortunes of war be with you!"

Although the air was pleasantly cool, tensions were rising.
—-The ones to start the battle will be us.
Major General Alexei unsheathed his sword and gave his orders to the soldiers under his command.

"First Division, Advance Cavalry, sortie! Target, Branch Castle Antigua!"

"Ou!"

"Start the advance! Stay in file-!!"

The 10,000 cavalry unit that would be sent ahead started crossing Alucia River via the pontoon bridges. Although several horsemen who had not been trained enough fell into the river, by and large they were favorably successful in crossing. They moved out to Alucia Plains, not being discovered by the enemy. Schera's cavalry unit crossed last as the rear guard.