Chapter 1) Grass Porridge Cult’s Naval Warfare
The Hermes Guild’s invasion of the Arpen Kingdom!
The military of the Haven Empire headed towards the north. Some moved across land while 1/3rd of the troops sailed on ships to the north. 100 ships carrying carriages, cavalry and armoured troops spread their sails while proudly flying the flag of the Haven Empire.
“This will be enough to occupy the north.”
“We need to step on a sprout from the beginning. We’ve endured it so far but now we must not hesitate since we’re taking over the entire continent. We have to destroy Weed so that he can’t get up anymore.”
The leaders of the Hermes Guild were convinced of their victory. In fact, they judged that the Arpen Kingdom had a poor army. Even if all the knights dispersed across the kingdom was gathered, the reports stated that there were only 20,000 people. The Arpen Kingdom focused on cultural and financial development but their military was much poorer.
That’s why the Haven Empire sent 70,000 troops consisting of the magic corps and knight corps to the north. It was composed entirely of elite soldiers and their power couldn’t be compared to the unemployed.
“Who should we send as the commander for the northern expedition?”
A siege on the plains! The placement of the troops and the terrain absolutely had to be taken into account when planning a strategy. This was a chance to cut Weed off and rule the north so the leaders of the Hermes Guild supported it.
“However, we can’t think of Weed as soft. He has shown various abilities in Roderick’s Labyrinth so we should be vigilant.”
“We won’t be able to wash off the shame if he defeats us this time. We must unconditionally win.”
“Rensullot can match Weed’s resourcefulness and luck. He is more focused on defence than attack.”
“We can believe in him. He is a high ranking member of the Hermes Guild and has a lot of experience in large scale battles…. But we’re currently conquering the continent so should we send him to the north?”
“It is worth considering after Admiral Drinfeld and the Crema Knights’ failure. If Weed uses the power of a necromancer then he won’t be an easy opponent. According to the guild reports, Weed has great power as a necromancer.”
“I was amazed when I saw the broadcast.”
“I haven’t forgotten the form of the chaos warrior that he used at the rocky canyon. Who can really fight like that?”
The Hermes Guild’s leaders felt a lot of pressure due to Weed’s adventures. He succeeded in things that seemed impossible and showed a strong combat ability when fighting against Bardray in the Melbourne Mine. The broadcasting stations also paid attention to the Hermes Guild’s war in the north and it would receive high ratings.
Anyway, they wanted to destroy the Arpen Kingdom while showing a strength that couldn’t be opposed. The Haven Empire wanted to show off the overwhelming power of the military they mobilized.
“If Rensullot success in the northern expedition then he will be a leading example of the Hermes Guild.”
“We have to send him to the north in order to achieve our purpose. Don’t we also have to think about governing after occupying the north?”
Rensullot was the lord of a castle in the Haven Empire. He made his carrier by making significant contributions in the war against the Kallamore and Lasalle Kingdoms. Above all, he occupied lands that were devastated by looting and arson. He was the most reliable person to occupy the north and govern it in a stable way. From the Hermes Guild’s perspective, it wasn’t a loss if he ruled in a brutal manner.
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Weed heard that the Hermes Guild was sending an army to the Arpen Kingdom through the broadcasts. The stations informed everyone of the size of the Haven Empire’s military and their movements.
Rather than concealing it, the Haven Empire openly revealed it like they were stating the Arpen Kingdom wasn’t their opponent. The Hermes Guild gave an interview stating that those in the north who feared merciless destruction and plunder should run away.
Weed gave a deep sigh.
“Those guys won’t leave me alone. I need to leave to obtain the final secret sculpting technique.”
It wasn’t just one or two times. He had faced the Hermes Guild when defeating the Immortal Legion. His dirty destiny once again!
He saw on the news that the Hermes Guild had won in various areas of the continent. The border defence army of the Masen Kingdom was defeated and the Bichwi Lake area of the Aidern Kingdom was seized. The Dale and Tullen Kingdoms were ruled by guilds allied with the Hermes Guild so their rule spread.
“Anyway, this time I’m forced to fight. Kingdom information!”
Weed opened the Arpen Kingdom’s internal affairs window.
The territory is 29% of the area previously ruled by the Niflheim Empire. The advanced culture and active trade has made it expand very quickly.
King Weed of the Arpen Kingdom is called the ‘King recognized by the Gods’ and has the active support of the residents. In addition, he is the only person who gained the ‘Hero who Saved the Continent’ title so he has the respect of the free knights.
The inhabitants of the Arpen Kingdom are active in pursuing art, adventures and freedom and are able to overcome difficulty with their hard work. Various cities such as Vent Castle that maintained the legitimacy of the Niflheim Empire has joined. Lavias the Sky Island has joined the Arpen Kingdom. The avian clan has spread over the northern continent.
Newly built cities have their population rapidly grow as advanced art and technology is developed based on Morata. The Arpen Kingdom showcases fine examples of Grand Buildings.
Technology: 5,125 Religious Influence: 89 Kingdom Politics: 89
Influence on Surrounding Areas: 94%
Kingdom Development: 74 Hygiene: 44 Safety: 91%
Mine development and production is increasing day by day. Huge amounts of resources are produced and distributed. However, there are still many places where roads aren’t connected directly, monsters invading different areas and congestion of the shipping lines along the coast.
While trading with some remote islands is in progress, only 6.9% of the mysterious and dangerous areas of the sea have been navigated.
Agriculture is the foundation of a kingdom and the farmer’s pioneering spirit scattered seeds at swamps where alligators live. Tea trees, rare herbs and special crops are the driving force behind the increase in population.
The residents of the Arpen Kingdom are active in adventuring so their average life span is short. Even the soldiers in the army are questioning it.
“Can we stop it if monsters flock en masse?”
“I would be happy to die to protect His Majesty the King and the people living in the cities.”
“The kingdom is in danger but it can’t be helped since we have fewer soldiers.”
Law enforcement can’t handle the vast amount of territory and are forced to secure peace around the city. Residents of mountain villages close to monster territory have to protect themselves. Small villages can’t interrupt an invasion of monsters and are reduced to ashes. The free knights gathered in the Arpen Kingdom to meet the king. They are the core of the military.
The kingdom’s urban development is rapid and there is a boom in population, agriculture and production!
Kingdom Operational Expenses: Military 6%, Technology Development 5%, Economic Development 38%, Culture Investment 7%, Monster Subduing Requests 21%, Road Establishment 19% Religion 4%.
Military: 991 Knights, 1,734 Trainee Knights, 34,280 Soldiers.
Vent Castle core troops. Knights and soldiers are mobilized to explore dungeons little by little. Have a low degree of basic weapons training.
The residents are anxious because all the funds are poured into development, causing excessive economic development.
“A perfect state system.”
Weed had pursued an aggressive economic development and the Arpen Kingdom expanded. Some small villages and cities had no choice but to disappear. The sacrifice of cows for a higher purpose!
No matter how many ruins were formed, a city could be built there again. His principle was wait-and-see once it developed. Securing the peace and building up the walls meant expansion was quite slow.
Furthermore, users didn’t want it either. Users dreamed of pioneering villages and becoming lords. The military of the kingdom should be dispatched to help them but they couldn’t do it themselves. In order to become lords, they had to raise intimacy with the residents and overcome much difficulties. Weed himself started from the bottom to establish Morata.
Once a territory in a kingdom was obtained, villages and cities would spring up, roads opened and the tax income would increase explosively.
“It isn’t useful for development but it can’t be helped. Summon all the military from every village and city while leaving behind the minimum number needed to secure the peace.
Peace will become unstable and deteriorate in some areas and the cities will be assaulted by monsters.
The current troops able to be mobilized are 871 knights, 1,593 training knights and 31,023 soldiers.
Do you really want to summon the military of the Arpen Kingdom?
“Summon everyone.”
The military will gather according to the signal beacon determined in advance.
“I have to take decisive action.”
Weed left only the minimum of troops behind to defend the villages and cities. He also had his sculptural lifeforms.
“In the meantime, they’ve been playing so I should call the wyverns, Yellowy, Goldman, Bingryong and Phoenix.”
There were the sculptural lifeforms he gave life to in Jigolaths and the warrior Bahamorg. Weed called a support army for the war in the north.
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The Southern Plains near Morata! The users and army of the Arpen Kingdom decided to gather there.
“Bamboo Shoots Porridge unit! Personnel needs to be checked so line up straight!”
“Garlic Porridge unit, over here! Gather and show your garlic earrings.”
“The Toadstool Porridge unit will be honoured to act as the vanguard in this war.”
“Wahhhh! The Toadstool Porridge unit doesn’t fear death!”
“The Ginseng Porridge magic unit will cooperate with the magicians of the Jujube Porridge unit.”
“Green Tea Porridge unit, we were founded later so don’t let other units take us lightly!”
The active users in the north gathered intensively.
“When is the Haven Empire invading?”
“Of course I have to fight.”
“I’ll smash them.”
“Let’s show our strength. They can’t push us like they can the Central Continent. There is no space for them!”
Usually there would be a complex atmosphere if 10,000 users gathered. But now the plains were covered with people.
Someone cried out in a loud voice.
“Now, sorting the troops is finished to let’s move quickly! Hurry before the sun sets!”
“If someone gets lost and can’t find their unit during the march, go to another unit and fight for the moment. There is no time.”
“Let’s move. Come on, move quickly.”
“Let’s move to the east.”
The Grass Porridge Cult moved from the southern plains towards the east. The sight of everyone moving was a tremendous view. And then the users gathered again.
“The 4th gathering of the Grass Porridge Cult is over and now it is the 5th!”
It wasn’t possible to gather all of the Grass Porridge users in one place. Morata’s gates were overflowing with a tremendous number of beginners. Every user who lived in a shack armed themselves with swords or bows. They were determined to die so they didn’t pay attention to their armour at all.
The users belonging to the Grass Porridge Cult voluntarily gathered from villages and cities spread out through the Arpen Kingdom.
“Wah, it is real.”
“Look there. There are people holding a basic wooden sword and dressed in beginner’s clothes.”
Even the Grass Porridge members didn’t know there would be this much people but they were self-confident after coming to the southern plains. The personnel line-up continued into the evening. The northern continent was full of users and more people who just logged in were exiting Morata’s gates.
“Midnight Snack Porridge, we were just waiting for it to become night. At your disposal.”
The wyverns, Bingryong and Phoenix flew over the southern plains. The users watched the sky and heartily shouted.
“Grass porridge, grass porridge, grass porridge!”
“The fight to save the North!”
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“This will be an easy expedition. Those guys won’t be able to resist….”
The Northern Expeditionary Force of the Haven Empire. The landing unit was escorted by 3 fleets.
After Drinfeld lost his fleet, the Hermes Guild’s marine power was hurt which caused a considerable headache. It was difficult to give users a marine education. They made a huge investment into constructing a shipyard and building 4 new fleets. The navy’s 3 fleets contained 23 combat ships.
In order to protect the Northern Expedition army, the ships escorted them to Varna Harbour in the north.
“The weather is clear and there is a fair wind for a comfortable trip.”
The commander of the 3 fleets, Hakim stood at the bow. Looking at the seagulls flying near the boat, he judged that they were close to land. Those caught in a storm at sea or drifting ships could find their way using the birds. However, the trade merchants travelling to the north had pioneered a smooth sailing route.
“We can attack Varna Harbour before it is afternoon.”
They would land at Varna Harbour and attack. It was an operation to thoroughly destroy the city with magic and a bombardment.
“Congratulations, Captain-nim.”
“The day where you’ll be promoted to Admiral of the Empire’s navy isn’t far away.”
Hakim was a first class navigator. In a sea battle, the combat ability depended on the ship captain’s ability to manoeuvre. A competent captain would have a large effect on hunting in a party. Outstanding captains could make use of sailors with a basic level of proficiency. Of course, the relationship between shipmates wasn’t always peaceful so sometimes there would be a revolt.
“Well, that is only possible if this battle is successful.”
“Of course, Navy Admiral Hakim-nim.”
“Huhuhuhu! That doesn’t sound bad.”
“It is natural. You will soon hear it so often that you’ll get tired of it.”
“It already seems to be going well.”
While Hakim was drunk on the sailors’ flattery.
“The Arpen Kingdom’s naval battle fleet is ahead!”
A sailor observing from the lookout point.
“The scale?”
“That….”
“There are more than 30 ships! They are the size of small sailing ships.”
The number and types of ships were the most important thing in a naval battle. Larger ships were able to hold more cannons and also had higher accuracy.
“Did the Arpen Kingdom use their finances to found a navy? But they are small sailboats so cannons can’t be used. Rush into battle! Spread all sails! Full speed ahead!”
“Yes, Captain-nim!”
“Going to the battle stations!”
The sailors got up, spread the sails and loaded the cannons. Hakim’s fleet moved forward in a battle formation at top speed. They used the strategy of breaking through enemy lines with cannons and quickly annihilating the enemy. Their overwhelming firepower, quick firing ability and sailing speed to crush the enemy.
“More enemies are appearing. Small caravels. There are 40 of them!”
“That much is just like a snack. Prepare the degradation bullets!”
Hakim commanded the other ships. Degradation bullets were normally used to destroy a city but he decided to use it on the sea. There wouldn’t be any problems winning over the enemy but he wanted to minimize the damage to the fleet.
“There are 8 medium sized frigates behind enemy lines!”
“I’m getting bored. Just sink them.”
“Galley ships had also appeared. They are pirate ships!”
Pirate ships belonging to the 3 Mad Sharks of Becky Nin! They had dragged 24 galley ships into the battle. Galley ships could travel short distances quickly due to captured slaves rowing the paddles.
The pirates were on the deck to prepare for a fight after the ships would collide. Usually in a normal sea battle, pirates were good at fighting on decks.
“Concentrate the shells on the galley ships. Keep moving forward!”
“The number of enemy ships keep on increasing. There are 300 additional small ships!”
“How can that be….?”
Hakim was watching from the deck. The vessels kept on increasing in front of him. More and more ships the size of small sailboats could be seen. They were only armed with 8 cannons at the most but shooting together would give them a lot of power. Even if the ships shook and the accuracy was low, there was still a chance of hitting something.
“How can there be these many ships?”
“There are many merchant ships. Fishing boats are also involved in the battle.”
“This is….”
It was highly unexpected to the users of the Hermes Guild. They found it difficult to fathom so many ships. The small sails spread out as the fleet headed towards Hakim.
“Fleet Commander-nim, we are about to ram head on.”
“Then prepare for a scramble with the enemies.”
Hakim intended to shoot the cannons on the left and right side to sink the enemy. The sea was full of small ships. It wouldn’t be long before they started shooting. However, the landing unit was following behind the battle fleet. Things would become quite complicated if they became trapped among the ships. If they mixed in with the pirate ships then many ships might sink.
“Detour. The range of their cannons is short. Use our mobility to stay on their outskirts.”
Hakim’s fleet turned. They kept a distance as they passed the enemy and fired their cannons. However, small ships were approaching from the east side, west side and open seas. Ships hiding in the shadow of islands also approached Hakim’s fleet. Hakim observed that they weren’t incompetent. Naturally medium and large sized ships were hiding. But the small ships and reefs were blocking the way behind him.
“Their flags indicate that they don’t belong to the Arpen Kingdom. Other images are drawn.”
“What is that?”
“Sharks and whales, turtles and that…rockfish, cutlass fish and even mackerel are spotted.”
“What?”
The distance shortened and shouting could be heard from the small ships.
“Mackerel Porridge unit, load the cannons!”
“The cannonballs are expensive. Wait until the fishing boats turn before shooting!”
“Then just bump into any ship.”
“The Shark Porridge unit is supporting us from nearby. Let’s go!”
“Cutlassfish Porridge unit, we have been endlessly quarrelling with the Baked Cutlassfish unit. But now we will fight together with them!”
“Whale Porridge unit, we still haven’t seen a whale. Now is the time to catch a really big whale!”
“Let’s hunt them!”
“All-out attack!”
The marine forces of the Grass Porridge Cult appeared. They were users who felt the charm of the sea and moved their base to Varna Harbour. As they kept on going out to sea, they naturally formed units.
Kwa kwa kwa kwang!
The sea was covered with the sound of artillery fire. Hakim’s fleet fired their cannons at the small ships coming from 3 directions.
“Grasp their movements!”
“If we get out of here then they won’t be able to catch us.”
“The Turtle Porridge unit is blocking the front. Throw the nets!”
Hakim’s fleet was forced to stop due to the blockade formed of ships. They initially moved forward but the large ships became immobile due to the wreckage and debris around them.
“Sink everything!”
“Don’t stop and keep firing the cannons!”
Hakim’s fleet shot their cannons while being surrounded.
Kwa kwang!
A small ship lost its keel and exploded! Concentrated artillery also flew towards the battle fleet.
“Put away the sails!”
“Beware of tremors!”
The cannons didn’t have a large power but they still destroyed the hull and caused the mast to catch on fire. He had moved forward when the sea was still clear so Hakim hadn’t thought of a combat strategy. Now he couldn’t use any tactics at all since he was surrounded!
“Just charge!”
“I decided to go on a long sea voyage….but I couldn’t keep my promise. I’m going to sink in the sea but I’ll come back.”
“If you’re going to fall into the sea then hold on to the side of the ship. Then it will become heavier for a short time!”
The small ships literally ran into Hakim’s battle fleet. It was mostly the small ships sinking. The collision itself didn’t deal any big blows to the large battle ships. But the shaking that occurred messed up the accuracy of the cannons. The enemy had a high hit rate but the crew could collapse from the cannon blast as well. The pirates used the intervals where the crew was confused to successfully board.
“It is an honour to board a Haven Empire warship on this day….everybody get on!”
“Kill everyone!”
“First occupy the gunpowder room. Don’t let anyone block you!”
The 3 Mad Sharks of Becky Nin and their pirates climbed aboard the warships.
“Those shabby pirates! Show them the might of the Haven Empire’s navy!”
A deck battle occurred on the open sea.
Kwaaang!
The ship that Hakim was on suddenly shook and tilted.
“What is this?”
“Fleet Commander-nim, a reef!”
“What did you say? There are these many ships so how can we hit a reef?”
“That…I don’t know either.”
The Grass Porridge Cult knew the waters around here extremely well. Some islands had caves that could hide a small ship or docks for big ships.
Above all, the currents in this area quickly moved towards land. The Grass Porridge Cult lured Hakim’s battle fleet into a trap where the currents would lead to reefs.
Hakim cried out in a loud voice.
“This is nothing! Bury them all in the sea!”
The Haven Empire started sinking the beginner’s merchant fleet and fishing boats steadily like they were a swarm of ants. However, more small ships came from the direction of Varna Harbour.
“I have been waiting for a long time. Seaweed Porridge unit, charge!”
“Lighten your spirits. Your friends the Clam Porridge unit has arrived.”
“Seaweed Porridge unit, fire your cannons!”
Small ships covered the ship. And behind them were rafts linked together.
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KMC Media’s ‘Talk about Versailles Continent.’
“Today we have really shocking news. Many people saw it in the live coverage during the day.”
Shin Hye-min’s face sparkled with a bright light.
“Oh Joo-wan ssi, did you hear the startling results from the collision between the Haven Empire and Arpen Kingdom navy fleets?”
“Yes, of course. I heard that the Haven Empire’s supreme marine force was overrun. This is a main scene that occurred.”
The Haven Empire showed wonderful destructive power when dealing with the fleet from the north. The furious bombardment continued but they couldn’t defeat the Grass Porridge Cult.
The battle continued for one day and one night. And the Haven Empire was ruined the moment their ships ran out of ammunition. Fire burned the sea as well as the Haven Empire’s ships. The combat ships engulfed in fire couldn’t move and sunk. Of the Grass Porridge Cult, only hundreds of members survived. But the users who safely returned to Varna Harbour shouted.
“We won!”
“Grass porridge, grass porridge, grass porridge!”
Large bonfires and smoke occurred along the beach of Varna Harbour as there was a festival.
There were those who didn’t leave the next morning. They were waiting for the deceased users to log back in and enjoy the festival.
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Tang! Tang! Tang!
There was the endless sound of a blacksmith’s hammer near the shipyard of the harbour. They were bound to be busy since so many ships had sunk.
The war around the Versailles Continent widened. Great battles between kingdoms was a daily occurrence these days.
The majority of people disliked the war but the audience ratings for the naval battle between the Arpen Kingdom and the Haven Empire was 39.2%.
The reactions on the bulletin board was also explosive.
-Title: Let’s celebrate the victory of the Grass Porridge Cult.
Shall I eat a bowl of porridge?
-Title: I’m a student with a part time job at chicken store.
Today I seem to have fried 500 chickens….
-Title: I also have a part time job at a chicken store.
Currently there are 200 deliver orders. If someone orders now then won’t it take 5 hours to deliver?
-Title: Honestly, I belong to the Hermes Guild.
This was inevitable once we captured the Lasalle Kingdom. The ending was bad. But why was it so exciting?
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Geomchi, the instructors and trainees had started the Martial Artist Master Quest and was already up to the 7th part.
“The content of this quest is complicated. We should just be able to kill everything. I can’t understand it at all.”
“Tell me about it. Just cut their necks, Teacher-nim.”
Hit and kill, burn and kill, tread on them and kill. A martial artist utilized various weapons and their body to destroy the enemy. Many people came to do the Master Quest so group quests also occurred.
After the death of the King of Dale Kingdom, bandits have accumulated in the Bowl Mountains.
They consisted a force made up of knights and infantry and dealt considerable damage to nearby cities.
Get rid of the bandits in the Bowl Mountains.
Difficulty: Martial Artist Master Quest.
Quest Restrictions: Weapons Mastery Advanced Level 7. A party of 12 people can be composed.
The Martial Artist Master Quests weren’t just fighting a variety of enemies.
Geomchi-5 had told their an approximate summary so Geomchi, the instructors and trainees could easily advance.
“It is convenient to be able to eat and fight.”
“As expected, it feels better using my body than my head.”
“Our class was a really good choice. We don’t have to be stifled.”
“People working in large corporations or public officials are really pitiful. So what if they have a high, stable salary. They’ve never chased a wild boar with their bare hands.”
It made Geomchi-2 remember his childhood.
His friends in elementary school used a computer and attended a cramming academy. But he practiced breaking a bottle with his bare hands. During school, physical education lessons was where he felt most comfortable.
His chest would explode every time he kicked a ball. He only hesitated and shrank back when it came to English, mathematics and science. These days he became depressed just seeing a blackboard.
“These days are tumultuous. Enemies have invaded the Arpen Kingdom that the maknae (youngest) rule.”
“Yes, Teacher-nim.”
“They are the Hermes Guild.”
The news of the northern war was a huge topic so even Geomchi, the instructors and trainees had heard about it.
‘It became urgent quickly.’
They wanted to quickly rush back to the Arpen Kingdom. The Geomchis were the most popular with women after a big battle. It was a feeling caused when they threw everything into battle. They couldn’t forget the exhilarating feeling of when they defeated Barkhan and the Immortal Legion.
‘I don’t have anything else. I need to catch at least 1 dragon to marry someone.’
‘If I master Weapons Mastery, can I get a girlfriend? Do I have to reach level 600?’
They didn’t have any solutions in life except for becoming stronger. Even though Geomchi and Geomchi-2 had girlfriends, they were still interested in the war in the Arpen Kingdom. This was a good chance to boast of their strength in front of their girlfriends.
“Hum hum, what a disgrace. In the meantime, he has been fighting haphazardly. Are we really not going to help Weed?”
“No. This time should be fine. The death penalty is a minor thing compared to being called a master.”
“The maknae is too civil.”
“Tell me about it. He shouldn’t try to settle this alone. If there are such numbers then he should fight with other people.”
“Life wouldn’t be fascinating without internal discord.”
The Geomchis wanted to race to the north. In fact, there was a simple reason why Weed hadn’t called the Geomchis. His eyes could see the situation.
It was also the same reason why he didn’t rally them for Roderick’s Labyrinth.
-They are stronger than us. However, we can’t show weakness.
-I understand, Teacher-nim!
-We need to protect the priests of the Freya Church. Charge!
-Wahhh!
They would eagerly run up to the demon soldiers and be destroyed completely! The demons strength and resistance to general combat professions was a problem but their inability to be commanded was fatal.
The Geomchis also stood out in a war.
-We are fighting against Barkhan, the Immortal Legion and the Bone Dragon.
-Wahhh!
As soon as they noticed the Haven Empire’s Army, the Geomchis charged.
-Magician units, archer units! Aim!
-Aiming is complete.
-Shoot when they approach.
-They’re running in a straight line.
-Concentrate your attacks!
Sususung! Kwa kwa kwa kwang! Peng! Kuaaang!
The Geomchis were wiped out! They were strong but the possibility of them being defeated was too big. In addition, he had to leave really delicious dishes to the end.
“My whole body is itchy. We shouldn’t allow stress to build up…. Hey everyone.”
“Yes, Teacher-nim.”
“Let’s go do the quest. Geomchi-3, what is the contents of the next one?”
“Then…there have recently been incidents of residents missing and we should investigate the reason….”
“Speak simply.”
“We should go to a lair and kill everyone.”
“Let’s go!”
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Rensullot led the Haven Empire’s military along Porus River.
“From here on out, it is the northern continent. We will occupy, plunder and destroy this area.”
“Waaaah!”
The morale of the Haven Empire’s army was very high. They were elite troops who went through a harsh training so their morale didn’t fall from a long march. The high morale meant they could fight bravely.
Originally other guilds wouldn’t permit them to move to the north but this was a time of political strife. With the other forces of the Haven Empire opening the way, the expedition marched to the north.
Their enemies noticed that they were moving but the sudden political strife meant they couldn’t do anything. Their enemies calculated that the Hermes Guild’s power would weaken if there was an expedition to the north so they eagerly allowed it.
Rensullot felt a deep emotion as he stepped in the north.
‘I will destroy the northern cities and rebuild them as the Haven Empire.’
The knights of the Haven Empire would accept the extensive land.
‘If Weed is destroyed….’
Then news of the naval battle was conveyed. Troops had been destroyed at sea before they could step on the ground so he had to drastically modify their strategy.
The Hermes Guild had decided to advance on the east and south side to simultaneously capture the Arpen Kingdom. Even if Weed stopped one side, the other army would burn and destroy Morata.
The city was the symbol of the Arpen Kingdom so destroying it would be a damage difficult to recover from. The north would receive a setback of 1 or 2 years.
Their strategy was to march two armies through the Arpen Kingdom and annihilate the military led by Weed. If the military was wiped out then peace would become unstable and monsters would propagate. The Arpen Kingdom would receive long term damage and become extinct.
Of course, it would only be a ruin until the Haven Empire’s army took over. They estimated Weed highly and used diversionary tactics but now the landing unit couldn’t help them.
‘However, the Haven Empire’s army is still invincible. The Arpen Kingdom can’t compare to us. The necromancers can also exert their full ability so it is possible to win.’
The disadvantage of a necromancer was that their physical abilities were far inferior. Rensullot’s knights could use a barrier of Death Knights or zombies to thrust at Weed.
The NPCs included in the expeditionary force consisted only of the most elite troops.
“This is an order from the guild. We will be waiting for additional supplies from an archer unit.”
“We’ve brought plenty so battle supplies aren’t necessary.”
“This is a direct command from the leaders. It needs to be done in order to win the war.”
“Understood.”
The Hermes Guild fully mobilized their merchants and gave the expedition additional arrows and magic equipment. The users of the Arpen Kingdom had formed the Grass Porridge Cult so the needed to prepare thoroughly.
They stayed 3 days to receive the supplies before moving again. The expedition was moving away from home so there was some homesickness and lowering of morale, but the damage wasn’t big.
“Scouts.”
“Yes.”
“Confirm the terrain in front of us.”
“We are going.”
Rensullot sent out scouts to search every corner whenever there was a suspicious terrain like mountains, canyons or forests. Weed could set up traps anywhere so this was an instruction from the guild. It was natural for their marching speed to become slow.
Rensullot had come this far so the delay angered him.
“I don’t know why we’re doing this when our forces are overwhelming.”
After moving as slow as a turtle, the Northern Expedition force finally arrived at the Rupoi Plains. From here on out, it was the territory of the Arpen Kingdom.
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