Chance and Necessity

The cold wind grew ever more biting. Whipped-up banners slapped against metal flagpoles, producing peals like wind and thunder. Under emergency muster orders, the fortress soldiers were swiftly mobilized to combat positions along the walls, watchtowers, bunkers, and elsewhere. A knight in a deep blue short cape raised a lance bearing a narrow swallowtail banner and ran the length of the wall, shouting commands all the way. In the increasingly dim light, runes between the knight's armor seams streaked flowing light across the wall.

Maryland withdrew his line of sight from the wall and turned to the adjutant who had followed him for years. "Payne, how long until those Typhonians reach the Paramel Highlands?"

"Within two hours," the adjutant answered immediately. "Provided it doesn't rain before then."

"Two hours..." Maryland frowned. "Did the scouts get a clear look at that Knight Order's insignia and numbers?"

"With the clouds and the enemy's Griffon Knights interfering, visibility was poor. We couldn't determine exactly how many they had, but we can confirm they aren't the Iron River Knights or the Black Steel Knights."

"Not the Iron River Knights or the Black Steel Knights?" Maryland paused, a thoughtful look suddenly appearing on his face.

The adjutant looked somewhat confused. "Yes, General—have you thought of something?"

"...They're still holding onto their last bit of caution. They sent the Direwolf Legion's regular troops... Perhaps that will become our opportunity instead." Maryland glanced at the sky outside, his expression grave as his mind raced.

"They likely intend to use a regular Knight Order to scout out our positions first, while the Iron River Knights or Black Steel Knights remain on standby in the plains... Those two Knight Orders possess Legion-level Charge Combat Skills. Once they build up sufficient momentum on open ground, they can destroy city-grade shields