The Blame Fell from the Sky
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
Amidst shouts of battle, the ground was littered with corpses. The horrific scene caused even those accustomed to grand spectacle to lose their composure.
Both sides were in a frenzy of fighting. A human soldier had half his head chopped off, but his body's instincts still led him to fire one last shot.
Many people who suffer severe injuries do not react to their own injuries first, but continue their attack.
This almost instinctive reaction clearly turns people into war machines, as if they were born specifically for war.
There's no right to criticize, because the enemy is the Beastfolk. Faced with a life-or-death crisis of annihilation, any means are justified.
The scene recorded on the Projection Stone is just a small episode on the front lines in Northern Frontier. Similar battle scenes are numerous on the front lines.
"These Projection Stone are used to record the situation on the front lines. What you see is just a small-scale skirmish; similar battles happen countless times every day on the front lines."
The Beastfolk army is highly polarized; those who are incompetent are truly incompetent, while those who are fierce are truly fierce.
When we encounter those cannon fodder races, we can easily slaughter them, but when we encounter powerful races, our human soldiers suffer greatly.
The Wolf Riders that appeared in the battle were just ordinary grassland werewolves, at a mid-level in the Orc Empire, and their combat strength was not much different from that of our human elites.
If it were the Five Great Royal Families Beastfolk, the scene would be even more brutal. The Behemoth Clan, in particular, are the most powerful and terrifying in combat.
Every adult male of the Behemoth Tribe possesses combat strength no less than that of Beginner Knight. After training, their combat strength will become even greater.
If you encounter the Behemoth army, unless you have a numerical advantage of more than ten times, don't hesitate to retreat.
Even the kingdom's most elite troops, when facing an equal number of soldiers, are no match for them.
I'm telling you this not to instill fear and avoid war, but to remind you that this war is extremely dangerous and the enemy is far stronger than you imagine.
2k
Once on the battlefield, don't try to be clever or launch any preemptive strikes. Just follow orders and do what you're told.
The crowd didn't react much to Count Pierce's warning.
After the port inspection, everyone was mentally prepared to be pulled over to watch a movie.
A nation mobilized across the country cannot afford to neglect the training of its officers. Even those stationed at home must begin their training beforehand.
As the kingdom's reserve force, their greatest advantage lies in their ability to learn from previous battles. These tragic scenes serve as the best teaching materials.
The battle footage reveals the fighting strength of the Beastfolk orc armies.
Hudson vaguely understood why the kingdom discouraged proactive attacks. It was all valuable experience gleaned from the bloody lessons of their predecessors.
It's not that taking the initiative is bad; the key issue is that ordinary noble private armies simply don't have the strength to fight the Beastfolk in open field battles.
No matter how well you grasp the opportunity in a battle, you still need someone to execute it. Apart from a few elite units, most armies lack this execution capability.
On the contrary, defense is simpler. Relying on fortifications, even ordinary soldiers can inflict casualties on the enemy.
Most importantly, it easily stabilizes morale. The bubbling meat broth in the Beastfolk camp is the best morale stabilizer.
No matter how heavy the casualties, the defenders, who did not want to become food, had no choice but to fight the enemy to the death.
Unlike in open field battles, where you can run if you can't win, once casualties exceed the morale threshold, even the Supervision Team can't stop the army's morale from collapsing.
The border fortresses and strongholds are all reinforced with special materials. Magical attacks that land on the walls are significantly weakened, often only half their normal power.
Some important fortresses even had defensive Magic Array set up inside. The Beastfolk, unfortunately, were not skilled in magical attacks, creating ideal conditions for defending the city.
Of course, no matter how strong a fortress is, it will eventually be breached.
Not being good at magical attacks is only relative.
When an empire's magical power is concentrated, even Forbidden Spell can be unleashed; how could mere city walls possibly stop it?
The fact that the Beastfolk failed to wreak havoc was also largely due to the restraint exerted by the kingdom's mage order.
Everyone present was a key figure in the Southeast Province. On the battlefield, they would be mid- to high-ranking officers, capable of leading independently.
If we don't give them a heads-up beforehand, and someone tries to show off and suffers a defeat on their own, the defenses of an entire war zone could collapse.
Hudson hadn't taken it seriously at first, but Count Pierce's sharp gaze made him feel uneasy.
He vaguely sensed that these veiled remarks were directed at him.
Honestly, is he really that unreliable?
Looking back on all his achievements since his debut, Hudson can say without hesitation that they can all be described as "consistent".
He was so cautious when dealing with the small fry of the Skull Society; why would he try anything funny when facing the main force of the Beastfolk army!
Explanation is just a cover-up; the disadvantage of being young makes it easy for people to automatically label you as impulsive, immature, etc.
Faced with this distrust, adhering to the principle that "as long as I'm not embarrassed, then embarrassment is someone else's problem," Hudson simply stared into Count Pierce's eyes.
After a dozen seconds, Count Pierce suddenly changed the subject:
"Everyone must carefully read the contents on the Projection Stone. How much you learn from it depends on your own comprehension."
However, the contents of this document must not be leaked, lest it cause panic among those below.
The kingdom is indeed at a disadvantage on the front lines, but this is something only we should know. When you're communicating with those below, you should still focus on that...
This issue isn't urgent for now. I believe the troops at the front will soon achieve a great victory, which we can then publicize.
Although the Southeast Province was at the back of the mobilization list, the time when we joined the war was often when the fighting was most brutal.
Looking at the casualty rates of past wars, the numbers are actually quite similar across different countries. With bad luck, a complete annihilation is still possible.
The Beastfolk don't care how many difficulties you face. If you want to come back alive from the battlefield, then show them your true skills!
Not only your own private armies, but also the private armies of the nobles in the county must be trained..."
The war had been raging for over half a month, and there hadn't been a single decent battle on the front lines. Just imagine how badly the kingdom was being suppressed by the enemy.
Even if victory is achieved later, it will be for political reasons. Perhaps only the Lord of Dawn knows the price the Alpha Kingdom has to pay behind the scenes for a single victory.
I don't know if it was just my imagination, but when the phrase "total annihilation" was mentioned, my father-in-law's expression visibly tightened, as if a sore spot had been touched.
Recalling that the Hollisir Family's downfall stemmed from a large-scale Beastfolk invasion, Hudson felt as if he had uncovered the truth.
This kind of dark history definitely cannot be mentioned. Even if it's meant to warn future generations, it must be embellished.
It's clear that the Hollisir Family's decline wasn't a simple defeat; they may have simply dug their own grave through carelessness.
Similar things happen in almost every major battle. Even with many lessons learned from the past, everyone keeps making the same mistakes.
This seems to confirm the saying that the only lesson humanity can learn from history is that humanity never learns from history.
They say it's good to learn from the experiences and lessons of predecessors, but when it comes to actual operation, they still can't help but fall into pitfalls.
The Alpha Kingdom is considered relatively good. Despite being in a state of constant turmoil, everyone is still being forced to make progress.
People know to avoid the pitfalls that others have fallen into.
Even if some people still fall in, at least when they fall into the same pit, their posture and position will change.
Having been exposed to the documentary, Hudson gained a deeper understanding of the brutality of war. To say he learned anything from it would be utter nonsense.
If watching a few war movies could teach you how to wage war, then military geniuses would be flying all over the world by now.
Everyone's abilities improved, and the story returned to its starting point.
I originally wanted to shamelessly go back with my father-in-law to get more information about the sea.
But then he remembered the Hollisir Family, who were now a bunch of landlubbers with only a superficial understanding of the ocean, and Hudson had to give up.
When gathering intelligence, accuracy is paramount. Information obtained solely through hearsay without personal involvement is extremely difficult to verify.
Given the aristocracy's shady dealings, Hudson had every reason to believe that the vested interests would spread false information to harm those who came after them.
Hudson had encountered many of these invisible barriers. If he hadn't been careful enough, he would have fallen into the pit and been buried long ago.
Upon returning to the Mountain Territory, Hudson immediately ordered all lords, in the name of the Governor's Mansion, to intensify their training.
To demonstrate its importance, evaluation rules were specifically formulated to regularly assess training results.
Rewards are only verbal, but punishments are very real.
This unfair reward and punishment system was not Hudson's invention; it was simply a common practice.
The great Caesar III kept his promise.
The province that performed the worst in the early stages of preparation has now led its troops to the front lines and is stationed in the most dangerous fortresses.
The horrific scene captured on the Projection Stone most likely reflects their current predicament. They've encountered an unreasonable Beastfolk army that only wants to fight with fists.
Fairness is only relative; the weak have never had a voice.
The most unfortunate province has been identified, but the Southeast Province are still missing one unfortunate prefecture to lead the charge.
The counties are now competing with each other, and whoever slacks off first will be the unlucky one.
With each layer of restrictions increasing, it's only natural that there would be the most unfortunate lords in each county.
It doesn't matter if I drag everyone down, but if I cause everyone to face a life-or-death situation, then that kind of hatred is irreconcilable.
When faced with life and death, even brothers can turn against each other.
Fortunately, that unlucky guy Ciss was not around at the time, and no one dared to cause trouble, allowing Hudson to take the opportunity to issue military law.
The specific content is very simple; it's a replica of the previous system of leading serf soldiers. The core principle is "collective punishment," forcing everyone to supervise each other.
The rule that "criminals are exempt from punishment" was something Hudson made in a way that was very much in line with the conventions of the time.
When a nobleman commits a crime, he becomes the captain of a "suicide squad".
It doesn't matter if there are many accomplices; just set up more suicide squads.
With so many dangers on the battlefield, there's no shortage of opportunities for them to prove themselves.
"Sir, during your absence, several special guests have visited."
Given their special status, it is inconvenient to let them stay outside.
I took it upon myself to arrange for them to be housed in a detached courtyard within the lord's manor.
The old butler said with a complicated expression.
Even the way he looked at Hudson was different now. It was as if he was worried about knowing a secret he shouldn't have known.
"What special guest?"
Hudson asked, completely bewildered.
Looking back on what I have done, although not everything I have done can be said to be aboveboard, overall I am worthy of the title of nobleman.
Those he associated with were all nobles from various walks of life. Their strengths may have varied, but their identities posed absolutely no threat.
"Sir, you should go see for yourself! They've already come knocking on our door; it wouldn't be right to deny it, would it?"
The old butler said with a troubled expression.
Upon hearing this explanation, Hudson nearly dropped his teacup.
"Coming to the door" and "denying responsibility"—what kind of nonsense is this?
He's upright and honest, and he hasn't done anything wrong!
Could it be a pot left behind by the original owner?
That's not right either!
Before he transmigrated, the original owner was just a little kid who had the will but no power.
Without much hesitation, he arrived at the villa. Upon seeing the person who had come, Hudson's face turned green.
"Miss Isabelle, what are you trying to do? Who gave you permission to live here!"
It wasn't that he lacked manners; it was simply that the person in front of him was of a very special status.
Back in the Royal Capital, rumors circulated that the two had a special relationship. Now that Isabelle has appeared in the Mountain Territory, if word gets out, Hudson won't be able to clear his name even if he jumps into the Lancang River.
For a nobleman with a fiancée, engaging in such a romantic affair before marriage would easily be seen by the woman's family as disrespectful and insincere.
Even if it could be explained clearly, the matter would be difficult to resolve if it involved the dignity of the nobility.
"Hudson, you've forgotten so quickly?"
"I was invited here, and at the banquet that day you..."
The sweet, coquettish voice made Hudson's face grow even uglier, and he immediately dismissed his men.
"Enough with the act. I wouldn't dare invite you here."
No matter who you are, don't forget whose territory this is, Miss Isabelle!
I'm not pretending anymore!
When we're out in public, I'm mindful of my image and don't know how to do anything to her. But once we're on our own turf, everything is different.
Hudson is not prepared to let this trouble go without a reasonable explanation.
A beautiful woman, especially a beautiful woman with a great reputation, could cause him a lot of trouble if she were out in the public eye.
Perhaps sensing the murderous intent in Hudson's eyes, Isabelle's expression changed. She had wanted to give up on this damned mission for a long time, but the Mysterious Organization behind her wouldn't allow it.
The Mysterious Organization played a significant role in her achieving her current status and position. Without their behind-the-scenes support, she would likely have become a plaything of some powerful figure.
But the benefits don't come for free. Having enjoyed the perks of joining the Mysterious Organization, one must naturally pay a price.
In the past, these were all small tasks, which I completed with ease and never thought much of it.
This time the situation is clearly different; the target is the infamous Blood Moon Horn. No one who possesses that weapon would readily part with it.
"Hudson, there's no need to be so serious. Does he have any ill intentions towards you?"
To tell you the truth, a Mysterious Organization received information that the Blood Moon Horn has fallen into your hands.
As a vulnerable woman, I unfortunately took on this task.
Unlike you men who spend all your time fighting, I, a young woman, dislike violence and bloodshed. That's why I've come to discuss with you whether I can transfer the Blood Moon Horn to you."
As she spoke, Isabelle tentatively closed the distance between them to observe Hudson's reaction.
"I'm sorry to disappoint Miss Isabelle, but I don't have any Blood Moon Horn. Instead of discussing Blood Moon Horn, let's talk about romance and nature."
As they spoke, Hudson went to meet him, as if they were really about to start a romantic conversation.
Deep down, he was cursing. He had been so careful, yet the news still leaked out.
What's uncertain now is whether the other side only suspects it or truly believes that the Blood Moon Horn is in his possession.
She was enveloped in a soft, fragrant embrace. Before she could even savor it, Isabelle broke free, and even Hudson, an Advanced Knight, couldn't stop her.
"I didn't expect Miss Isabelle to be such a master. It seems I won't be enjoying this good fortune!"
Hudson shrugged and laughed.
Honestly, if it were an ordinary songstress, he might actually have secretly taken her into his room.
His rational mind told him that it was best not to get carried away by this beautiful woman whose identity was unknown but whose strength was considerable.
"That's not necessarily true. This is Mountain Territory. On your land, this young lady is at your mercy."
Once she came to her senses, Isabelle regained her alluring demeanor.
Her strength had been exposed, and experience told her that if she wanted to escape unscathed, she had to use her most powerful weapon.
"Is that so?"
Miss Isabelle, it would be best if you could have this awareness.
"A beautiful day and a lovely view..."
Before Hudson could finish his flirtatious remark, Isabelle spoke again:
"Hudson, the Blood Moon Horn may have a grand name, but it is of no real use to you."
Instead of keeping this hot potato, let's make an offer first and see if we can reach an agreement.
Once this mission is completed, they can leave the Mysterious Organization, and then we can..."
Faced with Isabelle's temptation, Hudson simply rolled his eyes. If she really wanted something to happen between them, she wouldn't have resisted so fiercely just now, not even bothering to hide her strength.
If he were to hand over the Blood Moon Horn so easily, he would truly be a sucker.
Even if he could win the heart of his beloved, it would be a terrible loss. The Blood Moon Horn could buy the entire Rainbow Moon.
Refusing is very simple; the real trouble is that the other party seems convinced that the Blood Moon Horn is in their hands.
"The Blood Moon Horn isn't in the Mountain Territory, so I suppose Miss Isabelle has already led a search party for it."
If you were simply waiting for me to come back, you wouldn't need to disregard your reputation and impersonate my mistress.
However, if the price is right, I wouldn't mind acting as a middleman and helping you connect with the real owner.
Of course, regardless of whether the deal goes through or not, my reward will be substantial.
As he spoke, Hudson stared at Isabelle with feigned infatuation, as if he were truly mesmerized, and his restless hands reached out to her again.
Unlike before, when her attention was focused on the Blood Moon Horn, Isabelle didn't immediately dodge Hudson. Instead, she asked seductively:
"Who has the item?"