The Left Flank Falters
Labia led his left-wing forces, advancing like a surging torrent.
They were the first to encounter the enemy, and a thrilling battle ensued.
Although Alex's intelligence system failed to contact the controlled independent nobles, the Northern Alliance Army, through tireless efforts and perseverance, still managed to obtain crucial intelligence about the left wing of the Duchy's army.
This intelligence indicates that the left wing led by Labia possesses a large number of former aristocratic private armies.
Therefore, the left wing was considered a significant weakness in the Duchy Army and naturally became the primary target of the Northern Alliance Army's attack.
However, when the two sides actually clashed, the Northern Alliance Army were surprised to find that breaking through the defensive line in front of them was not an easy task.
"Strange, very strange, this is really too strange!" Viscount Edmund stared wide-eyed at the enemy army surging towards him like a tidal wave, thinking to himself, "What's wrong with these guys? Why is their morale so high? It's beyond my imagination!"
It should be noted that it was no easy feat for Viscount Edmund to obtain such a valuable opportunity to confront the enemy forces on the left flank of the Duchy.
After all, based on his own understanding of his own strength, he clearly realized that he had no chance of breaking through the county city and capturing the troublesome Grand Duke Mora alive.
Therefore, he was constantly thinking about how to find a breakthrough from other aspects in order to achieve some great military exploits of his own.
Thus, after painstaking planning, Viscount Edmund spared no effort and even enlisted the help of his ally, Viscount Philip, to finally seize this rare opportunity.
However, things didn't go as planned. When the two armies clashed, Viscount Edmund was astonished to discover that although the enemy's forces were not particularly strong, their tenacious fighting spirit was astonishing. Even when the vanguard was already routed, reinforcements would quickly fill the gaps and continue fighting. Even more terrifying was that the defeated soldiers did not lose their fighting spirit. As soon as new reinforcements arrived, they would unhesitatingly rejoin the battle and actively participate in the fighting. Faced with this bizarre situation, Viscount Edmund was immediately puzzled and couldn't understand it at all.
Labia stared intently at the fierce battle ahead, his expression turning unusually grave.
Just then, he suddenly turned around and said to those behind him, "Lord Hurst! Is this the legendary secret medicine possessed by the Silver Maple Secret Guard?"
This power is truly astonishing; it can instantly transform those originally defenseless serf soldiers into warriors with unwavering will and fierce fighting prowess!
"If we had used this secret medicine earlier, perhaps we would have already successfully defeated those despicable Rebellion!"
Before he could finish speaking, a dark figure appeared silently beside Labia like a ghost—it was none other than Hurst, the Grand Instructor of the Silver Maple Secret Guard.
He calmly reached out and gently patted Labia's shoulder, saying earnestly, "Legion Commander Rabia, please calm down."
It is true that we possess this secret medicine, but it is a scarce resource with extremely limited and precious reserves!
Even so, we still tried our best to dilute it appropriately before we could barely meet your department's needs.
However, because this treatment weakens the drug's potency, its effects are only temporary, roughly estimated to last only one or two hours.
When the effects of the medicine wear off, those former 'noble private armies' who temporarily gained immense power by consuming the secret elixir will fall into a state of exhaustion, and some may even die on the spot due to the backlash from the toxins...
Therefore, it can be said that this operation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We must seize it firmly!
"I know what to do!"
Labia issued the order without hesitation, his eyes firm and resolute.
The flag bearer quickly waved his command flag, and soon after the signal was given, a new army marched forward like a surging tide.
They marched with neat and powerful steps, their morale high, clearly ready to engage in a fierce battle with the oncoming Northern Alliance Army.
However, the army led by Viscount Edmund on the opposite side was no ordinary force.
This viscount was ambitious and eager to gain rich military achievements and glory through this battle.
Therefore, faced with such a fierce offensive from Labia's side, he naturally would not easily back down or show weakness.
The vanguard forces of both sides were quickly engaged in fierce fighting, and the entire battlefield seemed to instantly turn into a huge meat grinder, where countless soldiers perished.
The air was thick with the pungent, acrid smell of blood. Even the two commanders watching from a distance— Labia and Viscount Edmund —could clearly smell the nauseating odor.
The Northern Alliance Army quickly learned of the situation: Viscount Edmund's key offensive area had suffered a setback! This sudden turn of events surprised everyone, but it also meant that the battle was about to undergo a major change.
Upon receiving this news, the urgent intelligence was delivered to the Allied Command as quickly as possible.
After hearing the report, Hawk revealed a contemptuous smile and sneered, "Hmph, I knew long ago that Edmund was unreliable! Entrusting such an important mission to him, it's no wonder things went wrong!"
In contrast, Viscount Philip, an ally of Viscount Edmund, appeared much more somber.
Although he was quite dissatisfied with Viscount Edmund's behavior, he refrained from criticizing him on the spot out of consideration for their relationship and mutual interests.
He simply frowned silently, cursing Viscount Edmund inwardly for his incompetence, which had dragged everyone down with him.
However, Alex offered a different perspective. "This isn't just a problem with Viscount Edmund; the enemy is indeed quite unusual!"
According to my subordinates' reports, they witnessed the entire battle. The Duchy's left-wing army displayed astonishing tenacity, with every soldier fighting to the death, refusing to retreat even when their units were routed!
Upon hearing these words, everyone's expressions grew even more solemn and grave.
Since it came from Alex, it must be true. Judging from this, the enemy is indeed very troublesome. For a moment, everyone fell into silence and deep thought.
At that moment, Count Colt broke the silence and said loudly, "Now that we have decided to fight, there is no need to be afraid!"
The enemy dared to launch such a rash attack; they must have something to rely on. But with such strength alone, they are no match for our army. Let Edmund handle the left flank for now!
Our warriors from the Northlands are all brave and fearless!
Today, since we are going to have a decisive battle with the Duchy Army, our opponents are not only the enemy's left flank, but also the Imperial Guard Legion!
"And I also want to take this opportunity to avenge the Iron Knight Regiment and Haines against Viscount Borey!"
As soon as Count Colt finished speaking, everyone seemed to be injected with adrenaline, and their previously somewhat listless expressions instantly became extremely excited.
"That's right! The Count is absolutely right!" someone shouted excitedly.
That's right. Since we can't rely on that guy Edmund, we can only rely on ourselves! Another person chimed in.
"Count lord, please allow our army to take on the main offensive and launch a fierce attack on the Imperial Guard Legion!" Yet another man stepped forward, volunteering for the mission.
In an instant, the entire scene erupted in excitement. Everyone was filled with passion and eager to try their luck, wishing they could rush onto the battlefield and fight.
Meanwhile, the command room was filled with noise as everyone eagerly expressed their willingness to lead their troops into battle and engage in a life-or-death struggle against the powerful Imperial Guard Legion.
Seeing this scene, Alex couldn't help but sigh inwardly: his father truly deserves to be called a veteran who has been through many battles; with just a few words, he was able to reignite the morale of the crowd.
However, at the same time, he still had a slight worry in his heart - after all, in the previous battles, the Northern Alliance Army had experienced the power of the Imperial Guard Legion many times, and it would not be easy to deal with them!
Just then, Count Colt stood up and said decisively, "I will personally command this battle!"
Apart from the Cavalry led by Alex, all other units of the Iron Birch Family must devote their full strength to the battle!
Philip, your legion will charge alongside me! We will use overwhelming force to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy and utterly crush the Imperial Guard Legion!
Upon hearing this, Alex was startled and cried out, "Father!" He knew that the war was fraught with danger and unpredictable, and that the fact that the commander-in-chief, Count Colt, had chosen to take such a risk himself was deeply worrying to him.
However, before he could continue, Count Colt interrupted him rudely, saying, "Shut up! I am the supreme commander of this operation. I personally built the Iron Birch Family's army, and only I can unleash their full fighting power!"
"Alex, carry out my orders immediately! Also, remember to address me as 'General' on the battlefield!" Before he finished speaking, Count Colt had already turned and left.