Paladin of the Dead God - Chapter 260



Only Krnovel

Subject Here – Episode 260. Horseshoes and Gunpowder (3)

Is this the beginning of a great plunder of the Olkan discipline, or a temporary plunder?

Given the timing, the former should have been given more of a chance, but if that were the case, Isaac would never be able to stop it with his own strength.

All Isaac can do is slow down their movements a little.

These orc nomads are unstoppable war machines once they start a raid.

They do not understand future-oriented, healthy consumption and circulation. They cut down all the trees, dig up all the mountains, burn them, and use stolen technology to quickly create what they want.

If the world’s furnace is centered around precise handicraft workshops led by artisans, the Olkan discipline runs on a mass production and mass consumption basis.

The warning that ‘they will fail’ is useless. In reality, they just fail.

They repeatedly squander all their cool assets and go bankrupt. Until time restores their assets and population. Therefore, the most valuable target of plunder and precious object of protection for them is, ironically, ‘knowledge’.

Because knowledge is never consumed no matter how much you use it.

The things that the Olkan discipline produces and consumes include its own life. Ironically, the reason why the Olkan discipline failed to conquer the world earlier was precisely because it ‘did not fear death.’

Tactics and techniques develop because we fear death.

However, the Olkan Discipline believes in the immortality of the soul, so it is brave and dies easily. At first, they are confused and afraid of the attacks of the Olkan Discipline, but eventually the other faiths devise a suitable countermeasure. The Olkan Discipline dies and goes to reincarnation before they can devise a countermeasure to that countermeasure. It will be tens or hundreds of years before they invade again.

‘… … That means that the Olkan Discipline cannot be stopped until everyone is killed to the point where the war cannot continue.’

Of course, Isaac has neither the strength nor the ability to do that.

At least equal forces, either the Imperial Army or other faiths, must be brought in. The Great Depredation of the Olkan Discipline was always a terrible thing for the Empire, so it seemed difficult to stop it unless the Dawn Army was immediately turned to this side.

‘But will the Order of the Light’s Law give up the coming of the Millennium Kingdom and protect the Empire? Will they?’

Not from what I’ve seen so far.

Even if the Empire burns to the ground, the Dawn Army will head to the Holy Land. The only thing they can trust is the Imperial Army.

Or other faiths.

Or you can rely on Isaac’s personal connections.

***

Doo doo doo doo doo… … .

A group of knights came charging into the city of Soer with the sound of loud horse hooves.

The knights, their white armors shining brightly, cast a new light on the city that had become bleak with fear and dread. The knight running at the forefront soon stopped in front of Isaac.

It was Rottenhammer.

“Isaac! I’m glad I can repay your debt so early. Where are the enemies?”

“Thank you for coming so soon, Commander Rottenhammer. The enemy has retreated. So there is no need to fight for now.”

“Really? Then let’s unpack first.”

Rottenhammer gave some instructions to the knights and then dismounted. He approached Isaac with a serious expression on his face.

“I heard that the Orkhan Discipline has invaded. In fact, it wasn’t just Soer who reported on the Orcs. I’ve also heard reports of Orcs being spotted in several places to the south.”

“In the south too… … .”

“It seems like there are three routes. There are some empty spots because they go around the Walaika Kingdom, but this is the place that will be the main target. It’s a long way to go.”

The possibility of a major plunder has increased.

Isaac couldn’t understand why the Great Depredation had been triggered.

“By the way, I heard that the Order of the Light’s Law attacked the Olkan Discipline. I thought it was unlikely that the Dawn Army would do that, but do you know anything about it?”

Subject Here – “The sect? Are you talking about the Siero Dawn Army? No way. No matter how stupid you are, there’s no way you could do that. It’s not because you’re incompetent, it’s because you don’t have the brains to do that. It won’t be easy to get to the orc settlement from the Man Sahar Plains, where the Olkan Discipline is based.”

The Man Sahar Plain is a vast plain where it is difficult to find a hill or a mountain even after walking for three days and nights. It is not much different from a desert in that it is difficult to find water or people.

Even if the Siero Dawn Army took a wrong turn, it wouldn’t be that bad.

“Then the claim that the church attacked could be a misunderstanding or an excuse.”

“That’s probably true. But I guess it doesn’t really matter now.”

Rottenhammer coughed briefly and opened his mouth.

“I have seen orcs before, but this is the first time I have confronted the Orkhan Code itself. Have you faced them? What kind of heretics are these?”

“Hmm… … If you’ve never faced it before, it might be a bit difficult to understand.”

Isaac first explained to Rottenhammer the remains of the cannons and gunpowder left behind by the orcs. Fortunately, Rottenhammer easily understood the concept of cannons and gunpowder, as well as reincarnation.

Because explosions were a common miracle even in the Code of Light.

It seemed that reincarnation was understood to be a concept similar to the ghost and possession of the undead.

But it seemed a little late to accept the changes that these cannons and gunpowder could bring to the battlefield.

“Looking at the state of the walls, I understand that the castle is becoming useless. But what about the cavalry’s ability to operate? Does that cannonball penetrate even the knight’s miracle? Are cannons also a type of miracle?”

“It’s not common, but they might be able to pull off a miracle. There’s definitely a miracle involved in their diabolical accuracy.”

Isaac wasn’t trying to tell the obvious story of the emergence of cannons = the fall of knights.

Contrary to popular belief, it is true that the decline of the knight began with the development of firearms, but cavalry itself did not disappear immediately. Rather, until it was sufficiently developed, cavalry was also the natural enemy of artillery.

Cavalry itself continued to exist long afterward, even into the early 20th century, especially the knights who were miraculously protected and could run faster than ordinary cavalry.

“What I’m saying is that you may have a hard time adjusting to the changes in this new battlefield. You’re still new to cannons, gunpowder, and reincarnated madmen.”

The sheer volume of cannon fire, the shock to people and horses from the explosions and noise, PTSD, the smell of gunpowder and acrid smoke, the craters on the ground from hits, the barrage of bullets, sniping, the list of variables and tactical changes is endless.

The role of the infantry has not changed much. However, the existing knight divisions have been performing a frontal breakthrough role on the battlefield, focusing on honest defense and speed.

But this battlefield required different tactics and different thinking.

Isaac didn’t have the confidence to teach and adapt it right away.

‘One day, I will adapt and become a slaughter machine that slaughters orcs. But that is not the case on this battlefield.’

Rottenhammer didn’t seem to understand, but he didn’t doubt Isaac’s words, whom he had decided to treat as an adult and showed respect for.

He nodded, seeming to accept Isaac’s concerns.

“Okay. New enemy, new tactics will be needed. I’ll listen carefully, so please tell me what you have to say.”

Then, suddenly, Rottenhammer asked with a puzzled look.

“Come to think of it, isn’t this your first time fighting? You’ve previously been on missions in the West, so this must be your first time encountering the Olkan discipline, but you seem to know it quite well.”

‘Oops.’

Just as Isaac was thinking about what to say in his defense, a voice came to his rescue.

“Isaac, you’re here.”

It was Gebel. Jacklet and Count Richard were also seen.

Most of the reinforcements that could come from the surrounding area, including Isacre, had arrived. Rottenhammer looked dumbfounded when he encountered Gebel in a completely unexpected place.

“Gebel, I didn’t expect to meet you here. At the monastery… … .”

At that moment, Gebel put his finger to his mouth with an embarrassed look on his face. Rottenhammer closed his mouth.

Gebel’s identity is not very clear. Of course, even if you know his identity, no one can do anything about him since he is protected by Isaac, but it is better to just keep your mouth shut.

Isaac opened his mouth when it seemed like everyone who could gather had gathered.

“Now, let’s talk about how to stop the Olkan Discipline.”

Subject Here – ***

The Knights of Brient, the soldiers of Isacrea, and the soldiers of Count Richard… … Those who could gather as quickly as possible from the nearest places gathered. The rest, knowing that the Orkan Discipline was approaching, were more likely to be anxious about protecting their own territories than providing support.

The rest were unlikely to wait until the Imperial or Cult forces arrived. When all the men needed to hold out until then had gathered, Isaac began a strategy meeting on the walls.

The meeting was led by Isaac, who was well versed in the Olkan discipline.

“First of all, I plan to give up on Soeru.”

“… …What did you say?!”

Mayor Soer asked in a shocked voice, having wanted to exclude him but having no choice but to include him. However, Isaac had no choice but to say what he had to say.

“It means that we should give up in the long term. Soer is a trading city, so it is not a suitable place to defend. It is an open plain on all sides, the river is easily polluted, the walls are low and broken, it is easy to be surrounded, and there are no troops to quickly provide support. How can a city be sieged when it is penetrated by a scouting party of only about 100 people?”

“but…….”

“Quiet.”

Rottenhammer silenced Mayor Soerr with a solemn word, though it seemed that the hammer as big as his head that he had placed on the rampart had played a greater role than his majesty.

Isaac thanked Rottenhammer with his eyes and continued talking.

“But it would be a shame to just give up a city like Soer. The evacuation hasn’t been completed yet. So we should start a delaying battle with Soer as the center, but make them satisfied with just having Soer.”

Isaac added, not forgetting to mention the Soer market.

“Of course, we will recover as quickly as possible with the help of reinforcements. However, we cannot continue to hold out here with our own forces.”

“But how can you satisfy me with just eating the Soer? If this is a prelude to the great plunder I’ve only seen in records, I wouldn’t be satisfied with this. Are you planning on preparing some kind of attractive gift?”

The previous Great Raids had penetrated deep into the Empire and threatened even Ultenheim. Since the purpose of the Orkan Discipline was simply to plunder, they were not so fatal, and they were eventually driven out, so the Light Code did not greatly fear them.

It was different from the Immortal Cult that succeeded in occupying and settling down in the Holy Land.

“An attractive gift is also nice.”

Isaac said, stroking his chin.

“But I don’t have the ability to provide expensive gifts. I am a humble and poor Grail Knight. But I know how to make gifts look attractive.”

Isaac looked at the Soer market with a grin.

“Sir, have you invested in Loarkus before?”

The mayor’s face fell at the sudden story of Loarkus. The expensive plants that had hit the market in Soer, the flowers that had caused the market to go up in price because everyone, merchants and farmers, were buying them up, were a nightmare for the mayor as well.

“… … Well, I knew it was speculation, but would there have been anyone who didn’t buy a single flower back then?”

“I’m not blaming you. How much did you pay for it?”

The mayor of Soer coughed in vain as the uncomfortable topic kept coming up, but eventually confessed.

“I bought it for quite a high price.”

“Then suddenly the market price plummeted. What did you think as you watched the price drop?”

The Soer market thought that the Grail Knight, who was the one responsible for causing the market price to plummet, was making fun of them.

But Isaac’s face was serious.

“… … I was hoping that I could at least get my principal back.”

“That’s my strategy.”

The mayor of Soer opened his mouth with a look of incomprehension. Then Gebel understood what he meant and spoke.

“It means that you intend to make us suffer enormous losses in capturing Soeru. So that we can think that just capturing Soeru is worth the initial investment.”

“That’s right. I can’t afford to give Olkan Discipline expensive packaging.”

Isaac looked out across the plains in front of Soerr, which would soon become a battlefield.

“But if what I have in my hand is poop, I’d be happy even if I could find only a rock in it.”