The Human Saint Is Bored, So I Was Summoned To Another World

The second part of the Tri-Skill Tournament, the 'Command' phase, had finally come.

"For this stage…" Sophia explained to me, "We'll be hiring mercenary companies to be commanded by you."

"Luckily, since this tournament was popular, it always attracts mercenaries from all over Chersea." William added. "We can find them around the battlefield; they'll be advertising their forces to the highest renter."

"Oh, so it's like the medieval style of warfare." I commented.

"Hmm? Medie…what?"

"Nothing. Carry on."

"I've ordered my butler to go around and get the best mercenary companies on our side." Sophia pointed it out. "To be sure that we'll win, we need to have a complete mixture of soldiers with different weapon specialties."

"I see. What have you got in mind?"

"A company of crossbowmen, at least two companies of spearmen, and a company of cavalry will do."

"The crossbowmen are for harassing and screening the main force, which will consist of the spearmen infantry and the cavalry." It was William who kept on dropping some backup explanations related to military. "The infantry, like always, will bear the brunt of the enemy offensive, and the cavalry will be used to chase down the escaping soldiers."

"Hmm…sounds like a good tactic."

"Well, I'm a commoner, so I'm exempted."

"Indeed, you are. But you're not a 'common' commoner." William countered me.

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, haven't you heard?" William looked at me like I'm some stupid person, "You've been the talk of the town ever since you defeated the Paladin Prince Maxwell von Kluck in your duel using a 'demon weapon'.

"What?!" I was surprised by that information.

"Indeed, you are! The commoners were especially elated to learn that someone like you is representing them in this tournament."

"But I didn't; I'm just here because a certain pair of kids asked me to fight for their sister."

"Ahem…as I've said earlier, you're slowly getting famous…or infamous, whichever side you want to see." Sophia kept on her words, "The nobility suddenly feared the influx of 'demon weapons' being traded in human territories, after they saw you effectively use it on a battle against a fully-armored knight."

Well, I guess that's to be expected. Back in the old Earth, the current Pope (before I was summoned here) even condemned the makers of firearms on the basis that it is an 'un-Christian' weapon.

Honestly, I don't know what to say to her, other than the usual "Thanks!" I'm being creeped out by these Rubinforths lately.

Hey, for some reason, I noticed a change on how these kids were treating me…

Like how when I woke up and I saw Sophia carrying an ornate silver tray of lavish food for my breakfast. She says it's her usual hospitality, but I highly doubt it.

Before, they would serve me food on a plain wooden tray with…I don't know if those were scraps, or someone took pity on me and did set aside some leftovers.

Now, I think this is a full course meal…something that's being served only for the nobility. And to think that Sophia herself would bring it to me, is something unprecedented as well.

William also had a noticeable change of character. Before, whenever I try to talk to him, he'd always give me this uninterested look. But now, every time I tell them something, he's listening intently on my words, and obeys my every order or request.

I don't know about the Duke and Her Holiness though…I haven't seen them since I woke up…

"Oh, it's Mister Kuro!"

"!!!"

"Papa!" Sophia greeted him, "You going now to the tourney field?"

"Yes, I have to make sure everything's okay in there." The Duke replied to his daughter with a pleasant smile; something that I haven't seen since knowing him.

And man, that's kind of creepy too. What the hell just happened?

"Mister Kuro, are you ready for the next challenge?" there's a hint of intimidation on his tone when he asked me that. But you know, for some weird reason, I also felt that he said that on a pleasant note—as if he's waiting something worthwhile from me. A far cry from his usual scowl and frown being thrown against me several times earlier.

"Err…yes, Your Excellency." I replied.

"Good. See you at the tourney fields then." The Duke then went off on his way.

Uh…is this what the Beastman Saint told me before that there's a change happening? If so, I'm pretty much creeped out.

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Sophia's butler arrived shortly after the Duke went to inspect the tourney fields for the upcoming second part of the Tri-Skill tournament. We were surprised when he came back, for he looked so dejected we didn't recognize him at first.

"Hah?!" Sophia was unnerved by what she had learned. "So, what have you got then?"

"I only managed to get three companies of spearmen before the money was spent."

William then aired his concerns, "That won't do. We'll never win with just spearmen. What if our enemy would use crossbowmen? We'll be defeated from afar if that happens."

"My apologies, Your Excellencies! Word has it that that the Templar-Prince bought off most of the available companies to gain numerical advantage over the Imperial Prince, who brought over his own hosts."

"It's alright, Jeeves." Sophia dismissed him, "You've done what you could. You may rest now."

After the butler named Jeeves left (seriously, is it the standard to name your butlers 'Jeeves' or 'Sebastian'?), the Rubinforth siblings and I discussed our current situation.

"We only got three leftover spearmen companies, huh?" William asked in dismay.

"I guess that's it, my brother…" Sophia commented. "Our cause is doomed."

"So, we'll withdraw Mister Kuro's registration?"

I was only listening to their desperate conversation. Honestly, I'm a bit hopeless as well. However, it's not like we can do something about it.

"Guys, I don't think it's too early to give up." I tried encouraging them. "Hey, why don't we try meeting the men your butler procured for us?"

"Hm…is it still winnable?" William kept on asking me.

To which, I replied, "We'll see about that. But first, let's see to those guys that were hired."

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The mercenaries' area is a small temporary enclave that was made to accommodate the companies of hired-arms selling their services to the candidates of the Tri-Skill Tournament. They usually advertise their specialties on a small board that was placed outside their respective tents.

Think of it as a shopping place for mercenaries. I know it's kind of strange, but it's actually pretty convenient this way. Less talk, more opportunity to browse around.

"…"

However, during this time, all of them had removed their signs—an indication that someone had already hired them, and replaced it with their employer's banner.

And just like what that butler named Jeeves said, by the time we have arrived, a lot of those tents had displayed the 'Flaming Mountain' banner of the Templar-Prince of Baltes.

"That guy made sure that he'll counter the powerful legions of the Empire with numbers." I heard what William said.

"Was this empire you're talking about the most powerful in this land?" I can't help myself but to ask that, I'm kind of interested in this place's geographical politics after all.

"Well, you can say that." William replied, "However, my grandfather said that back in my ancestors' time, they didn't even lift a finger in humanity's attempt to drive the invading demon armies in Chersea. As a result, the Empire was, in some way, ostracized from most of the Chersea's kingdoms and duchies."

"They are powerful enough to hold out on their own anyway, so what's the point of associating with others?" Sophia said in a contemptuous manner.

Kid, you don't know how human alliances work? It's not just simply helping others when they need military aid, it's also for boosting influence and the prestige of your country.

And based from William's narrative, this Empire he's talking about clearly treats its other neighboring territories as something of a second-rate civilization. Something like the Roman Empire did back on Classical Antiquity Earth.

"Anyway, here's our soldiers, I guess…" William and Sophia stopped right in front of a tent that displays the teal and white banner of the Rubinforth house. Across the narrow path, there were two more tents that have the same banner.

I guess those are our three companies of men…

"…"

"Hey, Cap, who are these kids and the weak-ass guy?" the thinly-bearded mercenary spoke about us to someone inside the first tent.

"Hmm? Probably our employers?" a gruff voice came from the tent.

"Huh? They are?"

"I heard that butler said they are a pair kids; the children of the host of this tourney."

"Well, if that's so, then you better show your arse here, Cap!"

"Ayt! I'm coming then!"

A few minutes of awkward silence followed as me, the Rubinforth siblings, and the mercenary waited for the one person called 'Cap' to emerge from inside his tent. We heard a few rustling and tussle before a white, curly-haired man with a feminine-looking face showed himself to us. He wore an impressive, but rather beaten-up armor that looked like it went through numerous bloody struggles in the past.

"Ooh…" the Rubinforth siblings were intimidated by his presence.

"…" I was intimidated as well, but for something else. This white, curly-haired guy reminds me of someone I knew back in my old world. Wait, is his name—

"Greetings! My name is Griffyth."

F.u.c.k, it's the famous NTR man!

"It's Griffyth with a 'y' though." He explained with a smile, "It's to avoid legal problems…"

"Huh?" Sophia tilted her head in wonder, "What legal problems?"

"Nothing!" Then he turned to me and gave me a look from head to toe. "You there!"

"W-what?!"

"I like you. You'll be mine!"

What the hell?! Even the dialogue…Don't tell me your mercenary company's name is also—

"Yes, you'll be with us in the Band of the Oak!"

Ha?! Band of the Oak?! That's a lame pun for that famous mercenary band back on Earth!

"Well, I should've named that 'Band of the Hawk', but I keep on getting the feeling that if I did, I'd be involved in a legal problem, so I renamed it to Oak."

Indeed. I'm glad you did that, since this stupid story might end up in hot water if you proceeded.

Anyway, Griffyth then proceeded to introduce us to his mercenary unit composed of mostly spearmen.

"This thinly-bearded man right there is called Gats. It's Gats with an 'a'."

"Let me guess…" I interjected this time, "It's to prevent legal problems again?"

"You've guessed it right. I really am liking you!" Griffyth says that with a dreamy look on his face.

Come on man, stop with that homo-sounding dialogue. It's seriously giving me the creeps.

"Gats is my best subordinate, and we specialize on fighting using spears." Griffyth showed us the other members inside his tent. "We're about 67 men strong, and aside from spears, we can use swords, ride on horseback, and Tarasca over there can cast magic."

Tarasca? You mean, your equivalent for C*sca?! I turned to look over the direction where Tarasca is, but…

"…"

Well, I expected Tarasca to be some cute mercenary girl. Much to my disappointment, Tarasca's a six-foot, bearded guy that looks like a hippie…

Everything's not right in this story. I hope the writer is still on his sane mind…

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Oh well, so much for the introductions. We gathered the mercenaries we were able to hire and talked to their captains. The other leaders were a serious bunch, and only Griffyth is the one who looked very different compared to them. His face looked so pretty he could pass of as a female; something that could cause an internet shitstorm debating whether he's a 'he' or a 'she'.

Alas, if they would only hear his voice…then many v.i.r.g.i.n dreams would certainly be destroyed…

Ah anyway, the Rubinforth siblings then took the time to introduce me to them as their commander (temporarily)…

"…"

And just what I expected, they don't like to be commanded by a weak-looking commoner like me.

"Surely, you jest Your Excellencies." one mercenary commented, "You mean this guy will be leading us in battle?"

"I'm sure you know what he just did to the Paladin Prince on the first round." William tried to defend me.

"This and that, are two different things. He may have been an experienced fighter, but will his skills suffice?"

"Yeah, we're hopelessly outnumbered here! We don't want to 'die' needlessly!"

"Come on guys, I like him!" Griffyth tried to side with the Rubinforths.

"Shut up Griff! Don't lump us with you, you effeminate man!"

That shut the NTR man for a while…

Anyway, I couldn't let this continue. I need to convince them that fighting under me is a worthwhile venture…

"Hey, guys! Listen to me!" I tried to get all of their attention toward my direction.

"What is it, newbie?"

"Are you guys scared or something?"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

"WE? SCARED? SURELY YOU'RE JOKING!"

"Well, you're backing out even though you haven't proved yourselves yet."

"Of course, we are! How can we be so sure that you're a competent commander?!"

"That's the point. You see, didn't you three companies end up rejected because the nobles think you are a bunch of incompetent good-for-nothings?"

"HEY! WATCH YOUR MOUTH!"

"Hold up, let him speak." Griffyth calmed his companions down.

"Well, I know it's pretty uncommon to see a commoner commanding you. But here's the deal; you know that we are looked down upon by these nobles because they think I can't properly command, more so make some good battlefield decisions. Now, imagine if, for some miraculous reason, we won the contest? What do you think those nobles would think of you?"

Silence ruled the entire group as they started to realize what I'm trying to say to them.

"That's right. They think I'm an incompetent, arrogant commoner. But because your mercenary companies are so good at fighting, your martial prowess made up for my lack of understanding of the battlefield." I gave a sly smile, "And so, with that kind of advertis.e.m.e.nt, I don't think your groups would go hungry for long while…"

"He's speaking the language of the gods!" someone among the mercenaries spoke up.

"Yes, the language of the mercenary god!"

"I don't think there's such one!"

"Whatever! What he says is true and reasonable!" A mercenary picked up his weapon and stood by my side. "I'll be fighting for Master Kuro!"

"Me as well!" another mercenary joined my side. And just like a contagious disease, they became convinced that I could lead them to victory.

Ugh…I hate on playing on people's hopes…

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So, after gathering them in one place, Sophia was having her headaches upon learning that we only have 205 men with spears and a variety of equipment, divided into three companies. A hopeless situation compared to the 20 mercenary companies of different weapon specialties hired by the Templar-Prince of Baltes.

I could tell that William wanted to cry in despair, but he's been holding back the tears pretty well…

Nice kid.

Sophia and the mercenary captains also expressed hopelessness at the situation. From a highly motivated force earlier after my speech, they became desperate, and were even considering to drop their participation from the contest, upon learning of the true situation. Only Griffyth had the guts to convince them to stay.

"…"

Well, I have the same opinion as most of them. But I decided not to focus much on the numbers. I was rather, looking towards the battlefield site. The weather had been very light drizzle, which made the soil a bit wet. There was no high ground that can be used to our advantage, and also, our enemies as well.

"…"

I remember a military maxim that says it's better if you choose where you fight your battles.

And actually, we could turn this field into our chosen battle site. I turned to Griffyth, who was actually surveying the place with me.

"Captain Griffyth?"

"Just call me Griff."

"Okay. I'm just curious, what is the reason why your companies were not hired by the Templar-Prince?"

"Well, he's an asshole."

"No, not that…"

"It must be because we're too few compared to other mercenary groups."

"Well, indeed, your band is fewer than most of these people." I kept on asking, "Can I ask why? I mean, you could've hired more people if you wanted to join and be hired in this prestigious game."

Griffyth gave me a wide grin. "You know Master, I and the other captains of these companies don't look into numbers when we fight. The Band of the Oak prioritizes morale and the quality of fighting men, unlike those other mercenary groups who think they can make a difference with numbers."

"I see…"

"Yes, that's our philosophy as a group. You see, most of these nobles only look at the quantity of men, and not with their quality. I beg to differ. We may be commoners but given the proper training, and encouragement, we can be a force to reckon with on the battlefields. I saw this happen on other lands, where conflict rages on."

"Oh…"

"So yeah, the nobles had doubts as to my reasons why I keep my men well below the usually accepted numbers. It's for ease of command and training. You see, Master Kuro, we've been training with other weapons to bring out difference and flexibility on the battlefield."

"Which means?"

"We could become spearmen to fight the cavalry, or swordsmen, to crush the infantry. We can also fight using bows and arrows for long range duels."

I fell silent when I heard that. Surely, that knowledge could bring about a difference in fighting a battle. If I remember, someone else from Earth pioneered this idea before—in the early days of gunpowder. King Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden had his men 'cross-trained', meaning they could operate on any type of battle condition. His infantry could become cavalry, and his cavalry could act as artillerymen.

Such innovations brought his kingdom into power in the years following the Thirty Years' War.

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Now I'm having an idea of how I'd fight my battle…

Armed with the knowledge that the mercenary companies we hired were capable of being converted into several types of soldiers depending on battlefield conditions, I set about to check on the rest of our little army. Just to give you a background, in this type of RPG-based, or medieval-fantasy world, what I've noticed is that the warriors here were often limited to the weapons they use at their disposal.

For example, if you become a knight, then you remain a knight. Thus, you can't use the bow.

In this battle, I'd like to exploit that flaw.

"Uh, Tarasca…"

"Yes?"

"Can you use fire magic?"

"Hmm? A little bit. Only a few barrages of fireballs, and that's it."

"How about some magic spell that can turn the soil into a muddy mess?"

"I can, but what for?"

"How about covering the mud with grass?"

"I guess I could do that, too?"

"Can you simultaneously cast them?"

"Well, I can't, but I can use it in quick succession."

"Nice." I just slapped him at the back. I did that lightly though, but his well-built body was so hard that it hurt my hand. Tarasca looked at me like he was weirded out. It was awkward.

Maybe I shouldn't do any mercenary-like things since I'm not a mercenary anyway.

And then, I turned into the other mercenary company that we hired, 'The Band of Brothers'. Its leader is called 'Winters', and though I keep on getting that weird 'World War II' vibes whenever I'm talking to him, I'm having a pretty good time discussing military stuff with the veteran.

"Hey, Winters!"

"Yo, man!"

"I got a few questions about your mercenary company."

"Hmm? What is it?

"You said earlier that your company can use bows, and crossbows aside from spears?"

"Yes, we can. You know the battlefields; it's like a capricious lady, she keeps on changing the more the action ensues…"

"I see…well, can you acquire lots of reserve arrows, just in case?" I purposefully kept my plans a secret from them just yet. I'm sure we'll be all hard-pressed the moment the battle starts.

The last one who I went to talk to are the leaders of the last mercenary band we hired, the 'Golden Territory Warriors', whose names are Kevin and Stephan.

"…"

I swear, something off with these names…

Anyway, I also asked them a few questions on the abilities of their mercenary company. Kevin happily narrated the history of their group instead; fortunately, Stephan was more level-headed and gave me the information I need.

Well, from the looks of it, they're the most upstart among the three companies we hired. Many of their members can only use the spears, though they aim to try and use the sword as well…in case the combat became up close and personal…

And now, I think I already had an idea of what I should do…

After I'm done with ascertaining the abilities of our little army, I called Sophia, William and the mercenary leaders to something like a 'war council'—for short, I'm about to lay out my battle plans before them…

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Then came the horn blast, announcing the start of the contest.

"…"

There were four of us that were left in the second part of the Tri-Skill tournament. From the Mithril Group, the Imperial Prince with his professional legions; from the Gold Group, the Grey Knight of the East, with his group of knights and men-at-arms; from the Silver Group, the Templar-Prince of Baltes and his numerous mercenary hosts…

"…"

And well, from the Bronze Group, my motley army of spearmen, led by the NTR man, a pair of basketball players, and a Normandy paratrooper. (Of course, it's a pun…get it?)

What the hell is this composition?!

Not that I have anything else to choose. But I guess, in order to have a chance to bite my enemies, I'll put their abilities to good use.

And unlike the first contest where no one had the resolve to put their bet on me, this time, I actually have someone who's willing to risk their money…

"What?! Devras? That demon merchant?"

I'm pretty much surprised. Considering that he's a businessman, he's way too much of a risk-taker. To think that he'd actually put his money on me…that's a lot of trust there.

I really need to win!

"Candidates from the Silver and Bronze groups! Please step forward and pick a paper!" the judge called out to us.

And so, the two of us took our chosen papers and simultaneously opened it.

"!!!"

Well, much to my relief, I was to fight the Grey Knight of the East instead of the Templar-Prince or the Imperial Prince. I guess this is much better than having to fend off numerous attacks from the sea of mercenaries sent to destroy us, or face the wrath of the disciplined legions of the Imperial Prince, to which I'm sure our group had no chance to stand against.

Again, as was on the first phase of the Tri-Skill Tournament, the fight between me and the Grey Knight was considered to be a side-show. So, we were to be the first to cross arms…

"The first group to get annihilated or surrender will be the one defeated." The judge explained the rules to us. "Any type of weaponry and skills are allowed, but no one is to attack the general of the opposing army. Did you understand my instructions?"

The Grey Knight gave his nod as a sign that he understood, and I also expressed my agreement to the rules. And then, after shaking hands, we went back to our respective sides to arrange our battle lines.

"Alright guys, it's time to fight." I told my mercenaries. "Go to the positions you'll be holding as I told you in our war council."

The grunts and nods of the men from my little army gave me the confidence that somehow, they've recognized me as their leader, at least temporarily. Although we knew we're hopelessly outnumbered and were assured with substitution dolls for safety, I still promised them that I'll try to emerge in this contest with them mostly unscathed.

A big promise to fulfill, but in war, encouraging words could spell the difference between a resounding success or an infamous failure.

"FIGHT!" the judge began the fight in earnest, partly maybe due to the next fight between the Imperial Prince and the Templar-Prince looming. So, they're kind of in a hurry for our battle to be done with.

Don't worry, I'm also of the same opinion, Mister Judge.

As per our plan, I concentrated 'Band of Brothers' unit in a single mass in the middle of my battle line. They were armed with bows this time, but they have their spears at the ready beside them. On their flanks and positioned to protect them from flanking maneuvers, is the mercenary group of 'Golden Territory Warriors', which I divided into two sub-groups each commanded by one of its captains.

For the 'Band of the Oak', I placed them behind the battle line to act as a reserve force to reinforce any part of my front that is in danger of breaking.

"…"

However, the main piece in this plan is Tarasca. His ability to cast several types of magic in quick succession is my key to winning this battle. He and his skill will be my 'force multiplier', so that we can fight on par with the armored knights and men of the Grey Knight of the East.

"!!!"

I heard the horns being blown on the opponent's side, signaling the start of their advance. The crowd that was watching on the bleachers began to cheer wildly. Unlike the first part of the Tri-Skill, a lot of audience had come to watch the 'arrogant commoner' battle it out against the greatest nobles of the land of Chersea.

"…"

From a distance, I could see the armored knights of the Grey Knight march directly into my battle line. His infantry followed closely behind the cavalry.

A pretty direct tactic, I'd say.

I could tell their contempt for our group since we look like a ragtag band of bandits and brigands instead of a 'real' fighting army. Add my infamous reputation as a 'commoner', and of course, they'd think that I won't be able to command and fight properly.

"…"

I would say that the enemy formation would be an easy picking for my archer-spearmen, if not for the smokescreen that was deployed by the enemy's magician at the last minute.

In a matter of few moments, the entire battlefield in front of us was shrouded in thick white smoke.

"…"

"Keep your eyes peeled men!" I heard Griffyth shout his orders, "And also, your ears open."

I could understand why he said that. The horses' hooves would make an inevitable sound as they gallop towards our line, and that would be the signal that they'd be coming to charge down on us.

"…"

However, there's no sound to be heard in the midst of that smoke. Even the crowd fell silent as well, but I guess, this quietness was created artificially by the magicians on the opposing side.

Heh, pretty solid tactic, I guess…

At that moment, a huge fireball then came out of the smoke and fell on us.

"!!!"

But Tarasca made a quick work on that fireball, which is actually a diversion from the real attack!

"TO THE RIGHT!" I heard Kevin shout.

"RAISE THE SPIKES!" was my order to the mercenaries.

Then, out from the ground came several pointed rocks that skewered the horses and the knights that came charging through the right flank of my line. Those that manage to jump through their incapacitated comrades then found themselves slowed down by the muddy ground after the spikes, at which, I ordered the archers to lose the hail of arrows on the trapped men.

"THE LEFT IS UNDER ATTACK AS WELL!"

"TARASCA, GIVE THOSE BASTARDS TO THE LEFT A TASTE OF YOUR FIREBALLS!"

Tarasca nodded and quickly followed my orders. Since the archers were busy finishing off the poor souls on the right, I thought Tarasca should pick those knights attacking our left flank from a safe distance.

Very soon, the left of our line was illuminated by burning knights and horses.

Ugh…even if they'll live after their damage was absorbed by the substitution doll, it's still painful to be burned.

Soon enough, the knights realized the futility of their actions and slowly retreated.

"Haha! We're driving those guys back, and we haven't suffered a single casualty just yet!" Gats commented.

"Master Kuro, how about us?" Griffyth asked me impatiently, since I was holding them back. I think he also wants a share of glory to his company…

"Keep your positions, Griff. Those are just reconnaissance units." I told him. "Expect another round of assault. Tarasca, set up the barriers!"

Tarasca then put up the magic shield and deployed it above us. And then I ordered the other mercenary magicians in my army to reinforce Tarasca's barrier…

For very soon, the missiles from the enemy had come raining down on us.

"!!!"

The explosive fireballs and flaming arrows showered our positions with impunity. Tarasca's shield, with help from his fellow magicians, was holding up pretty well. Griffyth watched in awe as the colorful explosions of the magic spells and arrows made a terribly beautiful spectacle above us.

"…"

And then the barrage stopped.

"…"

The battlefield was quiet for a few moments, until I noticed that the mud field I had Tarasca secretly create earlier became rock solid. Apparently, it's the work of the enemy magicians.

"SPEARS AT THE READY!"

The Band of Brothers unit then quickly dropped their bows and resorted to use their spears, deployed in a phalanx formation. The first three ranks were formed with their weapons pointed towards the enemy, and they silently waited for the incoming assault.

"HERE THEY COME!"

The first units of the armored knight appeared through the smoke, which the opposing magicians immediately dispersed after to reveal the mass of knights and men-at-arms charging towards us, with their armors glistening against the sun.

"…"

The mud fields were now frozen solid, meaning they could cross to our battle lines unhindered, and the archers were converted to spearmen to meet the cavalry charge. Tarasca was pretty much spent, so he's resting at the back for a while.

I guess we'll have to hold this line for a while…

The battle for the front became close and personal. Though the forest of sharp spears deterred the knights and their horses from charging us down, the men-at-arms infantry closed in on our spearmen.

"GRIFFYTH, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!"

"ALRIGHT BOYS, TIME TO SHOW THESE ARROGANT BASTARDS WHAT THEY'VE MISSED FROM NOT HIRING US!"

"AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHH!!!"

The Band of the Oak unit then came with a countercharge against the men-at-arms. As the spears of the Band of Brothers and Golden Territory Warriors were way too long to fight the enemy infantry in close quarters, I had the NTR man's group fight them with their swords.

Spears protecting the swords from the cavalry, and the swords protecting the spears from the infantry. The enemy's range infantry and magicians couldn't rain down their projectiles on us, since doing so would endanger their own as well…

Nice, just like what I used to fight with when I'm playing my real-time strategy games on PC.

"…"

However, I've also noticed that the mercenaries were about to reach their fighting limit. They're getting exhausted, and this could mean danger—absolute danger. My entire battle line could collapse if I don't do something soon…

I turned to Tarasca.

"Hey, can you still cast at least one more spell in a large area?"

Tarasca gave me an honest response, "Well, I could. But doing so would completely exhaust me until I sleep again."

"Alright, cast another mud spell and turn that area a few distances from our line into a mud field."

"Okay, as you say Cap!" Tarasca then stood up and started chanting. It took him a while to complete his spell, since I asked him to cast it on a large area. Behind my head, I prayed that my entire line would hold against the furious assault of the Grey Knight's men.

"MUD FIELD!"

At that moment, the ground in front of us began to soften and the attacking men were shocked to find themselves sinking slowly into the soil. Many of them began to panic and tried to scamper for safety; the horses and the knights were effectively immobilized, and those who were near our battle line were trapped between our swords and spears and the mud field.

Heh, just like what I planned…

At that moment, I gave the order to the Band of Brothers group.

"ARROWS ON THE KNIGHTS! FIRE ON MY COMMAND!"

The archer-spearmen then took their bows and aimed at the struggling knights and men-at-arms who were caught in the mud, as well as those who were still alive in front of us. And then, I let loose the order…

"FIRE!"

A great massacre then followed, Crecy style.