Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33 - Ruins
Chapter 34 - Discovery
Chapter 35 - Dancing With A Python
Chapter 36 - The Perfect Excuse
Chapter 37 - Shaliun Gold Coins
Chapter 38 - Return Trip
Chapter 39 - Shocking The Town
Chapter 40 - Splitting The Spoils
Chapter 41 - Treating In The Tavern
Chapter 42 - Bookstore
Chapter 43 - Household Turmoil
Chapter 44 - Making Noodles
Chapter 45 - Disappointment And Gift
Chapter 46 - Choice For The Future
Chapter 47 - Father'S Plans
Chapter 48 - Buying Bullets And Gunpowder
Chapter 49 - Flipper
Chapter 50 - Eriksson'S Little Fishing Boat Dream
Chapter 51 - Shooting Practice
Chapter 52 - Target And Sight
Chapter 53 - Pointless Trivia
Chapter 54 - Three-Dot Sight
Chapter 55 - A Disappointing Hunt
Chapter 56 - Hare Hunting
Chapter 57 - Chain Snare Catches
Chapter 58 - Secret Concoction
Chapter 59 - Lardor Snowhound
Chapter 60 - Claude The Confused
Chapter 61 - Magus Landes'S Diary (1)
Chapter 62 - Magus Landes'S Diary (2)
Chapter 63 - Magus Landes'S Diary (3)
Chapter 64 - Surprise In The Diary
Chapter 65 - The Decision To Learn Magic
Chapter 66 - Claude On The Roof
Chapter 67 - Repercussions
Chapter 68 - Preparatory Work
Chapter 69 - Nighttime Cruise And Fishing Net
Chapter 70 - Night Fishing
Chapter 71 - Hunting Water Birds
Chapter 72 - Crocodile Struggle
Chapter 73 - Limping Home
Chapter 74 - At The Jetty
Chapter 75 - Father'S Decision
Chapter 76 - Two Pieces Of Bad News
Chapter 77 - The Second Diary
Chapter 78 - Basic Spells
Chapter 79 - Claude'S Dilemma
Chapter 80 - Throughout The Year-End Vacation
Chapter 81 - Whale Meat And Tradition
Chapter 82 - New Year'S Eve
Chapter 83 - Half A Cup Of Milk Tea
Chapter 84 - Becoming A One-Ring Rune Magus
Chapter 85 - Mental Shock And Animal Trials
Chapter 86 - The Lady'S Spell
Chapter 87 - Lady Maria
Chapter 88 - I'Ve Been Learning Forbidden Spells?
Chapter 89 - Harmless Spells
Chapter 90 - Black Magic Market
Chapter 91 - Claude'S Request
Chapter 92 - Hunting Wild Boars
Chapter 93 - Magic Tomes And Scrolls
Chapter 94 - Visit From An Honoured Guest
Chapter 95 - You Should Be A Chef
Chapter 96 - Difference
Chapter 97 - Wood Supervisor
Chapter 98 - The Small Hut
Chapter 99 - The Old Street At Night
Chapter 100 - Hurian The Fat Old Man
Chapter 101 - High Prices
Chapter 102 - Magic Crossbow
Chapter 103 - Confrontation On The Road
Chapter 104 - Taking Action
Chapter 105 - Weapons And Spells
Chapter 106 - Wrapped Up And Dealth With
Chapter 107 - Discussion
Chapter 108 - Excuse For Lateness
Chapter 109 - Two Spell Scrolls
Chapter 110 - Ambush And Pursuit
Chapter 111 - Spellbane Dagger
Chapter 112 - Imposter
Chapter 113 - Featherfall
Chapter 114 - Preparation Before Setup
Chapter 115 - Success!
Chapter 116 - Asking For Money
Chapter 117 - Familial Conflict
Chapter 118 - Going Out To Sea
Chapter 119 - Search
Chapter 120 - Discovery
Chapter 121 - Burning Coal
Chapter 122 - Time To Make Some Money
Chapter 123 - Graduation
Chapter 124 - Martial Law
Chapter 125 - Crime
Chapter 126 - Garrison
Chapter 127 - Mayor Robert'S Plan
Chapter 128 - Tricked Veterans
Chapter 129 - Arbeit The Fraud
Chapter 130 - Arbeit'S Whereabouts
Chapter 131 - Search
Chapter 132 - Den
Chapter 133 - Taking Action
Chapter 134 - Encounter
Chapter 135 - Bidlir Blanche
Chapter 136 - Lady Maria'S Reply
Chapter 137 - Turmoil In Court
Chapter 138 - Two Matters
Chapter 139 - Arbeit'S Intent
Chapter 140 - Filling Pockets
Chapter 141 - Wasted Trip
Chapter 142 - The Magus That Robs
Chapter 143 - Battle In The Yard
Chapter 144 - Robbery Complete
Chapter 145 - Jerad'S Thoughts
Chapter 146 - Auction
Chapter 147 - Father-And-Son Talk
Chapter 148 - The Nightmare Comes
Chapter 149 - Modification And Rumours
Chapter 150 - In Debt
Chapter 151 - Despair
Chapter 152 - Turmoil
Chapter 153 - Act Of Creditors
Chapter 154 - Guarantee
Chapter 155 - Move
Chapter 156 - Kefnie'S Confession
Chapter 157 - Lady Maria'S Gift
Chapter 158 - Property Development
Chapter 159 - Angelina'S Secret
Chapter 160 - Angelina Wants To Learn Magic
Chapter 161 - Whitestag In The Fifth Month
Chapter 162 - Confusion And Change
Chapter 163 - Mayor Felidos
Chapter 164 - Doing Wrong With Good Intentions
Chapter 165 - Conscription Order
Chapter 166 - Have Some Whiskey
Chapter 167 - Explanation
Chapter 168 - Urgent Document
Chapter 169 - Execution
Chapter 170 - Detective
Chapter 171 - Suspicion
Chapter 172 - Dispelling Doubt
Chapter 173 - Repurcussions
Chapter 174 - Eve Of Departure
Chapter 175 - En Route
Chapter 176 - Doghunt Tavern
Chapter 177 - City Of Whitewood
Chapter 178 - Whiteroot Powder
Chapter 179 - Shocking Turn
Chapter 180 - Misunderstanding
Chapter 181 - City Lockdown
Chapter 182 - Blunder
Chapter 183 - Reporting For Duty
Chapter 184 - The Four Of Noble Blood
Chapter 185 - Beatdown
Chapter 186 - Infirmary
Chapter 187 - The Whole Story
Chapter 188 - Punishment
Chapter 189 - Confinement
Chapter 190 - Training
Chapter 191 - Training Ongoing
Chapter 192 - Three Day Break
Chapter 193 - Surprising Tentsman Pick
Chapter 194 - Combat Training
Chapter 195 - The Final Counterattack
Chapter 196 - Causing Trouble
Chapter 197 - Settlement
Chapter 198 - Worry And Puzzlement
Chapter 199 - Wonderful News
Chapter 200 - Letters
Chapter 201 - New Recruits
Chapter 202 - Kink-Necks
Chapter 203 - Marksmanship Training
Chapter 204 - Combat Simulation
Chapter 205 - Glory Or Embarrassment
Chapter 206 - The Breakout Of War
Chapter 207 - Arrival Of The Prince
Chapter 208 - The Prince'S Summons
Chapter 209 - Refusal
Chapter 210 - In The Heat Of The Matter
Chapter 211 - Initial Signs Of Danger
Chapter 212 - Nosedive
Chapter 213 - Conclusion Of Battle
Chapter 214 - The Keeper Band Worth Two Bottles Of Wine
Chapter 215 - Prince Hansbach
Chapter 216 - Rangers
Chapter 217 - Lieutenant-Colonel Rosley
Chapter 218 - Ambush
Chapter 219 - Casualties
Chapter 220 - The Battle Reignites
Chapter 221 - On The Frontlines
Chapter 222 - Wilf Stronghold
Chapter 223 - Marching In Line
Chapter 224 - Suppressive Attack
Chapter 225 - Visit
Chapter 226 - Returning For Duty
Chapter 227 - Blackmaple Castle
Chapter 228 - Deployment Strategy
Chapter 229 - Squirrel Village
Chapter 230 - Questioning
Chapter 231 - The Baroness’ Complaint
Chapter 232 - Charm
Chapter 233 - Discussion And Inspiration
Chapter 234 - Major Lederfanc’S Inspection
Chapter 235 - Secret
Chapter 236 - Black Wolf
Chapter 237 - Wolf And The Maiden
Chapter 238 - The Shack Beneath The Rubber Tree
Chapter 239 - With In The Forest
Chapter 240 - Finally Speaking
Chapter 241 - Howling Wolf
Chapter 242 - Rainy Night
Chapter 243 - Skinning
Chapter 244 - Sheila
Chapter 245 - Nature Spells
Chapter 246 - Kindle And Fireball
Chapter 247 - Martial God Asur247
Chapter 248 - Nineteen Magic Scrolls
Chapter 249 - Spell Study
Chapter 250 - Construction Of The Wooden House
Chapter 251 - Enemy Movements
Chapter 252 - Preparations
Chapter 253 - The Battle Begins
Chapter 254 - Night Attack
Chapter 255 - Armies Gathering
Chapter 256 - Pursuing Soldiers
Chapter 257 - Attack And Defence
Chapter 258 - Cannon Bombardment
Chapter 259 - The Camp As Tough As A Fortress
Chapter 260 - Strategy
Chapter 261 - Splendid Victory
Chapter 262 - Triumphant Report
Chapter 263 - Background
Chapter 264 - Leisurely Time
Chapter 265 - Joint Investigation Committee
Chapter 266 - Knighthood
Chapter 267 - Role Reassignment
Chapter 268 - Grand Gathering
Chapter 269 - Coincidental Reunion
Chapter 270 - News From Welikro
Chapter 271 - Explosive Shot
Chapter 272 - Mission
Chapter 273 - Dominion Of Death
Chapter 274 - Castle Landes
Chapter 275 - Remaining A Deadbeat
Chapter 276 - Supply Difficulties
Chapter 277 - Fall Of Rimodra
Chapter 278 - Mistake
Chapter 279 - Withdrawal
Chapter 280 - Siege
Chapter 281 - Shootout
Chapter 282 - Grassland Goldeagle
Chapter 283 - Siege Tower
Chapter 284 - Clash On The Walls
Chapter 285 - Siege Towers Destroyed
Chapter 286 - Escape Route
Chapter 287 - Withdrawal
Chapter 288 - Noble And Peasant Officers
Chapter 289 - The Brash First Prince
Chapter 290 - No Limit To Imbecility
Chapter 291 - Imposters
Chapter 292 - First Lieutenant Perengue
Chapter 293 - A Life Lost
Chapter 294 - Countermeasures
Chapter 295 - Judiciary Investigation Committee
Chapter 296 - Investigation Ongoing
Chapter 297 - Investigation Concluded
Chapter 298 - Train Of Thought
Chapter 299 - The Dust Has Settled
Chapter 300 - Family Visit Break
Chapter 301 - Efenasburg'S Black Market
Chapter 302 - Bandits
Chapter 303 - Bandit Encounter
Chapter 304 - Return Home
Chapter 305 - Mother, Sister, Brother, And Pluto
Chapter 306 - Sister And Spells
Chapter 307 - Lady Maria'S Deliberations
Chapter 308 - Buying Woodland
Chapter 309 - Myriad Changes
Chapter 310 - Kills And Magic Accessories
Chapter 311 - Visits
Chapter 312
Chapter 313 - Peddler Donoby
Chapter 314 - Lieutenant Manrique
Chapter 315
Chapter 316 - Home Stay And Eloping
Chapter 317 - The Sounds Upstairs
Chapter 318 - Laundry Chaos
Chapter 319 - Trash Novel
Chapter 320 - Arrival In The Royal Capital
Chapter 321 - Visit
Chapter 322 - Village Chief Chenova
Chapter 323 - Advanced Strategy Class
Chapter 324 - Rainy Season
Chapter 325 - The Hole Under The Bed
Chapter 326 - Inadequacies
Chapter 327 - Family Correspondence
Chapter 328 - Special Independent Tribe
Chapter 329 - Personnel And Organisation
Chapter 330 - Military Discipline And Healer Transfer
Chapter 331 - Long Distance Training
Chapter 332 - Two New Developments
Chapter 333 - Training Exercise
Chapter 334 - Another War
Chapter 335 - Arrival On Nubissia
Chapter 336 - Port Cobius
Chapter 337 - The High-Commissioner’S Problem
Chapter 338 - Planning
Chapter 339 - Encounter
Chapter 340 - Claude Defence Line
Chapter 341 - Night Attack! Night Attack!
Chapter 342 - Operation Burn
Chapter 343 - Push And Pull
Chapter 344 - Burning Mordo
Chapter 345 - Siblings' Arrival
Chapter 346 - Angelina'S Marriage Matters
Chapter 347 - Victory And Expansion
Chapter 348 - Theatre Of War
Chapter 349 - Great Battle’S Eve
Chapter 350 - Bait And Massacre
Chapter 351 - Battle Of Balingana (1)
Chapter 352 - Battle Of Balingana (2)
Chapter 353 - Battle Of Balingana (3)
Chapter 354 - The General'S Mistake
Chapter 355 - State Of Turmoil
Chapter 356 - Military Budget Debacle
Chapter 357 - Changes In The Corps
Chapter 358 - Truth And Excavation
Chapter 359 - General Fansnik
Chapter 360 - Field Marshal Of The Theatre
Chapter 361 - Problem Solved
Chapter 362 - Spending And Promotion
Chapter 363 - Mister Weyblon
Chapter 364 - Drivick
Chapter 365 - Explosives And Ignition Powder
Chapter 366 - New Theatre Preparation Meeting
Chapter 367 - Sudden Incident
Chapter 368 - Reuniting With An Old Friend
Chapter 369 - Matters Settled
Chapter 370 - Work Horses, Donkeys, Mine, And Factory
Chapter 371 - Monster And Power
Chapter 372 - Hot Air Engine
Chapter 373 - Borkal'S Mission
Chapter 374 - Bull Hunting
Chapter 375 - Dawn Attack
Chapter 376 - The Second Encampment
Chapter 377 - Battle Back And Forth
Chapter 378 - Trade
Chapter 379 - Third Victory
Chapter 380 - General Eiblont
Chapter 381 - Conquest Of Wickhamsburg
Chapter 382 - Strike
Chapter 383 - The Nikancha Call For Help
Chapter 384 - Great Deal For The Nikancha
Chapter 385 - Position Shift
Chapter 386
Chapter 387 - Majid Iii'S Plans
Chapter 388 - Word Of Mouth
Chapter 389 - Sixty Percent
Chapter 390 - Reunion After A Long Parting
Chapter 391 - Father-Daughter Magi
Chapter 392 - Revolver Test: Success!
Chapter 393 - Recruitment
Chapter 394 - General Aljess
Chapter 395 - Attack Drill
Chapter 396 - Gunshots At Midnight
Chapter 397 - Ambushed
Chapter 398 - Assassination
Chapter 399 - Loss
Chapter 400 - Greytower Magi And Countermeasures
Chapter 401 - Thoughts And Self-Preservation
Chapter 402 - The Royal Capital'S Response
Chapter 403
Chapter 404 - Humbling Oneself
Chapter 405 - Discharge Problem
Chapter 406 - Problem Solved
Chapter 407 - Rapidly Changing World
Chapter 408 - War Orphans
Chapter 409 - Civil War And Waves Of Immigrants
Chapter 410 - Conclusive Year-End Report
Chapter 411
Chapter 412 - Downsizing And Shocking News
Chapter 413 - Restructuring And Huge Bombshell
Chapter 414 - Reasoning
Chapter 415 - Rubbish Defence
Chapter 416 - Absorbed Into The Theatre
Chapter 417 - Viscount Godic
Chapter 418 - Averting Trouble
Chapter 419
Chapter 420 - Borkal’S Legendary Exploits
Chapter 421 - Military Industrial Equipment
Chapter 422 - The Purge
Chapter 423 - New Rifle
Chapter 424 - News From Smugglers
Chapter 425 - Western Coast
Chapter 426 - Loan
Chapter 427 - Fundraising
Chapter 428 - Lease
Chapter 429
Chapter 430
Chapter 431 - Claude’S Countermeasures
Chapter 432 - Operation Leak
Chapter 433 - Opinion
Chapter 434
Chapter 435 - Negotiations (1)
Chapter 436 - Negotiations (2)
Chapter 437 - Shiksan Arrival
Chapter 438 - Pre-War Business
Chapter 439 - Defence Line
Chapter 440 - Reason For Loss
Chapter 441 - Night Attack And Ambush
Chapter 442 - Solving The Root Of The Problem
Chapter 443 - Wolffang Band
Chapter 444
Chapter 445
Chapter 446 - Unexpected Developments
Chapter 447 - Attack Mishap
Chapter 448 - Heated Battle At Camp
Chapter 449 - Bloody Clash
Chapter 450 - Merit, Lesson, And The Foolish Nikancha
Chapter 451 - The Wondrous Nikancha
Chapter 452 - Conclusions
Chapter 453 - Meeting And Decisions
Chapter 454 - New Research
Chapter 455 - Tobacco Business
Chapter 456 - Rumours And Going Off-Topic
Chapter 457 - The Nikancha’S Offer
Chapter 458 - Suggestions Laced With Threats
Chapter 459 - Idle Chat And Arrival
Chapter 460 - Nikancha Camp-Flight Incident
Chapter 461
Chapter 462
Chapter 463 - Tricks And Countermeasures
Chapter 464 - Crossing The Floating Bridge
Chapter 465 - Meeting And Surprise Attack
Chapter 466 - Thundercrash’S Assault
Chapter 467 - Surprise Attack Planning
Chapter 468 - At Sea
Chapter 469 - The Grand Push
Chapter 470 - Cleanup After The Great Battle
Chapter 471 - Borkal’S Experiences
Chapter 472 - Private Conversation
Chapter 473 - Blacksail And Eriksson
Chapter 474 - Rebuke
Chapter 475 - Ambassador’S Arrival
Chapter 476 - Piglet Capture Conflict
Chapter 477 - Shock At The Banquet
Chapter 478 - Ambassadors’ Night Meeting
Chapter 479 - Blinded By Greed
Chapter 480 - Aftermath And Self-Governance
Chapter 481 - Deploying On The Mainland
Chapter 482 - Sacred Light Era Year 595
Chapter 483 - The Union Rises
Chapter 484 - Request And Reply
Chapter 485 - Troubling Household Matters
Chapter 486 - The Hunt
Chapter 487 - Tracking
Chapter 488 - Train
Chapter 489 - Blackwind, Stop Licking!
Chapter 490 - Sheila’S Experiences
Chapter 491 - Catching Up
Chapter 492 - Busywork And Misfortune
Chapter 493 - Family Troubles
Chapter 494 - Splitting Family Assets
Chapter 495 - Aid
Chapter 496 - Ironclad And Stahlhelm
Chapter 497 - Declaration Of War
Chapter 498 - Chasing Ambassador’S Away And Maria’S Arrival
Chapter 499 - Conversation On The Train
Chapter 500 - Deciding To Deploy
Chapter 501 - Goals
Chapter 502 - Operation Crescent Moon
Chapter 503 - Arrival And Impersonation
Chapter 504 - War On Two Fronts
Chapter 505 - Triumph Of Ambruiz
Chapter 506 - Station And Choice
Chapter 507 - En Route To Polyvisia
Chapter 508 - Butcher Of Polyvisia
Chapter 509 - Saint Lusk Naval Battle
Chapter 510 - Severe Circumstances
Chapter 511 - Choosing To Fight Or Leave
Chapter 512 - Prelude To Battle
Chapter 513 - Clash In Polyvisia (1)
Chapter 514 - Clash In Polyvisia (2)
Chapter 515 - Clash In Polyvisia (3)
Chapter 516 - Clash In Polyvisia (4)
Chapter 517 - Good News And Lies
Chapter 518 - Appointment And Delegation
Chapter 519 - Captives And Expansion
Chapter 520 - Disassembly And Diversion
Chapter 521 - Prime Minister’S Two Proposals
Chapter 522 - The King'S Scheme
Chapter 523 - Elevation Fee
Chapter 524 - Choice And Solidarity
Chapter 525 - The Council'S Three Demands
Chapter 526 - Solidarity Of Victors
Chapter 527 - Fief Picks
Chapter 528 - Bandit Extermination
Chapter 529 - Really A Misunderstanding?
Chapter 530 - Deploying Troops
Chapter 531 - Prime Minister’S Reception
Chapter 532 - Sharp Negotiations
Chapter 533 - Reparations Negotiations And Arms Deal
Chapter 534 - Two Bits Of Bad News
Chapter 535 - Analysis And Response
Chapter 536 - Ironclad Deal
Chapter 537 - Operation Wildfire
Chapter 538 - Shiksan Captives
Chapter 539 - Tesoray'S Future
Chapter 540 - Family Matters
Chapter 541 - Reorganisation And Voluntary Folk
Chapter 542 - Escort And Transport
Chapter 543 - Court Case Of The Wood
Chapter 544 - Pamigar Revolt
Chapter 545 - Battle Report
Chapter 546 - Looming Threat
Chapter 547 - General Skri'S Secret Message
Chapter 548 - Western Coast Incident Of 603
Chapter 549 - Death Of The Great Chieftain
Chapter 550 - Return Of General Birkin
Chapter 551 - Cape Lodocus'S Handover
Chapter 552 - Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 553 - To The Mainland
Chapter 554 - Blancarte'S Intentions
Chapter 555 - Worrying Household Matters
Chapter 556 - Clueless Mother
Chapter 557 - Avitelli I Of Bleyotte
Chapter 558 - Fate Of Mambamark
Chapter 559 - Strategic Lies
Chapter 560 - 9Th Month Of Year 604
Chapter 561 - Attacking First
Chapter 562 - The Great Demise
Chapter 563 - Strategic Analysis And Delegation
Chapter 564 - Blancarte'S Suggestion
Chapter 565 - Change Of The Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 566 - Claude’S Headache
Chapter 567 - National Defence Force And Useless Allies
Chapter 568 - Wolves Abroad, Hyenas At Home
Chapter 569 - Middle Of The 9Th Month
Chapter 570 - Lease And The Court’S Three Requests
Chapter 571 - Refused Requests
Chapter 572 - Arbeit’S Past
Chapter 573 - Two Letters And The National Preservation Fund
Chapter 574 - Reply And Captives
Chapter 575 - General Siegfeld’S Development Plan
Chapter 576 - Official Notice And Lawsuit
Chapter 577 - Awkward Court Case
Chapter 578 - Meanwhile, On The Western Coast
Chapter 579 - Potential For Sheila To Advance
Chapter 580 - Borkal And Eriksson
Chapter 581 - Myjack Joins The Household
Chapter 582 - Borkal’S Failure
Chapter 583 - Visitation
Chapter 584 - The Royal Family’S Ironclads
Chapter 585 - Three Main Intelligence Agencies
Chapter 586 - Royal Navy Scandal
Chapter 587 - Trivialities
Chapter 588 - Attack On Port Wades
Chapter 589 - Battle Of Nubari Islands
Chapter 590 - Dawn Of The Age Of The Ironclad
Chapter 591 - The Western Coast Of Rapid Change
Chapter 592 - Intervention
Categories Genre: Action, Adventure, All, Drama, Fantasy, Ongoing, School Life, Slice of Life, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: BIG, 重生之黑铁的荣耀, ______
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 593 Page No. 592 Page No. 591 Page No. 590 Page No. 589 Page No. 588 Page No. 587 Page No. 586 Page No. 585 Page No. 584 Page No. 583 Chapter 439 - Defence Line
Chapter 439
Defence Line
Claude stood at the cliff in the distance near a few dense pine trees, looking at the Shiksan camp a kilometre or so away with his telescope. This was the border between the nikancha nation and Cape Loducus. Claude had snuck there because he wanted to have a personal look at the three Shiksan corps.
It was the middle of the 8th month and the Shiksans have finally sent 4th and 5th Penitence corps to Cape Loducus. Since those two corps arrived, the other three corps that had rested for three whole months set off to set up camp at the mountainous border of the nikancha nation.
The Shiksans stationed two corps near the northern mountainous coasts and only one corps at the eastern mountains. It seemed they had focused their efforts to break through at the northern mountainous coasts. But Claude still felt that something was amiss, as compared to the Shiksan camps at the eastern mountains, those at the north seemed to be set up more defensively.
“General, we should leave,” Myjack reminded, “The Shiksan scouts have been rather active later. They are often seen within the mountains in this area. Perhaps there are ambushes laid by then. You’re a frontline command officer, Sir, and shouldn’t risk your life like this.”
Claude put the telescope down. He had seen what he needed and couldn’t remain at the frontlines any longer. He had to go back for some discussion. It was obvious that the Shiksans were going to attack soon. However, Claude didn’t understand their deployment. Logically, if they were sending two standing corps to the northern mountainous coasts and focusing their attack there, the troops they had in the east would also provide attack support. However, the two corps at the north set their camp up in a defensive manner, which was odd. Were they going to make it a heavily fortified supply point for after the war began?
Birkin’s defence line command post was set up at the intersection of the eastern and northern mountains so that the situation on both fronts could be easily given heed. It was located within a large cavern halfway up a hill. The entrance of the hill was rather flat, so four rows of wooden houses covered in wines were built to hide the entrance. The wines were excellent for climbing and camouflaging. It would be easy to miss the buildings even a short distance away.
Two trenches were dug on the flat land in front of the log houses. Those were used to hide the guards that would defend against a possible enemy attack. When Claude came with his men, Birkin came to welcome him and asked him whether he had any new discoveries.
When Claude told him his doubts, Birkin said there was nothing odd about them. He believed the Shiksans were suspicious about the war theatre having sent their troops into the nikancha nation. As they were worried about the war theatre’s attacks, they set up their camps defensively instead.
Birkin’s reasoning did make sense. If Claude were a Shiksan officer, he would probably act as Birkin had described. As for the single corps station in the eastern mountains, it was probably overkill against the nikancha troops. It was common knowledge that they couldn’t fight nearly as well, anyway.
“Are there any reports on the top Shiksan commanders?” Claude asked. He had been travelling around the eastern and northern mountains near the border for around 20 days and didn’t have much contact with frontline command at Castle Moknad, so he didn’t know whether the informants in Cape Loducus had sent any worthwhile information over.
Birkin nodded. “There is. The informants sent in their message that the one sent to lead the Shiksan troops is a hereditary count as well as general of the Shiksan army. It’s said that he played a huge part in the suppression of the noble rebellion and heavily earned Majid III’s trust. He is now 68 and has been named the commander in chief of their forces here. His name is Norbridon Bang Belondi.”
“Is that all?” Claude shook his head in disappointment. Perhaps it was the inevitable inconvenience that came with being cut off from the kingdom. He wanted to know the uniqueness of this Shiksan commander, what kinds of battles he fought, what his personality was like, and so on. Only by understanding the enemy could he prepare countermeasures against him. The informants reported nothing else but his name and age.
A 68-year-old might be more conservative and take less risk, so baiting tactics would be hard pressed to work. Not to mention, old generals of that era usually stuck to the book in war and loved to follow pre-established conventions in their troops command. Their defence on their supply line would also be rather tight. Usually, they wouldn’t like tactics that led to landslide victories either. It seemed that the three Shiksan corps would be targeting nothing else but the defence line.
“Has the setup of our defence line near the front been completed?” Claude asked.
Birkin nodded. “They’re done. Come here to look. I had someone make a clay model of the terrain in the sand table.”
They went to a large, separate room within the cavern above of which 18 candle lamps were hung. It was well illuminated. There was a large table in the centre of the room with a large sand table. The terrain of the eastern and northern mountain areas were a little rough, however, with no details or trees perhaps due to being made in a hurry.
Birkin used a thin, long stick and pointed it at the mountain areas. “We’ve surveyed the terrain of the border and believe the Shiksans can easily find a path to traverse through. Ever since the formation of the nikancha nation, they’ve shown no interest in Cape Loducus. No nikancha tribes are located there, so the colony and the nation didn’t have much interaction.
“The main reason for that was how the Fochsians hated the nikancha tribes. The settlers usually chased the tribes away and didn’t permit them to form near their colony. The nikancha within Cape Loducus were all descendants of the young nikancha women the Fochsian settlers abducted and raised as servants, so they didn’t have anything to do with the nikancha tribes.
“As a result, not only did the nikancha nation hate the Shiksans, they hated the Krim pirates’ descendants from the Fochs Islands even more and didn’t make any attempt at diplomacy with them following the founding of their independent nation, hence the lack of a nikancha presence in Cape Loducus. Had it not been for our leak, the nikancha wouldn’t have been able to get any information from any of their kin in Cape Loducus and wouldn’t know about the Shiksans’ arrival until it was too late.
“Now, the nikancha are working hard to construct our third defence line in the central mountainous area and even took the initiative to help us set up three defence lines at the rear to stop the Shiksans’ attacks. I told them there was no need because for the Shiksans to take the three they’ve already built, it would only be possible after the folk of Monolith stationed there is completely wiped out with not a single soldier surviving.
“In that case, even if we have ten more defence lines, it wouldn’t be able to stop the Shiksans. Without us manning them, the defence lines were pointless. Half a month later, the nikancha sent us a force of 100 thousand men who have all received preliminary training from our officers and know how to fire muskets.
“That day, many nikancha elders and chiefs came along. The elder that represented them held my hand tight and told me that their nation’s survival depended on the three defence lines we now held, so they sent us 100 thousand of their elite fighters per the agreement to cooperate with us in hopes that we’d be able to hold off the Shiksans there.”
Birkin tapped at the centre of the sand table where three red strings of yarn were laid across the clay mountain peaks which represented the defence lines. They formed a nonstandard ‘L’ shape. “I distributed the 100 thousand nikancha youths across our defences as planned. We’ll have each Monolith soldier lead two nikancha around and give them rights to enforce military regulations.
“There are 40 thousand more which I’ve split into 40 tribes. I had them report to the staff officers of Monolith and stationed them at the 40 locations marked with red flags at the border. Those are the locations I believe the Shiksans might attack, so they would be able to alert us of an attack from there and delay the enemy’s advance by causing them some trouble.
“Naturally, I’m not expecting to actually be able to hold up against the Shiksans’ attack. But at least, it’ll show the Shiksans that only the nikancha are fighting. The most they’ll see is our officers leading them in battle. I believe after seeing that, the Shiksans would feel confident enough to press our attack. Our 40 nikancha tribes can attack as they retreat to waste the enemy’s ammunition and food until they’re finally drawn to our defence line.”
That was the original plan they had settled on. By the time the Shiksans reached the defence line Birkin had set up, it would be Claude and Thundercrash’s turn to attack. They would attack the Shiksans diagonally from the rear and seal off their supply line and mount a drawn-out encirclement attack. The Shiksans, faced with the defence line in front and Thundercrash behind, would have no choice to surrender after their supplies were mostly used up.
The difficult part of that plan was how they could get the nikancha troops to take the initiative to attack the Shiksans at the border. This operation was actually kept secret from the nikancha. Having a firm defence line at the rear and sending the nikancha tribes out to the front might be construed by them as being used to kill the enemy and cause lots of discontent and problems with the plan’s execution.
However, only by stationing the nikancha forces at the outer fringes of the mountains would the Shiksans feel confident enough to press their attack all the way to Monolith’s defence line. If they were frank, the nikancha were indeed being used as cannon fodder and bait for the Shiksans.
Little did Claude expect that the nikancha elders and chiefs would be self-conscious enough to hand command over 100 thousand troops to Birkin, solving that obstacle almost entirely. With the officers of Monolith leading the nikancha tribes, their fighting capability might be higher. At the very least, they would give some serious resistance before choosing to retreat.
Birkin continued gleefully, “From the 7th to the 8th month, the soldiers on the defence line have been training the nikancha troops how to man the lines and fight. Short as the time might be, at the very least, they’ve learned how to obey orders and to shoot from cover. According to the way the three enemy corps are stationed, there’s one stationed in the eastern mountain area, two in the northern mountain area, and one corps in the rear as reserves.
“With our arrangement of one of our own leading two nikancha men, the defence lines are fully manned. Coupled with the tribes of nikancha troops stationed at the fringes of the mountainous areas, we are fully capable of holding the Shiksans’ attack back for a whole month. If we didn’t have those tribes up front, it’d only take 15 days for the Shiksans to make it to the central area here.
“With them fighting as they retreat, I believe the Shiksans will be more than worn out by the time they arrive and be unable to mount anymore fierce attacks, which will put much less of a burden on our defences. Our counterattacks will also cause them to suffer even greater casualties. By the time your Thundercrash comes to surround them from the back, they’ll be at our mercy completely.”
Claude took a close look at the sand table and noticed that Birkin wasn’t exaggerating it at all. The defence lines at the central area and the troops stationed in the fringe area were really dense. He couldn’t find any loopholes in the deployment.
“Did the command post here at the defence line not assign any soldiers to train with the nikancha?” Claude asked. he didn’t see any nikancha troops when he entered the command post.
“No,” Birkin said, “We’ve assigned tribes that report straight to the folk all armed with new rifles here, so letting them train with the nikancha is an inconvenience. That’s why we don’t have even one nikancha here even though the troops in the north and east are accompanied by them.”
“Alright. Then, I’ll return to Castle Moknad. I suspect the Shiksans are going to attack soon during the next few days, so be careful. If you’re certain that they won’t reach the defence lines within a month, have the line of reserve troops you stationed at the rear come with me. Blackstone has 6000 new rifles produced and General Bolonik said to arm the troops here at the frontlines first.”
Birkin beamed with joy. “Really? Then I’ll order them to go with you immediately. With the new rifles, our fighting prowess will triple at the very least.”
“Alright. Thundercrash just armed one line with the new rifles as well. Your line will come with me to be rearmed and trained for a seven short days to get them to understand how the rifles can be used in battle. It should be enough to get them up to fighting shape. The whole round trip will take around 20 days. Coupled with the training, it’d take a month’s time. Are you sure nothing will go wrong here?” Claude just couldn’t seem to shake that feeling of uneasiness, but he couldn’t see what would go wrong. He attributed it to pre-battle anxiety.
“I promise, don’t worry. Even if the Shiksans attack tomorrow, they’ll take a month to reach the defence lines. Our troops will be armed and trained with the new rifles by then just in time to teach them a harsh lesson.” Birkin didn’t bother to get Claude to stay for dinner for the sake of the rifles. He wanted him to buzz off with his men immediately for the switch.
When Claude returned to frontline command in Castle Moknad, Eiblont came to tell him about the start of the battle. “Seven days ago, the Shiksans launched an attack on the northern and eastern mountain areas concurrently…”
Birkin had sent that message by carrier eagle. Claude didn’t receive it on the way; his travel back to frontline command took ten days alone. There was no way to speed up travel through the mountains, after all. The attack began three days after his departure. Claude breathed a sigh of relief, as the Shiksans would take at least more than 20 days to reach the defence line. It was enough time for the line of Monolith soldiers to be trained and returned to the frontlines.
He was prepared to wait for the switch to complete before returning to the frontlines with his line of Thundercrash soldiers along Monolith’s line. What he didn’t expect was before five days even passed, Birkin sent an urgent eagle message. His troops fell faster than dominoes could. The nikancha tribes at the fringes weren’t able to take the slightest hit. They couldn’t even defend their ground, much less attack to slow the enemy advance down. All they knew was crumble and fall back towards the defence line.
The most troublesome part was the nikancha that ran didn’t even see the enemies’ faces. The moment they saw their kin from the front run away, they followed suit. The officers from Monolith were helpless to stop them from running. Some officers that tried to punish the soldiers by court martial were shot at by the nikancha.
The Shiksans seemed like they would reach Birkin’s defence line in another three to four days. However, the nikancha that manned the defence lines were nervous wrecks thanks to those that turned tail and ran back. Perhaps they would cave upon first sight of the Shiksans as well. Birkin had no choice but to send Claude an urgent request to come with reinforcements.
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
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