Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

...

When Colonel Gaisa led his troops back to Manyun Valley, what greeted them were the remnants of the Floating Bridge and the crippled forces left to hold the fort.

By the riverbanks, they found Lieutenant Matt, who was in charge of defending the Floating Bridge.

Lieutenant Matt sat on a large boulder, his face deathly pale, his body quivering uncontrollably.

He stared at the tips of his boots, murmuring, "So powerful... truly so powerful..."

Lieutenant Matt had resisted until the very last moment, and seeing the defending army utterly defeated, he had leaped into the Anya River to escape with his life.

"A blanket," Colonel Gaisa said to Captain Hudson, "and bring some liquor."

Gaisa wrapped his Centurion in a blanket and poured a full cup of strong alcohol.

He scratched the back of his head and asked sternly, "Can you confirm if the one who led the surprise attack last night was Winters Montagne?"

Lieutenant Matt drank the entire cup of strong alcohol in one gulp, his hand holding the empty cup still trembling uncontrollably, "I can't be sure."

Colonel Gaisa waited for the Centurion to continue.

Lieutenant Matt's Adam's apple bobbed, having just drunk a full cup of liquor, his mouth still felt dry, "That man... he kills like he's target shooting, no emotion at all... kill, kill, kill... blood everywhere... A court Spellcaster couldn't be much different, right?"

Colonel Gaisa's expression grew grave and he silently poured the Centurion another cup of liquor.

"I don't know if that man is Montagne," said Lieutenant Matt as he downed another full cup, "but that man... it could only be him..."

The lieutenant suddenly grabbed the colonel's hand, his cup crashing onto the pebbly strand, terror filling his eyes, "You must be careful! You must be careful! That man could break through the formation and kill you! He could definitely do that! You have to be careful!"

Colonel Gaisa patted the Centurion's hand, "Relax, get some rest, don't worry."

Lieutenant Matt returned to his own world, his eyes fixed on his boot tips, muttering softly, "So powerful... how can he be so powerful..."

Colonel Gaisa stepped aside and let out a sigh he could no longer suppress.

"What in the world happened?" Captain Hudson clenched his teeth, "How could Matt be broken like this?"

"Broken?" Colonel Gaisa glared at his subordinate, "When we return to Falconflower Fort, I'll treat the lad to some good food, good drink, and a nice bath. He'll naturally recover."

Colonel Gaisa had previously informed his Centurions: The rebel leader Winters Montagne was believed to be a powerful Spellcaster.

However, nobody had anticipated he would be so formidable as to terrify a stout man into such a state.

There, in the clearing by the river, Colonel Gaisa called an impromptu meeting with all his Centurions.

After briefing them on the latest situation, the colonel, gripping his jaw-beard, analyzed, "Based on the description and the inspection of the battlefield, Montagne's combat style is quite simple, all direct damage. He is unlikely to use indirect damage spells like poison smoke, so apart from the musketeers continuing to concentrate their fire, all other anti-magic configurations are to be dismissed."

The Centurions nodded somberly, chilled by the sight of Matt's wretched condition.

"Remove all items that could identify officers and sergeants. Stow the regimental flags," Colonel Gaisa squinted his eyes, ordering his Centurions, "Change into civilian clothing and dirty up your faces. From this moment on, orders will only be given by small drums and bugles."

Mingling officers among the soldiers would inevitably decrease command efficiency but also reduce the likelihood of officers being preferentially targeted by Spellcasters.

It was a matter of trade-offs, and no Centurion would question Colonel Gaisa's judgment.

"Do we continue the fight?" Captain Hudson narrowed his eyes, his smile harsh, "Sir?"

"Continue! Montagne might be a decent Spellcaster. But I believe his brain must have been damaged while fighting with the Herd Barbarians. He used this tactic against Ronald, now he thinks he can use it against me as well," the bald man slapped his thigh, laughing wildly, "He really underestimates people, damn it!"

His Centurions, holding onto their swords, also wore smiles with a fierce gleam in their eyes.

Colonel Gaisa rose abruptly, commanding fiercely, "In this battle, our target is still the sole rebel leader Winters Montagne. Killing him will cause the rebels to collapse. If he escapes, they will rise again. Revodan, don't bother with it! If he dares enter Mont Blanc County, then he shouldn't think of leaving!"

"Uukhai!" The Centurions pounded their chest armor, roaring in unison.

On the west bank of the Anya River.

The soldiers of Mont Blanc County pulled the tarp off the wagons, and half of the supply wagons weren't loaded with provisions but with prefabricated components for another Floating Bridge.

The new Floating Bridge was being constructed at twice the speed of the first, extending towards the East Bank.

Colonel Gaisa brought two Floating Bridges, just waiting for the rebel leader to fall into the trap.

Mont Blanc County had become a snare.

Winters was still unaware of this as he was occupied with seizing state messengers.

Colonel Zibeer was also oblivious, his path blocked by a fortress.