No Fatigue: 24-jikan Tatakaeru Otoko no Tenseitan

And so the strategy was called the Hikisanbou

Hikisanbou?

First, divide your army into 3, then put 2 of them on standby. After the main army made contact with your enemy, pretend to turn back and invite them to chase you.

Whats next? The enemy who was caught in the momentum was suddenly ambushed on their left and right, of course, put them into a mass confusion. Since their formation was extending vertically during the chase, its possible for the smaller army to defeat the enemy even though they are outnumbered by a large margin.

Pull back on purpose to bait the enemy, flank the enemy from left and right, then command the main army to turn back again and attack the pursuing enemy from 3 sides. For this reason, the strategy is called Hikisanbou

So its similar like Tsurino Fuse?(TL: Tsurino Fuse is the same thing but used by Yoshihisa Shimazu in the warring states period. Theres no English equivalent for this)

Surfing no-bus-say? Ah, so theres similar tactic back in your previous world? So there are people who think alike even when separated in different worlds, I see.

It was quite a dramatic strategy, often cited in war histories and tales. But to be honest, its not a really good strategy.

First of all, you need to hold a special terrain that can hide your soldiers without your enemy noticing. The forests in the valley of mountains is ideal for this purposes. However, you must remember that there are limits to the number of soldiers that you can hide in these locations.

Next, is the matter of strength. Its not funny if you were defeated because your main army who was making the first contact with the enemy in the center was annihilated while being chased.

Also, the flanking army in your left and right might be caught in a skirmish with their scouts. Depending on the soldier, you might not be able to use bows or magic in the fight since theres a chance for friendly fire. And from the perspective of the leader of the flanking army who hide for ambush, you have to choose a place that not obstructing your vision and timing. And that doesnt include the weather.

Theres always a chance for a false signal. After all, its acting. A calm and experienced commander will notice it. Everything will crumble if the enemy commander noticed your strategy. If I were the enemy, I will pretend to chase you from behind then strike any of the 2 ambush you prepared. Then I will destroy the remaining ones. In short, crushing every one of those three groups.

Furthermore, if you know this kind of tactics beforehand, you can deal with it easily. Its one of the great advantages if you learn the arts of war. Its dangerous to be too focused to your own strategy. Its often said that the main task of the commander is to find the countermeasures of the opponents strategy

Back in my previous world there is a saying The crafty schemer drowned in his own scheme

Thats a wise saying, isnt it?

Due to Sonorats southern feudal lord alliances strategy, the battlefield was engulfed in turbulence.

Although their position was overwhelmingly disadvantageous, General Fergusson still tried to rally his soldiers together. He is really an exceptional commander when he doesnt let his head boil.

Originally, the Southern feudal lords alliance had fewer number of soldiers than the Santamana kingdoms army. They even split their already small army into three for the hikisanbou strategy. Even though they were trapped, the Santamana Kingdoms army wont sit still and be killed so easily. Even though they were so brave, they were still in a huge pinch and all they could do was endure it.

As the result, the ridge turned into a battlefield where the soldiers intertwined, creating a havoc.

Meanwhile, the scout group of 40 men that I led was like a driftwood being swept away by a muddy stream. Besides, the main force itself were in a state of mass confusion. Should we join? Should we escape?

Mooou~! This is what I told you before!

The adventurer snarled.

Indeed, the lady adventurer had insisted that it was a trap all along.

I was in the same opinion, but the general commander was not me, it was General Fergusson.

Theres nothing we can do about it! What do you want me to do!?

We are knights, we have no choice but to do as we ordered!

That doesnt mean that you have to die when you were told so, this rock head!

You looked really young but your head is elder-elf class! Of course, in a bad way!

S-so rude! Even though I look like this, Im still an A ranked adventurer!

By the way, I still make more than a certain rural noble who is running left and right doing others bidding!

Fu! You adventurers can act all high and mighty only because we kept the public order! You can go back and report to your guild that you just insulted the nobles of Santamana Kingdom!

Please, both of you. If you keep quarreling we will be found out by the enemies

We ran the pathless road while arguing.

The scout party of 40 moved toward the rear guard of the main force, which should still be alright, in order to link up we ran as fast as we could.

Fortunately, there are two people here who were familiar with the topography.

We managed to get through the valley and reached the small ridge where we could see the battlefield clearly.

The ridge was on the opposite direction from the main battle was located. Its a great location to penetrate the enemy ranks. In the small distance between us and the main battle, we couldnt see any enemys soldier. From this point, we could see the hastily made fort and every movement the enemy made.

When I ordered a rest, the knights from the scout units sank to the ground in exhaustion.

hey, so what do we do?

The cheeky adventurer glared at me for answer.

To not be exhausted after running in that distance, she was truly an A-rank adventurer.

Popurus fainted halfway and was carried by one of my subordinates.

I ignored the adventurers question and recount our forces.

Out of 40 scouts we had since the beginning, we were down to 20.

They were not killed, but they fell behind and got separated.

I watched the knights, and ignoring the adventurers question.

Hey you Do you often called the frozen ice noble due to your attitude?

I care not about those things

The truth is, I was often invited into high-class gatherings, but ever since I lost my wife, I refused all of them.

No, even if my wife was still here, I would still refuse to go to those gatherings. Especially since it is filled with half-elves hating nobles.

That cold attitude is so~ amazing! Of course, the ladies would flock around the cool ikemen like you

She said sarcastically.

Youre noisy. You would look prettier if you kept your mouth shut. I wonder why you adventurers are so cocky and spoiled

Araa Im honored to receive such compliment from you Not!

Do you always putting people off like this?

The adventurer muttered, then she noticed something.

Hey, Ice prince

I know, Flaming moron

Before I could warn the surrounding knights, several soldiers appeared from the nearby bush. They were wearing Sonorats uniforms.

One of my knights yelled in panic.

Kuh!? Enemy! Get in position!!

The enemy soldiers drew their weapons and attacked us.

Our soldiers morale were at rock bottom.

The knights were still exhausted after running so far, theres no way they could retaliate.

I forced my tired body to stand and faced the enemies.

Get behind me, Popurus-san!

I ordered the traveling merchant to get behind me and I poked at the leader-looking soldier.

But this soldier was quite strong. I had reached the peak of Spear Techniqueswith my spear, this soldier was probably the same with his Sword Tecnhiques.

Of course, the spear has the advantage of attack range, but hes still not an opponent that I could beat easily.

Why is a person this strong placed in this kind of place?

Shit! This guy is tough!

The enemy soldier cursed and jumped back, taking some distance away from me.

Then the enemy soldier seemed to order something to the other soldiers.

-Conset-Flame Flame Lance

Guaaaa!

The female adventurer attacked the soldiers without missing any weak spot.

Their leader was knocked down and their soldiers were trembling in fear.

Get them!

I ordered the knights.

That was probably their aim.

Even so, our opponents are elite soldiers. Beating them will prove to be difficult.

Adventurer! Lend me a hand!

Im not adventurer my name is Julia!!

The female adventurer turned around while complaining and supporting the knights with her fire attribute magic.

I commanded the soldiers to surround the enemies, but as expected, they knew they were outnumbered.

fuuu I was surprised

The female adventurer let out a sigh a relief.

However

-Flame-Spread Fireball

Suddenly, fireballs sent flying from behind the trees.

ku! Careful!

I quickly jumped on the female adventurer, pushed her away from the firing line and rolled together on the ground.

The fireballs exploded near us.

ugh

My back was roasted in blistering flames.

Ice Prince!?

The female adventurer raised her voice.

Even without my order, the knights rushed to the source of the fireballs. Not long after, the enemy mages scream could be heard from the trees.

A-are you alright, sir!?

One of my knights rushed over.

Im fine I only took a little bit of flame Ah-Ouch!

I tried to get up but I felt a heavy pain on my back.

Apparently, Fireball exploded on a rock and the impact blasted a piece of rock and it hit my back.

Ice Prince!

Unfortunately, there are no one in our squad who can cast Healing Magic.

I guess I have no choice but to endure it for a while.

why why did you protect me?

Fuun. Its not like what you were thinking. My body just moved on its own

Risking your life to protect a temporary mercenary, Ice prince-san is really isnt suited to be a commander. but thank you

You are welcome. You also used your magic to help How many of us died?

I asked the knight.

About 5 people, sir

I see

5 people died due to my carelessness.

I pushed my soldiers to the limit and dropped our guard when taking a break. I didnt consider the possibility of being found by the enemy soldiers.

Its still hard for me to accept peoples death.

They always reminded of my late wifeKanan.

nce-san! Ice Prince-san!

When I came back to my senses, the female adventurer looked at me anxiously.

Her face and Kanans face overlapped for a moment in my eyes.

I shook my head to clear the illusion and answered the female adventurer.

Aah Sorry. I was lost for a while

Are you really alright?

I turned my face away from her and ordered the surrounding knights to stay alert.

The adventurer, feeling ignored, pouted.

Its Alfred

Eh?

That was my name Julia-san

e-eh??

The adventurerJulia-san was caught speechless. I ignored her again and ordered the knights to interrogate the freshly caught enemy soldiers.