Chapter 42: Who Really Ambushed Whom

The unexpected arrival of the enemy forces threw off the rhythm of the Swadian vanguard’s pursuit. At the forefront, Count Haringoth swiftly issued commands. 

“Split into two groups. Iron knights, keep charging. The 4th-tier heavy cavalry at the back, move faster and turn to assist the infantry and crossbowmen!”

The cavalry, well-drilled, adeptly split and followed the orders to the letter. Clearly, Count Haringoth’s rigorous training was paying off.

How could Draxel let such an opportunity slip by? He bellowed with all his might, “Now is the moment. Everyone, follow me into the fray! We’ll halt the enemy on the left, the rest, support our allies on the right! Count Haringoth, don’t worry, I, Draxel, am here to bolster your forces. Long live the Kingdom of Swadia!”

In a flash, Draxel’s forces, like tigers descending the mountain, unleashed their pent-up energy in a full-blown assault.

“Count Draxel, you’re a man of your word. I, Count Haringoth, wasn’t mistaken about you. Brothers, our reinforcements have arrived.”

Draxel’s daring move boosted the morale of both his and his allies’ troops, radiating valor and might.

[Your friendship with Count Haringoth has increased by +2, currently standing at 3.]

The young dragon Lein, well-nourished and brimming with energy, also began coordinating with Draxel. 

“Roar. Count, your new weapon looks mighty impressive. It might just withstand my power. Let’s give it a try.”

“No problem, come on, I’m all set.”

Then, the young dragon gathered and released a potent crimson aura, stronger and more intense than before. The color was deeper, and it flowed into Draxel’s entire being with increased rapidity.

Draxel could feel an immense surge in his strength, a vast improvement incomparable to the temporary boost he previously gained from consuming prairie wolf meat. The dragon’s power now felt like it was propelling him into an entirely different dimension and class, amplifying his abilities exponentially.

“Roar. How’s that? Impressive, right? I told you, I am the strongest,” the young dragon boasted.

Hearing this, Draxel couldn’t help but tease back, “Strongest or not, I’m not sure. But I do know that feeding you all that milk and steak wasn’t in vain, haha!”

“Roar! Count, you look so much better when you’re silent. A good man spoiled by his mouth. Alright, enough talk, let’s do this. Bring on the fire!”

With a resounding “Boom!”, the Sword of the Wolf King ignited into flames. Remarkably sturdy, the blade was unscathed by the fire. Instead, the flames seemed to enhance the sword, making it even more radiant and striking.

At this moment, Draxel’s confidence soared to its peak, radiating an air of certainty in his imminent victory.

He bellowed with all his might, “Here comes labor and management! This, damn it, is what I call Mount and Blade.”

[Evaluation: Do you really need to swear to fight effectively?]

Charging ahead, Draxel plunged into the fray, his flaming Sword of the Wolf King wreaking havoc wherever it swung. Enemy soldiers wailed continuously as the sword pierced their chests and hearts. Pulling it out, the sizzling sound of flesh being scorched by the flames echoed eerily.

In some cases, the enemy soldiers were burnt by the splattering fireworks before the sword even reached them, instilling fear and panic, as they teetered on the brink of collapse.

In just moments, Draxel’s path was littered with over a dozen enemy corpses on the left, most bearing the charred marks of battle.

“Do you fancy human flesh, Lein? Consider it an extra treat,” Draxel jested while charging, keeping up his banter with the young dragon.

“Roar. I still prefer the steaks from Old Aubrey, the blacksmith. The taste is unmatched. Let’s go there again after the war.”

“My dear, it all depends on your performance. Fail to impress, and it’s cabbage for you next time, haha,” Draxel quipped before plunging back into the fray. His own troops lagged far behind, yet to engage in the battle.

On seeing Draxel’s onslaught, the right flank of the enemy ceased their attack on the infantry and crossbowmen and swiftly retreated from the battlefield.

[Evaluation: The saying goes, ‘a dog relies on the might of its owner’. You, on the other hand, are relying on the might of a dragon, quite imposing indeed.]

“Trying to run? Safiya, let your arrows fly,” Draxel bellowed, continuing his pursuit of the left flank, while signaling Safiya to join the attack.

“No need to tell me, I’ve been eager to join in,” Safiya, the Dragon Mother, who had recently gained dragon’s power, felt restless with untapped energy. Moreover, they were now turning the tables on the “ambushed enemy,” a stunning counter-ambush maneuver. The enemy’s morale had already crumbled.

With a succession of “Whoosh!” sounds, her arrows rained down like meteors across the sky, each shot bringing down several Khergit cavalrymen…

On this battlefield, the Khergit Khanate was in utter disarray, fleeing in disgrace. The skirmish soon drew to a close, entering its final phase.

Meanwhile, Count Haringoth and a section of Swadian Iron Knights continued their relentless charge, pursuing the disintegrating enemy ranks.

[With Safiya’s shared experience, you have gained a total of 3850 character experience points and 800 Denars.]

[Reputation +30, Honor +2, Current Prestige 180, Honor 12, Earned the title ‘Knight of Flames’.]

‘Hey, is this ‘Knight of Flames’ title of any use?’ Draxel asked the system internally.

[Not much practical use, but it suits your penchant for theatrics perfectly.]

‘Better than nothing, I suppose. It’s quite nice.’

Afterward, Draxel ceased his pursuit, lacking the “Hostage” skill. He graciously left the spoils and captives for Count Haringoth to claim.

Count Haringoth’s troops continued their pursuit until dusk before gradually returning. At this time, all the vanguard lords of the Swadia Kingdom, including Draxel, finally convened. Everyone warmly praised the Count for his timely assistance.

Draxel struggled to remember so many new faces and was more focused on fostering a good rapport with Count Haringoth.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two found a quiet corner to chat.

“Count, it’s my first time seeing someone fight with a flaming sword. You truly stand out.”

“Count Haringoth, you flatter me. I merely protected your rear ranks. It was your forces that vanquished the enemy’s main strength.”

“Hmm, I appreciate your modesty. It reminds me of myself. Should you face any troubles in the future, feel free to seek my aid.”

“As night approaches, let’s set up camp and ponder our next moves, shall we?”

“Absolutely, Draxel. I’d like to set up alongside you. Hahaha.”

“Hahaha, sounds like a plan.” Draxel signaled to Xiao Nan to start making arrangements.