Chapter 1437 - 772: Warning

Chapter 1437: Chapter 772: Warning

Zii zii zii...

That burning fuse and the charging knights seemed to form a stark contrast. Is it you or me who is faster?

Clearly, Barton’s estimation of the distance was correct; the fuse burnt out first.

The knights knew they only needed to avoid the direct line of the cannon. A distance of thirty yards was merely a breath away at charging speed, and victory was within reach!

However, what emerged from the cannon this time was not a fist-sized cannonball, but smaller, more numerous pellets.

Grapeshot barrage!

Just a few cannons unleashed a hail of pellets forming a barrier, and the charging knights crashed into it as if they were presenting themselves as targets.

"Boom——!"

The next second, the wail of the horses and the knights’ fierce cries even drowned out the sound of the cannons. The knights couldn’t react before their armor was torn apart and their bodies pierced by the pellets, toppling along with their steeds.

The momentum carried them rolling a good distance before stopping, and the situation was beyond saving.

Neither horses nor humans survived in the vast area in front of the cannons.

Barton felt a bit conflicted upon seeing this scene, and even had a headache.

It’s over, he killed so many horses, how should he write the battle report?

The remaining knights, who were not as quick, were completely scared witless, not even realizing that the cannons required reloading. If they charged now, they might be able to take out the gunners.

But fear had robbed them of their ability to think. Not everyone can exhibit virtue in such a moment, which is why it is precious.

Escape! The farther, the better... away from this hellhole...

The remaining knights abandoned their so-called pride, but how could the terrified ones escape the pursuit of Hamlet’s cavalry?

More and more cannons moved into position, and as they roared freely, it marked the end of this war...

Initially, the commoners had been shattered by the musket array, and now the knights who had been painstakingly assembled were cut down by a third by the cannons, with the rest fleeing scared out of their wits.

Yet, at this moment, some still persisted.

Barton looked at the lone enemies still holding on, remembering that disgraceful defeat, where only the Church’s forces fought to the end, allowing him to escape alive.

Indeed, the final resistors were the Church’s troops, their fanatical faith providing psychological support, making them unafraid of death for the Holy Light.

And the divine arts cast by the clergy indeed pulled them back from death time and again.

"Target... fire." Barton’s silence was not out of pity for this scene, but in calculating the trajectory.

As the command echoed, projectiles descended on the resistors’ heads, no divine arts worked as the barrage crushed their formation, annihilating them.

As the last strand of resistance faded, what remained was cleanup time, tending to the wounded, capturing, tallying prisoners...

Barton also had a headache figuring out how to write the report, for despite the victory, it wasn’t well-earned.

To be honest, this battle wasn’t fought well because it was an encounter on the move, many things weren’t prepared.

Had they taken positions in advance, the cannons could cover over a thousand yards, obliterating the enemy completely without needing to fight a holding action.

This sudden encounter led to infantry engaging directly with those guys without artillery cover, resulting in many unnecessary casualties.

They miscalculated the Noble Alliance Army’s advance speed, thinking they had mastered their actions, neglecting to send more scouts, due to underestimating the enemy.

...

"Report!" A messenger rushed in, handing over a brief report, "Reporting to My Lord, our army has defeated the Noble Alliance Army in one fell swoop."

"Good." Lance didn’t react much, isn’t winning a common occurrence?

After reading the report, he was speechless, so many casualties?

On both sides, wasn’t it supposed to be a quick victory with cannon barrages against the nobles? How did it turn out like this?

Damn it!

"Continue the advance, take these territories for me." Lance tapped the document with some dissatisfaction, "Also, tell Barton to always stay alert! Pride and complacency are slow yet insidious killers, I can accept failure, but not such a foolish victory. It’s simply toying with the soldiers’ lives."

"Yes!"

The Lord’s warning struck the commanders’ heads as others celebrated victory, a caution against pride and arrogance.

After tending to the wounded and making adjustments, the army resumed actions, aiming to seize those noble territories before the news spread.

...

In Ovando, a banquet commenced at the Governor’s estate, with all the various persons of the city invited to attend.

On the ground floor, a multitude of gentlemen and ladies mingled, for them it was a rare networking opportunity, meeting people they rarely encountered, expanding connections.

But the true heart of the banquet lay in the parlor on the second floor, where only those with genuine influence over Ovando could sit, discussing issues crucial to Ovando’s fate.

"Hamlet’s Army is marching south, those nobles are seeking our help, everyone should know about this by now, let’s discuss it."

Walter brought up the reason for their gathering, as most attendees had received news through their channels.

"That Lord of Hamlet is simply a madman, ignoring all rules!"

"Deploy troops, we must support them, otherwise when they fall, it’s our turn next."