NOVPUBThe relentless pursuit had lasted half a day, the Samurai’s rush filled with martial prowess. The enemy’s militia were overtaken in groups. Some were struck fatally and turned into cold corpses; others were bound by their hands and taken as captured prisoners. Only a few managed to escape the expansive plains of the Lake Region, entering the undulating western forests, and then following the rivers back to their hometowns.
The Feather Family’s Chapala Legion moved like the wind, advancing dozens of miles. They boarded grain transport boats, abandoned all their food, then forcefully proceeded downstream. The pursuing City-State Warriors stopped at the riverbank, gazing at the river surface and sighing. They captured the lagging warriors, collected the valuable grains and fodder, stored their personal loots, and escorted the prisoners back.
It was not until the sun fell from the sky, staining the earth with its crimson hue, and darkness engulfed the battlefield, that the day’s skirmish finally came to an end.
After the great victory, three major military tasks ensued. First was to tally the feats of valor to reward the various military leaders. Second was to calculate the casualties and manage consoling and organizing the troops. Third was handling prisoners and gathering food supplies. Although these were three activities, they often merged into one.
The grand army established a large camp on the edge of the battlefield and lit the night’s bonfires. Xiulote called together the military leaders for a modest drink in celebration, then announced a summary of the battlefield.
"The Holy City Legion captured the enemy and seized the flag, and should be acknowledged as having the highest merit! Come, Olosh, my teacher. Drink this cup fully, for your bravery!"
The Young Commander stood in the center of the large tent. He held a pottery jug, personally pouring the wine to inspire the distinguished generals.
This was a deserved acknowledgment. The Holy City Legion, as the most loyal direct lineage, faced the enemy’s most resilient central forces and also carried out the most fierce assault. They killed two thousand enemy warriors and incurred front-and-back casualties themselves of five hundred. Legion Commander Olosh led by example, slaying the Feather Family Head Warrior, breaking the enemy’s commander’s flag, equally standing bravest among all.
Olosh laughed heartily, took the tequila rice wine, and drank a mouthful heartily.
"To Your Highness’s victory! Now that the great battle is won, we can soon move southward! This western campaign was unbeatable, and the Northern Route Army has shocked the world!"
Xiulote smiled as he nodded. He poured another cup of wine, and spoke solemnly.
"The artillery units fired several rounds, suppressed the enemy’s central army morale, and crushed the enemy’s flanks, earning them secondary merits! Dozens of craftsman-artillerists were all promoted to Samurai!"
Upon saying this, the Young Commander beckoned. From a corner of the large tent, a craftsman representative stepped forward. His face was full of joy, yet his movements were trembling; first, he bowed deeply in respect, then carefully took the cup and soberly drank a few sips. Then, bowing slightly, he paid his respects to the generals in the tent.
The Great Generals nodded slightly, most of them taking a light sip. Only those leading the militia like the monkeys and Ezpan drank in one gulp, showing solemnity.
Xiulote watched silently, observing everything.
Through this battle, the undeniable power of artillery shocked the battlefield and innovations allowed the lowly status craftsmen to truly find their footing within the military. Beyond the traditional Samurai and militia, the Mexica legion was thus giving birth to a new tier, the technical craftsmen of the artillery units!
The Young Commander was aware of the major trend of artillery development in the future. He was preparing to establish specialized artillery locations and military schools, personally setting up the policies and procedures, nurturing this new power. As for who would lead the firearm troops, he was still thoughtfully considering someone with foresight and an ability to learn and discover.
"The Divine Blessing Legion broke into the enemy’s right wing, unstoppable in its sharpness. The Temple Guards circled to the enemy’s rear, thoroughly crushing the foe. Natali, Etalik, you both are third! Come, drink this cup fully, to honor the Chief Divine!"
The two commanders of the Religious Legion came forward one after another, shared a drink together. They exclaimed in unison.
"Praise to the Chief Divine! Chief Divine’s protection granted us victory in this battle! Your Highness is the beloved Divine Descendant of the Chief Divine, destined to soar like an eagle over the Lake Region and shine like the Sun across the world!"
Upon hearing this, the generals also shouted together.
"Praise to the Chief Divine, divine blessing upon Your Highness! The Sun shines over the world!"
The heroic shouts echoed throughout the large tent, accompanied by a spirited vigor! In the outermost corner of the tent, Izel from the western City-States was invigorated and joined in the generals’ cheers.
Meanwhile, not far from His Highness, the young Oorta appeared gloomy, stiff in his movements, and at a loss. As the inheriting Family Head of the Sky Clan who had surrendered, His Highness had treated him generously, specifically placing him by his side. At this moment, listening to the victorious cheers of the Mexica generals and feeling the overwhelming fighting spirit of the crowd, Oorta felt like a tiny sparrow among mighty eagles, filled with fear, bowing his head in silence.
Xiulote’s lips curled into a smile, satisfied with the high spirits of the generals. The two Religious Legions had made an assault for a quarter of an hour, completely crushing the Silver Legion. Both armies had suffered just over a hundred casualties, maintaining high morale, ready to be deployed into another great battle.
Then, the Young Commander raised his cup again, smiled and spoke, and the generals instantly fell silent.
"The Spear Legion crushed the enemy’s frontal militia, restrained both flanks of the Chapala Legion, also showing remarkable merit in the great battle! Kuluka, Ezpan, the Spear Legion was personally established by you two, and now it has truly proven its worth. I am very pleased! Know this, leading troops is not easy, and training them is even harder. Come! Drink this cup fully. Let all the generals drink together to congratulate these two commanders!"
Kuluka stepped forward respectfully, drank the Highness’s poured wine slowly until not a drop was left, then, smiling, he said,
"It is all due to Your Highness’s promotion that I could lead an army alone. The new army’s training was also personally participated in and earnestly guided by Your Highness. With this victory, the Spear Legion has gained confidence to fight all enemies for Your Highness! Please allow me to offer a toast to Your Highness!"
Xiulote’s mouth curved into a smile as he affectionately patted the "monkey" on the shoulder, then drank the offered wine.
Seeing the high regard His Highness had for Kuluka, the generals felt envious while they continuously offered toasts, congratulating this common-born, plain-looking Legion Commander. Kuluka, with a smile on his face, responded one by one. His sincere praises felt as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Then, Ezpan stepped forward. He bowed deeply, carefully drank the wine, and then, mimicking Kuluka’s gesture, offered a toast to His Highness.
"Your Highness, you have granted me rejuvenation and light, you are the sole Sun God in my heart! Please allow me to toast to You, offering my eternal loyalty. The Tarasco Legion will fight for You, no matter who the enemy is!"
Hearing this, Oorta raised his head and glanced at this Surrendered General from central Tarasco. The other was clad in Mexica war clothes, wore a Sun God amulet around his neck, and his arm sported an Alliance Warrior’s armband. From top to bottom, apart from the familiar accent in his voice, he bore no trace of Tarasco.
"I wonder which Nobility family he belonged to before surrendering? Perhaps I could cite a few and ask about the Alliance situation," he thought.
Oorta’s gaze flickered as he pondered seriously, observing the situation in the tent more carefully.
Seeing Ezpan’s toast, Xiulote was slightly taken aback. Then, he laughed heartily, accepting the intimate gesture and likewise drank the wine.
In this grand battle, the eight thousand Spear Legion had proven the might of the Spear Formation. Facing only boldly courageous Militia in a disorganized formation, they cut through them effortlessly like slicing through melons. The Spear Formation was extremely powerful at the front; even against the enemy’s elite Warriors, as long as the flanks and back were well protected, they could still hold the advantage.
"The Spear Formation should not be deployed into battle alone, but should be supported by allies covering its vulnerable left and right flanks. The Spear Formation needs to combine and separate as necessary, even shifting into columns. This requires more battlefield training! As long as the Spear Formation is not broken, the losses among the Soldiers will not be severe."
In the grand battle, the eight thousand Spear Legion had maintained their formation intact throughout. They had fought against Militia and Warriors and faced a barrage of Throwing Spears and arrows but had lost only slightly over five hundred men. The close-range advantage of their tightly packed spears had been fully demonstrated. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
"After this battle, the position of the Militia will be elevated, finding a way forward! As long as they are well-coordinated, and with half a year’s training, they can still hold against Warriors trained for five years!"
Xiulote thought with a smile. His gaze swept over everyone, as if deep in thought.
The behavior of the generals proved a point. Kuluka was a favored retainer of His Highness, thus everyone eagerly showed goodwill. As for Ezpan, who personally formed the new Spear Legion, many generals born into Warrior families showed lack of interest and even distinct rejection, not nearly as welcoming as the newly joined Natali.
Seeing His Highness accept the toast, Ezpan’s face lit up with joy. He mimicked Kuluka, toasting the other generals, but had few responders. Awkwardly holding his cup, he stood in the middle of the gathering, unsure of what to say next.
After a brief moment of thought, Xiulote stood up and walked over to Oorta, lifting him up.
The generals ceased their mutual toasting and once again fell silent.
"This is the Family Head of the Chapala Sky Family, the eldest son of the brave warrior we saw today! The Chapala Warriors joining the Alliance and the Sky Legion submitting to the Northern Army fills my heart with joy!"
Xiulote, with a smile, looked towards the uneasy Oorta.
"Oorta, now that you have inherited the Sky title, you must be as respected as your father! You must fight bravely and stoutly, devoutly believe in the Chief Divine, abide by the Warrior’s virtues, and be loyal to the great Alliance! Remember, fulfill your father’s last wishes, lead your troops back home, and make the betraying Feather Family pay the price!"
Upon hearing this, Oorta was visibly moved and touched. He thanked His Highness for praising his father, feeling apprehensive, yet he struggled to express himself clearly.
"Thanks… Your Highness… loyalty… towards the Sun… Feather… should perish…"
Xiulote observed the young Family Head’s reactions and then smiled gently. He turned to face Ezpan and said with a smile,
"Come, Ezpan. Since your homeland is not far from Oorta’s, step forward and offer your drink to the warrior’s descendant!"
