The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 608: Volume 16: Mists and Illusions, - 3: Lurking Dangers

Chapter 608: Volume 16: Mists and Illusions, Chapter 3: Lurking Dangers

When dozens of battering rams, escorted by groups of excited and triumphant Minotaur soldiers, appeared on the western border of the Kingdom of Nicosia, almost all of the soldiers in the Iron Cross Corps felt their chests suddenly constrict, and their hearts turned as cold as the leather armor they wore.

They had heard about the Myron Duchy’s brethren falling to the Beastman Army’s battering ram challenge during last year’s siege of Mycenae. Everyone had been skeptical, as never in hundreds of years of war between Mortals and Beastmen had there been word of the Beastmen possessing the intelligence to produce something as sophisticated and technologically demanding as a battering ram, that required not only fine craftsmanship but also a certain amount of Magic Metal processing. This was the culmination of Mortals’ centuries of wisdom—aside from Mortals, probably only Dwarves on the Continent could manufacture such devices. Even among Mortals, not just anyone could produce them. The high craftsmanship requirements and the special need for Magic Metal meant that ordinary workshops could not even aspire to create them, let alone manufacture them, except for the large-scale state- or city-sponsored workshops or foundries. Dwarves, always uninterested in creating any mechanical devices other than metal weapons, and the Mountain Dwarves adept at crafting mechanical props all being located in the South, led Mortals to never imagine that Beastmen would be able to own such weapons.

The Beastmen were still in a primitive stage even with the production of their own armor and weapons. If not for their robust natural physical attributes and tenacious combat will, they couldn’t be compared to Mortal Soldiers, yet it was the harsh natural environment of the Mogan Wilderness that shaped the formidable physique and fierce style of the Beastmen, allowing them to launch attacks with simple equipment against Mortal forces that were far superior in material conditions, gaining the upper hand time after time.

Now, the weapons they hadn’t even dreamed of owning appeared before them—not just a few but dozens, arranged in neat battalions, surging forward. No doubt, the hearts of the officers and soldiers of the Iron Cross Corps stationed on the fortress Castle sank gradually. But now, retreat only meant a certain death. The Beastman soldiers’ superior running ability made even Human Cavalry look inadequate. Apart from the Knights of the Knights regiment, there was probably no other troop type that could contest their mobility and endurance.

The massive battering rams raised their rugged battering arms high, the Magic Metal full of elasticity emanating a rich, rigid scent. Each battering ram had three battering arms, using magic-powered springs to convert rotational force into striking power. The hefty battering head, cast especially from Heavy metal, combined with the explosive force from the springs and the heavy battering hammer’s inertia, was enough to split rocks and shatter mountains. The sturdy blue stone City Wall crumbled under the ram’s assault as if it were no different from a wall of mere clay and tiles. Repeated rotations and firing were all that was needed; whether the wall was made of limestone or basalt, it could only collapse. Compared to primitive Trebuchets, the use of Magic Metal springs and the Heavy metal striking effect in this type of battering ram increased its efficiency by several times.

Feltermites, subconsciously clenching the curved sword at his waist, felt a chill run down his spine as a slight sweat broke out. As a veteran of many battles, he had never felt such tension before. The appearance of dozens of battering rams had nearly destroyed the will of the soldiers on the fortress walls. With the loss of their defensive advantage, what could they use to suppress the charging Beastman Army? The word ’defeat’ came to mind, and it spelled death. If Feltermites hadn’t decisively executed two soldiers who wavered and tried to flee, thereby undermining the military’s heart, he was certain that the inside of the fortress would already be in chaos, with everyone fleeing for their lives. There was indeed a significant gap between the Iron Cross Corps and the Golden Oak Legion. More than a year of training had not yet turned them into competent warriors. Perhaps only after this battle would they be able to bravely face the Beastman Army’s provocation.

The Wilderness was almost filled with Beastmen Minotaur soldiers, their yellowish leather armors looking very simple and crude, but the aura they emitted was extraordinarily ferocious. Although they were not the strongest in combat within the Beastman Army, their will to fight and spirit of enduring hardships were among the top within all the armies on the Continent. Their strong fighting spirit and innate ability to take damage made them the most troubling Light Infantry for Mortal armies. If not for their somewhat lax discipline being their weakness, this race of soldiers would be nearly flawless. To defeat them, one needed to possess even greater Power.

But could the Iron Cross Corps now withstand these wild and fierce Beastman soldiers?

The Fox Clan Feather Archer and Tiger Clan’s Thunderstrike Fighter Regiment soldiers, who emerged from within or in groups among the Minotaurs, were not the main force; however, they often played a crucial role in war. The Fox Clan Feather Archer’s range might not be extensive, but their shooting accuracy was incomparable to Mortal archers, perhaps only matched by Elves and Half-Elves Crossbowmen. They often hid under the giant shield lines formed by Minotaur soldiers to make cold shots, each arrow exacting a bloody toll on Mortal Soldiers. The Tiger Clan’s Thunderstrike Fighter Regiment might not have the ferocity of their elite Spotted Armor, but the Tiger Clan’s innate divine strength allowed them to excel in short sprints and sheer force, making them the best option for assault infantry.