The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 614: Volume 16: Hazy Darkness - 7: Cutting the Grass and Removing the Roots

Chapter 614: Volume 16: Hazy Darkness Chapter 7: Cutting the Grass and Removing the Roots

The chaotic situation in the north of the Kingdom seemed to have no effect on Homer, which was situated in the southeast peninsula region. To the northwest of Homer were the territories of the Ferdinand family in Rundbell and the Heine family in Trelins, acting as barriers. If the beastmen wanted to enter Homer, they would either have to breach through the Rundbell region or cut across the wide central region of the Kingdom to Homer. However, at present, the beastmen were still entangled with the Kingdom’s army in the north and west. It seemed like the Kingdom’s forces were on the verge of being overwhelmed, but they could hold on for a period of time.

In fact, for Philip, the breakthrough of the beastman army through the northern front lines of the Kingdom did not bring him much joy. The threat from the Kingdom to Homer might have disappeared, yet the menace of the beastmen became increasingly prominent. These creatures obviously did not adhere to the rules as agreed upon. Wolf riders had already started to appear frequently by the Colorado River. According to the agreement, the beastman army was strictly forbidden from entering the west bank of the Colorado River within ten miles, but the beastmen seemed to have completely forgotten this pact.

It wasn’t surprising that the beastmen wouldn’t keep their promises, but their revealing of fierce claws so soon was worrying to all mortals involved in this plan, including Philip. The power displayed by the beastmen also instilled fear in all mortals. They effortlessly defeated the Royal Golden Oak Corps, which was considered one of the elite forces of the Kingdom. Whether it was Homer’s infantry, Rundbell’s, or Galle’s, none could compare with the Golden Oak Legion in combat effectiveness. If these beastmen really decided to remain in the north, the vast central region of the Kingdom and even Homer might become targets of their raids. Could Homer’s infantry contend with the beastman army?

However, at the moment, Philip was not too worried about this, as the directly governed territory of the Kingdom served as a shield. It wouldn’t endanger Homer in the short term. Both the Ferdinand family and the Heine family would be more concerned about this than him. What he needed to consider was still the hidden danger from the south. The Kingdom would be unable to interfere with his actions for a long time to come, and it seemed a good opportunity to resolve the troubles he had brewed in the south.

"Carl, you should have a precise explanation for the reasons behind Leon’s last combat failure, right?" The military man standing in front of Philip was Carl Libukneisi, the corps commander of the Homer Storm Infantry, a professional soldier who was considerably skilled in both tactics and martial arts.

Militarily, Philip had lost trust in those noble knights. Though they seemed impeccable in their loyalty, combat was not something that could be resolved simply with the bravery and allegiance of the knights of the Knights regiment. Historical experience taught Philip that choosing a professional soldier might be more reliable. Carl Libukneisi had officially taken over as the chief of the Storm Infantry following Leon’s disastrous defeat. Despite not having been in the position very long, he had already

"Your Highness, the situation has been largely clarified. In fact, our troops had always maintained an absolute advantage in the early stage of the battle, especially with the help of magicians. We almost achieved victory, but the army did not anticipate that those half-beastmen would have the help of magicians behind them. Our magicians were counterattacked, and due to the lack of preparation, the situation turned around, leading to our defeat," said Carl Libukneisi.

The well-defined square face of Carl Libukneisi seemed to be etched with lines of experience, his angularity conveying fortitude. The slim yet effective leather armor, made with special scales, showed the attention to detail in its craftsmanship. The shoulder ornaments with beast heads bearing fangs emitted a vicious gleam. The intricate straps tightly networked the scales together, giving a very tidy appearance. Over his armor, he wore a cloak adorned with strange patterns. These were signs that this warrior had faced battles with knights or magic practitioners, as only through such encounters would they mark their armor and cloaks with protective charms from magicians to enhance their defenses. The warrior’s investment in their gear was not at all inferior to that of the knights, even more practical. Even in the Duke’s presence, he maintained a wary stance, with one hand on his sword and the other on his chest in respect—necessary etiquette for a professional soldier.

"Is that all?" asked Philip, showing a skeptical look on his face as ruler of Homer.

"Yes, of course, there are also some subjective reasons within our own army. For example, our warriors lack actual combat experience, particularly in dealing with practical anti-magic attack training. I’ve looked into it, and our army’s drills against magic attacks have been too uniform, outdated, and of low intensity. Yet in real combat, if the opponent truly possesses magicians, they would never employ such simple and feeble spells for attacks," said Carl Libukneisi, reluctant to point out the shortcomings of his predecessor, but clearly unable to excuse himself from explaining to the Duke.

"Hmph, it seems I’ve spent so much grain on a huge bunch of good-for-nothings! A few thousand regular soldiers can’t even defeat some ragged miners wielding wooden sticks. Of what use is such an army?" Philip’s face showed an irritated expression. Although not directed at Carl Libukneisi, it still made Carl somewhat uncomfortable.

"Your Highness, you can’t blame them entirely. Without systematic and rigorous training, it’s impossible to form a qualified army. The intensity and adaptability of their previous training were too simplistic and weak, so when facing complex and variable battlefield situations, they felt somewhat powerless. Right now, I am conducting intensive training for them. I believe it won’t take long to see positive results," Carl couldn’t help but speak in defense of the soldiers now under his command.

"Hmph, I can’t wait any longer. The Leon issue must be resolved. Does the Kingdom Star Chamber Court think that my Homer is incapable of fulfilling the duty and obligation to rule and manage Leon? I think it’s necessary for me at this time to prove to them that as long as they don’t interfere, those Half-Beastmen in Leon will obediently crawl at my feet," Philip said impatiently, with a haughty look on his face.

"What? Your Highness, you want to deploy troops against Leon at this time?" Carl Libukneisi was greatly surprised.

"Of course, this is the best opportunity, one we cannot miss. The Kingdom is now too busy to care for itself; how could they have the strength to help that guy from Caucasus? I can provide you with fifteen Mages and Magicians for assistance, and the Knights regiment can also send a group of knights as your reserve force. As soon as you take down Leon, I will immediately announce the abolition of Komer’s Caucasus fief, and you will resolve the Caucasus problem in one fell swoop," Philip said, full of pride. "Without the support of the Kingdom, let’s see what he can use to contend against our Mages, Knights, and warriors!"

"Your Highness, do you mean Caucasus has no Mages? Were the Magic Attacks we faced in the last defeat in Leon provided by Mages from the Kingdom?" Carl Libukneisi asked somewhat hesitantly; after all, he was not very clear about the resources for Mages. According to warriors who had escaped back, the enemy had released extremely fierce large-scale Magic Attacks, which were always a shadow in the heart of Carl Libukneisi.

"Heh? Mages? That remote place of Caucasus has Mages? That’s the most ridiculous joke I’ve heard. Carl, do you know what it takes to support a Mage? Noble birth, good reputation, a wealthy territory, and ample financial resources—none of these conditions can be lacking. More importantly, you have to provide all the necessities for the Mages, including Magic materials and Magic books for research experiments, as well as experimental venues and a favorable research environment, and so on. Caucasus also thinks about recruiting Mages? Let him consider this problem again in a hundred years," Philip said disdainfully.

"However, I heard that there might be some suspicious individuals around Baron Komer, and they are likely to be Magic Practitioners," Carl Libukneisi, a careful man, was not confused by the Duke’s words.

"Haha, perhaps there were some Mages at first, but those were members of the Royal Court Magicians. They should have left by now, as the Kingdom needs them more at the moment, or perhaps Komer also recruited one or two Magic Apprentices by some means. But do you think he can stand against our Mage Corps under Homer?"

Philip was somewhat displeased by the other’s doubt about his surmise and impatiently tapped on the armrest of the carved wooden chair. The exquisite chair upholstered in magnificent Zagallo satin was tightly stretched, and its ivory and floral woven pattern displayed gorgeous colors. The chair legs, with their inward curved lines, added a touch of Rococo style. Philip’s hefty bottom sitting on it made one feel it was a complete waste.

On this point, Carl Libukneisi had no doubt. Various nations across the Continent and some Great Lords with power all took pride in establishing their own Mage Corps, which was a manifestation of strength. However, not just anyone could afford the expenses of a Mage Corps, as the needs of a single Mage alone were enough to make the lesser Lords sigh in desire. Therefore, only these Great Lords with substantial power dared to pretentiously establish a Mage Corps, but the Mage Corps was not just for display; indeed, it could play a crucial role at certain times.

"But Your Highness, the Storm Infantry Corps has not yet completed their training. I hope we can wait a little longer," Carl Libukneisi didn’t want to send the soldiers, still unseasoned in training, back to the battlefield at this time. He hoped to have more time to complete their training.

"No, Carl, opportunities do not come twice. I have been anticipating this battle for a long time. Once Leon and Caucasus are taken care of, I will grant you greater power and more time. But for now, we must first resolve this calamity to the south. I already regret having raised a tiger, leaving a threat behind, but luckily, this tiger has not yet grown. If we allow it to continue unchecked, who knows whether this guy might actually cause more trouble for us," Philip firmly refused Carl’s suggestion. "You go get ready immediately. The construction of the Floating Bridge at Brook Fortress is nearly complete. Once done, you must rush to the battlefield right away. This time, I want to see who else can come to his aid!"

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