Izel fumbled in panic for a long while before realizing with astonishment that he was completely unharmed. The young Samurai steadied his mind and looked at the enemy who had fallen beside him. The foe’s fierce face was now filled with fear as he babbled incoherently.
Izel gave a fierce smile, quickly drew the dagger from his waist, and plunged it into the enemy’s throat. Then, licking his dry lips and wiping the fresh red blood from his face, he picked up the fallen war club and rose from the ground again.
"The Chief Divine’s blessing, I am destined to become the Family Head!"
The young Samurai’s face lit up with excitement. Then he turned towards the fleeing Chapala Militia, looking at their vulnerable backs, and shouted loudly to his family’s warriors.
"The enemy is in retreat, follow me and pursue them!"
The war drums grew even more intense, accompanied by the horns of the charge. Under the bombardment of the wooden cannons, the wings of the Chapala Militia could no longer hold on and, emitting fearful screams, completely collapsed. The warriors from the western state paused for a moment before pursuing with bloodshot eyes. They had suffered serious casualties in the short but fierce battle, and now they only craved slaughter, giving the enemy no chance to regroup!
Seeing the crumbling periphery of the enemy forces, Xiulote nodded with satisfaction. The warriors on the wings were pursuing the enemy, gradually forming a pincer movement. Then, he turned his attention back to the central battlefield, watching the "Feathers" Commander’s Flag.
"Silver" Family Head Tekata loudly encouraged his troops, managing to barely stabilize the right flank against the onslaught of the enemy’s Spear corps. Then, the roaring of cannons sounded again, shaking the warriors’ morale and hitting the morale of the corps. He looked anxiously around; the Militia on the flanks were fleeing like rabbits, the central force of warriors remained motionless, and the Archers had also ceased firing and lowered their flags.
Tekata could no longer hold back. He called the Head Warrior of his family, ordering him to hold the defense, then hurried towards the small hill where the Commander’s Flag stood. He raced past the panicking Militia Archers, past the Temple Priests singing in frenzied chants, and moved through the dazed Great Shield Personal Guards, finally reaching the "Feathers" Marshal.
"Prince Your Highness, the situation is critical! Please order the Militia Archers to spread out and shoot at their wooden beasts!"
Tekata pointed at the wooden cannons being reloaded, looking at the busy gunners, and urgently spoke.
Pengguari’s expression was vacant, his face bewildered. He looked at the cannons and gunners and, in a daze, asked.
"Tekata... what on earth is this?... Is it the Mexica’s Evil Demon?"
The "Sky" Family Head paused, studying the Commander-in-Chief’s appearance, his heart filling with irritation. Renowned for his extensive connections and extraordinary experiences, and born into the highest ranks of Nobility, he knew well the tricks of the Priests. Although the Mexica were invoking the names of deities, he did not believe in them, focusing instead on the enemy Craftsmen controlling the wooden beasts.
"Prince Pengguari, look carefully! Regardless of what this is, living or not, it’s ultimately the Craftsmen who are controlling it! The army is completely at a disadvantage, the warriors are struggling to hold on, and the Militia has already collapsed. No matter what, we cannot let them continue this bombardment!"
Tekata stepped forward earnestly, gripping the "Feathers" Marshal’s arm.
"Prince Your Highness, entrust the Archers on both sides to me, let me command them to suppress the enemy!"
Hearing the "Sky" Family Head’s persuasion, Pengguari subconsciously nodded, entrusting the responsibility to another. Tekata quickly left to direct the Archers of the Militia, shooting volleys at the wooden cannons fifty steps away. Soon, a barrage of arrows showered down fiercely, and nearly ten gunners by the roaring wooden beasts fell. The Mexica warriors immediately raised their shields to defend, and the remaining pushed the wooden cannons, slowly withdrawing to the rear.
Watching the wooden beasts cower from the rain of arrows, the "Feathers" Marshal slowly came back to his senses. The mythic fear finally dissipated from his heart, and the state of the battle unfolded before his eyes. He saw the center army breached by the enemy, the wings locked in a standoff, and the peripheral forces collapsing, with the enemy closing in for a pincer attack.
"The situation is critical... the corps has completely fallen behind!"
The grand "Feathers" flag flew high, symbolizing the Prince’s honor. Below the flag, Prince Pengguari’s expression shifted, his complexion changing unpredictably.