Miaomiao played her part, chanting a mock incantation. "[Ventus Veni, Vis tua invoca!!]"
Miaomiao rose to her hind legs, stretching her paws skyward. It might have resembled a cat reaching for a butterfly, but in her imposing sphinx form, the posture carried a majestic weight.
The weary soldiers, startled by the sudden gust of wind, lifted their heads. Before them stood the sphinx, her paws outstretched toward the sky as she chanted a spell. Cool wind, tinged with a refreshing chill, swept over them, banishing the oppressive heat and instantly drying their sweat.
"Wow, a first-class magical beast really is something else. Great job!" a few soldiers cheered, waving their hands toward her in encouragement.
Miaomiao, suppressing the rising irritation at being reduced to a "beast" in their eyes, bit back her retort. Dealing with these ignorant humans wasn't worth the effort; grooming her fur seemed a better use of her time. Sitting down, she wrapped her tail around herself and enjoyed the breeze. The soldiers' cheers weren't entirely unpleasant, though.
Meanwhile, Michael continued his reconnaissance with 300 knights, surveying the area for any remaining threats. In his absence, the soldiers relished the cool wind that alleviated the stifling heat. Though the sun still blazed overhead, the breeze was enough to soothe their exhaustion.
They chewed on the jerky rationed before the campaign, washing it down with water while exchanging lighthearted conversations. Slowly, the tension and fatigue from the battle began to dissipate.
After 30 minutes, the wind started to subside, though the lingering coolness still wrapped around them. Eventually, Michael and the knights returned from their patrol. Despite the grueling battle, the disposal of enemy corpses, and the extended reconnaissance, the knights' faces glowed with anticipation and excitement.
Michael allowed them a break, distributing jerky and water. The knights dismounted, sharing laughs as they tore into the jerky and patted one another on the back. Their laughter echoed across the plain.
When enough time had passed, Michael mounted his horse, Bucephalus, and addressed the troops. All eyes turned to him.
"The 7,000-strong reconnaissance force sent by the Pamir Empire included members of their five great tribes. We've annihilated them all without suffering any casualties. This is a monumental victory. When we return to the fortress, everyone will receive their due rewards. Now, rise and prepare to march!"
The soldiers and knights, who had been resting, erupted into cheers. They quickly donned their armor, their faces now brimming with confidence. Unlike when they had first set out, their spirits were high after achieving such unexpected results during what was meant to be a routine patrol. Following Michael's command had proven worthwhile.
For the members of the elite detachment, the victory brought an even greater sense of joy. Many had lived under the shadow of more accomplished peers or family members. One knight, with the help of his squire, fastened his armor and spoke up.
"My mother always sighed whenever she looked at me, constantly comparing me to my cousin. I wonder what expression she'll make when I come home after this achievement."
Another knight, inspecting his armor for any damage, nodded in agreement. "Same here. Don't even get me started. My father outright said he was relieved I wasn't the heir to the family. A sigh would've been mercy compared to that."
A third knight, securing the clasps on his boots, laughed as he straightened up. The heavy weight of comparison and inferiority that had always burdened him seemed to lift. "I can't wait to see the look on my brother's face when he hears about this victory. Just thinking about it gives me a thrill."
Under Michael's command, their morale soared to new heights. Though the enemy they defeated wasn't the elite force of the Pamir Empire, a victory was a victory. Combined with the elite background of the special detachment, a few more accomplishments would likely earn them their own estates.
The soldiers, too, shared in the elation. While they knew becoming nobility overnight was impossible, the reward gold promised opportunities—enough to buy fertile farmland or secure a prosperous future.
"If I get a reward for this, I'll buy a beautiful ring and propose to Cordelia," one young soldier said dreamily, his face still marked with traces of youthful acne. Despite his tender age, he had survived three wars. Having lost his parents early, he joined the army and fought desperately to survive. Now, he was ready to start a family.
The soldier beside him patted his shoulder. "If you're thinking about buying a ring, you must already have the land and house sorted, huh? Lucky guy. I'm planning to expand my house. My wife's pregnant with our third child, and the place we have now isn't nearly big enough. My kids are going to grow up in a better environment than I did."
The man's eyes shone with hope for his children's future, a future much brighter than his own.
Overhearing these conversations with his heightened senses, Michael couldn't help but smile. The special detachment, though recruited from noble families, had a lively and human side to them that set them apart from the stiff elites of the main forces. Their camaraderie and optimism were refreshing, and Michael thought they wouldn't be bad companions for the battles ahead.
The soldiers from Ellonia, assigned by noble families to support the detachment, had also proven their worth. As veterans, they worked seamlessly alongside the knights and squires, fulfilling their roles admirably. Listening to their chatter, Michael felt a surge of pride. Knowing that his leadership inspired such trust and achievement eased some of the guilt that lingered in his heart.
No matter how resolute he tried to be, the knowledge that lives hung on his decisions was never easy to bear. Yet hearing the troops' plans for the future reassured him that his path was not misguided. Even so, Michael steeled himself for the battles to come.
Worried that their soaring morale might lead to complacency, Michael adopted a sterner expression and spoke with gravity. "The enemy reconnaissance unit coming this close means a major battle is imminent at the fortress. Everyone, prepare yourselves."
The lighthearted mood darkened as reality sank in. The soldiers' expressions grew serious. Indeed, the war was far from over. It was only beginning.