606: Chapter 285 Holy War Knight_2 606: Chapter 285 Holy War Knight_2 When no one else joined, Leon raised his hand and ordered the civilians outside the square to bring the assembled fine armor and weapons to the warriors present, allowing those lacking equipment to change into the best gear.
During the long Undead War, a considerable stockpile of weapons and equipment was amassed from cities and fortresses, enemies, and casualties, more than enough to outfit the thousand or so soldiers who joined the battle with high-quality knight armor and weapons.
Once the army was fully prepared, Leon spoke calmly, without saying much:
On the ramparts, Azeryan, who stayed behind injured, stood beside Princess Ines, gazing far as Leon led two thousand Alliance brave warriors to rendezvous with the waiting Dwarf Guards outside the city.
Under the guidance of the ancient Hem captain, the long expedition set out, embarking on the journey to the relics of the ancient Edel Mining Chamber of Commerce.
The entrance to those underground tunnels was located at the junction of four counties in the Sobonitz Domain, not nearby.
However, halfway through the march, upon reaching an open field, Leon suddenly ordered the entire army to halt.
Under the puzzled gazes of warriors and leaders, Leon rode to the high ground, looked at the troops below, and ordered the officers to gather the soldiers into formations, ensuring everyone could hear his voice.
“This battle faces the core of the Undead Army, the demon’s lair, extremely dangerous.
If we are defeated, the entire army will be wiped out, no one can survive.
If we win, only one in ten may survive!
Look at your comrades beside you, imagine…
even if victorious, these faces will painfully perish, and you might be among the sacrifices!
Now, as the Alliance Commander, I give you a final chance to turn back home.
Regret is still timely, those who lose their fighting spirit step back behind the army formation, choosing to retreat, and I guarantee no one will show you the slightest disdain.
You can tell the world it was following my orders that you chose to withdraw!”
He repeated twice, once in Urian Language, once in Felu Language, loudly addressing the soldiers, the waves of magical power spreading, echoing leisurely across the wasteland.
The words not only stirred the soldiers but also surprised the surrounding leaders, as Leon had not discussed this with anyone beforehand.
“This choice is also for your Excellencies.” Leon turned back, glancing at the leaders of various nations beside him.
After speaking, he calmly awaited people’s decisions, looking at the army ahead.
The formation of the Holy Lake Knights, Illaril’s followers, remained unmoved.
The Ranger Knights seemed not to hear, many even closed their eyes for rest.
In the ranks of the Avalon Knights and Sea Eagle Knights, some displayed faces of hesitation and doubt.
The Kantadar people’s ranks were more whispering amongst themselves.
Nearly ten minutes passed.
Gradually, figures started to walk out from the two thousand-strong ranks.
Leaving the sturdy fortress barricades, the sight of tens of thousands of soldiers, leaving the safe camps, stepping into the cold wind blowing the desolate wilderness, looking at the decaying corpses visible everywhere along the roadside…
many warriors who joined with fervor indeed felt trepidation and regret in their hearts.
The commander’s threats, the loneliness of the wild, the fear of meaningless death, memories of family…..
A militiaman from Avalon’s Baron Domain lowered his head, full of shame he placed down the knight’s mask he just put on covering his face, dared not meet the eyes of those around him, silently turning to walk to the rear.
Soon after, figures also emerged from the Thorny Flower family and Kantadar people’s ranks.
With people leading the way, gradually, even in the West Bay County and Avalon ranks, some seemed to persuade themselves that participating in this crazy and unrewarding action was unnecessary.
Leon glanced over, roughly four hundred warriors lowered their heads, quietly leaving the formation.
Once no more soldiers departed, Leon let the officers among the deserters lead them on the return journey.
Those silhouettes gradually vanished at the end of the road, Leon then looked at the remaining over fifteen hundred Alliance brave warriors.
Nodding towards those unwaveringly standing in the cold winter wind, he drew from his waist the ordinary long sword he had replaced many times since the Pseudo-Thorny Sword broke, raising it high towards the fearless warriors before him.
“All warriors willing to accept glory, step forward to hear your commendation.”
Leon’s resounding voice, like a boulder thrown into a lake, instantly stirred waves in the hearts of many solemn warriors.
Avalon’s ranks were the first to respond to Lord’s words.
The knights of the Knight Order leaned on their swords, saluting on one knee, next were the sergeants, and the remaining Avalon militiamen awkwardly followed suit, kneeling on one knee.
Sir David hesitated slightly, but soon, he made the same response; Thorny Flower family’s soldiers followed him to salute Leon’s raised long sword.
Next were the decisive Illaril Knights, Holy Lake believers, who were already full of respect for this righteous man who initiated the holy war to reclaim Illaril’s resting place.
The Ranger Knights, and Kantadar soldiers led by Baron Yevan, followed closely….
The Sea Eagle Knights’ commander recalled Princess’s ambiguous advice to them last night in the camp, and quickly led the West Bay soldiers to bow to hear the commendation.