Restart:Untalented Man

Frontline.

During Sarika’s absence, the war between Ryntum and Blande came to a standstill. No longer did the roar of cannons echo.

Neither side is willing to make a move.

For Blande, making an offensive move is equivalent to courting death.

Their forces were battered and thinly spread, morale drained by loss after loss. Many of their seasoned officers had fallen, and replacements lacked the experience to lead large-scale manoeuvres.

Across the no man’s land, Ryntum’s camp was a little livelier. Their banners fluttered proudly in the cold wind, but beneath that show of might, hesitation brewed.

No officer dares to issue an order carelessly. Although they have confidence in their strength, they have long thought that anything can happen on the battlefield.

What if their offence is unsuccessful?

To attack recklessly and fail would not only mean heavy losses; it would shatter the myth of Ryntum’s invisible army that enemies had come to believe.

And myths, once broken, were almost impossible to restore.

Often, reputation and fame become an invisible chain that cannot be removed.

So they waited, watching each other, strengthening themselves.

They reinforced their encampments, stockpiled supplies, and sent scouts who rarely returned with anything new to report.

....

On the other side of the frontline, Blande’s camp was also as lively as Ryntum.

Since the day Van Vernau seized control of the remnants of Blande’s army, he had done everything within his power to reorganise the scattered troops and consolidate the nation’s remaining strength.

The once-fractured great families, many of which were dragged unwillingly to his side, were no longer left to their own devices.

Under Van’s uncompromising command, their private knights and household guards were forcibly conscripted into the national army.

There was no longer such a thing as "personal retainers." Every able-bodied man who could wield a sword or lift a spear was pressed into service.

The sight around the encampment reflected this new order. Rows of tents stretched in tidy, disciplined lines.

Knights who once wore the proud sigils of their own houses now marched under a single banner of Blande.

They might have loathed Van for his actions, but none could deny that the army had regained its shape.

The previous chaotic retreat had turned into something resembling strength.

Every resource left in Blande’s possession, be it food, weapons, horses, or even the melted-down silver from noble estates, had been redirected to the war effort.

Every mine, forge, and granary under his influence now answered directly to his command.

Van’s adjutant quietly entered the command tent, saluting.

"Reports from the western side, my lord. Recruitment is complete. The new levies will arrive within two days."

"Good," Van said without looking up. His focus remains on the table, full of maps and scribbled reports.

Though he had no idea why Ryntum had halted their advance, Van was not foolish enough to waste the opportunity. Perhaps they were regrouping, perhaps they were facing troubles elsewhere, but none of that mattered.

Van will make use of the time he has.

"Excuse me, my lord." Another soldier came in.

"What is it?" Van asked.

"There’s a situation at the battlefield, my lord."

Van’s brow furrowed. "Situation?" His tone grew heavier. "Did Ryntum make a move?"

The soldier nodded. "We believe so, sir. One of our forward scouts caught sight of their commander, Sarika Klover."

The room fell silent. Van’s fingers, resting on the edge of the map table, curled slightly.

"So... She’s back."

Despite Ryntum’s effort to conceal it, the news of Sarika’s absence from the frontline during her northern expedition has become an open secret.

Van certainly knows this. But, he dares not make a move even though every instinct in him screams to strike first, to push when the enemy’s general is absent.

Given Blande’s current condition, he prefers responding to attacks rather than initiating them.

Now that Sarika is back, the war is about to resume.

"Ready the men. Reinforce our scouts and recall the outer patrols. Double the watch on every approach. I want reports on Ryntum’s movement by the hour."

"Yes, my lord!"

As Van’s orders spread through the command chain, the atmosphere in the once-bustling camp became tense.

The murmur of idle conversation slowly faded. There was no laughter and banter, not even the usual grumbling that accompanied dawn assemblies.

The day for battle is finally here.

Some adjusted their helmets repeatedly, others double-checked the edges of their blades or the fit of their armour, more out of nerves than necessity.

Considering the amount of training they have been doing, everyone is hoping they can make it alive.

The distant sound of horns signalled the start of deployment. One by one, units began to depart.

Time passed, and the camp, located at the outskirts of Ergel, gradually became deserted.

Van was very certain that Ryntum would target this city, as it was located at an entryway to other Blande’s cities in the north.

If Ergel fell, they could only retreat to Eppen in the south.

Remaining in the cold north is not an option. At least Eppen had a port where they could escape.

However, at that point, Blande is truly on its last leg with one city left.

Van understood this.

Standing outside his tent, he watched soldiers move like dark ants across the snow, forming columns and loading supply wagons.

Van’s adjutant approached, "My lord, the first and second battalions are moving into position. They are waiting for further orders."

Van nodded without looking away from the horizon. "Good. Make sure the scouts keep their eyes open and get the cannons ready."

"Yes, my lord." The adjutant hurried off.

For a moment, Van allowed himself a long breath.

Although their artillery isn’t on par with the opponent’s, it was the crystallisation of their wisdom in desperate times.

They can still put on a fight, alleviating the pressure on the infantry.

Shortly after, the shadow of their greatest foe entered Van’s line of sight.

The Ryntum army marches forward confidently.

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