Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 18 - Revision history

Aorii at 12:43, 30 April 2022

2022-04-30T12:43:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 30 April 2022
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	"Well Sire, you'd be carrying on a proud, family tradition," the beautiful spymaster Hannes grinned. "After all, your great-grandfather knighted a commoner."		"Well Sire, you'd be carrying on a proud, family tradition," the beautiful spymaster Hannes grinned. "After all, your great-grandfather knighted a commoner."

	"Yes... and I still remember how much whining he received from the old nobility thanks to that," the King commented. "Though it does sound like the familiar -- Kaede, was it? -- deserves it. What do the other officers say?"		"Yes... and I still remember how much ''whining'' he received from the old nobility thanks to that," the King commented. "Though it does sound like the familiar -- Kaede, was it? -- deserves it. What do the other officers say?"

	"I have two other reports also recommending her for the Knight's Cross," Hannes added in his soft voice. "One from Major Karen von Lichnowsky, 11th infantry brigade. The other from Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, 2nd cavalry brigade. Both declare that without the familiar's crucial role in staunching the surprise attack, the right anchor would have collapsed before sufficient reinforcements could arrive."		"I have two other reports also recommending her for the Knight's Cross," Hannes added in his soft voice. "One from Major Karen von Lichnowsky, 11th infantry brigade. The other from Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, 2nd cavalry brigade. Both declare that without the familiar's crucial role in staunching the surprise attack, the right anchor would have collapsed before sufficient reinforcements could arrive."
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	"Without his immediate head of family?" The King noted with surprise.		"Without his immediate head of family?" The King noted with surprise.

	"~~Apparently~~ Duke Mathias of Baguette, who is Perceval's grandfather, ~~has~~ met Lady Ariadne before," Hannes stated. "The old man must have taken a liking to her."		"Duke Mathias of Baguette, who is Perceval's grandfather, seems to have met Lady Ariadne before," Hannes stated. "The old man must have taken a liking to her."

	"He's also known to be quite eccentric," Lisbeth added. "Considering he renamed his fiefdom after a piece of bread."		"He's also known to be quite eccentric," Lisbeth added. "Considering he renamed his fiefdom after a piece of bread."

	"Eccentric or not, he is a member of House de La Tours, one of the most powerful noble dynasties in Rhin-Lotharingie," Hannes ~~noted~~. "It seems that the Manteuffels are hedging their bets. Since Your Majesty seems set on the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance, they intend to take advantage of the opportunity and extend their clan's influence into Rhin-Lotharingie."		"Eccentric or not, he is a member of House de La Tours, one of the most powerful noble dynasties in Rhin-Lotharingie," Hannes commented. "It seems that the Manteuffels are hedging their bets. Since Your Majesty seems set on the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance, they intend to take advantage of the opportunity and extend their clan's influence into Rhin-Lotharingie."

	"Baguette is also just across the border from Nordkreuz, which makes it easy to involve them in Weichsel's affairs..." King Leopold remarked. "I take it Neithard doesn't know about the coup in Alis Avern yet?"		"Baguette is also just across the border from Nordkreuz, which makes it easy to involve them in Weichsel's affairs..." King Leopold remarked. "I take it Neithard doesn't know about the coup in Alis Avern yet?"

Aorii at 12:21, 30 April 2022

2022-04-30T12:21:12Z

Aorii at 15:18, 22 August 2021

2021-08-22T15:18:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 22 August 2021
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	"Like father, like son," Leopold remarked as he leaned back in his cushioned chair while reading a report. "The first thing Pascal requests is five years of tax exemption for the citizens of Nordkreuz, as he argues that the damage done by the air strike is on par with that of a major natural disaster."		"Like father, like son," Leopold remarked as he leaned back in his cushioned chair while reading a report. "The first thing Pascal requests is five years of tax exemption for the citizens of Nordkreuz, as he argues that the damage done by the air strike is on par with that of a major natural disaster."

	"More like two disasters at once," Colonel Hannes von Falkenberg, commander of the Black Eagles and the King's spymaster, stated. "By all accounts, Nordkreuz looks like it had just been hit by an earthquake and a firestorm at the same time. Its market district and docks both lie in ruins. ~~They~~ city will require significant rework to function as a trade hub again."		"More like two disasters at once," Colonel Hannes von Falkenberg, commander of the Black Eagles and the King's spymaster, stated. "By all accounts, Nordkreuz looks like it had just been hit by an earthquake and a firestorm at the same time. Its market district and docks both lie in ruins. The city will require significant rework to function as a trade hub again."

	"I concur that Nordkreuz should be allowed to recover its economic prosperity first before we impose taxes again," a newly arrived lady nodded. "In fact, I would recommend Your Majesty to extend credit from the national treasury to aid in the reconstruction of its trade infrastructure."		"I concur that Nordkreuz should be allowed to recover its economic prosperity first before we impose taxes again," a newly arrived lady nodded. "In fact, I would recommend Your Majesty to extend credit from the national treasury to aid in the reconstruction of its trade infrastructure."
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	\|}		\|}
	</noinclude>		</noinclude>



			[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch8_Nordkapp1.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkapp: ??\|right]]

Aorii at 23:41, 7 June 2021

2021-06-07T23:41:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:41, 7 June 2021
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	It was his obligation as an officer, as a lord of Weichsel.		It was his obligation as an officer, as a lord of Weichsel.

	Pascal gritted his teeth and sent what was ~~akin to a death warrant~~:		Pascal gritted his teeth and sent what he knew was an unreasonable order:

	"<Order Major Karen to hold ''at all costs!'' Do you hear me, Kaede? Fight to the last! If the flank crumbles this entire army could be rolled up and destroyed!>"		"<Order Major Karen to hold ''at all costs!'' Do you hear me, Kaede? Fight to the last! If the flank crumbles this entire army could be rolled up and destroyed!>"

	He could feel her ~~rising despair, even denial, as~~ he uttered those callous words.		He could feel his familiar struggling with her own fears he uttered those callous words.

			Pascal had faith in Kaede's resourcefulness and insight. But it was clear to him that the girl was still too green. She was weighed down by anxiety and dread. And in a critical juncture like this, such decision paralysis would only decrease her chances of survival.

	"''Mental Clarity Surge!''"		"''Mental Clarity Surge!''"

	Mana coursed into his left palm before he shut it with a squeeze, sending the magic through the familiar link and to Kaede. As a ''Surge'' spell which maximized strength at the cost of duration, ~~''Mental Clarity''~~ effectively became an emotional whiteout.		Mana coursed into his left palm before he shut it with a squeeze, sending the magic through the familiar link and to Kaede. ''Mental Clarity'' was a spell designed to focus the mind. However as a ''Surge'' spell which maximized strength at the cost of duration, it effectively became an emotional whiteout, pushing away Kaede's fears and leaving only her rationality behind.

	Pascal had ~~faith in Kaede's resourcefulness and insight, but~~ the ~~girl was still too green. She was weighed down by indecision and fear. He needed her in action ''now''~~.		Pascal had now given her all the tools he could. Now he had to make sure that reinforcements would get to Kaede before her position was overrun. But for that he needed to regain control of the situation where he stood.

	~~He could only hope~~ that reinforcements would get to Kaede before her position was overrun. But for that he needed to regain control of the situation where he stood.

	''I need to deal with this quickly!'' He thought as he stared up at the monstrous drake, which had just finished its breath attack and was taking a moment to recuperate.		''I need to deal with this quickly!'' He thought as he stared up at the monstrous drake, which had just finished its breath attack and was taking a moment to recuperate.
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	"''Force Boost Prison!''"		"''Force Boost Prison!''"

	Per its name, ''Force'' spells created a immaterial, directional force, while ''Boost'' drastically raised the mana cost to augment the effect's strength. The ''Prison'' spellword then redirect this inward from all directions, creating a crushing effect which would pin the drake in place. This had the added bonus of accelerating any inbound projectiles, increasing the damage dealt by the arbalest volleys that would soon come.		Per its name, ''Force'' spells created an immaterial, directional force, while ''Boost'' drastically raised the mana cost to augment the effect's strength. The ''Prison'' spellword then redirect this inward from all directions, creating a crushing effect which would pin the drake in place. This had the added bonus of accelerating any inbound projectiles, increasing the damage dealt by the arbalest volleys that would soon come.

	And surely enough, Pascal heard a cry from further south as more reinforcements from the reserve 5th infantry brigade arrived.		And surely enough, Pascal heard a cry from further south as more reinforcements from the reserve 5th infantry brigade arrived.
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	"Ye-y-yes Sir?"		"Ye-y-yes Sir?"

	"Tell General Kasimir that our extreme right is under heavy assault and they need relief ASAP!" Pascal demanded with a stern gaze while his working hand firmly grasped the junior officer's shoulder. "2nd cavalry should still have two battalions positioned behind the right wing. Tell Kasimir to authorize the closer battalion commander form a new battlegroup -- gather any spare infantry they can collect along the way and reinforce our right anchor!"		"Tell General Kasimir that our extreme right is under heavy assault and they need relief ASAP!" Pascal demanded with a stern gaze while his working hand firmly grasped the junior officer's shoulder. "2nd cavalry should still have two battalions positioned behind the right wing. Tell Kasimir to authorize the closer battalion commander to form a new battlegroup -- gather any spare infantry they can collect along the way and reinforce our right anchor!"

	The signal officer concentrated to pass the message. Then:		The signal officer concentrated to pass the message. Then:
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	However Reinhardt remained focused on their objective at the extreme right flank, where he found himself staring at an awe-inspiring sight.		However Reinhardt remained focused on their objective at the extreme right flank, where he found himself staring at an awe-inspiring sight.

	The entire 'line' --what had once been a battalion of hundreds-- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone~~, small~~ girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.		The entire 'line' --what had once been a battalion of hundreds-- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.

	Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform. Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.		Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform. Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.
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	A hundred and thirty cavalrymen soon trotted forward with readied lances and swordstaves while their squad leaders cast warding spells. Meanwhile Major Reinhardt watched as a hundred rays scattered over the northern beachhead before the ''Ignition'' spells arrived.		A hundred and thirty cavalrymen soon trotted forward with readied lances and swordstaves while their squad leaders cast warding spells. Meanwhile Major Reinhardt watched as a hundred rays scattered over the northern beachhead before the ''Ignition'' spells arrived.

	"CHARGE!" He heard the company commander cry out, just before a searing inferno erupted across the shoreline.		"HOLY FATHER WITH US! CHARGE!" He heard the company commander cry out, just before a searing inferno erupted across the shoreline.

	The quake of the massive explosion that followed could be felt tens of kilopaces out.		The quake of the massive explosion that followed could be felt tens of kilopaces out.
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	"Yes, Your Highness."		"Yes, Your Highness."

	Sylviane wasn't ~~really keen on~~ risking her ~~armigers~~ to protect ~~that unwelcome~~ girl from her fiancé's thoughtless summoning. Nevertheless, Pascal had asked, his voice almost begging, for her to save ~~his familiar~~, and she couldn't ~~simply~~ refuse.		Sylviane wasn't entirely sure about risking her companions' lives to protect a girl from her fiancé's thoughtless summoning. Nevertheless, Pascal had asked, his voice almost begging, for her to save Kaede, and she couldn't refuse.

	Besides...		Besides...
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	''Keep your jealousy under control, Sylv.'' The Princess berated herself. ''This is not befitting of royalty.''		''Keep your jealousy under control, Sylv.'' The Princess berated herself. ''This is not befitting of royalty.''

	After all, had Kaede not done her duty through determination and bravery? ~~Had the familiar not proven herself time and again?~~		After all, had Kaede not performed as Sylviane had asked? Had the girl not done her duty through determination and bravery? Loyalty should be appreciated and rewarded -- that was what Sylviane's father always said. And Kaede had proven herself time and again to be of great help.

	Loyalty should be appreciated and rewarded -- that was what Sylviane's father always said. And Kaede had proven herself ~~more than just loyal on multiple occasions~~.

	''Let's just hope she's still alive.'' Sylviane thought as she began to spin her burning meteor hammer.		''Let's just hope she's still alive.'' Sylviane thought as she began to spin her burning meteor hammer.

Aorii at 14:39, 18 May 2021

2021-05-18T14:39:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 18 May 2021
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	"Even so," the Colonel remained hesitant. "Isn't three full grades at once a bit much?"		"Even so," the Colonel remained hesitant. "Isn't three full grades at once a bit much?"

	"I have half a mind to promote him straight to brigadier-general," the ~~king~~ declared. "~~Don~~'t forget that it was ''his strategy'' that we executed for both the air assault and the land battle. If the kid consistently proves himself this influential to military strategy yet I ''don't'' promote him to high command, then I'll be the one who looks like a fool!"		"I have half a mind to promote him straight to brigadier-general," the King declared. "Nobody expected him to take the reins in a moment of crisis. To do so, ''knowing'' he would be held responsible for the fallout if he failed -- that requires real leadership! And don't forget that it was ''his strategy'' that we executed for both the air assault and the land battle. If the kid consistently proves himself this influential to military strategy yet I ''don't'' promote him to high command, then I'll be the one who looks like a fool!"

	"Three ranks it is then," Hannes gave a faint shrug. "I think that just made him the youngest colonel in Weichsel's history."		"Three ranks it is then," Hannes gave a faint shrug. "I think that just made him the youngest colonel in Weichsel's history."

Aorii at 20:40, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T20:40:02Z

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 18 - Baptism of Fire=== "" The frantic shout resounded within the confines of Pascal's empty mind. He didn't recognize it, but he felt the desperation fr..."

2021-03-27T20:04:03Z

Created page with "===Chapter 18 - Baptism of Fire=== "<PASCAL!>" The frantic shout resounded within the confines of Pascal's empty mind. He didn't recognize it, but he felt the desperation fr..."

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:21, 30 April 2022
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	He then pushed himself back to sitting upright. His working hand rubbed to clear his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:		He then pushed himself back to sitting upright. His working hand rubbed to clear his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:

	The command center was an expanded cabin with a wooden exterior, a hardened steel frame, and interior welded-steel armor. Yet now an entire facing of the ceiling and walls --what remained of them anyway-- had buckled inwards. The room's furniture, including the enchanted map table, had shattered into pieces. Many of which were still burning, alongside several bodies and pools of rimefire on the ground.		The command center was an expanded cabin with a wooden exterior, a hardened steel frame, and interior welded-steel armor. Yet now an entire facing of the ceiling and walls -- what remained of them anyway -- had buckled inwards. The room's furniture, including the enchanted map table, had shattered into pieces. Many of which were still burning, alongside several bodies and pools of rimefire on the ground.

	The runes dropped by the air attack had destroyed wards and armor alike with a combination of ''Dispel'', ''Disintegrate'', and ''Sonic'' spells. They severed support beams and left gaping holes in the command center's armor, which cleared the way for follow-up spells and breath weapon attacks.		The runes dropped by the air attack had destroyed wards and armor alike with a combination of ''Dispel'', ''Disintegrate'', and ''Sonic'' spells. They severed support beams and left gaping holes in the command center's armor, which cleared the way for follow-up spells and breath weapon attacks.
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	"Captain!"		"Captain!"

	He hardly even noticed when the lemur leaped off his back. His ears weren't back to full capacity yet, but they would suffice for now. The healer --who was still not here in person-- clearly decided the other lieutenant's severed leg was more important.		He hardly even noticed when the lemur leaped off his back. His ears weren't back to full capacity yet, but they would suffice for now. The healer -- who was still not here in person -- clearly decided the other lieutenant's severed leg was more important.

	"Corporal." The young lord turned to face his visitor.		"Corporal." The young lord turned to face his visitor.
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	Tall as a bear and covered in frozen furs and chain-linked steel, the enemy seemed an unstoppable ice devil wreathed in hellfire. His deep growling felt more like the haunted voice of an anguished soul than the pained weakness of a dying man.		Tall as a bear and covered in frozen furs and chain-linked steel, the enemy seemed an unstoppable ice devil wreathed in hellfire. His deep growling felt more like the haunted voice of an anguished soul than the pained weakness of a dying man.

	But before he could finish taking another step, the one-handed Captain stabbed her swordstaff --its shaft supported by wraps of wavy red hair-- straight into his groin.		But before he could finish taking another step, the one-handed Captain stabbed her swordstaff -- its shaft supported by wraps of wavy red hair -- straight into his groin.

	"KEEP... SHOOTING!" She yelled as blood continued to flow from her arm stump.		"KEEP... SHOOTING!" She yelled as blood continued to flow from her arm stump.
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	However Reinhardt remained focused on their objective at the extreme right flank, where he found himself staring at an awe-inspiring sight.		However Reinhardt remained focused on their objective at the extreme right flank, where he found himself staring at an awe-inspiring sight.

	The entire 'line' --what had once been a battalion of hundreds-- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.		The entire 'line' -- what had once been a battalion of hundreds -- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.

	Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform. Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.		Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform. Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.
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	Perhaps Weichsel should rename their beloved ''Firemist Ignition'' combo as the 'Hammer of God'.		Perhaps Weichsel should rename their beloved ''Firemist Ignition'' combo as the 'Hammer of God'.

	--Not that the Holy Father needed mundane articles like hammers to smite.		-- Not that the Holy Father needed mundane articles like hammers to smite.

	Sir Robert's teleport had landed them on a tiny island in Cross Lake's eastern wing. Only a light snow continued to fill the air, and they could see the battle in the distance. However they were still a good kilopace away from the burning shoreline, where a Weichsen counterattack was preventing the Northmen from deploying the rest of their thousands-strong assault force.		Sir Robert's teleport had landed them on a tiny island in Cross Lake's eastern wing. Only a light snow continued to fill the air, and they could see the battle in the distance. However they were still a good kilopace away from the burning shoreline, where a Weichsen counterattack was preventing the Northmen from deploying the rest of their thousands-strong assault force.
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	"Remember, our job is to disrupt the assault on the defensive line's right anchor," she declared as they flew over the surface of the lake. "Don't risk yourselves beyond that and let Weichsel sort out the rest. Also..."		"Remember, our job is to disrupt the assault on the defensive line's right anchor," she declared as they flew over the surface of the lake. "Don't risk yourselves beyond that and let Weichsel sort out the rest. Also..."

	She felt some reluctance before forcing herself to add: "~~keep~~ an eye out for Kaede the familiar. Break off and protect her if you spot that Samaran girl."		She felt some reluctance before forcing herself to add: "Keep an eye out for Kaede the familiar. Break off and protect her if you spot that Samaran girl."

	"Yes, Your Highness."		"Yes, Your Highness."
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	"Well Sire, you'd be carrying on a proud, family tradition," the beautiful spymaster Hannes grinned. "After all, your great-grandfather knighted a commoner."		"Well Sire, you'd be carrying on a proud, family tradition," the beautiful spymaster Hannes grinned. "After all, your great-grandfather knighted a commoner."

	"Yes... and I still remember how much whining he received from the old nobility thanks to that," the King commented. "Though it does sound like the familiar --Kaede, was it?-- deserves it. What do the other officers say?"		"Yes... and I still remember how much whining he received from the old nobility thanks to that," the King commented. "Though it does sound like the familiar -- Kaede, was it? -- deserves it. What do the other officers say?"

	"I have two other reports also recommending her for the Knight's Cross," Hannes added in his soft voice. "One from Major Karen von Lichnowsky, 11th infantry brigade. The other from Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, 2nd cavalry brigade. Both declare that without the familiar's crucial role in staunching the surprise attack, the right anchor would have collapsed before sufficient reinforcements could arrive."		"I have two other reports also recommending her for the Knight's Cross," Hannes added in his soft voice. "One from Major Karen von Lichnowsky, 11th infantry brigade. The other from Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, 2nd cavalry brigade. Both declare that without the familiar's crucial role in staunching the surprise attack, the right anchor would have collapsed before sufficient reinforcements could arrive."
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	"Baguette is also just across the border from Nordkreuz, which makes it easy to involve them in Weichsel's affairs..." King Leopold remarked. "I take it Neithard doesn't know about the coup in Alis Avern yet?"		"Baguette is also just across the border from Nordkreuz, which makes it easy to involve them in Weichsel's affairs..." King Leopold remarked. "I take it Neithard doesn't know about the coup in Alis Avern yet?"

	"I doubt it Sire. It's only been a day and we've been suppressing that information," answered his spymaster. "Though I anticipate news to spread by other sources soon."		"I doubt it, Sire. It's only been a day and we've been suppressing that information," answered his spymaster. "Though I anticipate news to spread by other sources soon."

	The King nodded as his brows furrowed in deep thought. He stood up from behind his desk and walked over to the giant map of Western Hyperion in his office. His gaze fell upon the landmass of Weichsel's huge, western neighbor.		The King nodded as his brows furrowed in deep thought. He stood up from behind his desk and walked over to the giant map of Western Hyperion in his office. His gaze fell upon the landmass of Weichsel's huge, western neighbor.
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	\|}		\|}
	</noinclude>		</noinclude>



	~~[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch8_Nordkapp1.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkapp: ??\|right]]~~

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 10 April 2021
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	Taking stock of his priorities, Pascal took a quick glance through Kaede's vision first. The oncoming charge was rapidly approaching their right wing defense line.		Taking stock of his priorities, Pascal took a quick glance through Kaede's vision first. The oncoming charge was rapidly approaching their right wing defense line.

	Pascal shut his eyes. He hated himself for what he was about to do. It was a dangerous gamble, yet he couldn't see any other choice. This entire defensive line could buckle if that flanking attack wasn't stopped. This included not only an army ~~of fifty ''thousand''~~, but the fate of the whole city of Nordkreuz!		Pascal shut his eyes. He hated himself for what he was about to do. It was a dangerous gamble, yet he couldn't see any other choice. This entire defensive line could buckle if that flanking attack wasn't stopped. This included not only an entire army, but the fate of the whole city of Nordkreuz!

	Sure they had a fallback position being built at the city's ruined walls. However with the two armies already engaged, even a successful retreat during the day would cost thousands of lives. As the Landgrave of Nordkreuz, not to mention the officer who put forward this strategy, he had no right not to risk ''everything'' he had for the success of this battle.		Sure they had a fallback position being built at the city's ruined walls. However with the two armies already engaged, even a successful retreat during the day would cost thousands of lives. As the Landgrave of Nordkreuz, not to mention the officer who put forward this strategy, he had no right not to risk ''everything'' he had for the success of this battle.
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	''If the Northmen thinks destroying my HQ is going to ruin our response to their flank attack, then they are in for a painful lesson,'' Pascal thought.		''If the Northmen thinks destroying my HQ is going to ruin our response to their flank attack, then they are in for a painful lesson,'' Pascal thought.

	The frontal clash will be a ~~slogging match~~ but Weichsel would ultimately triumph. Pascal was certain of this. However the battle itself would be decided where Kaede stood. This meant everything depended on whether Major Karen could hold long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Then after that, whether their combined strength could fight off the Northmen assault until their main cavalry force under General Dietfried reached the battlefield.		The frontal clash will be a meat grinder but Weichsel would ultimately triumph. Pascal was certain of this. However the battle itself would be decided where Kaede stood. This meant everything depended on whether Major Karen could hold long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Then after that, whether their combined strength could fight off the Northmen assault until their main cavalry force under General Dietfried reached the battlefield.

	Leaning heavily against the packed-snow trench wall, Pascal considered what else he could still do to sway the odds in Weichsel's favor. His arms were still numb from the rapid succession of spells he channeled against that drake. But he nevertheless focused to begin casting anew.		Leaning heavily against the packed-snow trench wall, Pascal considered what else he could still do to sway the odds in Weichsel's favor. His arms were still numb from the rapid succession of spells he channeled against that drake. But he nevertheless focused to begin casting anew.
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	Kaede swept leftward on reflex. Her weapon incinerated a squad of sword-and-shield huskarls who had almost reached her from the side. The curtain of flames then swung back right in a wide arc, forcing a new wave of spear-equipped infantry to bank hard and steer away from her blazing arc of death.		Kaede swept leftward on reflex. Her weapon incinerated a squad of sword-and-shield huskarls who had almost reached her from the side. The curtain of flames then swung back right in a wide arc, forcing a new wave of spear-equipped infantry to bank hard and steer away from her blazing arc of death.

	However it didn't stop some of them from hurling their spears.		However it didn't stop some of them from hurling their spears. Most of them either missed or deflected off her wards. Though one of them managed to penetrate and plunge straight into her upper thigh.

	~~Most of them either missed or deflected off her wards. Though one of them managed to penetrate and plunge straight into her upper thigh.~~		Kaede cried out in pain as she fell down onto one knee. But she never stopped shooting.

	Kaede cried out in pain as she fell down onto one knee.

	But she never stopped shooting.

	Within a massed charge of ski infantry, there wasn't much room to maneuver without intruding upon another's lane. Fallen soldiers already littered the area as evading skiers rammed into those less accomplished. This in turn increased the obstacle count for those behind them.		Within a massed charge of ski infantry, there wasn't much room to maneuver without intruding upon another's lane. Fallen soldiers already littered the area as evading skiers rammed into those less accomplished. This in turn increased the obstacle count for those behind them.
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	Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, commander of the 2nd cavalry brigade, ~~8th~~ battalion, and leader of the newly formed 'Battlegroup Reinhardt', couldn't believe his eyes.		Major Reinhardt von Gottschall, commander of the 2nd cavalry brigade, 9th battalion, and leader of the newly formed 'Battlegroup Reinhardt', couldn't believe his eyes.

	Some of his men were distracted by the frontal assault. The Skagen shield wall had come into contact with the Weichsen infantry, and a ferocious melee now engulfed the main defense line to their left.		Some of his men were distracted by the frontal assault. The Skagen shield wall had come into contact with the Weichsen infantry, and a ferocious melee now engulfed the main defense line to their left.
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	The entire 'line' --what had once been a battalion of hundreds-- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone, small girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.		The entire 'line' --what had once been a battalion of hundreds-- had been reduced to three holdouts and a few dozen men. Yet its center was still held by a lone, small girl who knelt on one knee due to her injuries.

	Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform.		Her armor was too light to be soldier-appropriate. Nor did she wear a proper Weichsel uniform. Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.

	Yet with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth, breaking the charge like a boulder in the middle of a stream.

	Blazing corpses, burning pools, and the entangled limbs of crashed ski infantry scattered all around her across the ravaged fields.		Blazing corpses, burning pools, and the entangled limbs of crashed ski infantry scattered all around her across the ravaged fields.
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	Under his orders, the Kostradan Noble Reiter company moved ahead of the regular cavalry and reached out with casting gloves. Over a hundred fireballs flew out. They hurled past the perimeter trench where they detonated together in a blazing inferno that covered the fields.		Under his orders, the Kostradan Noble Reiter company moved ahead of the regular cavalry and reached out with casting gloves. Over a hundred fireballs flew out. They hurled past the perimeter trench where they detonated together in a blazing inferno that covered the fields.

	~~--Though assuming~~ the enemy had standard wards, such a basic elemental barrage would kill and disable few. But battles were also a contest of morale. The chain of explosive blasts knocked countless foes off their feet, buying his forces valuable time.		Assuming the enemy had standard wards, such a basic elemental barrage would kill and disable few. But battles were also a contest of morale. The chain of explosive blasts knocked countless foes off their feet, buying his forces valuable time.

	Better yet: there were now plenty of foes lying prone in pools of icy slush.		Better yet: there were now plenty of foes lying prone in pools of icy slush.
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	--Not that the Holy Father needed mundane articles like hammers to smite.		--Not that the Holy Father needed mundane articles like hammers to smite.

	Sir Robert's teleport had landed them on a ~~small~~ island in Cross Lake's eastern wing. Only a light snow continued to fill the air, and they could see the battle in the distance. However they were still a good kilopace away from the burning shoreline, where a Weichsen counterattack was preventing the Northmen from deploying the rest of their thousands-strong assault force.		Sir Robert's teleport had landed them on a tiny island in Cross Lake's eastern wing. Only a light snow continued to fill the air, and they could see the battle in the distance. However they were still a good kilopace away from the burning shoreline, where a Weichsen counterattack was preventing the Northmen from deploying the rest of their thousands-strong assault force.

	It was dangerous to teleport straight into a battlefield. One could never know where another mage might have placed the infamous ''Astral Scramble'' spell, which disabled the safety protocols on incoming teleportation and dealt an instant-death for any arrivals. The spell was so deadly that it was outright banned outside military use. And most towns' teleportation beacons had an enhancement to specifically suppress this spell within its vicinity, just in case some criminal tried to start a murder spree.		It was dangerous to teleport straight into a battlefield. One could never know where another mage might have placed the infamous ''Astral Scramble'' spell, which disabled the safety protocols on incoming teleportation and dealt an instant-death for any arrivals. The spell was so deadly that it was outright banned outside military use. And most towns' teleportation beacons had an enhancement to specifically suppress this spell within its vicinity, just in case some criminal tried to start a murder spree.
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	"As ever, Your Highness," her bodyguard, Lady Mari, declared without hesitation.		"As ever, Your Highness," her bodyguard, Lady Mari, declared without hesitation.

	Those words were followed by confirmations from all of her armigers, even though Sylviane knew every one of them must be exhausted. A few of them had caught some shuteye yesterday before flying overnight to assault the skywhales. All of them were now relying on Rejuvenate spells to keep themselves from collapsing.		Those words were followed by confirmations from all of her armigers, even though Sylviane knew every one of them must be exhausted. A few of them had caught some shuteye yesterday before flying overnight to assault the skywhales. All of them were now relying on ''Rejuvenate'' spells to keep themselves from collapsing.

	"Let's go then, ''Blaze Ignition!''"		"Let's go then, ''Blaze Ignition!''"
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	"Without his immediate head of family?" The King noted with surprise.		"Without his immediate head of family?" The King noted with surprise.

	"Apparently ~~the~~ Duke of Baguette, who is Perceval's grandfather, has met Lady Ariadne before," Hannes stated. "The old man must have taken a liking to her."		"Apparently Duke Mathias of Baguette, who is Perceval's grandfather, has met Lady Ariadne before," Hannes stated. "The old man must have taken a liking to her."

	"He's also known to be quite eccentric," Lisbeth added. "Considering he renamed his fiefdom after a piece of bread."		"He's also known to be quite eccentric," Lisbeth added. "Considering he renamed his fiefdom after a piece of bread."
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	The King nodded as his brows furrowed in deep thought. He stood up from behind his desk and walked over to the giant map of Western Hyperion in his office. His gaze fell upon the landmass of Weichsel's huge, western neighbor.		The King nodded as his brows furrowed in deep thought. He stood up from behind his desk and walked over to the giant map of Western Hyperion in his office. His gaze fell upon the landmass of Weichsel's huge, western neighbor.

	The matter of Rhin-Lotharingie would require more ~~discussions~~ and deliberation before he made a decision. However...		The matter of Rhin-Lotharingie would require more discussion and deliberation before he made a decision. However...

	"The Manteuffels are getting out of hand," Leopold declared as his eyes narrowed. "Neithard already has the Duchy of Polarstern, and the branch families control Saale-Holzland, Altmark, and half of Starigard. Yet that is ''still'' not enough to satisfy his ambition?"		"The Manteuffels are getting out of hand," Leopold declared as his eyes narrowed. "Neithard already has the Duchy of Polarstern, and the branch families control Saale-Holzland, Altmark, and half of Starigard. Yet that is ''still'' not enough to satisfy his ambition?"
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	\|}		\|}
	</noinclude>		</noinclude>



	~~[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch8_Nordkapp1.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkapp: ??\|right]]~~