Abide by one's duty and fulfill one's responsibility

  Abide by one's duty and fulfill one's responsibility

  Rod Dick took a cold breath and said, "If this battle is fought like this, it will be troublesome. The Uruk army will attack first and then defend, pushing the front line to the most favorable terrain and then shrinking back. As long as they can hold on, it's equivalent to opening up a new territory, and the entire Syria Desert will be under their control."

  "From Uruk City-State to Cape City-State, both ends of the east-west axis that traverses the Syrian Desert are under the control of the Kingdom of Balen. Whether advancing north or attacking from the eastern side of Kish City-State, taking control of the Duk Plain would leave no worries in the rear. This move is extremely ruthless; even if they can't occupy a corner of Cape City-State forever, they can take advantage of the situation to control the Duk Plain and gain the greatest strategic benefits."

  Rod Dick said with a big mouth: "If all these plans are realized, the Kingdom of Balen will replace the Eg Empire as the most powerful country on the continent, and Gilgamesh will undoubtedly become the greatest hero in history, his fame even surpassing that of the gods."

  "A'men" shook his head and said, "This is just a grand wish, it's the dream in their hearts. To achieve this distant dream, the first step is to complete the goal of occupying the coastal city-state, which is exactly what we are going to stop today."

  George furrowed his brow and sighed: "This battle can't be fought, the law orders us to intercept the Uruk army on the border line, they are from afar, and we are defending with a strong position, should have the advantage. But now our military strength and combat effectiveness are far inferior to the opponent's, and there is no fortress or fortifications on the border of Cape City that can be used. Lord Dick, you have been in power in Cape City for so many years, haven't you thought of this?

  Rod Dick smiled wryly, "How could we not have thought of it? My father considered it when he was in office, but look at the terrain, the long border line is scattered and arc-shaped, it's a vast Gobi plain, there's no danger to defend against, and any point can be easily broken through. Building defensive fortifications along such a long Gobi edge not only exhausts the people and wastes money, but also has little significance."

  Besides, the Syrian Desert is a natural barrier, and this place has been peaceful for over a hundred years. What reason do I have to exhaust the city-state's manpower, material resources, and financial resources to build meaningless fortifications on a large scale? In recent years, I have also made many preparations, building the most important fortress in Hongjia Town, which is also where I stockpile supplies for the expeditionary army. The location is right in the middle of the line drawn by General Ahmen.

  After discussing for half a day, the conclusion was still that they would definitely lose the first battle and could not stop the Uruk army's attack at the border. Just as everyone was at a loss, Ahmen saw Aristotle silent and asked: "Sir, you also heard everyone's analysis, this war is doomed to fail, what do you suggest?"

  Aristotle finally spoke up: "I'm just an outsider, so I'd like to talk about an onlooker's view. This is a tough war and the Egu army is at a disadvantage. Resisting head-on at the border will inevitably lead to defeat, knowing this why bother with temporary gains or losses? Why not retreat to Hongjia Town instead, that way we can gain a strategic defensive advantage."

  Rodick Dick was taken aback and asked back: "Do you mean to hand over a large area of the city-state?"

  Aristotle spread his hands: "I may not understand military affairs, but you gentlemen have already analyzed the results. This land will be occupied by the Uruk army no matter what. There are only two possibilities: either they defeat you and advance; or you retreat to establish a more solid defense line and let them in temporarily. I think the latter result is much better."

  A'men'g also asked: "The Pharaoh's order is for us to defend against the enemy on the border line, but actively withdrawing from the command does not match."

  Aristotle shook his head and said, "Ah'men'g the Great Warrior, you are the commander-in-chief of the battlefield. You have the power to mobilize troops and make deployments according to the actual situation. You can report back to Pharaoh with the results of today's discussion and analysis, and then fulfill your duties as commander-in-chief. If you cannot do so, then please ask Pharaoh to replace you with another commander-in-chief. Why accept a title that is not matched by reality?"

  He nodded after a moment of thought: "Thank you, sir, for your kind words. I understand what you mean. But the retreat is not a rout, we need to set up several defensive lines to alternate between fighting and retreating, trying to slow down the advance of the enemy's vanguard as much as possible. The top priority is to evacuate the residents and livestock in this area to the west of the Red Ridge defense line to avoid being looted by the Uruk army. I will immediately report this battle plan to Pharaoh, and Lord Dick will organize the evacuation of the residents and livestock."

  Lord Dick stared at the sand table in a daze, not answering for half a day. Maidanzo elbowed him and said: "City Lord, what are you thinking about?"

  Rodrick's expression was somewhat strange, and he said with a tone of regret: "My large piece 'private' territory is also in this area. Servants and cattle can be taken away, but the fields and many things will have to be left to the enemy."

  "Aristotle smiled wryly and asked, 'Lord of the city, are you planning to mobilize your troops to defend your own territory?'"

  Rod-Dick raised his head and said, "Of course not. Even if we could hold on to it, the overall situation is more important. The commander-in-chief has already made plans for a retreat. My estate and territory will be temporarily abandoned for now. If Eg wins, they will still be mine in the end."

  In his position, planning for the situation and exercising his authority, Ahmose made a strategic decision to retreat and ordered the Hittite and Isis troops in the rear to rush to the Hongjia Town area to set up defensive lines to receive the Anra and Seti troops who were withdrawing. He abandoned the strategic depth of nearly two hundred miles from the border to Hongjia Town, it is unclear whether Pharaoh was satisfied with Ahmose's decision, but Pharaoh did not replace the commander-in-chief of the battlefield, at this critical juncture, the war situation was more important.

  A'meng arranged several defensive lines along the way and did not require the generals on the defensive line to fight to the death, but could retreat after the battle. The rear defense line was responsible for covering the retreating front army, and in this way, layer by layer, like peeling skin, retreated to delay the advance of the enemy's vanguard, and covered personnel and supplies were transferred to the rear. A'meng himself took a step ahead and rushed to Hongjia Town to command the deployment of the main defense line.

  ……

  The vanguard of the Uruk army broke through the border strongholds of the Hecanton city-state like a hot knife through butter. The natural blocking force was executed by the Anra army, although Ameng did not ask them to hold on, but the layered defensive soldiers still fought bravely, and this elite army honed on the battlefield suffered heavy losses.

  The 'Gate' garrison set up three defensive lines east of Hongqiao Town, blocking the enemy's advance and then retreating in succession, at the cost of nearly a thousand casualties. Even John, who commanded the battle, was seriously injured. However, they successfully slowed down the advance of the Uruk-hai army, covering the transfer of personnel and supplies in the rear, with only a small number of residents who failed to retreat being trapped.

  Advancing forward, a depth of nearly two hundred miles, the large tracts of land occupied along the way, after the Uruk army's continuous breakthroughs, that unstoppable impact force was contained. By the time they reached the front of the Red Ridge defense line, it had already turned into a confrontational battlefield between the two armies.

  At this time, the reorganized Horus Legion and Isis Legion had arrived at Red Cliffs Town, while the Set Legion had transferred a large number of supplies and population from the front. Ameng led the retreating Anra Legion to merge with the main force, guarding the defensive line in an orderly manner.

  Hongjia Town is located in the narrowest part of the land between two oceans within the borders of Haikou City, and is the throat to enter the hinterland of Eju. There is a small mountain range that runs north-south, with dense forests and strange rocks on the hills, forming a natural barrier. Hongjia Town is located at the relatively flat turning point of the mountain, and is a must-pass place for merchant teams, and many years ago, a fairly large market town was spontaneously formed here.

  Later, Roddick built a fortress here, building city walls like a small city-state. When the Pharaoh's army went on an expedition, this fort was the logistics base for storing materials. On both sides of Hongqi Town, along the small mountain range, stone materials were extracted and fortifications were built, and rough wooden fences were also set up in open areas.

  As soon as he arrived at Hongjia Town, he realized that this was a place where the military must contend. Further back, the terrain became open and flat again, and within a hundred miles was the main city of Haijiao City-State.

  The mountain range here is not very high, and the side facing Haicheng City is relatively steep, while the side facing the border is relatively gentle. If Hongjia Town and this defense line are occupied by the Uruk Corps, the enemy will have a great advantage and can defend against counterattacks from the direction of Ejiafu, so this defense line must not be lost.

  But it's not easy to defend, can't just shrink in the castle and defensive works behind passively beaten, once the mountains on both sides are broken through, Hongjia town will fall into the siege of the army. This is just a town, the city wall is not too high, it's hard to resist continuous attacks. Although the town can garrison a large army, being trapped in it makes it overcrowded, and without deploying troops, the advantage of the army's group combat is lost.

  So the battle plan made by Ah'men is to deploy troops outside the town, with the castle and fortifications behind as a support and cover. If the battle is unfavorable, they can retreat calmly, and after solid defense and reorganization, they can launch another attack. The goal is to fight a tough and grueling war of attrition.

  In the town of Hongjia, Ahmen unexpectedly met Gabriel, a great warrior who was sent to replace Longying, the commander of the vanguard of the Isis army, who had been injured and returned to the rear for recuperation. During the battle between Pharaoh's army and Hatti, many high-ranking officers were killed or wounded, such as Sesha, the great magician who delivered messages to Anra's army, and Vega, the great warrior, both of whom suffered serious injuries and could no longer fight. The Holy Maiden sent Gabriel to the front line, showing how much she valued this place.

  Gabriel, you've come at just the right time. My previous commander-in-chief, John, was severely injured in a battle and can no longer take to the field, and the formation of the Isis legion is currently incomplete. I'd like to assemble an elite vanguard from three legions, with you as the commander-in-chief of the vanguard. This mission is extremely perilous; are you willing to accept it?

  Gabriel bowed his head, grasping the hilt of his sword: "You are the commander-in-chief on the battlefield. Since it's a military order, why ask if I accept or not? This is my honor, thank you for your trust, Commander."

  A'mon naturally trusted Gabriel, who was well aware of the great warrior's loyalty and bravery. At that time, Maria recommended Gabriel to be the vanguard commander of the An-Ra legion, but A'mon did not accept and chose John instead. On one hand, he didn't want to take away the most important assistant from the Holy Maiden; on the other hand, it was also because of his position - he needed absolute authority to command his subordinates, and John was more suitable for this role.

  But at this moment, he is now the commander-in-chief of the battlefield, and on the position that is crucial to the frontline battle, of course, he has to appoint someone who understands and trusts him. Since Gabrielle went to the front line, it was her. This task is also extremely dangerous, as it may have to face the first warrior of the mainland, Enqi.

  Gabriel had just accepted the latest appointment, and the Uruk army was already approaching the city. Gilgamesh also saw the situation clearly and did not lead his troops to attack Hongjia Town directly, but instead set up a large camp dozens of miles away and sent an envoy with a letter. Of course, a large-scale expedition must have a good reason, and the purpose of the war is what? This is not only occupying the moral high ground, but also boosting the morale of one's own side. The content of this letter is as follows:

  Great, solemn and merciful god Marduk

  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

  The contributions of our predecessors will never be forgotten for generations to come.

  The gods have given us a bountiful harvest on earth, filling our granaries to overflowing.

  Please accept people's eternal hospitality.

  I hear your call and look up to that glory

  Your radiance will illuminate our great army

  Advancing to the 'gate' of land and ocean.

  That legendary land of Marduk

  Will usher in the glorious return

  Bathed in the divine light once again.

  Your people will punish Aegypt, their Pharaoh insults the gods, oppresses foreign nations, is greedy and cruel...

  The last page of the document is a long string of magnificent titles, using fifty honorifics to praise Marduk, whose divine name is truly lengthy.

  As soon as I read this inscription, I realized that there was also a prophecy of Marduk in the kingdom of Babylon, which is similar to the situation of Hatti and Egypt. Gilgamesh went to war in the name of fulfilling the prophecy, the content of which has two main aspects: one is to punish Pharaoh for his disrespect to God, greed and cruelty, and even dared to covet the legendary land of Marduk; more importantly, it is to guide the people to restore the glory of Marduk's land.

  In other words, the Kingdom of Balen will also intervene in the dispute over the Duk Plain and has great ambitions to control the entire Syria Desert and the Duk Plain. As analyzed by generals such as A'meng before the war, if these goals are really achieved, Balen will become the most powerful country among its neighbors, and Gilgamesh will become an unparalleled hero on the continent.

  He had seen the ancient documents in the archives of the Isis Temple, which recorded the war of the gods that took place in the area of Duk Town. Enlil and Marduk, who were on the same side, had a falling out, causing the Anunnaki to split into two factions. The land of Marduk, where Marduk gained fame in one battle, was still within Enlil's divine domain. Therefore, the phrase "will welcome the return of glory" mentioned in the letter should refer to Balen's army finally retaking the Duk Plain and building a temple for Marduk.

  Just as Kogoro once said to Ameno - "It can be foreseen that the strife there will also be a divine strife, and people are driving their own 'jade' hopes in the name of God" But whether it is Kogoro or Ameno, they are all involved in this involuntary national soul war.

  The purpose of the Uruk-hai army is also very clear in the manifesto, they are going to occupy the eastern territory of Ergou with the Red Cliff Defense Line. The "gate" of the land and the ocean mentioned in the manifesto refers to the location of Red Cliff Town.

  Due to the strategic retreat of Ah'meng, the territory that the Uruk army wanted has been occupied, but two things have not been completed. Militarily, it is necessary to capture Hongjiaozhen and the defensive fortifications on both sides of the mountain range in order to hold this place. Politically, it is necessary to force the Egu Empire to cede territory and formally recognize the cession of this territory. These are things that the Pharaoh of Egu cannot agree to, so a great war is still needed to give an answer.

  Ameng's faction sent a letter to the Pharaoh in the rear, and also returned a battle book. He didn't make any nonsense about gods and spirits, although he was proficient in various texts on the mainland, Ameng himself wasn't good at writing poetic texts like praise poems, so his reply was simple, just agreeing to meet on the battlefield three days later.

  ……

  Three days later, the two armies formed a battle array on the plain west of Hongjia Town. Under the scorching sun, the armor and weapons shone brightly, dazzling to the eyes. The warriors grasped their swords and guns tightly, facing the majestic enemy army formation. Their fingers were slightly pale, but everyone stood upright, forgetting to wipe away the sweat dripping down.

  The Uruk-hai army has always won with strength, the military formation is very regular, the double-yoke war chariots are lined up in front, with a driver, a warrior holding a long shield and a javelin in one hand, and an archer wearing leather armor and carrying a long sword. The heavy cavalry is on both sides of the vanguard, followed by the infantry phalanx.

  Agamemnon saw Chryses again. The young and handsome lord was still so proud, sitting in a luxurious chariot with a purple umbrella inserted on it, right in the middle of the front line of the battlefield. There were no guards on the chariot, nor any attendants on either side, he sat there as if on an outing, calmly between the opposing armies.

  The scene of Gilgamesh meeting with Enkidu was almost the same as before, except that Gilgamesh had no wine cup in his hand this time, but held a sheepskin volume. Next to the chair were bows and arrows, weapons, and a staff. This hero wore a magnificent cloak, without even wearing armor on his body.

  Gilgamesh sat at the forefront of the battle array, seemingly without any cover, but no one dared to underestimate him. In front of his chariot sat a charioteer, a giant of a man, with a huge shield and heavy broadsword placed on the chariot yoke, which were the weapons that Enkidu had used to slay Humbaba.

  The mainland's first warrior, En Qi, sat upright with his head held high at this moment. He wasn't wearing a helmet, and he wore a suit of ancient bronze-colored scale armor that was emitting a powerful aura from afar, which felt extremely familiar to Ameng. It should be made from the scales of Hong BaBa's snake, and it must have a strong divine technique defensive effect.