Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

"It's time to eat, it's time to eat!"

The cook arrived quickly, bringing broth in a wooden bucket and bread in a basket. Of course, the bread was cold and hard, so they had to soak it in the broth before eating it.

This was the only thing that satisfied them quite a bit—although they would return to other places from time to time, they never lacked food, which kept them energetic enough to do hard work that required a lot of effort.

After eating and drinking their fill in a daze, picking the bits of meat from between their teeth and catching their breath, they set off to work again... No one urged or supervised them. Everyone who had worked there knew that they were all in the same boat, and if they wanted to get rich, everyone had to contribute. Otherwise, if things were exposed, no one could escape.

They had already established contact with the other side some time ago, and the other side's requirement for them was to carve out a road that could at least accommodate a horse-drawn carriage. They also sent a lot of money as a reward, which is why they are still working hard and full of energy, swinging sledgehammers and iron spikes with great enthusiasm.

After all, they've already reaped considerable rewards before even getting started. They can't even imagine how rich they'd be if they actually succeeded!

Carving such mountain roads is relatively easy as long as there are no rocks. You just need to loosen the soil and then transport it away or level it on the spot. But if you encounter rocks, you need to use iron spikes to make holes, and then use wedges arranged in a line to hammer them in little by little to divide the road. This is always the most difficult part. If there are no rocks, they can be at least three times faster.

Today, he was very unlucky and encountered a huge round rock that couldn't be dug out directly. He could only slowly break it apart... He would probably spend the whole day on this rock.

He found a helper to hold the iron skewer steady, and then he swung the hammer and began to smash it down. Each time, he made sure the hammer traced an arc over his head, using all his strength from his waist and abdomen to smash it down heavily, sending stone chips flying and steel curling.

Each time he ensured the force was transferred properly, his arm would immediately relax, completely eliminating the recoil, and then he would begin the next swing of the hammer. His movements were extremely powerful and fluid, and even his breathing was very slow. Only the continuous, rhythmic, and crisp sound of the hammer could be heard.

He used to be a stonemason, so he had a lot of skills... but he couldn't even make a living, and his family was on the verge of starvation. In the end, he still ended up in this line of work. Because of his superb skills and outstanding technique, other people were happy to work with him. At least they didn't have to worry about some naive young man missing his target with the hammer and breaking someone's arm or head.

...That's not impossible. There have been two or three unlucky ones in the last two days, but no one has died yet.

After the last hammer blow, he found a hole in front of him where he could put the iron wedge, and he could take a breather before hammering the next one.

He stopped hammering, but the crisp tapping sound didn't stop, making him look to the side with some confusion. He saw that the other guys who were also wielding hammers were taking a break...

His confusion lasted only a moment before he immediately understood. His face trembled with excitement, his eyes fixed on the stone before him, while he listened intently to the sound of steel chiseling against the rock coming from the other side. After a long while, he turned and shouted:

"We've got it through! We've got it through!!"

........................

The last pile of shattered stones was loaded into a wooden bucket. As the craftsman turned the turntable, it slowly rose, and then the shaft below was pushed, directly dumping the stones into the valley next to it. In no time, the huge pile of rubble that would have taken two strong men an entire afternoon to clear was cleaned up, leaving the mercenaries watching in astonishment.

The craftsmen and auxiliary soldiers dressed in red moved swiftly and efficiently. At the same time as the rubble was cleared away, some people took tools and began to clear the remaining soil, leveling and compacting the road. Some were even laying stone bricks. Of course, this was not a proper three-tiered road like those in the empire that could be used for hundreds of years. It was just a temporary emergency measure. Otherwise, such a muddy road would easily trap carriages and block the entire road.

"They worked really fast. At least we had a ravine on our side, which saved us a lot of effort. They had to carve the road out of the mountains... No wonder they say the Imperials are the best at handling stones. I've seen it for myself today."

The first stonemason to discover the road had been cleared looked on in amazement at the various machines the Empire possessed, pointing and commenting as he stood by—they no longer needed to do manual labor, or rather, the die was cast, and there was no need to worry about it anymore.

In just over a month, they carved a road through the mountains, attracting the imperial army... In any case, they had done something truly significant, something remarkable.

382 Passage (2)

"Order the Sixth and Seventh Legions to prepare to depart immediately. Send out cavalry vanguards to scout the terrain on the other side of the mountains. General Tostoyar is in charge of overseeing logistics and must deliver the first batch of supplies within three days without fail!"

The drill ground beside the city was now a cloud of yellow dust, trampled by men and horses. More than 20,000 men from two entire legions had gathered there. Their banners bore double-headed eagles flanking their troops, with outstretched olive branches and laurel leaves. The brass eagle emblem gleamed in the sun. The polished armor plates were dazzling, like ice and snow. Bugles and drums sounded intermittently as the soldiers, well-trained, assembled, packed their bags, and prepared to embark on a new journey.

Natamus, clad in gleaming heavy armor, rode his tall, golden warhorse, surrounded by a dense entourage of generals and officials. Above him, a large banner made of golden silk fluttered in the air, and the valiant knights atop it seemed to be leaping forward, spears in hand, charging into battle.

One order after another came out of his mouth, and officials or officers immediately carried it out. The whole city was bustling with activity. The city walls in the distance were filled with enthusiastic citizens, and people could be seen waving at them from time to time. Although the soldiers did not look to the side, they were visibly more excited.

"My lord, please allow me to speak."

An official could no longer hide his worry. After Natamus finished giving his instructions, he seized the opportunity to step forward and bow.

"Of course, but when it comes to the moment of battle, let's keep it short."

Natams frowned, scrutinizing the map before him. His dissatisfaction was palpable, and the reason was simple: compared to the military maps within the empire, the map of the Kingdom of Salanod, concerning the border states of the western nations, was far too indistinct. It only showed a general outline of the terrain and a few major cities, completely lacking details about roads, terrain, and climate—a stark contrast to the maps of the past.

In this situation, he would need to expend more effort to explore the terrain, find local guides, and put in more time to investigate and understand, which would inevitably hinder the operation.

That's why he didn't focus most of his attention on the official who was going to offer advice, even though the official held a high position in the entire province, since he had more important things to worry about now.

“My lord, we have not yet received orders from His Majesty and the Senate. Would it be inappropriate to launch an attack on our own? Moreover, we have not declared war on the Kingdom of Salanod. I fear that a rash attack on their territory would dishonor the glory of the Empire.”

The laws of the empire cannot be violated, and it is a grave taboo to send troops out without orders. That is why he is so worried... There are some things that must be clarified, and no amount of seriousness is superfluous.

Natamus paused, then turned to look around, only to find everyone else watching him, clearly sharing the same concerns. He realized he needed to reassure them now to ensure there were no further worries. So he simply rolled up the parchment map in his hand, which was currently of little use, and solemnly spoke:

"There's no need to worry about that. I received my appointment from His Majesty and the nursing home before I set out on the campaign. I have the authority to mobilize the legions for battle, and..."

He grinned broadly, his voice booming like thunder, and then raised his hand and pointed around:

"Moreover, this Western barbarian is courting death! They've set their sights on us; if we don't strike first and break the wolf's teeth, are we just going to wait for it to bite us?! Are you all afraid?!"

Before the officials could speak, the generals and officers could not bear such humiliation. They drew their swords and sabers, pounding their armor as they gave their unanimous reply: the soldiers of the empire never fear war; they only throw themselves into battle with burning passion until they have plundered enough wealth and glory.

The officials also looked serious, clearly aware of the implications of the occasion.

"Besides, I'm not going to immediately send my legion to conquer cities and territories. I just want to seize this mountain pass and the area behind it. Otherwise, if I miss this opportunity, wouldn't I be a brainless idiot? If that red-haired guy finds out and sends troops to block me, things won't be as easy as they are now... In short, my mind is made up. You all go and make your own arrangements!"

Those around them readily accepted the order, their voices filled with unwavering conviction and a fiery, impassioned spirit.

At this moment, Natamus had a faint smile on his lips as he looked back at the northern sky... He had indeed not been authorized to send troops this time, which was a major taboo according to common sense. Historically, no general who dared to do so had a good ending.

But he was not worried about this at all, because at this very moment the relevant authorization and orders must have been sent here. His Majesty would never let him lose the opportunity or mess up the important matter because of this. Authorization is still authorization if it is delayed by a few days, but an opportunity is no longer an opportunity if it is delayed by a few days. That is why he did not hesitate to mobilize the legion to prepare for attack immediately after the road was opened.

And when these western barbarians think their little tricks will work and feel pleased with themselves, he will plunge his sword firmly into their hearts and watch with glee as they bleed to death.

How could he allow these barbarians to trespass on the land he was protecting? They were utterly audacious and courting death...

Natamus silently tightened his grip on the reins. His warhorse seemed to sense its master's agitated mood, raising its head and stamping its hooves a few times.

Under the sunlight, a rolling torrent of iron followed the road, with shouts of men and neighing of horses, and banners obscuring the sky.

....................................

The buildings of the empire are always so tall and majestic that they inspire awe, especially the palace where the supreme ruler resides. The tall and exquisite marble columns make one wonder if they are the dwelling of giants. Standing under them is like a cat looking up at a tree. People will subconsciously hold their breath and concentrate when they walk around here, for fear of disturbing something.

The smooth, flat marble mosaic tiles are pieced together with stones of various colors to create magnificent and beautiful patterns. Servants meticulously clean and wipe them every day, making them so shiny that they can almost reflect one's image. Guards clad in golden armor stand and patrol in such places, their long axes and halberds engraved with golden patterns and their blades polished to a gleaming shine, reflecting a cold light onto their golden faceplates.

At this moment, what is surrounded by this exquisite corridor is not a more magnificent palace, but a riotous and beautiful garden, made of pebbles, white porcelain, marble sculptures and all kinds of exotic flowers and plants, which is refreshing at first glance.

No one would refuse to spend a moment in this garden; it is an innate pursuit of beauty. This garden, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, is undoubtedly one of the world's finest masterpieces.

In the very center of the garden, surrounded by a cluster of reed-like exotic plants, lies a pond several dozen paces wide. The water is clear and emerald green, with lantern-like aquatic plants floating in the center. Among these plants grow flowers with petals as bright as flames, and below, various precious ornamental fish of different colors, sizes, and shapes swim about. Beside it, a towering artificial hill has marble spouts that continuously supply fresh water, ensuring the pond remains clear and emanating a refreshing mist.

Claudia sat on a stone bench by the pond, watching the fish swimming in it, and finally couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Finally, this matter is finished. The messenger must have set off by now?"

"It has already set off, Your Majesty, and is expected to arrive within six days."

The one who answered the emperor was not a maid or an official, but a warrior clad in heavy golden armor. His golden scales covered his entire body, reaching up to his knees, while his shoulder armor was made of layers of gold-plated steel plates. His belt was wide and sturdy, inlaid with gold ornaments and gemstones, and hung with a short sword with a narrow, thick guard and fan-shaped counterweights.

This sword was completely different from the soldier's ornate and sturdy weaponry. It appeared exceptionally simple, with only a leather-wrapped scabbard, brass fittings, and even the hilt was just two pieces of wood clamped together and bound with leather rope. However, its style was completely different from the swords of the Empire, clearly belonging to the Rigut people.

This man was tall with broad shoulders, and his fingers, which exposed his wrist guards, were rough and sturdy, as if carved from stone. A gilded helmet with a red tassel hung at his waist, and he carried a magnificent long axe with a wide blade on his back.

No matter how you look at him, he is a mighty warrior. The only strange thing is his voice at this moment. Even though it is hoarse and deep, it still cannot hide a trace of gentleness, which clearly reveals something.

The emperor nodded, then suddenly leaned back and sighed.

“Sit here and talk to me, Ingersoll.”

He paused for a moment, but ultimately did not try to dissuade her. With a resounding thud, he stepped forward and sat on the stone bench beside him, casually placing the cumbersome axe and helmet on the ground.

If you didn't see her face, it would be hard to believe that she was a woman. Just based on her tall and strong figure and fierce and imposing aura, even the most discerning general would have to give her high praise. But if you look closely at her face, you can still find the undisguised feminine gentleness in every detail, even though this gentleness is armed with a kind of fierce hardness.

She also had short, white-gold hair, simply tied back with a leather cord, revealing a broad forehead. Her eyes were a clear, icy blue, like those of a glacier. Her cheeks were completely pierced by three scars—one extending from her forehead to her cheekbone, one running from one side of her nose to the other, and the last tearing her left lip, revealing her deep white teeth through the gap.

"Have I told you about Karila? She's the girl from the north, just like you. I heard she did a great job this time and made a significant contribution. It's just a pity you don't know her."

Ingersoll frowned in exasperation and reached out to touch the branches extending from a tall, exotic plant in front of him.

“I have told you many times, Your Majesty, our tribe has been away from the north for more than ten years. People die very quickly there. In more than ten years, almost everyone you know will be replaced... I don’t even know this little girl. I’m not even familiar with her tribe. I guess they are all newly gathered.”

"And what about that girl's father? 'The Bonebreaker' Bradrick is quite a famous name, you might remember him?"

Ingersoll continued to shake his head:

"I still don't know. I guess this guy hadn't made a name for himself when we left... But he did have a formidable daughter. This girl named Karila is probably one of the best warriors in the entire north. If Your Majesty would allow it, I would like to have a match with her."

"Of course, no problem. Just be careful with your strength. I don't want either of you to be injured in a match. That would be like two precious porcelain pieces colliding to test their strength... Of course, that's just an analogy, not to say you're fragile or anything."

Ingersoll plucked a leaf and put it in his mouth, chewing it slowly, savoring the bitter juice, while mumbling his answer to the emperor:

“I’m not that petty, Your Majesty… But that girl is indeed quite extraordinary. If I’m not mistaken, her background is probably not simple. However, I can only ask her about these things when she returns.”

"Don't put everything in your mouth and chew it. The things here are just for decoration, and they might be poisonous."

"It's okay, I can taste it..."

Ingersoll tossed the leaf from his mouth into the nearby flowerbed:

"This is an old custom in our area. It's always good to chew on any green thing. If it's poisonous, just spit it out. Such a small amount won't kill you."

"It's almost time. If Your Majesty has nothing else to do, I need to go inspect the palace. There are our people guarding the area, so there won't be any problems."

"Wait a little longer..."

Today, the emperor wore a purple silk dress, revealing his arms as white as jade. His long silver hair was styled into a bun and secured with delicate clips, with only two stray strands falling loosely over his forehead. He was gazing down at the water.

"I have a few more questions for you... If it were you, how would you express your feelings to a man you like?"

"ah?--"

With a clang, Ingersoll even lost his grip on his helmet, his eyes filled with surprise, confusion, and even a hint of panic as he looked at his emperor in a rather chaotic manner.

383 Guide (1)

"Uh... tie him up and take him back? If he dares to resist, beat him up..."

This was probably the first time Ingersoll had hesitated like this. After hesitating for a long time, she gave a stammering answer, looking somewhat at a loss. If she had been as fierce and majestic as a lion just now, she now looked like a frightened old cow grazing in a daze.

Even in her most absurd nightmares, she never imagined the emperor would ask her such a question, like a fish in a pond suddenly jumping out and asking her how it was to breathe in the sea... Finally, racking her brains, she simply gave up and went wild, giving an outrageous answer.

"Heh—are you serious?"

The emperor couldn't help but laugh out loud. In the bright sunlight, his silver hair seemed to shatter the sunlight, his bright eyes were slightly narrowed, and his delicate features were as clear as white jade. Even Ingersoll, a woman, was slightly stunned by his appearance.

"I don't know how to answer Your Majesty, after all, I brought my men back myself... Back then, our two tribes were at war, and that guy rammed his ship head-on into ours. He was the first to jump aboard with a shield and weapon, and he fought the bravest. But when he realized the situation was bad, he was the first to lead his men to retreat... But in the end, he couldn't escape."

"You mean Delsayas?"

"Yes, that's him. Out of all the messy-haired guys on the boat, he was the only one who kept his hair neat and tidy, and even his beard was trimmed. He stood out so much that I spotted him immediately. When he tried to escape, I pulled him out of the sea with a rope."

"And then what?"

The emperor seemed quite interested, reaching out to gently stir the clear water in the fishpond, urging his imperial guards leader to continue.

"And then? Well, that's how it was. We just started living together. After we caught him, no one came to ransom him. He was stubborn for a couple of days at first, but after I beat him up, he stopped being defiant. Later, he gradually started fishing and robbing with us. And then we had a child... That's about it."

"Child? I don't see him..."

A flicker of surprise crossed the emperor's eyes at first, but he quickly understood, and Ingersoll calmly spoke:

"He fell ill and died while heading south. We tried everything to save him, but we couldn't, so we had to throw him into the sea... I cried for a while, but then I stopped caring. He, on the other hand, was dejected for a long time."

The emperor stared intently at his imperial guard, noticing the guard's unconsciously clenched fingers and his suddenly lowered eyelids.

"You really don't care anymore?"

"...I had no choice but to ignore it, Your Majesty. At that time, I was the leader of everyone. I had no right or time to grieve...I had to save everyone's lives."

“People who are desperate to survive don’t have the right to think so much. It’s just that he can’t make up his mind like I do, which is why I became the leader.”

"You're right. Once you're in this position, you have to be responsible for it, and you'll often be quite limited... But your method probably won't work for me, or rather, if I really wanted to do it that way, I'd have to send you... Hehe..."

The emperor, seemingly contemplating some scene, suddenly burst into laughter. He pulled his hand out of the fishpond, scattering a series of water droplets, then stood up from his stool, preparing to end the idle chatter and return to his official duties.

"Your Majesty, you are the emperor, and naturally you have the ways of an emperor. People like us can only rely on our own military strength, but you have many more things to rely on. So what is there to be afraid of? Just do what you want."

Ingersoll shook his head somewhat helplessly, put the helmet on his head, and let the golden visor cover his face.

"I just don't understand why you would ask a crude martial artist like me. What good ideas could someone like me possibly come up with? I can only offer bad suggestions."

Sensing the helpless complaint in the other person's tone, Clautina turned and walked away lightly, looking much more relaxed.

“It’s a bad idea, but I still enjoy hearing your old stories, and at least I have my own ideas now.”

Ingersoll paused for a moment, then a soft chuckle came from under his helmet:

"That would be great."

........................

Cutting down trees is a dangerous job... People who don't know the situation might even think it's simple, since the trees are just there, they don't run away or move, just waiting for you to cut them down, it's not much different from farming, just more tiring.

Only those who actually do this work, especially the kind of logging in remote, deep forests, know just how many dangers they face...

The most direct threat comes from various poisonous insects and ferocious beasts, which are always ready to kill people in the remote mountains and forests. The cold, damp and changeable climate also threatens the body's health balance, not to mention various natural and man-made disasters—a landslide caused by a heavy rain, bandits roaming in the mountains and forests, or even a wildfire that starts from nowhere can easily take lives.