A Villain's Journey Begins in the Type-Moon World

Black Snake analyzed rapidly:

"At their marching speed, it will take them at least twenty days to retreat from the north to the south. More importantly, during this time, Talulah will not let go of their opportunity to retreat and will definitely launch a fierce pursuit."

“That’s right!” Wang Chong’s tone became more relaxed. “Twenty days is enough for us to deal with this new batch of 100,000 troops that is about to arrive. At that time, all the cities in the south will soon fall under our control.”

He immediately snorted coldly, his tone turning cold again:

"Black Snake, you're lucky this time, you escaped with your life. You should understand that because of your mistake, our plan almost collapsed. Even though you made a last-minute attempt to salvage the situation, the effect is still uncertain. If there's a next time..."

The black snake immediately bowed its head, its posture extremely submissive: "I will obey your orders, sir..."

Seeing the Black Serpent's stance, Wang Chong said no more, and the communication was immediately cut off. Watching the black mist dissipate, the Black Serpent finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Chapter 432 The War Is About to Accelerate

On the frozen battlefield in the north, a fierce battle had already begun, with roars and the sound of clashing metal echoing in the cold wind.

The Reunification Movement, relying on the complex terrain and the strong fortifications built in advance, and taking advantage of its geographical advantage and tactical skills, tenaciously fought against an enemy with an overwhelming numerical superiority.

Although the Reunion warriors were already elite veterans tempered by blood and fire, under the relentless pressure of the Ursus Empire's 400,000-strong army for several days, the battle lines were still being compressed step by step, forcing them to constantly retreat and shift positions to the rear.

However, the "nibbling" tactics adopted by the Reunion Movement also cost Constantine's massive army dearly, subjecting it to unspeakable torment.

This tactic of concentrating superior forces to form a small-scale encirclement in a localized battlefield, swiftly inflicting casualties on some of the enemy, and then rapidly disengaging like a phantom in the snow, has given Ursus officers a major headache, leaving them struggling to find an effective countermeasure.

Every seemingly easy small victory ultimately turns into the feeling of powerlessness, like punching cotton.

As the war progressed, Duke Constantine was truly astonished to realize that the organization and discipline of this Reunification Movement, which was contemptuously referred to as the "Reunification Bandits," had reached an unbelievable peak.

He simply couldn't comprehend how these Reunion soldiers could execute such precise local commands and coordinate so seamlessly on the ever-changing battlefield.

He did try to retaliate, often mobilizing his forces to encircle and annihilate those small groups of enemies who launched surprise attacks. However, before his troops could even reach them, the enemy would vanish silently like melting snow, leaving only the Ursus soldiers who had come up empty-handed to gasp for breath in the wind and snow.

This chillingly high mobility, coupled with the almost terrifyingly coordinated teamwork between the warriors, sent a chill down Constantine's spine and a sense of absurdity through him, even though he was a seasoned veteran of many battles.

Which side is more like a cold and efficient war machine?

From a macro-strategic perspective, Constantine's forces are indeed making continuous progress, and the Reunification Movement's sphere of influence is being pushed step by step toward that legendary northern forbidden zone with its extremely harsh environment and unknown dangers.

This time, Constantine learned his lesson. To prevent the Reunion Movement from disappearing into the vast snow-capped mountains again, he had already ordered his elite troops to seize and control all known important mountain passes in advance.

Even if the enemy manages to escape through some hidden passages, the New Tver mobile city, a symbol of a mobile fortress, could not possibly disappear with them. (The last two sentences appear to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)

It will inevitably be abandoned by the Reunion Movement! As long as Constantine can reclaim this vital mobile city, it will be enough to give the Imperial Diet and His Majesty the Emperor a respectable explanation and save face.

Another thing that bothered Constantine was his disappointing son, Georgie.

If this fool hadn't become a hostage in their hands, he would have already ordered the use of heavy artillery and Originium Arts to completely destroy New Tver City's mobile core system, forcing the Reunion Movement to completely lose the fortress's mobility.

Why would we need to resort to such a slow and clumsy pressure tactic, trying to force the other side to abandon the city and flee under immense military pressure?

The constraints imposed on each other were a tacit agreement reached after that heated "conversation" between the two sides outside the battlefield, through envoys.

Although the balance of power on the battlefield currently seems to be tilting in Ursus's favor, a shadow of unease lingers in Constantine's mind.

He knew very well that the most powerful weapon in the hands of the Reunion Movement—the fearsome army commanded by the legendary hero Patriot, and his own strength that could rival ten thousand men on the battlefield—had not yet been deployed to the battlefield!

The other party was clearly waiting, and would not easily reveal this trump card that could turn the tide of the battle until they were at their wits' end and facing a life-or-death situation.

However, Constantine had a premonition that the moment this card would be revealed... seemed to be not far off.

On this day when the final showdown was about to begin, a shocking piece of news pierced Constantine's heart like an ice pick.

"What did you say? His Majesty is ordering us to retreat!?"

This day was destined to be one of the most unforgettable and humiliating days of Constantine's military career.

Not only because he was just one step away from capturing New Tver and washing away his shame, but also because at this critical moment, this order from His Majesty the Emperor himself was delivered through the cold-blooded Imperial Guard.

“Give me one more day! No, even just one day!” Constantine roared, his voice trembling with extreme resentment. “My lord, I assure you, within one day, I will raise the Ursus flag once more over New Tver!”

He cursed the dead Baikal a thousand times over in his heart. That damned fellow, who had always been a hindrance to him in life, was now haunting him in this way even in death!

Unfortunately, he no longer had anyone to vent his anger on, so he could only suppress it in his chest, turning it into a pent-up resentment that was about to explode.

This is absolutely terrible luck!

However, faced with Constantine's almost pleading appeal, the guard responsible for relaying the order and overseeing its execution simply shook his head expressionlessly, his icy tone as cold as the wind, brooking no argument:

"His Majesty's decree is that once the order is given, you must execute it immediately after the follow-up tasks are clarified! There must be no delay or negligence! Lord Constantine, please do not make a mistake for yourself. Baikal's fate is a warning from the past."

Constantine's fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked, and his nails almost dug into his palms.

But in the end, he could only forcefully suppress his overwhelming anger and resentment, and tried again in a low and strained voice:

"Even if it's just half a day... give me only half a day! I will definitely break through the city today! After that, I will lead the main force south at full speed without delay!"

"Lord Constantine, why are you doing this?"

The guard's voice remained cold, carrying a barely perceptible hint of mockery:

"Even if you hastily seize this empty city, your army will soon march south. How many troops can you leave to defend it? With a remnant force, can you withstand the subsequent counterattack of the Reunification Movement?"

"This city will change hands sooner or later. As a veteran of the empire, can't you see the true strategic intent behind His Majesty's order?"

"His Majesty has made a decision. This harsh and cold land in the northern part of the Eastern Region has been effectively tacitly allowed to be temporarily occupied by the Integration Movement. Now, the Empire's focus is on extinguishing the escalating flames of rebellion in the southern cities at all costs, with the fastest speed and the most thorough means!"

"Therefore, Lord Constantine, do not make a mistake..."

Duke Constantine was well aware of... this cold political weighing and strategic choice.

But he just couldn't swallow this insult! He was about to relinquish the fruits of victory that were within his grasp at the last moment;

Are the blood and sacrifices shed by tens of thousands of soldiers in the wind and snow just going to be frozen meaninglessly on this wasteland?

"...Your subject obeys." In the end, all the anger, humiliation, and resentment could only turn into an extremely heavy sigh.

Constantine laboriously accepted the command scroll, which seemed to weigh a ton, and turned to issue the order to retreat. His figure appeared incredibly desolate against the snow.

……

Meanwhile, atop the towering walls of Newtville, the cold wind whipped Talulah's long, silver-grey hair.

She stood behind the battlements like a silent sculpture, her sharp gaze piercing through the wind and snow, fixed on the distant Ursus military camp.

A chilling atmosphere hung over the city walls, and every warrior was on edge. Talulah knew that today would be the most brutal and potentially decisive battle since the start of the war.

Therefore, the ace patriot of the Integration Movement and the army he leads are about to make their move today.

In addition, Talulah decided to bring two long-hidden special forces regiments, which had never been exposed to the enemy, onto the stage on this day and reveal their deadly fangs.

Chapter 433 Retreat

"So, when the other side launches its final attack, that's when we'll rush out and storm their stronghold, right?"

A slightly excited female voice rang out behind Talulah, and the two special forces commanders—Jeanne d'Arc Alter and Attila—walked in side by side. The one who spoke first was Jeanne d'Arc Alter, clad in jet-black armor and holding a flag spear, her crimson eyes burning with a warlike fighting spirit.

“Not bad.” Talulah did not turn around, her voice steady and clear. “At that time, Mr. Patriot will lead his army to charge the enemy’s main force head-on with thunderous force.”

"At that time, the attention of the Ursus people will inevitably be drawn to them. I and the other main forces will follow closely behind and engage in a head-on battle with the enemy's main force."

She turned around, her gaze sharp as she looked at Jeanne Alter and Attila, and continued:

"And the real fatal blow will be delivered by you. Attila, your light cavalry will flank the battlefield with lightning speed; Jeanne Alter, your wyvern cavalry will roar through the air."

"While our main force is locked in a fierce and indecisive battle with the enemy, you two surprise forces must bypass the main battlefield and strike directly at Constantine's command camp!"

Talulah's tone was decisive and left no room for argument:

"Especially you, Lady Jeanne Alter. Your Wyvern Knights have an absolute view of the entire battlefield and must locate Constantine's banner and core command tent immediately! Once Constantine is captured, the balance of this war will be instantly reversed!"

After speaking, Talulah calmed her impassioned tone and then slowly said:

"Both of your forces have remained silent since the start of the war, never revealing their presence on the battlefield. I bet Constantine never dreamed that we not only possess elite cavalry capable of tearing through enemy lines, but also command the Dragon Knights who dominate the skies!"

"This long-prepared surprise attack is our ultimate means to deliver the final blow and end this protracted war!"

"call……"

Jeanne Alter let out a long sigh, slammed her flagpole heavily against the city bricks, producing a dull thud, and said:

"Staying cooped up in the city all day, my bones are practically rusting! Just watching others fight is so suffocating! Attila, don't you think so? I can already picture them howling in agony under the dragon's flames!"

Attila, who was standing to the side, did not respond immediately, but instead slowly stroked the blade of the God of War with her fingertips.

After a moment, she raised her eyes, which seemed to hold the stars yet were empty and indifferent, and uttered her signature declaration in a flat voice: "Ursus... is a bad civilization. It needs... to be eradicated."

Talulah was already used to these two "questioning" remarks.

She shook her head slightly, but her gaze involuntarily drifted to the distant southern horizon, a hint of worry in her eyes, and she sighed softly:

"I wonder how things are going on Ah Chong's side... If they hadn't successfully tied down the main force of the 100,000-strong Third Army Group, and even demoralized and killed another 100,000 enemy troops, thus relieving us of a huge burden, the surprise attack plan we've devised would probably be very difficult to implement."

"To tear a bloody path through a sea of ​​hundreds of thousands of soldiers and a network of firepower, and strike straight at the heart of the enemy... how easy is that?"

"Hmph!" Jeanne Alter crossed her arms and pouted in dissatisfaction. "That guy has been gone for so long without even replying to a message. We both have his black mist power within us; communicating with him would be an easy thing."

"Besides, Rin Tohsaka and the others are still here with us. Isn't he worried at all?"

Despite her complaining tone, the slight flicker in Jeanne d'Arc's eyes betrayed the deep longing in her heart.

Upon hearing this, Talulah gave a helpless, bitter smile. In fact, she was the only one who could communicate with Wang Chong when she had a spare moment.

Then, Talulah changed the subject, saying:

"However, the children he left behind did indeed show amazing talent. The power they used, called 'magic,' was similar to the Originium Arts of sorcerers, but its power and skill were astonishing."

"Now they can even hold their own against experienced war sorcerers. Their progress is so rapid that even I'm a little ashamed." (The rest of the text appears to be gibberish and unrelated.)

Just as the three were talking, a swift figure braved the wind and snow, hurriedly scaling the city wall and rushing towards Talulah. Even before the person arrived, the sound of panting could be heard:

"Sister Talulah!"

Talulah looked in the direction of the voice and saw Faust, the commander of the Phantom Crossbowmen unit responsible for perimeter reconnaissance and guard duty.

“Sasha?” Talulah frowned slightly, a hint of surprise in her voice. “Weren’t you leading the Phantom Crossbowmen on a sweeping and reconnaissance mission on the outskirts? Why are you rushing back so hastily? Has there been some unusual movement from the Ursus army?”

"Yes!" Faust stopped, took a deep breath, and reported urgently but clearly, "The Ursus army... they are making a large-scale mobilization! But it's not a general offensive... it's a retreat! They've begun their withdrawal!"

"What did you say? Retreat?"

Upon hearing this, Talulah frowned, clearly not expecting the Ursus army to make such a move.

"Are you sure they're withdrawing their troops?" Talulah pressed again, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible gravity.

“I’m sure.”

Faust responded in a deep voice, his breathing much calmer: "Their retreat was well-organized, with shield bearers and field sorcerers forming a solid defensive line to cover the rear. A large number of drones were released to thoroughly search for scouts in the surrounding area."

"My squad just engaged them and withdrew immediately after ascertaining their exact intention to retreat."

Faust took a deep breath and continued:

"The enemy's defenses are tight, and our men cannot get too close to scout out details. However, I have ordered my team to maintain a safe distance and follow the enemy's retreat, continuously monitoring their movements. Due to the urgency of the situation and the fact that our communication devices are being interfered with by battlefield magic and cannot transmit messages immediately, I have come back personally to report."

Then, Faust looked at Talulah and asked, "Sister Talulah, what should we do next? Should we launch a pursuit and attack, or...?"

"...What the hell? We were all ready for the final battle, and they just slipped away like that?" After hearing Faust's report, Jeanne d'Arc Alter said with a disappointed look, "Tsk, then all my frustrating preparations have been for nothing!"

Jeanne Alter slammed her flagpole on the ground in frustration and asked, "So what's this? Did the crisis just disappear on its own?"

Faced with Faust's questions and Jeanne Alter's complaints, Talulah did not immediately issue an order, but fell into deep thought, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold battlements.

"Is there a trap here?" Talulah muttered to herself, her eyes sharp. "Why would Ursus's 400,000-strong army suddenly abandon the siege and retreat for no reason? This doesn't make sense..."

"Could it be that Master has pulled off some earth-shattering operation in the south, forcing them to retreat?" Jeanne Alter crossed her arms, a hint of speculation flashing in her eyes.

"...We'll probably have to wait for a message from Ah Chong to find out the truth."

Talulah pondered for a moment and quickly made a decision: "Sasha, you go back immediately and have your men continue to track and monitor the enemy's retreat. Make sure to keep your distance and never pursue them alone to avoid falling into a trap."

“Miss Jeanne Alter, Miss Attila.” Then, Talulah turned to the two of them and said, “Please immediately notify the other corps commanders to assemble at the ground command camp. We need to hold an emergency meeting to report the situation and formulate countermeasures.”

The three accepted the order and immediately split up, their figures quickly disappearing above the snow-covered city walls. Talulah quickly gave the guards on the city walls a few more instructions on the temporary defense deployment, ensuring everything was in order, before turning and walking towards the elevator platform inside the city wall.

With a slight hum of machinery, the platform carried her slowly down to the ground.

The howling wind and snow lashed against the railings of the elevator platform. Talulah closed her eyes, concentrated, and tried to use the power of the black mist flowing within her to establish a mental link with Wang Chong. She silently recited in her mind:

"Ah Chong, the Ursus Legion, which we were fighting against, has suddenly retreated on a large scale. This is quite strange. But you are in the south..."

The thought had barely left her mind when a familiar voice unexpectedly rang clearly in her head: "Xiao Lu? How are things going up north?"

Talulah opened her eyes abruptly, her surprise quickly turning into realization: "Eh? Ah Chong? I knew it! Did you do something in the south that forced the Ursus army to retreat?"

Chapter 434 The Power of Integration

When Wang Chong took the initiative to contact her, Talulah immediately realized that what happened to the Ursus army was related to Wang Chong, so she eagerly asked him about it.