Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 646 - 285, The Battle of Hemgart (Part 2)

"Actually, there is a simplest way to achieve victory, Carl Franz, and that is a champion duel. If you come to the front of the array and issue a challenge to Casvan for a champion duel, he cannot refuse." His Highness Prince-Elector Umberto suddenly said, glancing at the Rune Fang on the Emperor's waist and the Warhammer Gail-Malaz in his hand.

"No, Casvan has ample reason not to agree." Carl Franz shook his head, the emperor gave a bitter smile: "The knights on the other side of the mountain will no longer believe in us."

He was talking about an incident that occurred not long ago on the "Kulona Road," a borderline friction between the Empire and Brittania. The Imperial General Heilberg and Brittania's Marshal Roland, who faced each other in the swamp, were both distressed by the repeated seesaw and small-scale conflicts. Thus, Brittania proposed resolving the conflict through a champion duel.

Heilberg agreed.

Heilberg was the strongest swordsman among the Rick Guard, undoubtedly possessing amazing strength and superb swordsmanship, but Brittania sent out a Holy Grail Knight, Baron de Elberken.

The power of the Holy Grail Knight naturally needs no further elaboration. Heilberg found that he could not defeat the powerful Holy Grail Knight despite using everything he had learned in his lifetime. He readily admitted defeat, and Baron de Elberken also acknowledged Heilberg as a warrior, stating that he would not have dueled Earl Heil if not necessary.

Heilberg agreed with the Baron's viewpoint, and under the confused gaze of the Holy Grail Knight, he retreated a certain distance backward.

Then he ordered artillery fire.

In the Imperial Array, over a dozen cannons that had long been arranged simultaneously fired at Baron de Elberken. The Holy Grail Knight was struck continuously by the artillery, and taking advantage of Baron de Elberken's injury, Heilberg seized the opportunity to decapitate the Holy Grail Knight, declaring himself the victor.

Even in his dying moments, Baron de Elberken cursed Heilberg's vile treachery. Heilberg turned a deaf ear, only concerned with victory and duty, honor meant nothing to him.

This incident sparked very intense diplomatic tensions. Carl Franz, upon hearing the result of this matter, hurriedly sent people to reconcile with Richard, redefined the border, and immediately called Heilberg back to Brunswick, giving him a severe scolding.

The emperor meant that such deceitful tactics could be used against Chaos, Northern Barbarians, Vampires, Green Skins, and other such creatures, but it was a bit excessive to use such underhanded tricks against fellow humans.

Heilberg did not care, he only sought victory.

Opinions were divided on whether this Imperial General's actions were correct or not, but it was certain that the people of Brittania would absolutely not easily accept any invitations for a champion duel again.

Moreover, even if the Brittania people accepted the champion duel invitation, the emperor lacked the assurance of victory.

Carl Franz was approximately thirty-four years old this year, his strength at a Legendary Middle-tier. The emperor was keenly aware that his strength was substantial mainly because of his excellent equipment; whether it be the "Silver Seal," "Rune Fang," or "Gail-Malaz," these were divine artifacts, some of the strongest enchanted divine artifacts in the Old World.

Even so, when facing a Holy Grail Knight, the emperor still lacked solid assurance of victory, as a Holy Grail Knight in the same tier is much stronger than an ordinary person.

"So, our plan is for me to lead around a thousand knights from the flank, maneuvering through the path behind Hemgart to attack Casvan's flank." The emperor's fingers moved on the war table, bypassing a nearby hill, and then directly pointed to Casvan's flank: "We will probably take two hours to forcibly complete the rear maneuver."

"Meanwhile, His Highness Prince-Elector Umberto, leading all the infantry and a small number of knights, will cross the shallows head-on, waiting for an opportunity. Once I lead the knights and complete the maneuver, our two armies will launch a joint attack. No army can withstand fighting on two fronts for long; as long as the plan is appropriate, Casvan and his army will be defeated!"

"Prepare for action. Tomorrow at dawn, I'll lead the knights out. I also ask His Highness to lead the army across the shallows simultaneously, waiting for the news of my attack, and immediately converge on Casvan's army!"

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, halfway up Doomsday Mountain.

The Paragon Duchy's army was resting, and after a day of rest, Casvan's army gradually recovered from the exhaustion of crossing the mountains, with morale slightly rising. A large group of Ranger Knights were eagerly sprucing up, waiting to compete with the Imperial Knights.

The Kingdom Knights were different, these army's main knights mostly remained silent. They were acutely aware of the Empire's power, realizing they were facing an extraordinarily tough battle.

Casvan was also in consultation with his deputy, Count Karnel, regarding military affairs.

"The Imperial Army in terms of number and the quality of infantry far surpasses us. If we rashly launch an attack, then the Empire's artillery and elite formations will cause heavy losses to the knights." Casvan looked at the map, feeling the same concerns towards the difficult combat situation: "Our knights outnumber the Imperial Army; we need to seize an opportunity."

"The current issue is whether Emperor Carl Franz will stubbornly hold Hemgart." Count Karnel expressed his concern.

"He won't." Casvan furrowed his brow, but he reached the same conclusion, that the Imperial Army would certainly take the initiative to attack.