Chapter 244 - Nine: Competition_2
Balmore was similarly aware of this point; the momentum displayed by the enemy was starkly different from what he had imagined. Spears stood like a forest, shields rose like mountains; the usual disarray was nowhere to be seen. All there was an ominous stillness, as imposing as mountains themselves. The three-fold number of Half-beastman Armaments before him now seemed terrifyingly ferocious. A feeling of plummeting into an endless abyss grew heavier and heavier in Balmore’s heart; he had realized that this battle would bring about unprecedented trouble unlike anything he had ever imagined.
"Your Baron, it seems like something is wrong. How could these Half-beastmen suddenly become so imposing? This is completely different from the army we encountered in Banassia. Should we not rush our attack and instead secure our position and strengthen our defenses, observe the situation a bit longer?" Balmore, realizing the danger, knew that the Baron had never taken his advice before, but as the Deputy General, he couldn’t help but consider the overall interest of the army and fulfill his duty.
Haranto was also hesitating. Although the armor of the dense Half-beast Army appeared quite crude and their weapons were unevenly matched, it was, after all, an army. The fanaticism and persistence they displayed could not be ignored. If his own army couldn’t suppress the enemy’s wild assault with strict discipline, would not the triply numbered Half-beastmen tear his own men to shreds?
"Baron Haranto, do not be scared by the facade these creatures put up. These Half-beastmen are no different from those in Banassia, seemingly strong but inwardly weak. If necessary, we can recreate the scene that took place in Banassia once more. It’s laughable that these ridiculous Half-beastmen don a battered helmet, throw on a few pieces of worn-out leather armor, pick up some wooden sticks and hoe handles, and think they can become soldiers overnight. I believe that once our magic starts in front of them, everything will happen over again. You just need to command your soldiers to be ready to charge, and we will secure a more perfect victory," finally spoke one of the Magicians who had been following behind the Baron. The Magicians were not overly interested in this lopsided battle that lacked suspense. These Half-beastman slaves have probably never seen a Mage casting spells in their lifetime—except for the moment when they would crumble and flee in disarray, a scene somewhat novel to the Magicians; other than that, the combat was dreadfully boring.
Haranto hesitated. These creatures had taken such a solemn stance yet remained motionless, as if awaiting their attack. Looking over them, the Half-beast soldiers in a semicircular defensive formation were incredibly cautious. Large shields covered the front-line soldiers tightly, spears thrust through the gaps in the shields, slanted into the ground, while behind them, more Half-beastmen waited quietly, holding Javelins, hand axes, and even rocks, ready for the moment of explosive combat.
Could it be that these Half-beastmen have developed a way to resist Magic Attacks? Haranto immediately dismissed this thought. Half-beastmen were inherently unable to comprehend magic; introducing them to such intricate and complex arts was torture itself. There had never been any news of a Beastman being a Mage nor even anyone with Half-beastman ancestry; it seemed as if the blood of Half-beastmen made learning magic impossible. They couldn’t possibly have gotten the assistance of Mages. In the land of Leon and even in the entire Homer region, apart from those Mages belonging to the Duke in Cyprus, there were no others.