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[FMMIKA] Chapter 321: The War Began
🕑 Added 2023-12-10 19:08:26 +0000 UTCThe weather was clear, the temperature was pleasant, with a gentle breeze and light clouds—the world on the brink of destruction.
For the people on the outskirts of Paris, today seemed like a good day to meet their doom.
The allied forces of Nero and Artorius faced off against the United Roman army, a showdown of 300,000 against 150,000. Whichever side you looked at, it was more than enough to wipe out all the villages around Paris several times over.
It wasn't even a crucial stronghold, just a small Celtic village on an islet in the Seine River. According to the original history, a city wouldn't be established there for several hundred years, but fate had other plans because both warring parties were a bunch of 'history-disrespecting' individuals.
Of course, it wasn't that simple.
With the Seine River as a natural barrier, it was advantageous for the United Roman Empire as the defending side.
Even though it was autumn and the river was at a low ebb, the shallow flow couldn't completely hinder the forces of Artorius, but it would still provide enough benefits to the defenders.
"We're short on time, and resources are scarce. Plus, there's a Servant on the other side. So, the fortress tactic won't work."
On a mound on the north bank of the Seine, Caesar, surveying the scene, sighed.
In the campaigns against Gaul, he had achieved victory multiple times against the Gauls by employing the fortress tactic, relying on the excellent earthworks of the Roman legions.
Building fortresses rapidly at crucial points and letting the Gauls attack. When they had exhausted too much energy and morale, it was time for a counterattack. Caesar had incorporated this strategy, swiftly expanding the territory into the most fertile land in Europe.
Barbarians barely had logistical reserves, unable to support prolonged battles. They had to resolve conflicts quickly, so even if they knew it was Caesar's strategy, they had to initiate the attack and clash against the fortifications.
But it wasn't viable now.
"Even so, Lord Caesar will surely emerge victorious!"
A woman standing beside Caesar gazed at him with admiration and uttered words reminiscent of an unwavering fan.
Her attire didn't resemble a Roman's, or an Egyptian's for that matter. Instead, it was more like the trendy urban fashion of young men and women from a later era. She was none other than the Great Top Lady Pharaoh—Cleopatra.
"Hahaha, of course! Our army will definitely triumph in this war!" Caesar laughed heartily, but a hint of shadow flickered in his eyes.
"Is it really so? In my opinion, the odds of winning this war aren't that great."
On his other side, the former King of Sparta calmly evaluated the battle, reaching a conclusion completely opposite to Caesar's statement.
"King Leonidas, what are you talking about?!"
Leonidas I, who once led three hundred Spartan warriors to ambush a hundred thousand Persian army at the Thermopylae, earning the wrath of the Egyptian Pharaoh.
"How can you say our odds aren't great?!"
"Troop strength, morale, command—everything is in their favor. Moreover, the terrain is open enough for large legions to deploy, unlike at the Thermopylae." Leonidas argued.
"But it's a river! Defending along the river is our advantage!"
"It's the dry season now, the crossing points are plenty. This tiny, almost negligible advantage can't fully offset their numerical superiority, not to mention the ability of that Dragon Emperor."
"..."
In military matters, the Pharaoh was no match for the King of Sparta. Listening to Leonidas's analysis, she even felt a sense of 'what the other party says makes sense.'
Certainly thinking so in her heart, but not wanting to admit it and losing face, she retorted, "Just a king of an ignorant small country, you—"
"Enough." Hearing Cleopatra gearing up to escalate matters to personal attacks, Caesar swiftly intervened. "We're all on the same side, no need for internal strife."
The most infamous conspirator in Roman history, one of the crafty strategists, grinned and tried to defuse the tension. "Our enemies are indeed powerful, but precisely because of that, we should unite."
After uttering these words, Caesar glanced at his most famous lover.
Cleopatra was slightly displeased, but she rolled her eyes, reluctantly apologizing to the towering spearman.
"Sorry, King of Sparta."
"I won't be angered by trivial matters." The calm Leonidas spoke with determination. "I am just discussing matters. Our Sparta may be an inconspicuous small state, with population, military strength, wealth, and land all less than a thousandth or a millionth compared to powers like Persia or Rome. But in the face of war, Spartans never fear. We Spartans possess the determination and courage to confront any tyranny! Unlike the cowards in Egypt."
After saying this, he turned without hesitation, leading his soldiers back to their positions.
A total of three hundred Servant-level warriors gathered, advancing toward the designated location assigned by Caesar.
It was the most suitable ford for crossing the river. The water there slowed down, and the riverbed rose to within a few centimeters of the riverbank. Just above ankle level.
It could be imagined that this would be the most intense battlefield for both sides. It would be a river of blood.
"Argh, damn it, saying Egyptians are weak! Look at that guy, Your Majesty Caesar~"
Seeing that Leonidas wasn't very cooperative, Cleopatra pouted and coquettishly complained to Caesar.
"Hate that guy, just pray he fights for us with all his might." Caesar knew how to pacify people's hearts. After all, he also agreed with Leonidas's statement. Egypt was not a martial nation.
After hearing him say this, Cleopatra felt less annoyed than before. After the anger disappeared, what remained was worry and unease.
"We will really win, right?" She repeated the previous question.
"I'll fight with everything I have to defeat the world-devouring dragon, Artorius."
"..."
"I will give it my all."
This time, Caesar didn't lie; he chose to speak the truth tactfully and Cleopatra held his hand.
"The enemy is crossing the river!"
"Enemy!"
Several Roman soldiers nearby suddenly began shouting.
And so, the war began.
"Let's fight side by side." Caesar said calmly.
However, in the next moment, the United Roman army on the north bank of the Seine River, from top to bottom, fell into a state of shock and even panic.
Because the first wave of Artorius's attack was neither infantry nor cavalry but—
"It's Bombeeers—!!!"
In Caesar's roar, 500-kilogram bombs fell from the bomb bay of tactical bombers.
