Was it the beginning of the Great Raid of the Olkan Code, or just a temporary plunder?

Given the circumstances, it was more likely the former. If that was the case, Isaac alone could never stop it.

All Isaac could do was delay their movements even a little.

These orc nomads, once they started a Great Raid, became unstoppable war machines.

They did not understand the concept of forward-thinking, healthy consumption, and circulation. They cut down all the trees, dug up all the mountains, burned them, and used stolen technology to create whatever they desired.

While the World’s Forge revolved around precise handcraft workshops led by artisans, the Olkan Code operated on mass production and mass consumption.

Warnings like “You’ll go bankrupt eventually” were useless. They indeed just went bankrupt.

They squandered all their assets and went bankrupt several times, waiting until time restored their assets and population. Therefore, ironically, the most valuable plunder and precious protection target for them was ‘knowledge.’

Because knowledge never gets consumed no matter how much you use it.

The Olkan Code’s production and consumption included their own lives. Paradoxically, the reason the Olkan Code had not conquered the world long ago was precisely because they did not fear death.

Tactics and technology developed because of the fear of death.

However, the Olkan Code believed in the immortality of the soul, so they were brave and easily died. Initially, other faiths were surprised and terrified by the Olkan Code’s attacks, but eventually, they devised responses. The Olkan Code, before coming up with countermeasures to those responses, would all die and go off to reincarnate. Their next invasion would be decades or even centuries later.

‘…That means, we can’t stop them until they are all dead and can’t continue the war.’

Naturally, Isaac did not have the power or ability for that.

At least, he needed equal forces, like the Empire’s army or other faiths. The Great Raid of the Olkan Code always led to terrible disasters for the Empire, so it seemed hard to stop them unless the Dawn Army was immediately redirected here.

‘But would the Codex of Light give up the advent of the Millennium Kingdom to protect the Empire? Those bastards?’

Based on what he had seen so far, no.

Even if the Empire was completely burned down, the Dawn Army would head for the Holy Land. He could only rely on the Imperial army.

Or other faiths.

If not, he would have to rely on Isaac’s personal connections.

***

Rumble, rumble, rumble…

A group of paladins rode into the city of Seor with the sound of fierce hooves.

The paladins, in their shining white armor, cast new light on the desolate city filled with fear and dread. The paladin who led the group quickly stopped in front of Isaac.

It was Rottenhammer.

“Isaac! I’m glad I can repay the favor so soon. Where are the enemies?”

“Thank you for coming so quickly, Commander Rottenhammer. The enemies have retreated for now, so there’s no immediate need for battle.”

“Is that so? Then let’s unload our gear first.”

Rottenhammer gave some orders to the paladins and then dismounted. He approached Isaac with a serious expression.

“I heard the Olkan Code has invaded. In fact, Seor wasn’t the only place to report sightings of orcs. We’ve heard reports of orcs from several places in the south as well.”

“From the south too…”

“It seems they are coming in three directions. They bypassed the Kingdom of Wallachia, so there’s a bit of a gap, but it seems likely that the main force is headed here, to Seor.”

The likelihood of a Great Raid increased.

Isaac could not understand why the Great Raid had been triggered.

“By the way, I heard that the Codex of Light attacked the Olkan Code. I thought it unlikely with the Dawn Army being so occupied, but do you know anything about this?”

“The Codex? Are you referring to the Dawn Army in Ciero? There’s no way. No matter how foolish they are, they wouldn’t do that. Not because they’re incompetent, but because they’re not smart enough for that. Even finding the orc village in the Mann Sahar Plains, where the Olkan Code is based, would be difficult.”

The Mann Sahar Plains were vast and barren, with hardly a hill or mountain in sight even after three days and nights of travel. It was no different from a desert in terms of finding water or people.

Even if the Dawn Army in Siero lost their way terribly, they would not make such a mistake.

“So the rumor of the Codex attacking might be a misunderstanding or an excuse.”

“That’s highly likely. But at this point, does it matter?”

Rottenhammer cleared his throat and spoke.

“In fact, I’ve seen orcs before, but it’s my first time facing the Olkan Code itself. You’ve faced them, right? What are these heretics like?”

“Um… It might be hard to understand if you haven’t faced them before.”

Isaac first explained to Rottenhammer with the remnants of cannons and gunpowder left by the orcs. Fortunately, Rottenhammer easily understood the concept of cannons and gunpowder and reincarnation.

Explosions were a common miracle even in the Codex of Light.

Reincarnation was understood as a concept similar to undead spirits and possession.

However, he seemed a bit slow to accept the changes in the battlefield that these cannons and gunpowder could bring about.

“From the state of the city walls, I understand that the castle becomes useless. But you’re saying that even the cavalry will find it difficult to be effective? Are you saying that these cannonballs can penetrate the miracles of the paladins? Are cannons a kind of miracle too?”

“Usually not, but they can be imbued with miracles. Their demonic accuracy surely involves miracles.”

Isaac was not just trying to say that the advent of cannons equaled the fall of knights.

Contrary to popular belief, while the fall of knights indeed started with the development of firearms, cavalry itself did not disappear immediately. In fact, until they were fully developed, cavalry was often the nemesis of artillery.

Cavalry continued to exist even until the early 20th century. Especially paladins, who could protect themselves with miracles and move much faster than ordinary cavalry, were a different story.

“What I’m saying is that it might be hard for you to adapt immediately to these new changes in the battlefield. This is your first time facing cannons, gunpowder, and insane enemies who reincarnate.”

The drastic increase in the battlefield’s scale due to cannons, the shock to both horses and men from explosions and loud noises, PTSD, the smell of gunpowder and acrid smoke, craters left on the impacted ground, barrage fire, sniping—all these variables and tactical changes were daunting to consider.

The role of the infantry would largely remain unchanged. However, the existing paladin order, which focused on steadfast defense and frontal breakthroughs with speed, needed to adopt different tactics and a different mindset for this battlefield.

Isaac did not have the confidence to teach and adapt them immediately.

‘Sooner or later, they’ll adapt and become killing machines against the orcs. But this battlefield won’t be that one.’

Rottenhammer did not seem to fully understand, but he did not doubt the words of Isaac, whom he revered as a saint.

He nodded, indicating he would heed Isaac’s concerns.

“Alright. A new enemy means new tactics. I will listen, so please tell me without reservation.”

Then, Rottenhammer asked curiously.

“Come to think of it, isn’t this your first time fighting them too? You were on missions in the west before, so this should be your first encounter with the Olkan Code, yet you seem to know them well.”

‘Ah.’

Isaac was thinking of an excuse when a voice came to his rescue.

“Isaac, here you are.”

It was Gebel. Jacquette and Count Richard were also there.

Most of the support forces from Issacrea and nearby areas had arrived. Rottenhammer looked incredulous when he saw Gebel in an unexpected place.

“Gebel, I didn’t expect to meet you here. The monastery…”

At that moment, Gebel, looking troubled, put his finger to his lips. Rottenhammer closed his mouth.

Gebel’s status was not exactly upright. Of course, no one could do anything to him while Isaac supported him, but it was better to remain silent.

Isaac, seeing that everyone had gathered, spoke up.

“Then let’s discuss how to stop the Olkan Code.”

The Brient Paladin Order, the soldiers from the Issacrea estate, Count Richard’s troops… Those who could gather the quickest from the nearest places had assembled. Others, upon learning of the approaching Olkan Code, would likely focus more on protecting their own territories rather than sending aid.

Relying on the Imperial army or the forces of the Codex until they arrived was unrealistic. With everyone needed to hold out until then assembled, Isaac began the strategy meeting on the city walls.

Isaac, who knew the Olkan Code well, led the meeting.

“First, we need to consider abandoning Seor.”

“…What?!”

The mayor of Seor, whom Isaac reluctantly included, asked in a shocked voice. But Isaac had to say what needed to be said.

“I mean, we need to abandon it in the long term. Seor, as a trade city, is not suitable for defense. It’s surrounded by open plains, the river is easily polluted, the walls are low and damaged, and it’s easy to besiege with no reinforcements arriving soon. How can a city that was breached by a mere hundred reconnaissance troops hold a siege?”

“But…”

“Quiet.”

Rottenhammer’s stern word silenced the mayor of Seor. The large hammer he had placed on the wall beside him likely played a bigger role than his dignity.

Isaac nodded gratefully at Rottenhammer and continued.

“But it’s a waste to simply give up a city like Seor. Not all evacuations are complete yet. So, we will conduct a delaying action centered around Seor, making it seem as if capturing Seor alone is a satisfactory achievement for them.”

Isaac added a note for the mayor of Seor.

“Of course, we will recapture it as soon as possible with the help of reinforcements. But with our current forces, we cannot hold out here indefinitely.”

“How do you plan to make them satisfied with just taking Seor? If this is indeed a precursor to the Great Raid seen in records, they won’t be satisfied with just this. Do you have an attractive gift prepared?”

Previous Great Raids had penetrated deep into the Empire and even threatened Ultenhaim. Since the Olkan Code’s goal was simply plunder, there had been no significant damage, and they were eventually driven out. Therefore, the Codex of Light did not consider them a major threat.

Unlike the Immortal Order, which succeeded in occupying and settling in the Holy Land.

“An attractive gift would be nice.”

Isaac said, stroking his chin.

“But I don’t have the means to prepare an expensive gift. I am a humble and poor Holy Grail Knight. However, I know how to make a gift appear attractive.”

Isaac smiled at the mayor of Seor.

“Mayor, you once invested in Loracus, didn’t you?”

The mayor’s face soured at the sudden mention of Loracus. The expensive plant that had swept through Seor, with merchants and farmers buying it up, causing its price to skyrocket and disrupting the market, was a nightmare for the mayor.

“…Well, I knew it was speculative, but who didn’t buy at least one back then?”

“I’m not blaming you. How much did you buy it for?”

The mayor of Seor, uncomfortable with the topic, cleared his throat but eventually admitted.

“For a quite high price.”

“Then suddenly, the market price plummeted. What did you think as you watched the price fall?”

The mayor of Seor wondered if the Holy Grail Knight who had caused the price crash was mocking him.

But Isaac’s face was serious.

“…I hoped to at least break even.”

“That’s my strategy.”

The mayor of Seor looked puzzled. Then Gebel, understanding Isaac’s point, spoke.

“You mean to make them suffer great losses in capturing Seor, so they consider breaking even to be satisfactory.”

“Exactly. I can’t give the Olkan Code a valuable gift.”

Isaac looked out at the plain in front of Seor, soon to be a battlefield.

“But if they hold something worthless, even finding a stone in it would make them happy.”