94 War of Madness (I)

The war between Artorius and the Franks began with boredom and tedium.

From mid-September to early October, for over twenty days, the main forces of both sides faced each other across the Rhine River. There was no decisive battle between the main forces; only small-scale skirmishes along the river.

Everywhere along the Rhine, Artorius commanded his flagship, the dragon-headed warships. These warships patrolled back and forth, controlling the waterway to ensure that the Germanic armies could not cross the Rhine.

As for Artorius's own army, they lacked the numbers and therefore had no desire to launch a proactive attack. Clovis's army was approaching a formidable force of four hundred thousand, while Artorius's army was only one-fifth or one-sixth of that size.

In September, the Germanic alliance attempted to build a pontoon bridge and gather ships to cross the river. However, they were all thwarted by Artorius's superior naval forces.

Artorius's Germanic army resorted to using fire ships to burn the pontoon bridge, mages and ballistae to bombard the enemy, and engaged in passionate exchanges with frost giants hurling giant stones. They left Clovis's alliance with no viable options.

Clovis also sent envoys to seek cooperation with the tribes in the northern Scandinavian Peninsula. The Jutes, Danes, and Heruls tribes there were known for their naval capabilities.

However, the distance could not quench their immediate thirst.

Not to mention the fighting capabilities of these Germanic tribes, nor whether they were willing to join forces with the Franks.

Even if everything went according to Clovis's wishes, there wouldn't be enough time.

According to Agravain's intelligence, the Franks' supplies could only last until the end of November at most. The alliance fleet couldn't possibly provide support in time; Clovis was on the verge of defeat.

Therefore, the officers under Artorius felt optimistic about the future of the war.

"Clovis's Germanic forces will be overwhelmed by their own sheer numbers."

"We don't even need to attack; they will collapse due to food shortages."

"As long as we continue to hold our ground, victory will be ours."

Such statements were popular among Artorius's troops.

It was plain to see.

Artorius controlled the Rhine River. With his fleet, he could buy time until the Rhine froze over.

Meanwhile, on the western bank of the Rhine, Morgan, Artorius's head court mage, oversaw the construction of a series of sturdy fortresses. This defensive line would enable his army to hold out for at least half a year. By then, Clovis's alliance would likely crumble due to a lack of food.

To secure victory, Clovis would undoubtedly force his troops to launch a desperate attack on the fortified strongholds. Artorius's army simply needed to wait and rely on the strong fortress to achieve victory.

It was the easiest choice.

From the very beginning, Artorius stood in an unbeatable position.

Of course, this was only a superficial observation.

During a high-level military council, Artorius spoke frankly to his trusted generals, legion commanders, and the Knights of the Round Table:

"We cannot drag this out any longer, for two reasons.

First, I myself cannot endure for that long.

I am burdened greatly by my fight against fate using the Third Magic. I can only hold on until the end of October at most. By that time, fate will undoubtedly favor Clovis.

Staying put would be nothing more than waiting for death."

"Artorius..."

"Your Majesty..."

"O King..."

As Artorius spoke, everyone looked at him with concern.

Artorius was willing to sacrifice himself, and he had indeed made sacrifices. But he wouldn't sacrifice silently, unknown to others. He would use his sacrifice to inspire morale, as he was doing now.

Upon hearing that Artorius, in order to save the world, was single-handedly defying fate and bearing its weight, the loyalty and fanaticism of the Knights of the Round Table reached unprecedented heights.

For a moment, if any Knight of the Round Table dared to act out of line.

For example, if Lancelot were to cause trouble by bedding someone's wife or if Tristan were to shout something like—"The King doesn't understand people's hearts"—the other knights would immediately rush forward and cut him down with their swords without hesitation.

There would be no discord and division within the Knights of the Round Table, as was the case in the original timeline.

"As for the second point..."

Artorius continued with a serious expression on his face.

"On the other side of the Rhine River, there are over three hundred thousand people. According to Sir Agravain's estimation, only a fraction of them can be considered warriors, probably less than half. The majority are civilians like hunters, farmers, and craftsmen. They joined Clovis's army out of hunger and despair."

"Since our goal is to save humanity, I cannot simply ignore them."

"..."

"The radiance of our king is enough to pierce through any darkness."

"O My King, please give us your command. We are willing to march ahead for you."

After Artorius spoke these words, the bright-hearted individuals felt moved. Even Agravain, who harbored darkness within, recognized the validity of Artorius's plan based on practical interests, and thought, 'With hundreds of thousands of people, it is precisely what we need. Let them survive and serve us. They can become soldiers, farmers, craftsmen, creating benefits for our soon-to-be empire.'

'Ahh~ truly a man worthy of my attention. Such profound aura, how enticing.' Morgan said in her heart, accompanied by a reddening face. She looked at Artorius with fanatical eyes.

Perhaps her emotions were different from the others, but the intensity of her passion was no less than anyone else, be it Artoria, the vice commander of the Knights of the Round Table and commander of the first legion, or Mordred, the vice commander of the Radiant Knights and commander of the second legion.

Women of Pendragon are never inferior to anyone!

"So, Your Majesty, are you suggesting...?"

Amidst the fervor of the crowd, only Agravain felt concerned.

He couldn't help but ask, and received a natural yet thrilling reply.

"Besides being a king, I am also a knight."

He surveyed his surroundings before continuing:

"After making adequate preparations, I will take the initiative and launch a surprise attack, directly crushing Clovis by myself, ensuring minimal losses."

"But, Brother!"

Upon hearing Artorius's words, Mordred exclaimed in frustration, "You are the king! Shouldn't we handle the charge and battle for you?!"

"Mordred." Artorius looked at his anxious sister with a gentle yet firm tone, "Everything else can be entrusted, but this task requires me to personally act."

"Usurping fate, is it?"

Artoria spoke from the other side.

"Yes, it's usurping fate..." Artorius nodded. "I will personally defeat Clovis. It is a crucial step. Of course, there's no need for any of you to worry. I have a foolproof plan that will protect me under any circumstances."

Upon hearing Artorius's reassurance, the trusted generals present felt somewhat relieved.

Indeed, Artorius possessed the Third Magic, along with the absolute defensive treasure Avalon. He was the Dragon vying for the throne, advancing towards imperial glory.

In terms of spirit, equipment, and physical prowess, the new king of Britain was more than capable of surpassing his rivals.

His defensive power and vitality were both at the EX rank.

"That settles it."

Artorius surveyed his surroundings once again.

"The day of victory is within our grasp. Let us strive forward together, my comrades."