Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

"Who's firing at us?" Colonel Kara asked angrily.

"There is a warship in Haidong Bay firing at us," an officer, clutching his hat, ran over and reported: "It should be a navy ship; they probably don't know we've recaptured Duckbill Fort. Should we go inform them?"

"Inform my ass!" Colonel Kara glared at him: "Let them fire. The navy's ship bombing the navy's fort, what's that got to do with us? Can their fire even reach us on the reverse slope?"

He loudly ordered: "Listen up, no one is allowed to get close to the guns. If you get hit, go ask the navy for medical expenses. Our mission is already complete. I command, everyone! Guard the gate! Wait for reinforcements to rendezvous."

Another artillery colonel pulled Kara to the side and asked in a low voice: "There's still fighting at the docks, is it really okay for us to just watch from the sidelines?"

"Brother, all of us here are officers, who can I command?" Colonel Kara said helplessly: "You are a colonel, and so am I. Could I command you without Admiral Zio's orders? The admiral's command was to recapture the fort, and we have accomplished that. The admiral treated us like disposable soldiers, and it's already lucky no one died. There's no need to throw our juniors into the fray for the navy's sake, right?"

"I get your point, sacrificing ourselves for the navy is definitely not worth it, but we could support them in a safer way," the artillery colonel explained: "I checked the gun positions at Duckbill Fort, and actually, by adjusting the angles, some of the heavy artillery could cover the docks. The admiral's command was to recapture the fort, but after recapturing it, we should utilize it. Otherwise, what was all our effort for? Just for these broken stones?"

Unable to argue with him and unable to command him, Colonel Kara could only nod. Being of the same rank, it was already a great respect that the artillery colonel came to discuss with Kara. However, he still had his worries and cautioned: "The navy's ship is still firing at us, you must be very careful."

"Don't worry."

After the night watch schedule was arranged, Colonel Kara, along with two other staff officers, took the prisoners into the kitchen for interrogation, which probably wouldn't be a pretty scene. The artillery colonel, along with some officers specialized in artillery, went to fiddle with the big guns. A few officers were standing night watch, and the rest of the men rested.

The warship drifting in Haidong Bay continued to fire several volleys at Duckbill Fort before it too realized something was amiss, as the previously firing Duckbill Fort had suddenly gone silent. Assuming something had happened, they ceased firing at Duckbill Fort.

Of course, it could also be because they lost the guidance of the firelight from Duckbill Fort's guns in the dim moonlight, unable to see where Duckbill Fort was.

Duckbill Fort suddenly returned to tranquility. First, Winters went to make sure Warhorse was well accommodated, as Warhorse had recently developed a liking for fighting with other stallions, which wasn't mere fabrication. Other officers' horses were no match for Warhorse, terrified by the fierce stallion, desperately trying to get away, breaking several reins in the process.

Since Warhorse had a bit in its mouth, it couldn't bite the others and was also very agitated.

Winters had no choice but to hammer a stake into a corner of the clearing, tethering Warhorse away from the other horses.

"You troublesome little rascal!" Winters slapped Warhorse on the forehead. The Lucian stallion felt no shame for causing his master to be scolded by several staff officers, blinking its large eyes at Winters and sticking out its long pink tongue, asking for treats.

Winters, both annoyed and amused, fed Warhorse a few sugar cubes: "Eat, eat, eat, that's all you think about."

Winters had planned to remove Warhorse's gear to make it comfortable, but noticing that the other officers hadn't taken their horses' gear off indicated everyone was prepared for an emergency. Therefore, Winters only removed Warhorse's bit and provided it with some hay and water.

"Montaigne!" someone was calling Winters; it was Andre. He stood by the door enthusiastically waving at Winters.

"Keep it down," Winters walked over: "What's making you so happy?"

"Don't ask, just follow me," Andre mysteriously answered.

He led the way, with Winters trailing behind him, and after making a few turns, Andre bowed, presenting a host's gesture: "Please allow me to present to you— the navy's treasure!"

Having said that, he lifted a wooden board on the ground, revealing an underground space.

The underground space was brightly lit, echoing with laughter and chatter. In the cramped space, about a dozen people were squeezed in. Winters recognized quite a few familiar faces, seeming to be fellow warrant officers.

"You found a wine cellar?" Winters understood what was happening and asked Andre with a smile.

Andre boasted proudly: "Of course, my nose is better than a dog's. I followed the scent and found it. Alas, it's a pity 'The Chaplain' isn't here; otherwise, we'd definitely have to drink him under the table tonight."

'The Chaplain' was the nickname Andre had given Bard. Bard didn't join tonight's operation since he didn't have a horse, and even with the news, he couldn't have made it to the East Camp gathering in time.

"You guys have fun; I've got to stand night watch," Winters found an excuse to leave; in truth, he didn't drink or enjoy such revelry.

The night's raid felt like a farce to Winters, inexplicably summoned to the East Camp, bewilderingly setting off to face an unknown enemy. He hadn't even done anything throughout the battle. He really wasn't in the mood to celebrate.