In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 113 Pre-battle Mobilization: Marching Off to Kill the Enemy!
The mobilization in Shelag has begun.

Foreign tourists quickly received news of the impending war and returned to their homelands as soon as possible.

Now, the Sherag people have only themselves to rely on.

[Just as everything was almost identical to three years ago when development was underway, the Sherag people, who had enjoyed a brief period of prosperity, were once again forced to serve the war effort.]

And this time, you can't even accurately tell them the end date of the war.

However, unlike back then when only you could foresee the future crisis, now all the people of Shelag know they are fighting to defend their homeland.

They displayed a level of awareness far beyond your imagination.

Even though it's not harvest time yet, your collective farm has extra bags of wartime reserve rations, voluntarily donated by the people of Shelag.

[Previously, the confiscated grain had to be protected from being hidden, but now even the guards have to persuade the villagers to take the grain back.]

After all, if the war drags on, food reserves may run out, and the Shelag people won't know where to find food.

[And the number of Sherag people eager to participate in this battle to defend their homeland is endless.]

The Horn Peak, responsible for recruiting and training new soldiers, was nearly overwhelmed by the influx of Sherag people on the second day. It was only thanks to Chen Huijie and her guards that order was restored.

It should be said that the Sherag people are a natural source of excellent soldiers.

Although they have now entered a brief period of prosperity, for the past three years, and even longer, the people of Shelag have been struggling against the harsh natural environment of the snow-capped mountains.

This gives every Sherag soldier a natural advantage in combat on terrains such as snow and mountains.

Furthermore, a large portion of them were excellent archers.

After all, in the icy and snowy environment of Shelag, without being skilled in archery, it would be impossible to catch prey, and one could easily die from hunger and cold.

This means that these newly recruited soldiers only need some coordination training to become a reliable fighting force on the battlefield.

However, you can't send all the Sherags to the battlefield.

Ultimately, as the King of Kalan, you decreed that every family in Shelag that enlisted in the army must retain at least one son at home; only sons were to remain in the rear and not be allowed to join the battle.

But you know very well that these soldiers might not even be enough to deal with Victoria's army, let alone withstand the iron torrent of Letania.

Under the onslaught of thousands of steel tanks and aerial bombardment, even the strongest flesh and blood would pale in comparison.

You must devise a tactic, one that minimizes the destructive power of these tanks and artillery.

"Perhaps, the ice and snow could become an obstacle for these steel chariots?"

[While you're racking your brains, Yera brings you a cup of oil tea, offering you a viable tactic when you're at your wit's end.]

"I've heard you talk about those steel armored vehicles before. They move on tracks, right?"

"But in a freezing environment like Shelag, is it possible that the tracks of these tanks could freeze? And what about the artillery that can attack from a distance? Could it be impossible to deploy?"

"...There will certainly be some impact, but the advantages that the environment can bring us are very limited."

As the former emperor of Letania, Chen Qi naturally understood the strengths and weaknesses of his own products, and he was not very optimistic about Yera's plan.

“But I… I mean, since the emperor of Letania has the ambition to unify Terra, he cannot ignore the huge flaws in his war machine.”

"If these tanks can still function normally in the harsh environment of Ursus, then the environment of Shelag probably still won't be able to stop them."

"unless……"

"—Unless the environment in Sherag can become several times worse than that in Ursus."

Yela understood your meaning and answered you first.

Seeing your surprised expression, Yela simply smiled faintly and whispered softly in your ear.

“I… well, I mean, Yeragand can be a little short-tempered sometimes.”

"I remember that back then, Shelag was always covered by snow. In a day, the snow was so thick that it could cover the doors of everyone's houses."

"In weather like this, I think even the mighty army of Letania would have a hard time unleashing its full power."

"...If the weather is this extreme, I think the Leitanian army will indeed be affected to some extent."

Chen Qi was not too surprised by Yela's statement.

As the guardian deity of Shelag, Yera could not stand idly by when Shelag was on the verge of collapse.

But... Chen Qi's concern was just how far Yela could go.

Chen Qi still vividly remembers the last simulation in which Sherag was almost powerless to resist.

"But I still want to know, dear Lord Yeragand, how much divine power do you still have to help me defend against the invaders?"

"Oh dear, Your Majesty, are you worried about me?"

Chen Qi had barely finished asking his question when Yela, who was quite pleased with herself, subconsciously smiled in response before belatedly realizing what was going on.

Did I... just admit something?
For a moment, a subtle atmosphere lingered between the two.

But when faced with Chen Qi's unsurprised gaze, Yela, after a brief moment of surprise, responded with a kind smile.

"You haven't answered my question yet, Yera."

Chen Qi glossed over the topic as if nothing had happened, staring intently at Yela, and solemnly said:

"Jeragand is the guardian deity of Kjerag. Kjerag is protected from natural disasters and Originium because of Jeragand's protection."

“I am willing to die in battle. At the last moment, I am even willing to atone with my death to buy the people of Shelag a final chance to live.”

"But for the Sherag people, Jeragand is their last resort."

"If Yeragand dies and no longer protects the Sherag people, that would be a true catastrophe for them."

"—But the more His Majesty says this, the more Yeragand wants to give everything for Kjerag~"

However, faced with your warning words, Yela simply expressed her determination in a joking manner.

But then, she also noticed the slight pang of heartache... and helplessness in your eyes.

Yela was stunned.

As a "god," Yera has always been worshipped and sought after by countless Sherag people, but this is the first time she has felt that someone is pitying her.

[The goddess, who had always presented herself as compassionate, experienced for the first time the compassion shown to her by others.]

This feeling stirred a tremor in Yela's heart, which had remained unmoved for millennia.

Ultimately, Yela couldn't look you in the eye and answered with a calm smile.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I believe Yeragand will know his limits and will be aware of his own limitations."

"But if it really comes to the last resort, I think Yeragand would rather sacrifice himself and do everything in his power to save those he wants to save."

"Sometimes, even the guardian spirit of Sherag can be capricious and want to protect just one person."

Having said that, Yela looked directly into your eyes without flinching, the unexpected meaning in her words self-evident.

"...I'm not worth protecting, Yera."

After a moment of silence, you shook your head with a wry smile.

"I am a cruel king, a usurper who is hated by the people of Sherag."

"I do not mind."

Yela's gaze remained resolute, fixed intently on you, as she spoke, word by word.

"All I know is that sitting before me is the guardian deity who is willing to bear all the sins and infamy in order to save Shelag."

"A guardian angel also wants to protect its like-minded partners. That's easy to understand, isn't it?"

“Yelagand… has been lonely for far too long and longs for a close friend.” “She would do anything for that.”

There's no longer any room to escape. After Yera's deeply affectionate "confession," how will you respond to her words?

Fortunately, a communication from Ensiodis broke the delicate tension between you and Yera.

[And just as you answered the communicator, you received some very serious news from your younger brother.]

“Brother, our business partners in Victoria have sent us a message.”

“Victoria appears to have joined forces with Colombia, forming an alliance to launch an offensive against Shelag.”

This is definitely news that will surprise you.

[You would never have imagined that Colombia, which didn't dare utter a single dissent in front of Letania in your previous life, would suddenly switch sides in this simulation.]

However, you quickly realize that Colombia's defection could trigger a chain reaction.

For example, Letania.

Will Letania stand idly by as Colombia and Vitória suddenly unite?

As the former emperor of Letania, you are well aware of your wariness and distrust of Colombia.

This alliance between the two countries may provoke Leitania's serious attention, causing them to temporarily overlook the issue of Shelag and instead direct their focus towards the combined forces of the two nations.

But at the same time, this also means worse news.

That is to say, the war surrounding the capture of Shelag will likely be far more intense than you expect.

[The fight against Victoria's army was already quite difficult; the addition of Colombia undoubtedly made things worse.]

"Is there any way to find out the size and structure of this coalition force?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but I've heard that Columbia sent some newly tested mechs."

Enciodes replied in an equally stern tone:
"It's not clear yet who the commander on Victoria's side is, but I think it should be at least a duke leading the operation."

As he spoke, a long-lost hint of panic crept into Enciodes's voice. Helpless and bewildered, he turned to his brother on the other end of the communicator for help, asking:
"Brother, what should we do?"

"—Calm down, Ensiodis. Don't forget, you are the Prime Minister. Don't let others see your fear!"

You reprimanded your younger brother, and you were well aware that without resorting to extreme measures, there was little chance of survival in this impending war.

Currently, only the army of Letania can defeat the combined forces of the two countries, and to allow the two armies to clash, you must delay the combined forces of Victoria and Colombia.

Ultimately, you decided to take the plunge!

“Ensiodis, I command you in the name of King Kalan.”

"From now on, you will be in charge of all affairs, big and small, within Shelag. I entrust the defense and governance of Shelag entirely to you."

"And what about you, brother?!"

[Enciodes seemed to sense something and asked anxiously.]

And now you've made up your mind, answering without hesitation.

"I, the King, will personally lead the army to stop this allied forces!"

"Little brother, remember, if I die in battle, you must take good care of Enya and Enshia in my place, and govern Sherag well!"

"Brother, I—"

[You hung up the call before Enciodes could finish speaking.]

The next second, without hesitation, you issued your decree to Yela beside you.

"Go and assemble Fiona, Actos, and Horn Peak into the First Legion!"

"We are ready to march!"

……

The First Army Corps, though it sounds grand, was actually just a field force of no more than five thousand men.

This unit was not equipped with any powerful weapons of war; it didn't even have tanks or firearms.

They were the Mountain Snow Demons, a force composed of infantry, archers, and shield bearers. Their only advantage as an army was their complete equipment, making them arguably the elite troops of a nation.

[Sierra Nevada couldn't train combat units like the "Emperor's Blade" or the "Golden Law Guard," so this force was Sierra Nevada's true elite.]

Standing in the stands, you survey this elite force from your vantage point. At the very front stand the three generals who have accompanied you on this campaign.

But soon, you keenly spotted a familiar figure within this group.

"—Encia?"

You called out the name with some disbelief, but quickly dragged out your sister who had infiltrated the army in a fit of rage.

"Encia?! What are you doing?!"

"elder brother!"

Having been exposed, Encia removed her helmet, her eyes meeting yours without fear, and said, word by word:

"I can fight for Kherag too! I can go and kill the enemy!"

“Brother, you previously ordered that every family should keep at least one child.”

"Now, my second brother and sister are staying in Shelag! I can go to the battlefield with you to fight the enemy!"

"Nonsense!"

However, Encia's explanation only fueled your anger, and before Encia could even speak again, you immediately gave the order.

"Guards! Throw the Third Miss back home! Don't let her out again!"

"Yes!"

Two honor guards quickly pulled Enshia away, who was still struggling.

However, before being dragged away, Encia continued to scream at you in heart-wrenching agony.

"Brother! Brother!!"

"I won't let you go to your death alone! Brother! Let me go to the battlefield with you!!"

"You must come back! You must come back—! Brother!"

Enshia's heart-wrenching cries ache your heart, but at this moment, you cannot show any weakness in front of your soldiers.

Back on the high platform, you are once again clad in armor, but now a red tie signifies your leadership.

You took out the well-preserved gun from your waist, counted the last two bullets, and silently aimed it at the magazine.

"First Army Corps—Set Off!!"

"Yes!"XN
At your command, the First Army Corps marched in a mighty force down the mountain towards Shelag, beginning their first battle since their formation.

[In the distance, Chen Huijie, silently watching this scene from a hilltop, had tears welling in her eyes as she watched your departing figure.]

"...You must come back, Qi."

"I haven't had a chance to apologize to you yet."

There were so many words she couldn't say, but for the first time, Chen Huijie, who had never believed in God, sincerely prayed to Jeragund from the bottom of her heart.

She prayed that her friend, the most responsible king she had ever seen, would return safely.

(End of this chapter)