Cataphracts, surviving in a world full of mods

Some people even spend all day in the tavern, ordering two glasses of water mixed with alcohol and sitting there until the owner kicks them out when there are more customers in the evening.

They knew every tavern in the city like the back of their hand, knowing exactly which tavern owner would add more water to their drinks, and which tavern they could stay in longer without being kicked out... Because of this, they could be considered the most well-informed group of people in the city.

Now a message is spreading through the city, and after being embellished and exaggerated, it has become unrecognizable, but at least it has maintained a basic framework.

This also let the residents of the city know one thing: General Tersolius will arrive in the capital tomorrow, and the garrison has sent troops to meet him!

The whole city was in an uproar because of the news, and even the sparrows in the treetops were so disturbed that they were hopping and dodging from branch to branch.

Almost everyone who shared this news swore that their source was absolutely accurate, boasting that some distant relative of theirs was involved in the matter.

Thus, from various angles, from all aspects, and from the mouths of all sorts of different people, this jumbled information had a striking similarity, which quickly led to the rumors being confirmed as facts.

After all, the general of the capital garrison has not appeared for quite some time, and management has become stricter in the past two days. Several hotel owners have been fined for violating orders and operating outside of designated hours.

This also caused a restless mood to begin to accumulate in the hearts of the imperial people in the capital. Their emotions were always so easily agitated, and they were always more willing to believe what they wanted to believe.

This pent-up sentiment put the capital's garrison on high alert, and countless gangs suffered as a result. But even if they were destroyed, new replacements would soon emerge, squeezing out the interests of the city's underclass.

The arrival of a cavalryman completely ignited this pent-up emotion... His iconic armor and horsemanship blatantly proclaimed his identity, and a small, ornate banner fluttered in the wind atop his spear.

The cavalryman made no speech or address to anyone, but his journey to the Empire's Golden Palace caused an uproar throughout the city, the deafening roar nearly causing the mountains to collapse.

People were discussing the matter intensely and excitedly, especially Aristotle, who had been imprisoned and was awaiting questioning, making everyone realize that a big scene was bound to unfold.

Some people easily realized that such a large-scale event might not be a good thing for them, so they began to prepare early.

Meanwhile, Tersolius is receiving cheers—the cheers of his legions for their general.

This is a high, sloping area that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Streams flow between the mountains behind the camp and pass through it. The trees around the camp have been cleared away, so no one can hide there.

Numerous wooden buildings covered the broad hillside, forming a neat rectangle with walls made of thick logs. Dozens of watchtowers and arrow towers were scattered throughout, monitoring every movement in the surrounding area.

This is a typical permanent camp, with sturdy and reliable housing and ample water. If food is plentiful, the legion can hold out here for a long time, just like defending a city.

The wide trench was surrounded by sharp chevaux-de-frise, and the bottom of the trench, which was more than a person deep, was full of sharp spikes cut from hardwood, which could impale soldiers who fell on it. Such a camp was enough to make any attacker pay a heavy price.

Not to mention the elite soldiers living in those neat rows of low wooden houses—this was the renowned Golden Legion, a full nine thousand soldiers awaiting the emperor's orders and obeying the general's commands.

This legion was entirely assembled by the emperor and her two generals, and no other power could extend its reach here. This was also the greatest benefit the emperor had gained after Tersolius took the head of the Kiel Khan and won an unparalleled victory for the empire with his brother.

The sentries around the camp spotted him as soon as his flag appeared on the road and quickly relayed the message back.

When he led his army near the camp, the heavily guarded camp was already wide open. The garrison commanders and centurions stood by, eagerly awaiting his arrival. The legion's flagstaff was at the very front, held in the hand of a strong flag bearer.

When he led his cavalry to the camp gate, as the legion's banner was raised high, everyone, soldiers and officers alike, erupted in a frenzied cheer at the same time.

"Tesorius!!!"

A unified roar rolled in, crushing everything around it like thunder, causing the soft treetops to sway like blades of grass in a storm, and sending flocks of birds soaring up like dark clouds.

Tersolius bowed slightly and took the legion's flag from the standard-bearer, symbolizing that he had taken over command of the legion.

The massive black warhorse beneath him spurred its hooves and turned with the agility of a stag, causing the red silk on the flagpole to flutter in the air.

Another wave of cheers rose into the air as the soldiers raised their swords and short hammers, banging them against their shields and cheering in unison. Their terrifying aura was enough to shake mountains, and anyone standing among them would believe that nothing could stop them!

Amid cheers from the troops, the black double-headed eagle banner slowly entered the camp, with the battalion and centurion flags lowering themselves in salute.

The fully armed cavalrymen seemed to be one with their warhorses, with no one standing out or in disarray. The horses' strong, long limbs extended in a harmonious rhythm as they entered the camp that stretched for miles.

Wherever the black double-headed eagle banner went, deafening cheers erupted. Tersolius's warhorses traversed every corner of the vast camp, and countless banners bowed to him, expressing their reverence and obedience.

All the legionary soldiers were arrayed in formation, each square as neatly sculpted as if by a knife. Well-maintained swords and spears reflected a blinding, cold light, and heavy, fine armor formed a wall of steel.

All the soldiers cheered for him, saluting their commander. They surrendered their command to him, entrusting their lives and honor to that glorious banner.

Everyone was calling out his name, calling out Thesolius, as if the name possessed some kind of magic, giving them glory and courage, making them unwilling to stop even when their throats were hoarse.

The platform, built of mud and sturdy logs, looked crude, but only the legion commander could occupy it; no one else could cross it.

As his banner was firmly secured in the groove by Alka, the thick flagpole remained still, and the golden double-headed eagle gripped the banner's crossbar tightly with its sharp talons, its golden, sculpted wings raised high as if ready to take flight.

Without hesitation, he dismounted and climbed onto the platform. Alka immediately spread the white lion's pelt on the large hardwood chair above, and only then did he calmly sit down.

Generals and officers stepped forward to pay their respects and relinquish their command, while fully armed guards stood behind him, spears in hand, silent and dignified like statues.

He also talked with each of his subordinates, talking with these seemingly unfamiliar yet familiar faces. Everyone seemed to have endless things to say, including him. Some were so emotional that they even gestured wildly, appearing extremely out of control.

But no one would laugh at them... Today, at this very moment, the Emperor's Golden Legion once again welcomed their commander, and both generals and soldiers were swept up in a frenzy, cheering and jumping for joy for their leader.

If it weren't for the strict discipline, the entire camp would have been in complete chaos long ago, but even so, the commotion continued until evening before finally subsiding.

As night deepened, the camp fell silent once more, seemingly no different from any other time before. Even the birds that had fled gradually returned to their nests, reluctant to leave their homes.

Only the double-headed eagle on the black banner remained vigilant, its golden feathers gleaming silver in the moonlight, highlighting its owner's status.

Chapter 102 Arrival (3)

The soldiers of the empire are always driven by a pursuit of honor, and their desire for wealth and victory is unparalleled. An excellent commander who can bring victory can easily win their support.

After following Thesolius to victory after victory, the legion had been branded with his mark. He was the only one in command of these elite standing armies, and the soldiers trusted only him as their general.

Therefore, no one except him and the emperor can touch this army; the army will spontaneously chop off any unruly claws... In other words, if something really happens to him, this army will soon become a thorn in the side of some people.

During his absence, the generals in the legion effectively suppressed news and rumors, preventing any major disturbances. Many soldiers were unaware of the specifics, their leave was canceled, and they were ordered to remain in the area for training.

This pleased Tersolius greatly. If his legion were to become unruly due to certain news, it would certainly cause a lot of trouble for the emperor and his brother, and would also become a handle for some unscrupulous people.

He led his cavalry to arrive first, while Natamus led the infantry and mountain people behind him. At this moment, they passed through the wide camp gate and arrived at the campsite reserved for them.

The legion's permanent camp is no different from building a house; both involve laying a deep foundation in the ground, then building a frame out of logs and covering it with tiles.

This house can adapt to most seasons and climates, and it remains sturdy even after more than a decade of continuous use. Many farmers toil half their lives to afford such a house to provide shelter for their families.

The mountain people and slave soldiers continued to look around curiously. In this period of time, they saw more than they had ever seen in the first half of their lives. All kinds of scenery and novel sights broadened their horizons.

Now they have learned not to shout and yell anymore, but to look at the places they find new with amazement.

Many people had never seen such a well-organized and clean camp, especially the slaves from Alpert, whose army camps were mostly muddy, with mounds of excrement and garbage scattered everywhere.

Such campsites often reek of foul odors, and on rainy days, sewage soaked with garbage and excrement would flow into the tents, drawing a chorus of complaints.

Just as they learned during their training in Alpert, the Imperial army was strictly disciplined, and it was this discipline that made the Imperial army so powerful.

They had to build their own shelter on the land; until then, they would continue to live in tents. Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic about it; after sleeping in tents for months, everyone preferred sleeping in a sturdy room.

A wide open space was specially designated, and Talina and her medical team moved supplies here. In the near future, this place will be built into a sturdy structure, and the soldiers of this legion will be the first to receive the best medical care.

And it wasn't just them who were amazed; the proud soldiers of the Golden Legion also looked at these newcomers with great curiosity, especially the young women in the medical teams, who were more likely to attract the attention of these hot-blooded soldiers.

Women were generally not allowed to enter the Legion's camps; Talina's medical team was among the first, and this was an exception only under Terthorius's orders.

News always spreads quickly in military camps. Soldiers live and work together, sharing life and death experiences. They are more willing to share news with their comrades, and so it spreads from one to ten, from ten to a hundred. Before the mountain people and slaves had even settled down, their stories were already widely known.

Almost every legion of soldiers envied these guys who had received such great honors. Capturing Alperth for the Empire was something any soldier could boast about for a full 10 years, not to mention the legendary battles that followed.

But they didn't stay there for long. The officers who noticed the situation immediately dispersed them and sent the soldiers on their own. Otherwise, their gathering could easily cause trouble.

........................

Tersolius rubbed his temples. He had been busy since yesterday, and he had finally managed to get most of the affairs in the legion sorted out.

A man of medium build and muscular build stood before him. Although not tall, he had unusually broad shoulders, slightly rough, dark skin, and neatly trimmed, slightly curly hair.

His beard was neatly shaved, and he wore a fine chainmail over a red jacket. Apart from that, he wore no other armor, which made him look smart and capable.

He is Hertharos, the legion's second-in-command, who took over the management of the legion after I left, and has maintained it ever since.

"Alright, continue with your duties. I have to continue my journey... If any issues arise, do as I told you. If everything goes smoothly, do not act rashly."

The man nodded slightly, his face remaining expressionless, still utterly indifferent even to his commander. Any other imperial commander might have already shown displeasure.

But Thesolius didn't care at all. He knew this man very well... as if they had worked together for who knows how long and understood each other's temperaments perfectly, so he didn't care about such trivial details.

He also knew very well that Hersalos was a notoriously dull guy. Although he was steady and serious in his work, he was basically not good at socializing... Even a new recruit who had only been in the army for a few days could understand this from the smallest details.

This natural intuition conflicting with his memory left him somewhat amused and exasperated, but he didn't feel troubled... As he got closer to the capital of the empire, the fragments that kept flashing through his mind became more numerous and clearer.

Perhaps in the near future, this strange yet familiar memory will be completely his. At that time, will he be Tersolius or Xu Ning?

This kind of thing is destined to be difficult to answer, but he no longer cares... He has a firm will and clear thinking, so what is there to doubt? He just needs to do what he should do.

He patted the man on the shoulder with a smile. The man, like a wooden puppet, simply nodded slightly. He didn't seem to care, reached out and picked up his helmet from the side, then walked out.

Soon, a commotion broke out outside. A troop of over a hundred cavalrymen, carrying the banner of Tersolius, charged out of the camp gate, kicking up a cloud of dust, and disappeared into the distance amidst the soldiers' discussions.

Herthalos only turned to look in the direction where the smoke and dust had disappeared at this moment. After silently watching for a while, he moved a chair from the side and placed it in front of the table, then silently began to look at the pile of parchment on it.

........................

Building a permanent barracks requires strong laborers, as it involves not only digging deep foundations but also felling thick logs and shaping them into suitable forms for the framework.

Imperial soldiers are always very good at this kind of thing. They often build bridges and pave roads during their campaigns. For the empire, the sign of conquering a region is that a wide road extends into that region, which also means that the imperial army has taken control of the area.

The camp had ample building materials stored in it. The thick logs, which had been air-dried for several years, were at the right moisture level and would no longer crack easily. They had become hard and easy to work with.

The mountain people and slaves immediately joined in, their enthusiasm for building their own barracks growing high. They wielded shovels and picks with great force, piling up huge heaps of mud and debris on the open ground next to them.

Ordinary barracks require a foundation dug more than half a person deep, while large barracks require a foundation at least one person deep before carbonized logs are buried as pillars, and the excavated mud is backfilled to form a sturdy frame for the building.

The fired red tiles had accumulated in the warehouse and were now being transported out by the cartload, making the mountain people dizzy with envy—these neatly shaped, high-quality tiles were something they would have to trade for with game back home! Only the richest and most experienced hunters could afford to cover their houses with these beautiful red tiles.

But now it's like it's free, and they can use it in barracks where only a few people live... This terrifying luxury left them speechless.

Of course, while I was surprised, no one was going to be polite.

They were even afraid that the other party might change their mind and take away these beautiful tiles, so they almost frantically finished the basic framework and then hurriedly took the amount they needed and piled it in front of the unfinished framework.

A large amount of supplies taken from the warehouse were used in the camp. The newly arrived 2000 soldiers needed a large area to settle in, but fortunately, the military camp, which stretched for several miles, had already reserved enough space.

Tarina watched as the frame was erected, the thick tree trunks were cut with grooves and knots, and after being trimmed with tools, they were pieced together and secured with copper nails.

The soil, after being sifted to remove stones, was used to build the walls. Once dried, it would firmly support the framework. Weeds on the ground were cleared away, and the soldiers, chanting slogans, used heavy stone hammers to tamp the soil firmly.

It took shape almost at a visible speed, and by nightfall, a large area of ​​new barracks frames had already been laid out, and they would be ready to move in within a few days.

They also discovered that these soldiers had no different habits from their own; they cooked at the same time, rested at the same time, and followed the same rules...

This similarity allowed them to quickly overcome their initial awkwardness and realize that they shared the same identity. Some of the bolder mountain people even sneaked into other camps, ate a meal, and then leisurely returned to their tents before the camp gates closed.

………………

Talina pulled back the curtain of her tent and walked in rather cautiously. Even though she knew this was the army of Tersolius, the girl still felt nervous about coming to an unfamiliar military camp.

The military has never been a safe place for civilians; it represents violence and killing, and trained soldiers rarely have a heart of mercy.