Way of Overlord
Chapter 198: Changes Takes Time

Chapter 198: Changes Takes Time

The conflict in the southern region of the city evolved into a chaotic street-by-street skirmish, with the battleground extending into the labyrinth of buildings and narrow alleyways.

The tactics of the Marynku people, adept at utilizing the bow, introduced a new dimension to the warfare, causing disarray among the Nurshira defenders.

The Marynku archers’ strategic maneuvers to ascend the rooftops provided them with a vantage point, allowing them to rain down a relentless barrage of arrows upon their adversaries.

This elevated position granted them both visibility and strategic advantage, making it challenging for the defenders to adapt swiftly to this unorthodox style of combat.

The defenders of Nurshira, unaccustomed to such agile and proficient use of bows in an urban setting, struggled to counter the precise and coordinated attacks from above.

The unfamiliarity with the Marynku people’s bow skills and their ability to maneuvers swiftly across rooftops and narrow passages placed the defenders at a significant disadvantage.

And that is not all that face the defenders of the city

The horse archers of the Steppe people could adapt easily to close quarters combat.

Some of the horse archers seamlessly blended into the environment, utilizing the cover provided by buildings and structures to conceal themselves while picking off defenders with precise sniping.

Their strategic positioning and ability to hide within the urban landscape made them elusive and difficult targets, creating a sense of uncertainty and fear among the defenders.

Meanwhile, others stayed astride their horses, utilizing the animals’ speed and agility to maintain a constant flow of arrows while continuously moving.

This mobile strategy allowed them to engage the defenders from a distance, ensuring their safety by swiftly retreating whenever the situation turned unfavourable.

The dual ability to maintain a relentless assault with arrows while preserving their mobility granted the Steppe horse archers a distinct advantage.

This adaptability not only made them formidable opponents but also rendered the defenders’ attempts to counter their tactics ineffective.

The combination of stealth, precision, and constant movement ultimately contributed to their success in securing the upper hand in the battle within the city streets.

The morale of the defenders of the city is already low so it is even easier

Aeryon did not participate in the battle this time. Instead, he went into the city centre, the residence of the city lord and he sat there and make sure his men ready to pack every valuable in the city lord residence

Taking up residence in the city lord’s abode, he orchestrated the meticulous process of identifying and collecting the riches scattered within the estate.

It is time to take the wealth of the city.

After all, Aeryon did not plan to stay here for long. Maybe one or two days and after that they would return to the Great Steppe with the riches that they now possesses.

One of the things that always make the tribes goes crazy is the allocation of bounties. There are times when even two allied tribes would fall each other over the bounties.

In the annals of the Southern Great Steppe history, there exists a cautionary tale that exemplifies the allure and perils of bounties during warfare.

It unfolded during a time when tensions between one of the Steppe tribes and the Yan Empire reached a boiling point, leading to a battle

The Yan army, recognizing the fervour for bounties among the Steppe tribes, devised a cunning stratagem.

They strategically feigned a retreat, leaving behind a seemingly abundant trove of weapons and supplies in an open area—an irresistible bounty that beckoned the tribes with its promise of wealth.

Despite the warning from the chief, cautioning against falling for what might be a trap, the allure of the bounty proved overpowering.

Blinded by the prospect of claiming the seemingly abandoned riches, the tribes descended from their advantageous position atop the hill, where the terrain could have provided a formidable advantage.

As the tribes descended to claim the spoils, a trap was sprung with devastating precision.

Concealed Yan archers unleashed a relentless barrage of arrows from concealed positions, raining a lethal storm down upon the exposed tribes.

Simultaneously, Yan soldiers emerged from hiding, launching a fierce ambush that caught the unsuspecting tribes in a deadly crossfire.

The battle that ensued culminated in a resounding victory for the Yan forces.

The tribes, ensnared by their pursuit of the tempting bounty, had fallen victim to a meticulously orchestrated trap, leading to their defeat at the hands of the Yan Empire’s calculated deception.

Because of that Aeryon very much prioritizes discipline and even when his warriors sees a mountain of gold in front of them, unless they are ordered, they would not take a step.

Of course, such perfect discipline could not yet be cultivated fully but Aeryon is striving for his men to become like that.

Aeryon enters the city lord residence and take his seat in the main hall

"What a large residence" that was his first thought when he is in the residence.

As Aeryon stepped into the city lord’s residence, a sense of grandeur enveloped him, the opulence and scale of the residence is astounding even his seasoned eyes.

The sprawling complex sprawled across the landscape, a testament to the wealth and status of the city lord

The residence, an architectural masterpiece, stood enclosed within high walls adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and ancient symbols, reflecting the lord’s prestigious lineage.

The imposing gates, embellished with ornate motifs and elaborate patterns, guarded the entrance, hinting at the prestige and exclusivity of the dwelling within.

Passing through the gates, Aeryon found himself in a vast courtyard, meticulously manicured gardens flanked by pavilions and elegant corridors adorned with delicate wooden latticework.

The aura of sophistication was evident in the harmonious blend of architecture and nature, with carefully arranged trees and blossoming flowers enhancing the visual spectacle.

The main hall, the heart of the residence, welcomed Aeryon with its sheer grandiosity.

Supported by intricately carved columns, the hall boasted a lofty ceiling adorned with hand-painted frescoes depicting ancient legends and celestial beings.

The walls were embellished with silk tapestries woven with intricate designs, exuding luxury and sophistication.

Furniture crafted from rare woods and adorned with precious stones adorned the hall, offering a glimpse into the wealth and refined taste of the city lord.

Intricately designed vases, ornamental sculptures, and golden accents dotted the space, further accentuating its lavishness.

The atmosphere within the residence exuded an air of tranquillity and elegance, juxtaposed with the underlying tension of imminent departure.

" Tear it all down" he thought to himself and he smiles. After all the treasure is taken away, Aeryon will tear down this residence and take everything and bring it to the Steppe. The thing which he could sell, he would sell and which he could use he would use. Top of Form

While the chaos of the city is dying down, the work for them as the invading force has just begun

All around the residence is Aeryon warriors transporting boxes of all kinds of treasure all ready to be transported back to the Great Steppe when they leave.

Aeryon from the beginning has told his men how the booty of war should be distributed.

And ghat is why none of them is worried about the bounty. Though Aeryon wonders how the other tribes would distribute it. But Aeryon shakes his head

There is no need to worry that much about other people method of distributing bounty

Aeryon had reformed many of the methods in his tribe. And one of them is the method of distribution of booty

Motivation is high among his warriors because he had already told everyone that booty of war will be shared equally

And he created a dedicated body to ensure the booty of war is distributed correctly.

Horses, slaves, precious metals, textiles, high quality manufactured goods and even food will all be tallied and would be distributed evenly

Commanders could expect to receive both booty and land or tribute form conquered people or tribe

Of course, Aeryon only painted the pie first.

In other words, he gave them a vision of what the future could be.

This is why even though Aeryon army is not as experienced as the Khagai tribe or as fierce and brutal as the tribe of Esbizuk, his men would not falter even under fear.

Benefit and threat needs to be used by the ruler sparingly and at times generously.

But Aeryon did noy only make sure that commanders get their rewards, even ordinary warriors could expect rewards.

Some compensation is set aside for their conscription which any Marynku male from fourteen to sixty years old is liable for

"There is still a lot of things that needs to be changed for me to have a truly professional army" Aeryon thought to himself;. He could only adapt it slowly because he knows very much any great reform if done to hastily would crumble at the first sign of trouble

Gradual changes must be made.

Aeryon himself is not that fond of slavery. Maybe it is because of his knowledge of the future and his aversion to it but even he knows that to change this system, he could not just declare it one day and expected it to happen the next

That is no how a society works and it is not easy to change it

He could do that but he should expect great resistance and by the end, Aeryon is quite sure if he did that kind of thing, such reform would not even be successful and would be a failure.

The good thing was that it is not uncommon for people of this era to buy their own freedom.

It is unlike the chattel slavery.

"Changes needs time and also depends on the time" he thought as he sighed

>>