2025. 4. 27. 06:28ㆍ카테고리 없음
Chapter 17: Across the Sea—The First Battle Echoes Through Gaegyeong
The journey from Tamna (Jeju Island) to Gaegyeong usually took at least one to two weeks by sea. But Hamin's steam-powered ships, guided by GPS from Saetbyeol, a low-earth orbit satellite Hamin had launched, along with precise mapping data, followed the lead vessel and arrived at Haeju Port near Gaegyeong by around 2 a.m. the next day. In an era when accurate time, latitude, and longitude couldn't be measured, the GPS—technology from 800 years in the future—had effectively transcended time and space. Anmu officer Lee Jigwang, standing pale-faced from seasickness at the ship’s bow, couldn’t hide his excitement.
“My lord, is this… is this really possible? Arriving at Haeju Port in just a day! This is a transportation revolution!”
Hamin smiled modestly. “It’s fortunate we arrived without issue.”
Between them and Gaegyeong lay Ganghwa Island. According to Hamin’s research through Thanos, Ganghwa Island at this time was serving as a temporary capital, sheltering King Gojong and the military regime from Mongol forces. However, Hamin had no business with an island used to flee the Mongols. His plan was to head straight to Gaegyeong, secure its surroundings, and confront the Mongol army directly.
At 2 a.m., Haeju Port was still engulfed in darkness, impossible to scout visually. Hamin ordered Thanos to deploy drones to survey the area. Drone surveillance revealed that Haeju Port had been rendered non-functional by Mongol invasions, lying empty and deserted. Hamin docked the ships in the vacant harbor, set a night watch led by Jigwang, and instructed everyone else to rest onboard until dawn. Fortunately, nothing occurred during their brief rest, and Hamin himself could relax comfortably, assured by the drones patrolling overhead.
As soon as the sun rose, Hamin directed Jigwang to lay wooden planks, creating a path for their large truck to escape the sandy beach. Soldiers and Optimus robots swiftly laid down the planks to form a ramp, unloading 20 cannons, ammunition, and various supplies onto carts. The trucks and Optimus robots effectively formed the spearhead that would advance toward Gaegyeong.
Hamin lined up the soldiers. Ahead of the trucks, the 20 cannons were slowly towed on carts. The soldiers, trained by Zeus, were already confident from their recent experience fighting pirates.
The force comprised:
- 280 archers equipped with eight-shot repeating crossbows.
- 80 soldiers supporting cannon operations.
- The remaining 100 soldiers stayed behind to secure the ships.
Designed by Thanos, these repeating crossbows, verified during the recent battle against pirates invading Tamna, could fire eight arrows in succession after a single loading—an innovative weapon for that era, instilling confidence that they could effectively counter the Mongol cavalry.
Shortly after noon, Hamin’s party arrived about five kilometers from Naseong, the fortress near Gaegyeong occupied by the Mongols, and had a quick lunch of rice balls. Hamin ordered Thanos to conduct drone reconnaissance over Naseong.
With much of the Goryeo army having retreated to Ganghwa Island, Naseong was garrisoned by Mongol forces, now somewhat relaxed due to an ongoing ceasefire.
Hamin studied the fortress: soldiers guarded gates and patrolled the walls, but tension seemed minimal. Hamin told Thanos, “Deploy drones and check inside the fortress.”
The drone images revealed Mongol troops engaged in afternoon drills or awaiting orders, prepared for combat at a moment’s notice. Hamin decided on overwhelming force but concluded, “Rather than directly assaulting, let’s lure them out.”
“The Mongols mainly use cavalry,” Jigwang added. “If provoked, they'll quickly leave the fortress. Once outside, we can easily suppress them with our cannons and crossbows.”
Hamin positioned the cannons one kilometer from Naseong, choosing high ground that directly overlooked the gate. The 20 cannons lined up, with 280 archers behind them and 80 soldiers managing the cannons. A decoy unit of 50 lightly armored troops was instructed to provoke the Mongols by waving flags and yelling at 500 meters from the gate, while another 20 soldiers created dust clouds behind them to exaggerate their numbers, tempting the Mongol cavalry to charge recklessly.
Zeus instructed, “As soon as the gate opens, run straight back here. Drawing them into cannon range is key.”
The decoy group waved flags and shouted provocations, causing immediate commotion among the Mongols. The Mongol sentries reported hundreds of Goryeo soldiers charging, prompting the Mongol commander to send out roughly a thousand mounted troops.
With loud battle cries, the Mongols charged confidently. As they entered the targeted area, Hamin swiftly ordered Jigwang, “Fire at will once they're within range. The first barrage must crush them.”
As the decoy troops retreated hastily, the Mongol cavalry stormed forward. Suddenly, the 20 cannons roared simultaneously.
Boom! Boom!
Explosions shattered the air, throwing Mongol riders into chaos. Horses panicked, soldiers were flung from their mounts, and the leading cavalry lost all momentum. Survivors who dodged initial blasts were quickly targeted by waves of arrows from the archers positioned on higher ground. The repeating crossbows unleashed relentless volleys, further crippling the enemy advance.
Terrified horses scattered, creating massive confusion. The Mongol cavalry, caught in disarray, became entangled and crushed beneath each other. Mongol commanders attempted a retreat, but fear of subsequent bombardment paralyzed their ranks. Just then, a strange whirring filled the sky.
Drones overhead released small bombs manufactured by Thanos's 3D printers. More explosions decimated the Mongol command structure. Panicked Mongol reinforcements fled back toward the gate, encountering chaos at every step.
Observing the drone footage, Hamin remarked calmly, "This...is utterly overwhelming."
Further artillery bombardment sealed the Mongols’ fate, turning their offensive into a catastrophic rout within hours. Hamin’s forces achieved a total victory without a single casualty.
The aftermath revealed severe Mongol casualties and a shattered morale among survivors who barricaded themselves inside the fortress. Hamin, seeing their terror through drone cameras, knew the battle was effectively over.
“This marks our decisive first victory. They couldn't have anticipated artillery and drone strikes,” he said.
The soldiers cheered, exhilarated by their swift triumph. Hamin instructed Jigwang and the Optimus robots, “Let the remnants inside flee unharmed. Today’s goal is simply securing Naseong.” He then ordered Thanos to send drone strikes into the fortress interior, compelling remaining Mongol troops to abandon Naseong in panic.
Watching through drones as Mongol survivors fled, Hamin was confident: their futuristic technology had decisively routed the elite Mongol forces in Naseong.
