Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 765

765. Encounter (10)

The Imperial Army and the Aztecs faced off, the focal point being the Imperial Army’s established beachhead.

The Aztec warriors formed a semicircle around the beachhead, effectively surrounding it.

Imperial Army officers meticulously examined the Aztec warriors’ formation, identifying potential strengths and weaknesses.

“Doesn’t their formation seem rather disorganized? They don’t appear to have a strong grasp of warfare,” a junior officer commented.

A seasoned veteran shook his head at the junior officer’s observation. “No. Look closer. Notice the individuals with distinctive attire interspersed throughout their ranks? Those must be commanding the surrounding soldiers, indicating a command structure exists.”

“Ah, I see.”

The veteran officer pointed out the Eagle Warriors, Jaguar Warriors, and other intermediate warriors strategically positioned within the formation. He clicked his tongue softly. “Tsk, tsk. Regardless, they make excellent targets.”

The Eagle Warriors and Jaguar Warriors were clad in complete suits, covering both their torsos and legs. They wore brightly colored clothing that made them stand out, along with wooden Eagle or Jaguar headpieces. These warriors were often accompanied by intermediate warriors wearing *Quechquemitl* [a type of poncho].

These intermediate warriors wore *Tlahuiztli* [ornate battle suits], similar to the full-body suits of the Eagle and Jaguar Warriors, and conical hats matching the color of their clothing.

These intermediate warriors also wore padded armor adorned with butterfly-shaped decorations on their backs, the number of which indicated the number of prisoners they had captured.

Thanks to these flamboyant outfits, the intermediate warriors, Eagle Warriors, and Jaguar Warriors were easily distinguishable, even among the lower-ranking warriors who wore simple padded vests.

“But doesn’t the spacing between the soldiers seem rather wide?”

“That must be due to their weapons. That club with embedded obsidian blades—the *Macuahuitl* [a wooden club with obsidian blades]—appears to be their primary weapon. Given its design, they can only swing it effectively. Stabbing is impossible, hence the need for ample space to maneuver.”
The veteran officers, discussing the Aztec warriors’ main weapon, couldn’t conceal their disappointment.

“The effectiveness of our grenades will be somewhat reduced, won’t it?”

“At least those crude padded vests will make the mobile ballistae quite effective.”

* * *

While the Imperial Army’s junior and mid-level officers were observing the surrounding Aztec forces, the high-ranking commanders near Admiral Ahn Sang-soo were focused on those surrounding Montezuma I.

“Judging by their attire, the individual seated in that palanquin must be the king or someone of very high status.”

“I concur. By the way, that particular unit is slightly concerning. It’s undoubtedly a guard unit or an elite force.”

The unit the high-ranking commanders were referring to was the Aztec Empire’s elite unit known as the *Cuachicqueh* [shorn warriors].

A warrior who captured more than five prisoners in battle could become an officer or an elite warrior, earning the title of *Cuachic*.

The unit comprised of these *Cuachicqueh* was simply called the *Cuachic*.

Like the Jaguar Warriors and Eagle Warriors, they wore green-dyed *Tlahuiztli* and a back ornament called *Tzopilli* [a feathered banner].

As an elite warrior unit, the *Cuachicqueh* displayed remarkable discipline.

“Do you see those in the back? I spot slings and bows.”

“That tool attached to the spear is unique. It likely increases the spear’s range. Considering the slings, bows, and that spear-throwing device, they also possess long-range projectile weapons. They are certainly more experienced in large-scale battles than those we encountered in Shinji.”

“Slings… When I was younger, I was quite the menace with those in village stone fights.”
The voices of the Imperial Army’s high-ranking commanders, conversing while observing the slings, bows, and *Atlatl* [spear-thrower], were surprisingly relaxed.

Because they possessed unwavering faith in their own advantages.

“Even so, they’re merely targets for our mobile ballistae, rifles, and grenades.”

“I agree.”

Admiral Ahn Sang-soo smiled wryly at the conversation behind him.

‘Are they just soldiers, after all? Instead of considering peaceful negotiation, they’re only thinking about how to fight and win…’

Admiral Ahn Sang-soo, who had been smiling bitterly at the warmongering discussion, quickly shook his head.

‘I’m not in a position to criticize. I’m no different.’

The moment he saw the soldiers led by Montezuma I, he was already calculating whether he could defeat them with the ammunition currently available at the beachhead. And that wasn’t all. As soon as he identified Montezuma I, his first thought was the possibility of assassination.

‘If I assassinate him, could I immediately turn the tide of the conflict?’

* * *

The Aztecs were also assessing their opponents.

“What are your thoughts?” Montezuma I asked.

Tlacochcalcatl [high-ranking military title], standing next to the palanquin, responded to Montezuma I’s question. Tlacochcalcatl, wearing a bizarre helmet modeled after the skull-shaped goddess Cihuateteo [goddesses of women who died in childbirth], immediately answered Montezuma I’s question.

“If you give the order, I will immediately attack and capture them as sacrifices.”

“I am concerned by their confident stance, despite being significantly outnumbered.”

“It is merely bravado. No enemy has ever withstood the might of our warriors. And, at this very moment, Tenochtitlan [the Aztec capital] is praying for our victory.”

At Tlacochcalcatl’s response, Montezuma I looked around and muttered, “And they desire battle more than anyone.”

Within the Aztec warriors’ encampment, priests armed like warriors glared intently at the foreigners.

Like the Aztec warriors, the more prisoners the priests captured, the more elaborate their attire became.

A capable priest who captured more than six prisoners wore yellow or red-dyed *Tlahuiztli* and a coyote helmet.

“Tlatoani [ruler], simply give the order. We will subdue them immediately.”

At Tlacochcalcatl’s urging, Montezuma I looked at the other high-ranking officers—Tlacateccatl [high-ranking military title], Huitznahuatl [high-ranking military title], Ticochcauhcatl [high-ranking military title].

Seeing similar expressions on their faces, Montezuma I felt a headache coming on.

Whenever the Aztecs waged war, it was customary for the emperor, the *Tlatoani*, to personally lead the campaign. And Montezuma I had enthusiastically led numerous foreign expeditions.

As a result, the warriors believed that Montezuma’s direct involvement was a declaration of war.

The warriors, eager for the opportunity to rise in rank by capturing prisoners on the battlefield, still craved war.

‘If I hesitate here, the warriors will lose their loyalty. But…’

However, ever since witnessing the dagger incident, Montezuma I found it difficult to commit to war.

‘I have no choice…’

Realizing he was in a checkmate situation, Montezuma I gave the order. “Attempt to provoke them first.”

“Yes!”

* * *

“Oooooh!”

The Aztec warriors, having received the order via a messenger, began to provoke the Imperial Army entrenched at the beachhead.

Starting with loud jeers, the Aztec warriors hurled insults, curses, and mocking gestures at the Imperial Army.

However, the effect was surprisingly minimal.

“What are those guys doing?”

“Can’t you tell just by looking? Provocation.”

Although they couldn’t understand the words, the Imperial Army recognized the actions as provocation. However, the Imperial Army soldiers, particularly those from the mainland, merely smirked or looked bewildered at the Aztecs’ attempts.

“Provoking us here? They’re resorting to tactics only seen in village stone fights these days.”

To the Imperial Army, hardened by previous battles with the Ming Dynasty, provocation was a foolish act.

‘If you intend to fight, you should begin by firing cannons and bullets as soon as you see the enemy. Why waste time with provocation? It’s pointless.’ This was the prevailing mindset of the Imperial Army soldiers from the mainland.

In contrast, the Imperial Army soldiers from Shinji were visibly agitated. They were accustomed to tribal warfare where provocation was a common prelude to battle.

“You goddamn sons of bitches!”

“Catch them! Catch them!”

“Where did you learn such strange dialects!”

The mainland soldiers struggled to restrain the Shinji soldiers who were on the verge of opening fire.

“What do you think you’re doing when no order has been given! Do you want to be demoted! No, perhaps I should demote you instead of merely reducing your pay!”

The Shinji soldiers immediately snapped to attention at the commander’s roar. To the Shinji soldiers, who had embraced capitalism more fervently than anyone else, pay cuts and demotions were worse than death.

“Ah, no! I’m sorry!”

“Where did you learn such dialects!”

* * *

Meanwhile, Montezuma I’s expression, as he sat in the palanquin and observed the Imperial Army’s reaction, grew even more serious.

There was a reaction to the warriors’ provocation, but it was less intense than he had anticipated, and it quickly subsided.

‘Not only the high-ranking warriors but even the lower-ranking soldiers are not easily provoked. This is going to be problematic.’

Montezuma I knew from past experience that an enemy who remained calm and composed was the most dangerous.

“Hmm…”

Having confirmed that the opponent was not to be underestimated, Montezuma I glanced at the high-ranking officers around him.

Seeing that the experienced high-ranking officers also wore serious expressions, Montezuma I made his decision.

“Prepare the escort. I will meet them in person.”

“Tlatoani! It’s too dangerous!”

“That cannot be allowed!”

The surrounding officers vehemently protested, but Montezuma I remained resolute.

“I must go! Prepare the escort!”

Faced with Montezuma I’s unwavering command, the officers reluctantly prepared the escort.

Soon after, the Aztec formation parted to the left and right, and the palanquin carrying Montezuma I moved forward.

Under the watchful guard of the *Cuachicqueh*, the palanquin carrying Montezuma I slowly advanced towards the beachhead.

“Since their leader is making a move, I should go out as well.”

“I will prepare the escort!”

Admiral Ahn Sang-soo, observing Montezuma I’s approach, also left the beachhead, surrounded by his escorts.

Montezuma I and Admiral Ahn Sang-soo met in the neutral ground between the two forces.

Montezuma I, stepping out of the palanquin, raised his hand to his chest and introduced himself. “I am Montezuma, the *Tlatoani* of the great Aztec.”

Admiral Ahn Sang-soo, understanding the gesture despite the incomprehensible words, also placed his hand on his chest and replied, “Ahn Sang-soo, Admiral of the Korean Federal Empire Navy.”

‘Aztec, *Tlatoani*, Montezuma.’

‘Korean Federal Empire? Navy Admiral, Ahn Sang-soo?’

While silently analyzing each other’s intentions, Admiral Ahn Sang-soo removed the general’s sword from his waist and offered it to Montezuma I.

Upon seeing Admiral Ahn Sang-soo offer his sword, Montezuma I instructed a warrior beside him to accept it.

Swoosh.

“Hoo!”

Montezuma I, drawing the sword from its scabbard, exclaimed in admiration as he examined the well-crafted general’s sword.

‘He offered his weapon? And judging by his actions thus far, he doesn’t intend to fight. But I cannot simply trust him.’

Montezuma I desperately searched for a solution.

‘In a way, this is the middle of enemy territory. I need to lure the enemy to our side. Then…’

Montezuma I raised his hand, pointed to himself and Ahn Sang-soo, and then gestured in the direction of the capital.

“You and I, go to Tenochtitlan together.”

Admiral Ahn Sang-soo, understanding Montezuma I’s gestures, nodded and replied, “I will go with you.”

The two leaders, having reached an agreement through gestures, returned to their respective camps.

Back at the beachhead, Admiral Ahn Sang-soo issued orders to his subordinates.

“We will move with them. Prepare the soldiers. Contact the fleet and instruct them to send troops to guard the beachhead.”

“Yes!”