The scorching June sun baked the earth, and the combined army, pieced together from the Imperial Army and numerous princes, slowly writhed like a coiled black python along the eastern bank of the Rhine River.
Florian, on horseback, led his Imperial Army, advancing slowly in three columns abreast, maintaining a high level of vigilance.
The soldiers wore heavy armor, their clothes soaked with sweat, but not a single person complained, for they were about to reach Mannheim.
This city, which did not enjoy special privileges, was the most prosperous city in Palatinate besides Heidelberg, and due to its location at the confluence of the Neckar River and the Rhine River, it was naturally a hub for trade.
As the direct territory of the Elector Palatine, it must have accumulated vast wealth.
An atmosphere of heat and greed permeated the ranks, from the old farmers carrying spears and wearing cloth armor to the commanders in splendid armor on horseback; all of them coveted this city.
Although the hot weather made their steps increasingly heavy, it could not deter their desire for wealth and slaughter.
An Imperial Army light cavalryman galloped from the front to Florian, reporting, "Legion Commander, the Margrave of Baden and the Bishop of Metz have already led the vanguard into Seckenheim Forest. Passing through the forest will bring them to Mannheim."
"They hope you can speed up the march and try to reach Mannheim today to organize the siege."
Florian's expression changed slightly, his brows furrowed, and he quickly asked, "The main army commanded by the Count of Württemberg and Archbishop Adolf is clearly not far ahead of us. How could the Margrave of Baden's army already be in Seckenheim Forest?"
The scout replied helplessly, "The Margrave of Baden was impatient all the way, repeatedly urging his troops to speed up, even leaving the infantry behind and leading a detachment of cavalry far ahead of the main army."
Florian felt his blood pressure soaring. His already irritable mood due to the hot weather finally erupted at this moment.
"Foolish! Advancing deep into enemy territory without caution, personally leading cavalry into dangerous terrain like a forest, and probably not even doing proper reconnaissance. Hurry, hurry, I've never seen anyone so eager to die," Florian cursed under his breath, then turned to the scout and ordered, "You are to immediately go to the central army and ask Archbishop Adolf if the troops can rest before entering the forest, conduct a reconnaissance, and see if there are other passable routes."
"Also, ask if the rash Margrave of Baden can be pulled back."
"Yes, Legion Commander!"
The scout received the order and immediately galloped to the slowly advancing main army ahead, informing Adolf of Florian's suggestion.
In the middle of the formation, Adolf and Count Ulrich V of Württemberg rode side by side, leading the army towards the forest ahead.
In truth, no one wanted to pass through the dangerous forest, but going through Seckenheim was indeed a shortcut.
The Rhine River valley was flat and open, and the confluence of rivers brought abundant water resources while also forming numerous floodplains and wetlands, some places unsuitable for large armies to pass through.
They had now penetrated deep into the triangular area formed by the Rhine River and the Neckar River.
The city of Mannheim was the apex of this triangle, located at the confluence of the two rivers.
And Seckenheim Forest was adjacent to the Neckar River; once they passed through Seckenheim Forest, the allied forces would have two options.
They could either assault Mannheim, taking this prosperous city, or cross the Neckar River and then head north directly to Mainz.
From here, after crossing the river, the allied forces would be no more than 100 kilometers from Mainz, requiring only about a week for a normal march, or five days if they moved faster.
The scout quickly reached the two central army commanders and presented Florian's suggestion to them.
The Count of Württemberg immediately agreed after hearing it. He rode closer to Adolf and said worriedly, "Archbishop, it has been too quiet on this journey. We haven't even encountered any decent resistance."
"The scouts also can't fully reconnoiter the forest in a short time. I always feel something is amiss. It would be better to follow Legion Commander Florian's suggestion and observe first."
Adolf was also somewhat wavering at this point. He hesitated, saying, "Florian's suggestion is indeed good, but the armies of the Margrave of Baden and the Bishop of Metz have already fully entered the forest, and there seem to be no issues so far."
"I think we should speed up and pass through Seckenheim.
Currently, Palatinate's forces are weak, naturally unable to resist. Once Mannheim is captured, everyone will cheer for our victory."
"This…"
Looking at Archbishop Adolf, who was firmly convinced of Palatinate's weakness, the Count of Württemberg was at a loss for words.
There was no other way. Since Adolf had made his decision, he could only agree.
However, for safety, he still had his son lead a Württemberg army to the rear guard to follow Florian and take his command.
Upon learning of Adolf's decision, Florian sighed softly and immediately ordered an adjustment to the marching formation, slowing down the pace, and sending out as many scouts as possible to reconnoiter the surroundings.
When the main force of the allied army entered Seckenheim Forest, the soldiers only felt the dense dark forest fall into an eerie silence.
Tall trees obscured the sky, and thick fallen leaves covered the ground, making a soft rustling sound when stepped upon.
A trace of unease and regret surged in Adolf's heart, but by then, it was too late to order a halt to the march.
Suddenly, a heavy horn blast pierced the sky, echoing through the forest.
Immediately after, arrows rained down from the trees on both sides, bringing despair and death to the unprepared allied soldiers.
Adolf heard astonishing sounds erupting further ahead, shouts of battle making the leaves rustle, as if the entire forest was roaring in anger.
For a moment, the allied forces felt as if they were on an ancient battlefield from a thousand years ago.
The army of the Elector Palatine, like Germanic barbarians slaughtering Roman legions, surged from all directions towards the chaotic allied forces in the forest, engaging them in fierce combat.
Frederick I personally appeared on the battlefield, leaping from the dense woods, brandishing his sword, and shouting, "For justice! For Palatinate! Kill them all!"
The black warhorse beneath him neighed and charged into the battle array, its hooves kicking up dust, and his long sword gleamed coldly.
The warriors of Palatinate and Mainz, encouraged by their commander, charged towards the allied forces, their shouts deafening. The narrow battlefield prevented the allied forces from utilizing their numerical advantage.
Soon, the disorganized allied forces were routed, scattering in panic.
Some, in a panic, threw down their weapons and tried to escape into the forest to find cover, while others blindly swung their weapons, indiscriminately blocking anyone from approaching.
At a critical moment, a cold arrow suddenly shot out from the chaotic military formation, striking the Elector Palatine's right shoulder.
The Elector Palatine cried out in pain, nearly falling off his horse and being trampled. Fortunately, his personal guards were quick to help their commander off his warhorse and escort him to safety, retreating.
The Count of Württemberg, who had fired this cold arrow, threw his exquisite crossbow to his attendant.
He had commissioned this crossbow a year ago from a renowned Swiss crossbow craftsman at a high price; it could be considered a precious, heirloom-level weapon, extremely accurate within a certain range, and incredibly powerful.
Many nobles disdained using weapons like crossbows and firearms, which were considered contrary to knightly spirit, but the Count of Württemberg was quite the opposite.
He greatly enjoyed collecting crossbows, longbows, and firearms, and often practiced using these weapons. He never expected this skill to come in handy today.
The Count of Württemberg, who had personally wounded the enemy commander, immediately leapt onto his warhorse and ordered his soldiers to wave flags and shout loudly, "The Elector Palatine is dead!"
He then began to rally his troops and retreat while fighting, preventing the allied forces from being completely routed.
As for the Margrave of Baden, who had left the main army far behind, although he wished to provide assistance, he simply lacked the ability to do so.