Only one week later news spread that king Xšaya-ṛšā had died out of shame for his flight and was succeeded by a far nephew of his: Artašiyāta. Soon it was also confirmed that Asterion II did not die but formed an alliance with this new king.
Neo knew that this time there was no hiding or trickery. It would be a full frontal battle. So he turned to de Reggio to use his rifle division at full power right from the start. He also advised to wear the official uniforms to prevent soldiers being killed by friendly fire.
Rifles at that time were brand new and still not considered the honorable way to wage war. But as Neo said: "All is fair in love a war." And since the Achaemenides were not acquainted with guns, this could be an advantage that might win the battle.
Soon it became clear which destruction the use of rifles meant. At the first contact the Achaemenides were baffled, and Neo's men felt as if they were standing in a shooting gallery. The Achaemenides just stood there and fell down.
But even after their first perplexity they could not make a fist because the guns just kept shooting and keeping them at a distance.
Even the cavalry could not get through.
And the cost of animal and soldier lives was extremely high at the Achaemenid side.