
The young man finally opened his eyes due to the sharp pain on his shoulder. The surrounding environment was filled with the groans of the patients. The clearer his consciousness, the more disheveled his breath was. Shaky outlook. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself and looked at his body accompanied by a sense of anxiety. Which limb is missing— is the only concern. If he notices, he doesn't have arms or legs, it's a tragedy that's always close to him every day.
The good news is that her limbs are intact, and she has not lost a single one of her limbs. He was lying on a shabby bed, and his shoulders and knees were injured because the arrow had been bandaged with bandages. The young man needed a while before feeling relieved that he had survived.
As he covered his face with both of his hands and pondered the fact that he was still alive, the person most meritorious towards him, who was so afraid for him to meet, came closer, coming closer, holding a tray accompanied by a jug of water and two loaves of bread on it.
"Again, are you a laper?"
"....Where is this?"
"Antigua Castle Branch. Our home. So, laper isn't?"
"....No, give me some water. I don't want to eat anything right now."
The young man waved his hand lightly to refuse, and Schera pointed at the bread and asked,
"So you don't need this bread?"
"Ahh, you eat. I have no appetite."
"Thank you much. It'll be hard if you don't eat when you can. I won't go back again even if you ask for it. Never will."
Schera gave the young man a glass of water and chewed on the bread, which did not look very delicious. Schera let out a smile of supreme happiness, and slowly chewed on the dry and hard bread.
This girl was really happy, thought the young man.
".....Hey, after that, what happened to our platoon?"
"Half of the divisions led by Jira were destroyed. The soldiers who managed to escape had run out of steam. The surviving members of our platoon are you, me and maybe three more? Unfortunately, Danton wasn't brought here."
".....So, Danton has fallen."
"He can't treat me anymore. It's a pity."
"..........."
The success of the Jira division had collapsed as the commander was killed in battle and that a large majority had been annihilated.
General Yalder and the members of the Third Army Corps who were hiding as ambushers, having received news of defeat, were very confused, making a fuss, retracing their footsteps to return to the fortress in a hurry, and shut the gate tightly.
The other party, the Royal Capital Liberation Army, covered the number of defeated troops, and their morale began to increase.
Fynn Kattef, the young Lieutenant who killed Jira, is highly praised as a hero.
The Empire, which had been waiting and watching until now, accelerated their military expansion and began to set aspirations for crossing the Alucia River, the national border. They began to gather military forces in the northwest as well.
At that moment, the two stared at each other, and the tension eased, but if the Empire declared war, the outcome of that war might involve the entire continent. Today, it is a civil war of the Kingdom, and it is not a war involving friendly countries.
However, everyone could understand that it was only a matter of time.
"Until new personnel join our unit, I'll act as Danton. My rank is just that of an ordinary soldier, so I should be promoted to the Provisional Second Lieutenant. In other words, your superior officer. You'll be under my power from now on."
"Like you already. My wounds are painful."
"I'm not lying. The enemy commander at that time seemed quite famous. Bringing back the evidence from his affiliates, I get compliments. Accompanied by constant delicious food."
Schera came home while carrying the head of the enemy commander in the midst of defeat–with the added bonus of bringing back a colleague.
He had received praise from the Commander of the Force, and until a successor was determined, he would be given the task of commanding the platoon.
It's not just a promotion, anyone will be fine. Who takes command of the chaotic reserve force is nothing to worry about.
".......Seriously? This is the end of the world."
"With your injuries, it seems that you won't be able to return to duty anytime soon. You should go back to your hometown, and live a quiet life. Hijack the fields with vigor, and send me food."
The soldiers who suffered shoulder injuries, knees etc., were useless. They'll be discharged soon, and maybe they'll be recruited again once they're cured.
After all, it was just a ready-made item. Well, just being sent home can be said to be very good. The worst case is being left on the battlefield. The young man was relieved from the bottom of his heart. For now, he has been saved. He could tell that he was lucky enough.
"..........Fuu."
"Then take care of yourself. Once you're out of here, we may never see each other again."
Schera carries the tray under her arm and rests on her heel to leave. The young man said in panic. He forgot to say something important.
"Ah, just wait a minute."
".....What's up?"
"Thank you for saving me. Really. If you weren't there, I'd be dead. So, thank you."
The young man lowered his head so that he would not make eye contact. In those impulsive moments, he was terrified that the scythe belonging to the Death God would slash his neck. It was not a good thing to think that way about his partner who had saved him. But he remained terrified.
"Tract me food. Of course, with cheese. That'd be great."
With a light wave of her hand, Schera left the treatment area filled with victims while chewing her bread.
—Headquarters, Antigua Branch Castle.
Shouting at the lowered officer staff was a middle-aged man with a reddened face.
He was the superior officer of the Royal Third Army, General Yalder. He was irritable and very lacking in terms of wisdom, but in the military attacks to this extent, he could boast that none in the Kingdom could match him.
His troops were heavy infantry and heavy cavalry, nicknamed The Steel Division, and constantly repeated ferocious attacks. They boast a sturdy defense like an iron wall. Yalder had shed his blood in raising them.
He piled up spectacular achievements in suppressing the rebels and thieves as well as battles with the Empire. Thus, he obtained the true result along with pride.
It was a disgrace to him that 10,000 soldiers had been annihilated, thoroughly caught up in the ambush of the enemy and that his confidant, Jira, was ultimately killed. He gritted his teeth so hard that blood flowed from his mouth, and his face was so red that it looked like his veins would burst out at any moment.
"Si*l, b*ngs*t, baj*ngan-!!! The rebels are playing me-!! At this rate, the glory of the Third Corps name had already been smeared!"
"Sir, please calm yourself. For sure, we lost 10,000 officers and soldiers, but our main force is still safe. It is very important to strengthen our defense of this castle right now."
Chief of Staff Officer Sidamo Arte gave a calm suggestion.
Born to a fallen aristocratic family, he rose in rank only with his intelligence. Surely, it must be painstaking to create a network of personal connections, and his pride has been trampled upon over and over again.
But perhaps as a result, he had admirably managed to reach the position of Third Army Corps Officer Staff and could even gain Yalder's trust.
He is 30 years old and still young, and even as the only supporter, there are good indications that he will be promoted even further.
He was the first to oppose Yalder's idea of a surprise attack, but he could not seize the authority of a military officer. Because if Sidamo ignited the displeasure of a higher officer, he could just have to say goodbye to his position.
"You don't have to say that, I already know!! However, I have been given the confidence of the 100,000 soldiers of His Majesty, as if I can only hide here. I'll be a cock-off-material!!"
Yalder rampaged while throwing spit.
"The Liberation Army—not, the rebel forces, have made peace with the soldiers taken from the surrendered Jira division. Besides, they're expanding their territory."
Another officer reported the conditions of the Liberation Army.
"If we just twist our fingers like this, those rebels will only get more presumptuous. Those fools, have they forgotten their obligations to the Kingdom!!? I will eradicate everything, even their families!!"
Yalder forcibly hit his desk. The documents on the table were scattered, and the civil officers were collecting the documents.
"There is currently no movement from the Imperial Army. However, there were often strange gunshot signals released from observation posts...."
"Hmph, did it start a while ago? I can't believe those Empire scum will do something like a serious attack. They focused all their efforts on supporting the rebel forces from behind. They are desperately protecting their assets, no mistake."
"However, they increased their military preparations. This is the news of a spy doing military reconnaissance as we speak."
"False description, or perhaps being deceived by a lie. As of now, how many times has this happened!? Each time, we strengthen our defenses. Every time, it's a stupid task. Don't you try to tell me that you've forgotten that!"
"Strengthening the defense of our national borders is commonplace. Calling it a stupid task, is that not an exaggeration? What would you do if the Empire crossed the border and launched an attack!?"
"Hmphs. Even though the Empire deployed all of their soldiers, they would still not be able to reach half the number of Royal soldiers. War is won through numbers. In other words, no matter what small battle we lose, in the end, we, the Yuze Kingdom, will win. Do you understand that, you civil officer?"
In some data issued from somewhere, the civil officer issues the ******** arrogant.
"Will not even make up half of our number? What kind of information is that!? The Empire had expanded their military far more than any of the previous ones!"
"Then why! Don't you know how many weak warriors there are!!?"
With that squabble, the military officers and the civil officers began to argue. This was a frequent occurrence, and Sidamo was no longer able to stop him. It is ridiculous to mix in it.
"General. This is our best chance, but the enemy is still drunk on their victory. Our numbers are far superior to their numbers. No need for planning or anything like that, let's**** them with frontal attacks!"
When a brave division commander voiced out a suggestion, the other military officers followed with words of approval. "Have they learned the hard way" Sidamo was amazed, but it was not on his face. This often happens in the Third Army Corps.
"Mphs. Your proposal is acceptable! Shall I show you all how fearsome our Steel Division is! Chief of Staff Officer Sidamo, do you have any comments!?"
"Yes sir-! Fort Salvador, where the rebel forces are located, has deteriorated with age and is unsuitable for defense. What I'm afraid of is an ambush might be made when we move around the Alucia Plain."
Sidamo stretched out a map on the table and pointed at the square.
"If so, let them do it. Our heavy infantry will take them all out!"
A military officer pushed a horse pawn representing the Royal army straight into Fort Salvador.
"They're pretty poor little guys. If they stay in the castle, we'll destroy them. If they realize their unfortunate situation and come out onto the plains, then it will definitely be our victory. Is not our victory confirmed?"
Yalder laughed cheerfully, and gulped down water from a luxurious tool.
"Undoubtedly, the enemy devised a plan. High alertness to fire is required. We must not fall as victims as Major General Jira did."
"If we engage in battle on the plains, then isn't there no need to worry about ambushes? Although there were indeed ambushes, their numbers were few. We can finish them off."
"The enemy reads our path of movement. Surely, they have a trap, I'm sure of it."
"Sir Chief of Staff Officer, you're too worried. You'll die early at this rate."
At the temptation of the division commander, the military officers laughed.
"—General. This is not excessive vigilance. We should send spies while taking maximum precautions."
"I get. I-i understand. The words of Officer Staff Chief Sidamo also have a point. As you said, we must be on full alert, and then destroy that opposition thoroughly. Is that enough?"
"Every-I'm happy because my simple opinion is put into consideration!"
When Sidamo bowed his head respectfully, Yalder nodded in agreement many times.
"True, the core actions of the Third Force have been determined. We will behead the rebels, and with our hands, we will clear Jira's name! We will attack with 80,000 soldiers, and 10,000 soldiers will stay to defend this castle. We're leaving the day after tomorrow! Everyone prepare yourself!!"
"Ready sir-!"
The military officers saluted and left the main military office.
Sidamo pondered for a while, but with a light slit of his head, he followed them.
*******************
—Antigua Branch Castle Camp.
100,000 strong soldiers moved from the area next door, and Schera's company was driven out of the barracks they had originally used. They were forced to gather in shabby tents and rest around the fire.
"Geez, because of the military cadets from the Royal Capital, my body froze from this coldness. Ahh, it's cold. I'm really gonna freeze to death."
"If the military police hear such grunts, they will gladly begin to lecture you. Don't involve me bro."
"I am sure that the day I am lectured is the day I will die. Don't stay with me, bro."
"Diem lu's. Far away from me. I don't want to go along."
"God. The amount of food is also reduced. I can't do anything like this. And also, our new Danton is rather pitiful. What the higher-ups think...."
"Haha. If it wasn't too thin, wouldn't it be good. Although doi ate a lot, where did the food run? Personally, I'd like to********** a little more plump."
"I'm a butt lover. Unfortunately, our Danton doesn't have a standout."
The destroyed platoons were combined into one combined platoon. This is a platoon led by Schera. However, it was a small platoon consisting of only 10 people.
"......We were saved by Schera——, no, by Danton Schera. His outer appearance was indeed like that, but his strength was not playful. He annihilated the enemy soldiers alone. You know that too."
"I heard it. I've heard it many times. Well, as a platoon under such a great leader, we might be able to live longer."
"It's promising... I don't really care about death. Should we humbly hope that we will become heroes, not attack, and watch the show?"
"Haha. Toast to Danton Schera, our hero!"
"Return!"
The soldiers started drinking alcohol while revealing a wide smile.
The members who were Schera's comrades from the beginning, trembled as they held their soup bowls tightly.
"……."
"……What's up?"
"T-No. It's nothing."
"Basic freak. Your soup is cold. Selurin. It's time to have fun drinking alcohol."
Schera is the one who got him out of trouble. If Schera isn't there, then he'll die there.
Therefore, even though he considered Schera to be like the God of Death, he would not say so.
Although the figure of the Death God could be clearly seen, he would not say it. If he said so, it would probably be his next turn to be the target of the Death God. Therefore, he would not say it. He will draw the attention of the Death God.
As he finished his soup that was as light as water, he decided to join the soldiers gathered in the warmth of the campfire, and he stretched out both his hands.
Around that time, Schera walked elegantly in the cold weather with evidence of Second Lieutenant rank attached to her.
Although he was very dissatisfied at the fact that the amount of his food had been reduced recently, successfully, he was given cheese bread from a colleague he had saved. While walking in the castle and gazing at the stars, he enjoyed his sumptuous dinner.
"........Suspicious shadow detected. Free enough, I think I should check them out. I might be able to get some delicious food. Sometimes I want to eat fruit. Lately there's only dry food."
Schera said as she licked her lips.
In his line of sight, there was a group that looked around restlessly while walking as if trying to keep their footsteps from being heard.
On their backs they hung a large bag, it was as if they were doing a "Moonlight Flit". He could see that there were about 10 or so people, but he could not name them in detail.
He lightly flipped the rank of his Second Lieutenant with his fingers, and Schera went down the stairs and walked towards the group that was moving stealthily.
When the moonlight shone on his scythe, his blade emitted a cruel light as if it had found prey.