am-books Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 43
Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 43
“High Priest, I’m absolutely certain that I used all my strength to defend against that strike, but it was still utterly useless. Although I don’t know why I didn’t die in the end, that arrow had indeed pierced through my head at that moment.”
The tall and muscular Tigerfolk General knelt on the ground, hanging his head, his eyes filled with deep confusion and guilt. He felt ashamed for failing to protect the supplies and couldn’t understand why he had awakened once more from the battlefield that had turned to ashes.
“Enough, I see you weren’t shot through the head, you’ve just had your brain rattled. Let it go, let it go. Apart from your inexplicable testimony, everything else is within expectations. Go find a shaman to take a good look at you. Your head is far more important than all that physical strength.”
“Well, High Priest, I didn’t lie. I really...!”
“That’s enough!”
Saharit sternly interrupted, despite looking somewhat comical due to his eye issue. However, his long-standing authority silenced Kunnir, who wanted to defend himself.
“I understand you’re unhappy about losing the supplies and are eager to find an excuse to absolve yourself, but this matter isn’t entirely your fault. If I’m not mistaken, that red-haired archer you mentioned should be one of the three legendary-level individuals of Courage City in the Human United Kingdom. She’s the second-generation inheritor of the Crimson Flame Archery, Flora. If you managed to escape from her, you’ve done remarkably well. After all, even someone like me wouldn’t dare claim to be able to win against that woman...”
“Uh...”
The frustrated Tigerfolk General opened his mouth, wanting to emphasize once more that it was definitely not an illusion, but as the High Priest had said, if an arrow had truly pierced through his brain at that time, how could he be alive and well now? Could it be that his head had taken a severe blow, causing his memories to become confused?
Kunnir, who had always been proud of his superior intelligence compared to his kin, began to seriously doubt his self-perception for the first time.
“Alright, you can go now. Stay in the central command for now. I’ll handle the issue of the unit that attacked you and the supply problem separately. The situation is unique this time, so I won’t hold your actions against you.”
“....Thank you, High Priest, for your generosity.”
After hesitating for a moment, Kunnir didn’t say more and got up to exit the central command tent.
His footsteps gradually faded.
At this moment, the old fox Saharit showed a thoughtful look of puzzlement. “Strange... if he truly encountered The Crimson Flame Flora, there’s no way Kunnir could have survived. Why would she spare him?”
“My guess is correct. Your target should already be in the vicinity. I’ll send the fastest unit to provide support, and the rest... I don’t need to say more, do I?”
No one responded, and the glow of the symbols gradually dimmed, dispersing on the ground like bubbles. But Saharit knew that the message had been delivered, and the outcome depended on the battle tomorrow.
“....”
“Bring someone here and transmit my Marshal’s decree. Order the First, Sixth, and Seventh Legions of the Wolf-folk General and the First Mixed Legion of the Eagle-Folk to depart for the Tepaya Basin overnight... and include the Fox Assassin Corps. They must be fast. By tomorrow night, no, they must arrive at the destination before noon. The specific details will be handled by Mevis. She knows what to do.”
“Yes!”
“Wait... what else, High Priest?” The Fox warrior, already halfway out of the tent, turned back.
“....Tell Mevis to do her best. This is an internal struggle among humans. While we’ve gained some benefits, there’s no need to risk our lives. If it’s not feasible, allow her to abandon the plan and retreat.”
“Understood, High Priest!”
The light seeping in from outside the tent dimmed once more. In Saharit’s dismal black circles under his eyes, his eyes shone with wisdom and composure that had settled over time.
After a while, it seemed to have made some determination. It called another messenger.
“Dispatch scouts to inform the southern and northern armies currently engaged in battle with the Human United Kingdom. Upon receiving the orders, launch a full-scale attack. Fight for one day, whether or not you can achieve any accomplishments. Retreat into our borders one day later, and shrink inward from the south and north, constructing an encirclement.”
“If you encounter humans, engage in combat at your discretion, but avoid relentless pursuit or fighting to the death. That’s it, go.”
“Yes, High Priest!”
After a brief pause, the old fox smiled wickedly.
“Allies, I’ve done my utmost. I’m not unworthy of the vast supplies and food you’ve provided.”
“Whether or not the gods exist, let your 【Eternal Throne】 find out. As for us, the Beastmen, we won’t continue to wade into this muddy water. Hehehehehehe....”