Volume 2, Chapter 9: Self-Sacrifice
In front of the perplexed generals in front of the Holy Tree, Liang Huan suddenly pointed at me.
"It's you. You are probably summoning the monsters."
Liang Huan looked at me with a terrifying expression.
What are you talking about?
"If you possess the cores of the Holy Trees to that extent, it's only natural."
Liang Huan stared at me with a cold gaze, as if looking at an enemy.
Even my comrades looked at me with the same cold eyes.
What's going on with all of you?
"I see. Are you trying to crush the Savior, Lord Jiusiju?"
General Lixin nodded as if understanding.
"Indeed, it seems that the Savior, Lord Jiusiju, appears to be terrified to those monsters."
General Guoqiu also nodded deeply.
Huh? No...
Liang Huan looked troubled.
"Perhaps, did I misunderstand?"
That bastard Kunito muttered beside me.
"If that's the case, we must risk our lives to protect the Savior, Lord Jiusiju."
The Empress had a determined look on her face.
It seemed like no one paid attention to Kunito's soft voice.
"Ah, wait a moment. Maybe it's easier if that's the case."
I proposed to everyone.
"Do you have a map of Konteu by any chance?"
I asked the generals.
"Oh, here it is."
General Lixin took out a map from his pocket and spread it out.
At the left end of Konteu was the capital city, Fatesi, and in the middle of the continent, there was a mountain range that divided Konteu from left to right. On the sea side at the right end of Konteu, there was a large city called Shuijin with a major port.
"What do you intend to do?"
"While attracting their attention, we will head towards this mountain range."
I pointed to the mountain range on the map.
My skill "Escape" has already ranked up to "High-Speed Escape."
Once we've attracted a sufficient number of monsters to the mountain range, we can simply escape using the "High-Speed Escape" skill.
I've tried high-speed escape once before. Even if we take breaks along the way, we can cross the continent in three days.
If there are about ten people, they can activate the skill in the same way. It's like driving on a highway in a sports car.
"What did you say! Are you serious?"
General Ryshin responded in surprise.
"We'll be butchered by those monsters along the way!"
General Guoqui groaned as well.
They probably don't know about my "Escape" skill.
Well, explaining my skill would be embarrassing too.
There's no other choice.
I'll have to use my persuasive skills.
"When we came to this country, not only the military but also the people of this country welcomed us as the saviors. They celebrated the arrival of Jiusiju."
I answered the generals with moist eyes.
Well, after we arrived, the situation took a drastic turn.
"I can't sacrifice everyone for our sake! I don't want to let everyone die!"
I said, my voice trembling as tears welled up.
I think I'm putting on quite a performance.
Fake crying is actually my strong suit.
"But, but if that's the case..."
General Guoqui answered, his voice trembling.
"It's okay. I'll try to escape somehow."
With tears still flowing, I smiled lightly.
"After all, I am the savior, Jiusiju."
I laughed as if forcing a smile.
Of course, it's all an act.
General Ryushin and General Guokui trembled.
Suddenly, I looked at my comrades and saw that all of them had cold expressions.
Their expressions were close to emotionless.
You could even say they were exasperated.
Damn it!
I'm not telling them to fake tears, but can't they at least make a sad face?
What will happen if we're found out?
However, it was an unnecessary worry.
The guards around us started crying.
"You are the true savior, Jushiju. No, a man among men."
General Ryushin grabbed my shoulder while crying.
"Please survive! I guarantee it!"
General Guokui sobbed.
Even the Empress shed tears silently.
Indeed, it seems that even Lianhuan-san can't say anything in this atmosphere.
Alright, I got it!
"I promise we'll meet again."
With a smile that seemed on the verge of tears, I firmly shook hands with General Guokui.
"Then, Feizi, come out and lure them while we drag them into the mountains."
I showed an attitude that seemed like I was pretending to be strong.
Of course, this was also an act.
"Everyone! Salute the savior, Jushiju-sama!"
General Ryushin gave the command while shedding tears, and we saluted with determination.
General Ryushin's shoulder was trembling.
General Guokui and the guards were also saluting while crying.
We walked through them and left in front of the Holy Tree.
It seemed like everyone in the castle was watching this scene.
The guards lined up one after another and saluted.
No, not just the guards, even the maids and officials did the same.
Everyone was in tears.
We walked through them together with our comrades.
All of our comrades had emotionless faces.
Even Lieutenant Murasaki looked troubled.
But from what I could see, it seemed like they were showing their determination to sacrifice themselves, killing their emotions, from the perspective of those seeing us off.
"You all are heroes."
"There really are true heroes."
"Even though they must be scared."
"They're amazing people."
I could hear such whispers.
Even after leaving the royal palace, they continued.
It finally stopped when the line of people reached the outskirts of the city.
We walked silently along the road.
"To be honest, we're just going to lead the monsters, but honestly, it's just a pain and we'll end up running away, right?"
Lieutenant Kunito muttered quietly.
If even clueless Lieutenant Gero says that, then it's probably obvious to our comrades.
Suddenly, Princess Miyabi covered her face with both hands.
"I can't bear it anymore. I'll never be able to come to this country again. It's too embarrassing."