Instantly, the sounds of slaughter erupted within.
The first flame was ignited, the first drop of blood spilled, and the first body fell lifeless.
The seemingly eternal silence was shattered by piercing cries of agony. Soldiers surged up the walls and streamed into the streets, slaughtering the enemies who dared to resist.
Were those the voices from deep within their souls, as people shouted loudly amidst the carnage? Blood blossomed like flowers, cascading through the night.
In the firelight, on the long street, a flicker of swords gleamed in the crowd, reflecting cold light as they swung, slashed, and fell.
Drops of blood seeped out, converging on the cobblestones, akin to melting snow in spring, transforming the long street into a red river.
The sound of battle grew louder, each person shouting to dispel the fear within their hearts, perhaps also to instill fear in their foes. Like the waves of the sea rising from a calm surface, that surging force stemmed from the primal instinct of survival.
The pale-faced man, standing amidst the battlefield, had eyes illuminated by the flames.
In the clash of thousands, could the terror of combat not haunt you? The invisible essence of life vanished before their very eyes.
Will you feel fear when you realize how fragile life is? Or when you watch your kind perish, does an ancient, inexplicable thrill awaken within your blood and soul? As blood flows beneath your feet, as life fades before your eyes, and as your body fills with emotions tinged with fear and desire, what sensation courses through you?
The clash of hundreds surrounds you, yet feels so distant. Standing in this unfamiliar city, amid the clamor of the long street, a chill grips you, and that familiar feeling of solitude becomes more pronounced.
On this dark night, heavy with shadows, does anyone listen to your voice?
The clang of swords continued, and the enemies fell swiftly. The desperate cries still pierced the air but gradually softened in intensity. The forces of resistance waned, yet bloodshot-eyed warriors pressed on with their slaughter.
This must be a night befitting the god of the underworld!
He closed his eyes.
When the cries quietly ceased, when footsteps softly approached, when the sounds of labored breathing filled the air, and when the warmth of the first death enveloped him.
He opened his eyes to behold the countless soldiers surrounding him, their bodies stained with blood. In their eyes sparkled a mixture of reverence and fear.
At last, the day broke.
***
"What?" Rayner repeated incredulously, "The mob has taken Jade Mountain City!"
After receiving confirmation once more from the scout's report, the grand hall of the general's residence in Kerton City fell into a heavy silence. General Toran's face was ashen as he surveyed the senior officers present. No one dared to meet his gaze. Finally, his eyes fell upon Rayner.
"Rayner," Toran spoke in a low, deep tone, the anger simmering just below the surface.
Rayner shot to his feet.
Toran fixed his stare on him. "Didn't you tell me the mob consisted of just a few hundred villagers? Yet, Jade Mountain City is defended by two companies of a thousand soldiers, along with an additional two hundred from the militia and the guard. What is going on?"
Rayner's face turned crimson, leaving him speechless.
"Brom!" Toran shouted furiously, startling the complacent Brom, who immediately stood tall, his posture rigid.
"Jade Mountain City is two hundred fifty miles from Arshat Village, which we should have been monitoring closely. You told me your troops were searching day and night for the mob! So, where are those incompetent search parties now?" As Toran's anger escalated, he flung his cup to the ground with a crash, shattering it into pieces.
Brom bowed his head, unwilling to respond, while the surrounding commanders sensed Toran's genuine fury and quietly rose to their feet. The scene in the hall was peculiar: Toran sat alone in his commanding position while the reporting scout knelt on the ground, and a group of senior commanders stood rigidly in unison.
At that moment, Rayner stepped forward, his voice hoarse with anger and shame as he addressed Toran. "My lord, I am willing to personally lead three thousand men to Jade Mountain City and eliminate the mob, bringing back the dark sorcerer as well."
Brom immediately added, "I too wish to join the mission."
Toran furrowed his brow, about to speak, when he heard someone softly call, "General."
Everyone turned to see the scout still kneeling on the floor. Toran looked at him and asked, "What do you have to say?"
The scout, appearing quite young—barely in his twenties, dressed in simple clothing with a wind-worn face—hesitated before replying, "I believe if Generals Rayner and Brom wish to lead three thousand men, it might not be sufficient."
Rayner and Brom seethed with anger, both shouting in unison, "Fool! What do you mean?"
The young scout, startled, bowed his head and pressed it against the ground, too frightened to speak further. Toran shot a warning glare at both Rayner and Brom, who fell silent. He then addressed the scout again, "Continue."
Encouraged by the general's prompting, the scout spoke, "Upon returning from scouting Jade Mountain City, I noticed many people from various villages heading there, and their numbers were considerable. In conversation, they spoke disrespectfully of the court and the general, while they seemed to hold the mob and dark sorcerer Charmion in high regard. I fear that these villagers are heading to Jade Mountain City to join the rebellion."
Toran took a deep breath, instinctively reaching for a drink of water and only then realizing that the cup had shattered. He forced himself to steady his mind and ponder strategies. The actual situation was far worse than he had anticipated; it appeared that the scope of this uprising was unprecedented. Although he had considered such a possibility, he believed the villagers would remain a disorganized rabble and not amount to much. Thus, due to the military's shortage of supplies and rations, he had still imposed heavy taxes. He hadn't anticipated the sudden emergence of a dark sorcerer well-versed in military strategy. The thought pained him, as a familiar figure flickered through his mind, prompting a bitter smile. He murmured, "Yousu, do you still resent me after your death? Is this why you sent your son to take revenge?"
The scout waited in silence for a response from Toran. Upon seeing Toran lost in thought, seemingly without a hint of reproach, he ventured to continue, "My lord, I have one more thing to say."
Toran snapped out of his reverie, saying, "Speak."
The scout replied, "Jade Mountain City is built against the mountains, standing just a mountain away from Nasda. Although that mountain is steep and difficult to cross, there are a few scouts, like me, who could manage it."
Toran studied him carefully, and after a moment, asked, "What do you mean?"
The scout swallowed hard and explained, "From what I gather, Nasda routinely dispatches scouts to gather intelligence on us. Aside from the heavily fortified Kerton City, Jade Mountain City is the most accessible target for them. This means the Nasda Empire likely knows of our troubles. Please consider this when planning."
Toran nodded. "What is your name?"
The scout replied, "My name is Link, a scout stationed at Jade Mountain City under General Brom."
Toran scoffed. "I never thought I would finally have a subordinate capable of getting things done." He glanced around at the other commanders, all of whom lowered their heads. Toran continued, "You may rise. From now on, you are a squad leader. Organize an efficient team of scouts directly under my command to investigate the circumstances surrounding this uprising."
Link felt a rush of surprise and joy, quickly bowing in gratitude. "Yes, I will not disappoint you, my lord."
Toran instructed, "After you leave, your first task is to ascertain the number of rebellious villagers and the supply of weapons and equipment. Furthermore, regarding the dark sorcerer, conduct a thorough investigation and report back to me in detail."
Link replied, "Understood." With that, he exited the room.
Toran remained pensive for a moment before addressing the other commanders. "Rayner."
A tall officer stepped forward from behind Rayner and saluted, "I am here, my lord."
"You will take five thousand men to camp outside Jade Mountain City, observing the actions of the rebels. Under no circumstances are you to assault the city without my command."
"Understood."
"Brom."
This time, another man emerged from behind Brom.
"You will lead three thousand men to set up checkpoints at all routes leading to Jade Mountain City to prevent any foolish villagers from joining the rebels. Should anyone refuse to heed your warnings, execute them."
"Understood."
"Rayner, Brom."
"Yes, my lord," they replied in unison.
Toran fixed his gaze on both of them, saying, "If the Nasda army learns of the insurrection, they will surely take the opportunity to disrupt us amidst the chaos. You two need to ensure your men are fully prepared and vigilant." At this point, Toran's expression became stern, and he warned, "Should anyone betray the military for personal matters, they will face death!"
Both generals replied solemnly, "Understood."
The commanders then departed, leaving Toran alone in the vast hall. He stared into the distance and quietly yet firmly said, "Yousu, I wronged you in the past, but having already betrayed you, I can never be disloyal to his majesty. Even if he is your son, I will show no mercy. Do not blame me."