The scent of burnt flesh and scorched earth filled the air as Min Hee surveyed the battlefield. The Abyssal Beasts had retreated for now, but their victory had come at a steep cost. Over a hundred soldiers lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies barely recognizable. Among them were some of her closest comrades—people who had trusted her, followed her into battle, and died under her command.
Yet, there was no time to grieve.
Min Hee clenched her fists, ignoring the exhaustion weighing down on her body. She had long since learned that mourning had no place on the battlefield. Every moment spent grieving was a moment that could be used to prepare for the next fight.
But that didn't mean she didn't feel the weight of each loss.
A Leader's Burden
"Commander Min Hee…"
She turned to see Captain Roland approaching, his armor cracked and stained with blood. He looked exhausted, but his eyes held a grim determination.
"The higher-ups are demanding a full report on the battle," he said. "They also want to know if we're prepared to launch another offensive."
Min Hee exhaled sharply. Another offensive?
They had barely survived this one. The soldiers were exhausted, their morale dangerously low. If they were forced into another large-scale battle without rest, they would break.
But orders were orders.
"Tell them we need three days to regroup," she replied, keeping her voice steady. "If they insist on an immediate assault, they can take the field themselves."
Roland let out a dry chuckle. "You've got guts, Commander."
Min Hee didn't respond. It wasn't about courage—it was about survival. If the higher-ups refused to see reason, she would make them understand.
But she knew the truth. In the eyes of the kingdom's leaders, soldiers were just numbers on a battlefield. As long as their objectives were met, the cost didn't matter.
And Min Hee had no intention of becoming a pawn in their game.
The Weight of Expectations
That night, as the surviving soldiers rested, Min Hee stood outside the command tent, staring up at the sky.
The stars reminded her of home—of the nights she spent training with Leywin, of the childhood she had left behind.
Would things have been different if Leywin were here?
She had spent so much of her life chasing strength, pushing herself beyond her limits to become the youngest Archmage in history. But now, standing amidst the ruins of war, she wondered—was this truly what she had wanted?
A voice broke through her thoughts.
"You're pushing yourself too hard."
She turned to see Nichole approaching, his expression unreadable. Over the past three years, he had been by her side, rising through the ranks alongside her. He was now the Deputy Head of the Magic Force, and one of the few people she truly trusted.
"I can't afford to rest," Min Hee replied, her voice firm.
Nichole sighed. "I know you feel responsible for everyone. But if you collapse, who's going to lead us?"
She didn't answer.
Because deep down, she knew he was right.
But she couldn't stop. Not yet.
Not until she had found the answers she was looking for.
A Fateful Decision
Two days later, a messenger arrived from the capital with urgent news.
"Commander Min Hee, the Council has summoned you," the messenger announced, bowing respectfully. "They wish to discuss your recent decisions on the battlefield."
Min Hee's eyes narrowed. The Council? She had expected pushback from the higher-ups, but for the Council to get involved… something wasn't right.
She exchanged a glance with Nichole. "Looks like they're finally trying to reel me in."
Nichole folded his arms. "Are you going?"
Min Hee exhaled. "I don't have a choice."
She knew this was a test. The Council had never fully trusted her—she was too powerful, too independent. They saw her as a weapon, but a weapon that refused to be controlled.
And now, they were trying to remind her who held the true power in the kingdom.
But Min Hee wasn't the same girl she had been three years ago.
She had fought, bled, and lost too much to be intimidated.
If the Council wanted to challenge her, she was more than ready to face them.