Chapter 212

Nonetheless rattled from the jumpscare, I thank my blessings it was solely the Mom’s Militia hiding within the timber. I nearly pissed myself after they dropped down, however fortunately, I managed to not shame myself. XinYue was none too happy by the information of Mao Mao’s defection, however nonetheless managed to persuade the guards on the Jap Gate to allow us to in. Or possibly it could have been higher to remain exterior.

I dunno. I am nonetheless sad about the entire state of affairs with that thieving rat Jorani. Who does he assume he’s, taking three units of Runic Armour for himself? I set him free to rob the Council, so all the things he takes belongs to me. It’s best to by no means belief a thief, all I acquired was a silly watch which I needed to give to Zian. To not point out the Non secular Weapons he took, a coiled rope, two staves, and who is aware of what else that bastard misappropriated. I imply, I knew we have been making financial institution from robbing the Council shipments, however possibly I ought to have had Bulat preserve the treasures for us. I might use a set of armour and Jorani’s is kind of my measurement. Too unhealthy I wasnt shameless sufficient to demand he strip and hand it over, however man… I wished to.

Nicely, its too late now, Jorani and his crew of cutthroats are off serving to Guard Captain Sovanna and, oddly sufficient, the Crossbone Corsairs. Guess theres nonetheless honour amongst thieves for what its price. From what Ive been capable of piece collectively from XinYue and Tenjins stories, the Justice of the Peace has the Defiled bottled up at three choke factors whereas the complete metropolis evacuates in the direction of Jiu Lang, so issues arent wanting nice. Using by means of the empty streets with my retinue and an escort of Militiamen, I notice the eerie calm in regards to the metropolis, the attractive surroundings showing desolate and foreboding with the smoke hanging overhead. A buffer of quiet tranquility between the battle to the South-West and the determined scramble for security to the East, I can solely think about what awaits us as I take heed to the stories. Right here I experience in the direction of an all-out melee, the place life and demise are determined straight away. No place for fancy footwork or advanced maneuvers, this can be a brutal slugfest wherein guts and stamina reign supreme whereas I’m sorely missing each.

I wholeheartedly remorse each choice Ive ever made that led me right here.

Trying to Mila for ethical help, I discover my freckled betrothed beaming with pleasure, chewing her lip in anticipation of the battle forward. Using beside her, Li Music consists as ever, neither alarmed nor assured, solely prepared for no matter would possibly come. How do they do it? Not even twenty years outdated, they’ve centuries of life to sit up for, but right here they’re risking their lives with out concern or apprehension. Id give something to be protected and sound again house, however Mila is wanting ahead to the struggle, hungry for fame and status.

Swallowing my concern, I exhale softly and scan the remainder of my retinue. Because the nominal commander current, their lives are in my fingers. A terrifying thought, however Ive already mounted the tiger and theres no getting off now. Even XinYue appears to have fallen in line, deferring to my non-existent experience for some unfathomable motive. Most likely one thing to do with the Justice of the Peace asking for a repeat efficiency of my first go to to Sanshu.

Cease worrying, everythings tremendous. Youre not taking command of the town, the Justice of the Peace has issues nicely in hand. Gerel’s in all probability someplace round right here and all it is advisable do is reinforce the southernmost place. The Justice of the Peace and Vichear are holding the centre whereas Jorani and co have the north. All that is left is to attend till Yuzhen arrives, and all the things can be hunky dory. I’ve acquired Ravil and Bulat for lengthy ranged help, in addition to the majority of my consultants right here with them, and I can at all times depend on Tenjin and Tursinai to care for the large weapons. To not point out the Guard Chief, shes right here looking for me even when she wont admit…

Wait. Wheres the Guard Chief?

In my panic, I voice the query aloud and Tursinai giggles in reply. Foolish boy, it is advisable pay extra consideration if you wish to be a commander. She rode off the second we entered the town.

Nicely… fuck. I suppose she wasnt mendacity. She actually doesnt care if I stay or die.

Mildly distressing, however all the things continues to be tremendous. Nothing to fret about, simply concentrate on getting ready for the battle forward. Okay, guidelines of issues to do. First, unleash Aura. Doesnt matter if they’ve somebody countering you, simply do it. Hold calm, no charging in. Deflection, Amplification, Honing, and Guiding, these are the instruments at your disposal. Emphasize defence, maintain your floor and take it simple. Keep in mind, the bridge is rigged to break down, so retreat is at all times an possibility, although ideally as a final resort. With the Defiled pushing ahead on the bridges, this leaves the residents protected to flee with out pursuit. Each hour we delay brings salvation and security that a lot nearer. Simple Peasy.

Most significantly, don’t below any circumstances give in to the Spectres. Theyre assholes and liars. Fuck them. You dont want them. You are able to do this. Imagine in your self.

Rounding the bend, I experience by means of the ornamental gate and into the sq., the tumultuous conflict of blades and screams of demise drowning out my ideas. The fetid stench of demise and battle assaults me as I take within the chaos, reeling again in shock and horror. An countless tide of dark-armoured Butchers again so far as the attention can see, they push and shove whereas ready their flip to cost throughout the bridge and into the ready blades of the beleaguered defenders. Arrayed in a shifting half circle, the guards of Sanshu are packed in shoulder to shoulder as they struggle, exhaustion and desperation etched on each face.

Noticing a whole lack of reserve items, I rapidly scrap my plan of taking it good and straightforward. If the Defiled break by means of anyplace alongside the road, then theyll press in and encompass the stretched out defenders. Gesturing for Bulat and Ravil to go out, they take each warrior and not using a Non secular Weapon and transfer into the encompassing buildings. Taking place within the home windows, they unleash hell upon the Enemy strains whereas ducking a smattering of return hearth from looted crossbows, whittling down the Defiled numbers. What I wouldnt give for some explosives or rapid-fire ranged weapon, theyd do huge harm to the swarming enemy, however then once more, so would a line of catapults. Then once more, which may convey Demons coming out to take care of the battle machines, which is lower than ideally suited, so I suppose man to man and blade to blade is the one possibility. Dismounting from Mafu, I calm the keen quin and cross him off to a ready Sentinel, realizing a straight up brawl isn’t any place for quins or horses.

XinYues calm baritone sounds in my thoughts. The commanding officer welcomes our arrival and suggests we transfer in and unfold ourselves among the many males, bolstering their morale. Your ideas?

With nobody left to struggle, I stand alone, panting on the bridge and surrounded by corpses. My Sentinels be a part of me and line up, weapons able to defend. Behind us, the guards let unfastened with cheers of victory, taking on a chant for Sanshu whilst they stagger to the bottom, exhausted and spent. Adrenaline nonetheless surging by means of my veins, I step ahead and scream in wordless problem, evident on the Defiled one after the other.

I’m Falling Rain. The group hushes to listen to my phrases, although Ive probably not something to observe with. Wasnt actually planning on making a speech, the phrases simply sorta slipped out. Going with the movement, I proceed, The Timeless Savage. Scholar of Medical Saint Taduk, Disciple of Main Basic Baatar, Grand Disciple of Lieutenant Basic Akanai. Khishig of the Bekhai. Err, shit. Now what?

An armoured type shoves his manner up the bridge, wielding a sword and protect like my very own. A formidable teen. Courageous too, providing problem like that.

Wait what?

Ah fuck. All that naming enterprise is prelude for a duel, isnt it? Me and my large fucking mouth.

Snapping out of my shock, I choose up the tip of my opponents sentence. … coronary heart Nazier who places an finish to your life, one thing to take pleasure in.

Rain step again, youre not his match.. Tenjins Sending sounds in my thoughts, however its too late. Nazier tenses as his head drops from sight and time slows to a crawl. Recognizing the stance, I do know precisely what to anticipate as a result of Ive carried out the identical factor usually sufficient. Steadiness on Windy Leaf into… one thing. Both a thrust to my coronary heart or slash at my neck, these are the more than likely candidates. Nearly as an afterthought, I lob Peace in an underhanded throw, Honing and Guiding the sword whereas lifting Tranquility to protect my neck and leaving my arm to take the brunt of any potential thrust.

God I hope I guessed proper. I can survive a thrust with somewhat luck, but when he cuts my head off, its recreation over.

As anticipated, Nazier seems immediately earlier than me. His grin twists and falls away, remodeling into a glance of sheer terror as Peace plunges into his throat and coats me in a sprig of blood. His momentum doesnt cease as his closing strike lands firmly on Tranquility, my gamble having paid off for as soon as. The blade deflects downwards into my shoulder however lacks any observe by means of as Nazier drops useless after impaling himself on Peace.

Nonetheless, the blow is highly effective sufficient to carry me off the bottom, and in a second of sheer panic, I understand Im flying by means of the air, arcing over the bridge and into the water. Weightless and breathless, I grasp within the air for a heart-wrenching second, glancing again on the guards and Sentinels ready within the plaza. Milas mouth is opened in a scream, tears spilling from her lovely, brown eyes. Cracking a smile, I channel my Chi and pack it densely as I can, embedding a brief message earlier than Sending it away, praying it doesnt unravel earlier than reaching her.

Goodbye my love. Sorry.

Plunging into the chilly, murky waters, a voice at the back of my head laughing on the absurdity of all of it. At the very least I didnt die a coward, and even took down my undoubtedly superior opponent with me. Plus, Ive been wanting a swim for a couple of weeks now, and this completely counts. Gotta look on the brilliant aspect typically. Closing my eyes, I anticipate demise by carnivorous fish whereas sinking into the nice and cozy, comforting waters of Sanshu. It swirls round me, enveloping me in its embrace, and a smile stretches throughout my face. what? That is tremendous. It feels proper, a cleaning dip within the waters, releasing me of all worldly concern and apprehension.

I ought to have carried out this days in the past. Why did I wait so lengthy?

Chapter Meme

– Finish of Quantity 11 –