Victory.

Is there any other outfit that feels this awkward and out of place for me, no matter how sweet it is?

But it’s true. The enemy forces, their massive bodies, have begun to retreat.

I could only stare blankly at their backs, unable to do anything.

My breath had already risen to my throat, and my limbs, which had reached their limit, felt as heavy as if shackled. It was hard just to move.

And yet, I am alive. I’m breathing, and I know it.

That fact brings me an unexpected joy.

"Th-the enemy is retreating!"

"My Lord has won!!"

"My Lord, long live the King!!"

"Long live the King, my ass. What did that bastard do from the back?"

Listening to them, I felt the anger rise from deep within. I’m not sure about the details, but this war was sparked by the King’s incompetence.

And now, they’re praising him for the victory? Sorry, but I can’t do that.

Even if it’s painful, it should have been enough.

Still, there was no time to revel in the sweetness of victory. This is just the beginning.

Garon Empire.

The undisputed military superpower that holds more than half the continent. It dominates in every field—talent, soldiers, resources, supplies, you name it.

So much so that even the old-timers avoid picking the Garon Empire.

The reason? The game is too easy when you pick them. It takes away the thrill of a challenge.

Just to occupy this little rural territory, they sent over a thousand troops.

"Don’t get too happy. The war has only just begun."

"My Lord."

"I apologize."

Perhaps because of the monstrous feats I’ve shown, the soldiers now look at me with complete trust.

Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that these were the same men who turned their backs and fled without a second thought.

But at least, for the moment, no one is running away. That’s progress.

Maybe it’s because my leadership has grown. The more I experience death, the stronger I become. The soldiers are following my lead because my abilities have improved.

In other words...

This chaotic mess? I’m the one who has to lead them through it.

Medieval serfs, unlike the modern day, were uneducated and ignorant.

At most, there were only a few who could even read.

Some nobles couldn’t even read.

The problem is... I’m not much different.

I was born into a middle-class family, received the usual compulsory education, graduated from college, and got a job like everyone else.

If there were such a thing as a modern-day serf, I’d fit that definition.

Which means, I’m also used to following someone else’s orders.

I never imagined that the lack of leadership would hit me this hard.

"For now, we must abandon the territory and retreat to the Sandwi County."

"What? Abandon the territory?"

"We’ve won, haven’t we?"

"Are you out of your mind? The Empire’s forces aren’t even 10% of their total strength. Do you really think they’re going to waste their main forces on a rural territory like this?"

Only then did the soldiers understand my words, their expressions turning stiff like stone.

A thousand men.

It's not a small number, but the enemy is the Garon Empire, a military superpower.

If my memory serves me right, the Garon Empire’s army is a staggering one million.

And they have the population and resources to maintain such a force.

Of course, they wouldn’t send the entire force to invade a small kingdom like Arpen.

Maybe they’d send only around 50,000 troops. That’s more than enough to conquer the kingdom.

"Therefore, we need to join forces with the Sandwi County and fortify our defenses. The Count of Sandwi should be able to hold off the Empire’s army."

"I’ve heard rumors that the Count’s fortress is no joke..."

But there’s no need to tell the soldiers that. There’s no need to demoralize them.

For now, I’m just giving them hope—telling them that if we reach Sandwi County, we can survive.

Without hope, people can’t live. No one knows that better than me.

"I understand, my Lord. I’ll inform the people and make preparations immediately."

"What do you mean, ‘inform the people’?"

"...What?"

I could barely speak. It felt like my throat was blocked with charcoal.

I’m human too.

So, I know how cruel my decision is. But it’s inevitable.

I still remember it.

The pain of arrows piercing my skin, the agony of being split in two by a sword. Death.

The unescapable pain is etched into my body as scars.

And now... You want me to go through that again?

If God is real, I would beg for mercy right now.

That’s why.

I force my mouth to move, to convey the decision to everyone.

"We’re leaving the people behind."

"What... What do you mean by that? How can you abandon them?!"

"How can you leave the people behind?!"

The soldiers immediately reacted, their faces pale with disbelief.

I understand their reaction. They probably have their families here in the territory.

But I don’t think the retreating Empire will just leave it at that.

They’ll regroup with the main army and start the pursuit.

And then, once again, the hell will start.

Just thinking about it makes my hands shake. Are they asking me to go through that hell again?

"If that’s your wish, fine. Those who wish to stay can stay. Those who want to follow me, follow me."

"W-What?!"

"Are you saying you’re cowardly enough to flee alone?"

"Cowardly? You dare talk about cowardice in front of me?!"

The red light of rage filled my vision. I could feel my blood vessels burst, unable to contain my anger.

I remember it clearly. How you all abandoned me and fled, leaving me behind.

Of course, later on, everyone came back to my side.

But can you claim that was because of you? Bullshit.

It only happened because I pushed myself to the limit and used my abilities to bring you back.

At the sound of my cold, menacing voice, the soldiers fell silent, like bees stung into stillness.

"I’ll say it one last time. Those who want to follow me, follow me. Those who want to stay, stay."

The group split evenly. Most of the soldiers without families followed me, while the ones with families chose to stay behind.

...It’s heavy.

The guilt weighs down on me, making it hard to breathe.

"Where are you going? Please don’t leave us!"

"My Lord! Please don’t abandon us!!"

...

Watching the villagers kneel and beg is not easy.

I’ve never been so angry or sad about my own incompetence... Damn it.

But I grit my teeth and turn my back. Just like you all want to live, I want to live too.

To survive, I must abandon everything and run. I close my eyes tightly, the guilt gnawing at me.

And then.

I open my eyes again.

Hell repeats once more.

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