The soldiers pushed the enemy back with relentless force.
They were out of breath, their limbs numb, but they didnt stop. They knew that if they faltered, their comrades next to them would die, and then they would be next.
The shield-bearers barely blocked the savage onslaught of the barbarians, and the spear-bearers seized the brief opportunity to thrust their spears. The ones with the lightest feet would slash or stab the enemys head with their spears.
It was simple, but one mistake could lead to death. How many times had they crossed the thin ice of life and death?
At some point, the soldiers on the wall realized that they were only surrounded by their fellow warriors, gasping for air.
One soldier, who collapsed from exhaustion, raised his voice as he saw the barbarians retreating beyond the wall.
We won!
At the same time, all the survivors shouted in unison.
Excitement, joy, relief, anger, sorrow.
All those emotions mixed in the hot roar that made the sky boil red, coloring the cityscape in crimson.
As if to comfort the blood-soaked survivors.
Damn, how did we survive?
Colin muttered weakly and slumped on the spot. Kyle, who was catching his breath with both hands on the end of the handle, chuckled.
Good job.
Colin smiled silently at the plain words. Blood and flesh stuck to his beard fell on his pants, but he didnt bother to wipe them off. His whole body was already covered in blood.
He glanced sideways and saw a giant warrior surrounded by the lord and the soldiers.
He looked around with a dull face, as if he didnt care about the people who praised his name and looked at him with envy.
Soon, the warrior, Ruon, who had been watching him, raised his hand quietly.
He burst into a hearty laugh.
Brother, see? Ruon is saying hello.
Kyle snickered and nodded.
I see.
***
After the sweet victory, a harsh reality awaited them.
The survivors took a short break and then recovered the bodies of their dead comrades. The wounded were treated before their wounds worsened. But still, many died.
As their excitement subsided, they all realized.
They had not won, but only repelled one invasion.
Ashen clouds floated over the cold night sky. The starlight that fell through them dimly lit the gloomy city.
Ruon watched the scene quietly, resting his elbow on the pale railing. The lord had offered the guest room of his mansion for the party, so he was now enjoying the luxury of looking down from the splendid balcony.
Of course, he wasnt impressed.
Then a wind blew from somewhere and brushed his face. He suddenly remembered the face of the boy who had died with his stomach torn open.
The organs that had burst out, the frozen tear marks, the cracked lips that had endlessly called for his mother.
Mom, mom
The longing word soon became a lump of iron that pressed down on his chest. Ruon pounded his chest with his fist, but even his monstrous strength couldnt budge the lump.
It only made him feel more suffocated.
He sighed softly and looked at the sky. The clouds were swept away by the wind, and the stars twinkled densely. On the ceiling of the unfamiliar world, the faces of those he missed passed by. Just like he had lost everything and fallen here, the people of the other world who had lost him overnight.
What are you doing alone?
He turned his head and saw Kyle poking his head out at the entrance of the balcony.
Just getting some air.
In this cold wind? Youll catch a cold, or worse, osteoporosis.
Kyle said that and rolled his eyes, making a thoughtful expression. Then he snickered and walked to the balcony.
Well, you cant get osteoporosis anyway.
He shivered as he adjusted to the sudden temperature change, and then rested his elbow on the railing like Ruon.
Then the soldiers parted to the left and right, and the lord appeared with a smile. He staggered over and grabbed Ruons big hand.
There are quite a few magicians here, but I boast that you have no magic, only your body. Every time you swing your sword, the barbarians necks are chopped off
Ruon didnt like flattering words, but he quietly listened to what the lord said.
It was because the lord was not a blabbermouth who only talked, but a man who fought with the soldiers on the battlefield where life and death were at stake.
Im ashamed of my short sight that I didnt recognize the value of you and Kyle in one go. I dont even want to imagine what would have happened if Wayne hadnt gone to the inn that day.
Ruon gently shook off the lords hand as he saw signs of his speech getting longer.
I need to rest.
Oh, yes. You should.
Ruon went down the stairs and straight to the bottom of the wall. Then a soldier came up cautiously and handed him something.
Sir Ruon this is todays ration.
Thank you.
He unwrapped the paper package and saw two boiled potatoes and a pinch of salt.
Its usually one each, but I put two in.
Ruon looked at the soldier who smiled brightly. His helmet was bigger than his face.
Whats your name?
I, Im Nello.
Ruon swallowed a potato without even dipping it in salt and muttered.
Well, Nello. I only need one, so you eat this one.
The boy who wanted to see the hero he admired near him with the excuse of rationing blushed.
I, Im fine
Hello, this is Bing. I can help you edit and translate your web novel from Korean to English. Here is my suggested version of the text:
As his stomach growled loudly at the wrong moment, Nello looked at his belly with a resentful gaze.
Theres nothing to be ashamed of. Its natural to be hungry again after eating at your age.
Ruon pushed a potato dipped in salt into Nellos mouth and gave a short nod to the boy with chubby cheeks who stared blankly at him.
Thank you.
The boy bowed and walked away. Ruon turned his head as he sensed a restless atmosphere. He chuckled softly.
Hes like a celebrity.
He saw Kyle, surrounded by people, shaking hands with everyone with an awkward expression.
Apparently, it was easier for people to approach Kyle, who was good-natured and even the champion of Tivella, than Ruon, who was intimidating.
It also helped that Tivella, the goddess of mercy, was the most popular sect among the commoners.
Thats when Colin, who had squeezed out of the crowd, spotted Ruon and hurried over to him.
Damn, I almost suffocated in there.
Ruon laughed at his annoyed face and shaking head.
Then you did well to find me.
Colin snorted.
Its the same for you. Theyre just too scared to get close to you. Theyre all peeking. Hey, they might faint at this rate.
He said that and bit into a potato he had gotten from somewhere. Then he added something he wasnt asked.
If you want to be alone, then be alone. Why did you come here? If youre alone, theyll ask you how you became friends with the demon slayers. Its driving me crazy
This kid was also not quite normal.
Ruon smirked at Colin, who waved his hand at anyone who met his eyes.
Then it happened.
The people started to buzz.
At first, Ruon didnt pay much attention, but he lifted his head as the reaction grew louder.
He saw a group of people in shining armor riding large horses along the road. Everyone held their breath at their extraordinary presence. Someone pointed at the flag that the rider was holding and shouted.
Ganaks! Theyre the knights of Ganaks!
On the large flag that fluttered in the wind, there was a roaring lions face.