Just as I was sleeping soundly, the sound of hurried footsteps approached, followed by a voice:
"Master, master, wake up."
Dazed and groggy, I slowly opened my eyes and saw the flustered expression of my subordinate. I asked,
"What's happened? You look panicked."
The subordinate replied,
"The streets outside are in chaos. Crowds of people are running toward the city gates—something big must be going on."
Hearing the report, I said,
"Something big? Let's go take a look."
With that, I quickly led my men downstairs. As soon as we stepped out of the tavern, a civilian, shouting as he ran, nearly collided with me. I quickly stopped him and asked,
"What's going on?"
The man answered,
"Damn Vlandians, oppressing us Imperials! We've had enough! Our hero, Fierentos, has risen to lead the resistance. We'll fight these Swadian invaders to the death!"
With that, he grabbed a knife from a nearby meat stall and charged toward the city gates.
After hearing his words, I realized the severity of the situation. We had to leave the city immediately. If the rebellion succeeded, we'd be sitting ducks. I immediately ordered,
"Tell the men to pack up quickly. Stow the banners and extra weapons. The Swadian cavalrymen need to change clothes—we'll disguise ourselves as a merchant caravan and slip out before the rebels can react."
"Yes, sir!" The subordinate rushed off to carry out the order.
I hurried back to my room in the tavern, gathered my belongings, and went downstairs. The men were already waiting outside. Fortunately, they had bought plenty of supplies and clothing the day before, which we loaded onto the horses to resemble merchant goods. I commanded,
"Ragatha's garrison is weak—this rebellion will likely succeed. Our priority is to get out of the city fast. Keep your heads down if we encounter rebels. No fighting unless absolutely necessary. The Swadian brothers stay in the middle. Move out!"
With that, I led the group toward the city gates, praying they hadn't fallen yet. We moved as calmly as possible, but the streets were already in chaos—civilians fleeing, stalls overturned, goods scattered everywhere. Groups of men in yellow clothing rushed toward the gates.
They must be the real rebels. I ordered the men to pick up the pace. The gates were in sight, still open—but the walls were a mess of shouting and clashing steel. The Swadian garrison was nearly wiped out.
Just as we were about to exit, a rebel squad descended from the walls—likely to close the gates. We slipped past them just in time. Since most of my men were Battanians, the rebels barely gave us a second glance.
The moment we cleared the gates, a deafening cheer erupted behind us. The garrison had been slaughtered. A yellow rose banner was raised over the gatehouse—Ragatha now belonged to the rebels.
I took a deep breath. *Thank the gods we made it out—otherwise, we'd have been executed as scapegoats!*
Just as I was celebrating our narrow escape, a shout came from behind:
"Master! Riders approaching from the rear!"
I didn't need to guess who they were—rebels, without a doubt. I barked orders:
"Move! Weapons ready—prepare for a fight!"
Soon, enemy cavalry closed in, shouting:
"Halt! Stop now, or we'll attack!"
We ignored them, pressing forward. Seven or eight riders cut us off. A man in a fur-lined hat and yellow clothing declared,
"No use running, Swadians. Surrender, and I'll spare your lives."
I replied, "Greetings, sir. Might I ask who you are? We're Vlandian merchants under Battanian trade permits. We're not involved in military affairs."
"I am Fierentos. The people of Ragatha chose me to lead their fight against tyranny—and we've won. Don't lie. We've been watching you since you entered the city. You're Vlandian loyalists. Now choose: surrender or die."
With the ruse exposed, there was no talking our way out. Their infantry hadn't arrived yet—if we struck first, we might have a chance.
"Now!"
Our archers loosed their arrows, killing three riders instantly. The remaining cavalry reeled back in shock, retreating toward their approaching infantry.
They had nearly 180 men. We had barely 40. The terrain was open, with no chance to form a proper defense. No advantage in timing, position, or numbers. Today might be the end.
But if we had to die, we'd die like warriors.
"Men, today we fight to the last. It's an honor to stand with you. The enemy outnumbers us, but we'll never yield. Archers, focus on their cavalry! Our riders will charge to divert theirs. May the gods favor us!"
My battle speech was short. After countless battles, I was no longer the coward who first arrived in this world.
The enemy infantry advanced slowly. Our cavalry engaged theirs, drawing most away. Archers fired until their quivers were empty.
Their remaining horsemen charged our infantry. Swords and axes were drawn—this was it.
I was locked in combat with their riders, unable to command the rest. Fate would decide.
Then—thundering hooves. Dust clouds rose behind us. A flood of cavalry surged forward, red Swadian banners waving. Reinforcements!
Swadian knights plowed into the rebel ranks like a battering ram. Their formation shattered instantly. A lancer impaled a rebel, lifting him off the ground before yanking the weapon free in a spray of blood.
The enemy cavalry scattered, but their infantry had no chance. Our combined forces butchered them swiftly.
The allied riders didn't stay long. Their leader explained they were the vanguard of a larger force meant to garrison Ragatha for future campaigns. Learning of the rebellion, they'd return to report.
We'd lost all our cavalry and three archers. If the reinforcements had arrived moments later, casualties would've been worse.
As my men looted the battlefield, I planned our next move—to Battania, to sell our spoils and recruit. Funds weren't an issue now. I'd expand to over a hundred men: infantry, cavalry, horse archers—a balanced force.
Then I remembered my first mission in this world. *How is Norgan? Did he find Gattar's siblings?* If this world followed the game's logic, he'd have contacted me by now.
But for now, survival came first. Recruit. Grow stronger. One step at a time.