The echo of explosions resounds in the frigid air, shattering the stillness of the night. The sound of gunfire intertwines with the crunch of snow beneath the soldiers' feet, as the cold seeps into their bones, stiffening every muscle and breath.
"Fire!" I shout to the soldiers, whose rifles continue to echo relentlessly. "There are more than we anticipated!"
In my hands, I hold the metía that allows us to communicate, and I see that the situation on the other front has stabilized. Young Luan, with her eyes fixed on the scene, seems absorbed as I show her the situation.
She quickly grasps the gravity of the moment.
Boom! Another mine explodes, sending shards of ice and earth into the air as we hold our position, firing and retreating to gain some ground. The number of enemies here is overwhelming; our cannons cannot contend with their movement strategies.
If we retreat, we'll be forced closer to the village, directly into the residential area. At this moment, the situation is at a standstill, as the general decided to build the base near the snow to adapt to the circumstances.
The enemy camp is just meters from our trenches, but it seems we'll have to retreat toward it. They've concentrated various types of demihumans in waves, large and robust, skilled in combat.
After explaining the situation to Luan, her red eyes gleam as she reflects for a few moments before speaking:
"Let's simulate a retreat and withdraw a group to the Elior forest," she suggests, determination palpable in her voice. "Let's split into two groups. They'll follow us into the forest to finish us off, and then we can attack them from behind."
Luan's strategy is risky, but it seems to be our best option amidst the chaos of battle. As we prepare to execute her plan, I find myself reflecting on the deeper meaning of this war: the presence of demihumans and the political and social implications it carries.
With my heart beating with determination, we prepare to face the next chapter in this bloody struggle for survival.
Venturing into the forest is a risky strategy; we would be entering unfamiliar territory. With darkness falling because of the weather, fighting under those conditions will be challenging, but not impossible.
The clouds, which usually yield to morning, now obstruct the sky, darkening the surroundings earlier than usual. Daylight fades rapidly beneath the gray shroud of the clouds, adding a layer of uncertainty to our situation.
The atmosphere feels tense, as if we are on the brink of catastrophe. Every decision we make could determine our destiny. Although we have traps set up, the risk remains elevated.
"Head to the Elior forest! Then attack from the rear!" I shout urgently, urging my soldiers to execute the maneuver. I glance toward the metia, noticing that Luan is acting strangely.
She peers through the binoculars at some point, furrowing her brow.
"I need to hang up; it seems we have trouble," she reports, showing concern on her face. I turn my gaze toward my soldiers, questioning if this strategy is the right one. At this moment, I ponder what General Marco would do in our predicament. I shake my head, attempting to dispel futile thoughts.
I'm not a brilliant strategist, but I know when it's time to act.
"Split up! Head towards the Elior forest!" I order, sharing the strategy with Colonel Oslo, who immediately shouts to divide the troops. I look toward him, observing Colonel Oslo attentively.
Despite the chaos surrounding us, his figure stands out with authority and determination.
His dark skin contrasts with the whiteness of the snow, and his imposing presence does not go unnoticed amidst the battle. The features marked by experience and seriousness reflect the gravity of the moment.
"We're retreating!" I exclaim, as the soldiers emerge from the trenches and head toward the base where the carriages are located.
I believe we'll need to sacrifice this base if we want any chance of winning. Each shot brings down one of those rabbit-type demihumans, and we also encounter those with thick skins that require more than one shot to bring down.
Our army comprises a diversity of beings, but at this moment, nothing matters more than winning this battle.
Anyone who threatens Irlam will pay with their life. My determination is unwavering; I will protect my family and all those I love. The enemy commanders seem to have noticed our attempt to withdraw, and the offensive intensifies.
It's easy to identify them as they advance mounted on earth dragons, although they also have a squadron with giant steel shields surrounding them.
When our cannons fire at them, they use some kind of magic to protect themselves. Our soldiers start boarding the carriages, while a platoon remains in front, protecting the wounded. I shoot at any approaching enemy, and as we retreat, enemy arrows and magical balls continue to rain down on us.
The icy wind cuts through the skin, adding a sense of unease to the already desperate situation.
"I don't like this," murmurs one of the soldiers, his voice barely audibles over the battle's din.
"Stay calm, soldier. We'll get through this," I respond, trying to instill some encouragement amidst the chaos.
The eyes of my men reflect equal parts fear and determination, but we can't allow fear to paralyze us. We've embarked on this mission hoping to change the course of the battle, and we can't turn back now.
"Are you sure this will work?" Oslo asks, his voice filled with doubt as the supplies are being organized.
"We have to believe in it. There's no other option," I reply, trying to convince myself as much as him.
Our mission is clear: evacuate this place and leave it in ruins. We move with haste, carrying everything we can. Supply crates, weaponry, everything is useful in this situation.
We prepare for the demolition of our own camp, knowing it will be a daunting but necessary task.
Suddenly, a piercing scream rends the air, followed by a deluge of arrows falling like sharp daggers upon us. The sound of bodies hitting the ground mingles with the deadly whirr of the arrows, while blood stains the snow beneath our feet.
"Take cover!" My voice is swallowed by the chaos, but my men sense the urgency in my words and seek refuge under anything that can offer even a modicum of protection.
I cautiously peer out from my hiding spot, only to witness some of my comrades fall, pierced by the enemy's deadly arrows. Terror reflects in their faces as they struggle to draw their final breaths.
The arrows continue to rain down relentlessly, seeking flesh and blood to sate the voracity of war. Our helmets may provide some protection, but they are insufficient to halt the deadly onslaught surrounding us.
"ARTILLERY!"
With a deafening roar, the mortars spring into action, hurling explosive projectiles towards the enemy. The ground trembles with each impact, but the specter of death remains ubiquitous in every corner of this infernal battlefield.
The enemy front erupts into a macabre dance of fire and shrapnel, consuming those who dared to oppose us. But I know this victory will be fleeting, each explosion bringing only more pain and suffering in an endless cycle of violence and destruction.
"To the carriages, everyone! Quickly, quickly!" I bellow with all my might, feeling the urgency coursing through every fiber of my being as arrows whistle around us.
"Move, soldiers! Let's go, let's go!" the captains command, urging the stragglers towards the moving vehicles with desperate insistence.
"We can't linger here! Run, run!" one of the soldiers cries out, hastening the wounded towards the carriages, disregarding pain, and fatigue as the rain of arrows threatens to breach our defenses.
"Advance, keep your heads down and advance! We cannot halt now, we mustn't!" I shout, encouraging the last stragglers to press forward as the demihumans draw closer, like death's shadows in our wake.
"They're closing in, we have no time to spare! Hurry, soldiers, hurry!" Oslo warns, his voice brimming with determination as the enemies' approach with giant strides.
With hearts racing and adrenaline coursing through our veins, we scramble aboard the carriages, momentarily relieved to be beyond immediate reach of the enemies.
But deep in our hearts, we know that the battle is far from over. Even as we retreat from the front lines, war still lurks in every shadow, in every corner of the horizon.
The rumble of the carriages echoes in my ears as we speed away, with the demihumans hot on our heels. From inside the carriages, soldiers frantically fire, attempting to repel the enemies closing in on us. Each rifle shot is a discordant note in the chaos surrounding us, but also a small hope of staying alive a little longer.
As I observe the desperation on my comrades' faces and the relentless advance of the demihumans, my mind races to find a solution. We know we're in a critical situation and must act quickly if we want to survive.
Then, an idea flashes in my mind like a spark of inspiration. The mines we carry could be our salvation, but we need to use them strategically. How can we maximize their destructive potential to stop the demihumans and gain some time?
I survey the terrain around us, searching for the perfect spot to place the mines. Hills and trees flash by quickly as we head towards our destination. Finally, an idea begins to take shape in my mind.
"Soldiers, listen to me!" I shout above the din of battle, catching the attention of my men. "We need to use the mines to stop the demihumans. But we need to do it smartly. Any suggestions?"
The soldiers exchange nervous glances, but soon ideas begin to emerge. Some propose placing the mines at strategic points along the road, while others suggest setting traps around the military base we're heading to.
As we discuss the different options, my mind continues to work, evaluating each possibility. Finally, a brilliant idea breaks through in my mind.
"That's it!" I exclaim, feeling the excitement of inspiration. "We'll place the mines on a narrow path just before reaching the base. When the demihumans try to follow us, we'll detonate them and stop them in their tracks."
These aren't just ordinary mines; they're the result of painstaking research by scientists, as well as the general and his daughter.
My men nod with determination, understanding the importance of our strategy. With renewed vigor, we prepare to carry out our plan, knowing that our survival depends on it.
As the landscape rushes past us at breakneck speed, my mind is focused on one thing: the impending battle and the hope that our cunning and determination will be enough to overcome it.
My soldiers and I are in a critical situation. The decision to leave the mines in the carriages and head towards the military base has been made, but we haven't had time to execute it yet.
Time is of the essence, and the pressure from the demihumans pursuing us increases with every passing second.
"Activate the mines! Quickly, quickly!" My voice is lost amidst the chaos and confusion as I try to convey the order to my men.
The noise from the carriages and the shouts of the demihumans make it difficult to hear each other. Communication becomes a challenge amidst the urgency and fear that envelop us all.
"Hurry, soldiers! We have no time to lose!" I shout with desperation, feeling the palpable anxiety in the air as we try to coordinate our escape.
The demihumans continue to pursue us, their shouts of ferocity and bloodlust echoing in our ears like a macabre symphony of terror. They are getting closer and closer, and time is running out quickly.
The decision has been made, but we haven't been able to put it into practice yet; the area needs to be perfect.
Uncertainty and fear surround us as we struggle to reach the safety of the military base, knowing that the fate of all of us hangs by a thread.
The roar of battle resonates in the air as we speed away, escaping the relentless pursuit of the demihumans.
Each jolt of the carriage warns us of the danger's proximity, and the wind whistles through our ears, carrying with it the clamor of war. Soldiers, clinging to the edges of the vehicles, fire with determination, their tense faces reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Suddenly, the thunder of battle is interrupted by a scream, sharp and full of fury, slicing through the air like a blade.
"Bastards! Kill them all!" echoes the voice of the enemy, shrouded in an aura of hatred and bloodlust that chills the bones.
The chaos of battle comes to a sudden halt as the demihumans stop in their tracks, as if frozen by an invisible command.
My eyes widen in disbelief as I see each of them pull out a crystal, whose ominous glow seems to resonate in the tension-filled air.
"Implant them!" order the enemy captains, and with a frenzied gesture, the demihumans obey, embedding the crystals into their bodies with a painful scream that echoes in my ears.
A chill runs down my spine as I witness the transformation, a mixture of terror and fascination that leaves me paralyzed in place. The air grows dense, as if darkness itself has materialized in the form of an unsettling mist.
Even as we distance ourselves, I feel it creeping into my body.
"AGHH! IT HURTS!" the enemy's screams pierce the silence, filling the air with their desperation and suffering. Each cry seems to sear into my mind, reminding me of the brutality of the war we're immersed in.
Uncertainty grips us all, freezing our movements and clouding our thoughts. The soldiers around me exchange looks of disbelief and terror, unable to comprehend what is happening before their own eyes.
"ROAAAR!"
My hands tremble nervously, and a cold sweat runs down my back as I helplessly watch the demihumans prepare to attack with renewed ferocity. A sense of fear and despair envelops me, but I know I cannot afford to succumb to panic.
"Prepare the mines!" I shout with a firm voice, trying to maintain calm amidst the chaos surrounding us. We know we must act quickly if we want any chance of surviving this ambush.
My words are met with a mix of determination and fear from my comrades, who hasten to comply with the order as the demihumans draw nearer, eager to unleash their fury upon us.
The demihumans advance with an unknown strength, their footsteps reverberating on the earth like the clamor of an unstoppable army. They run faster than before, as if possessed by a supernatural force driving them forward, regardless of the danger lurking with each step.
Boom!
The mines explode with a deafening roar, sending ice stakes into the sky in a deadly dance. The stakes embed themselves in the ground, forming a temporary barrier that momentarily halts the advance of the demihumans.
"Let's go, we have no time to lose!" I shout, urging my men to disembark from the carriages and prepare to face the enemies.
But the enemy's determination is unyielding, and they press on, ignoring the pain and death surrounding them.
"Cover the flanks! Don't let them get any closer!" I command, as we prepare for battle.
Despite the ice stakes blocking their path, the demihumans persist, ready to sacrifice their lives for their cause.
"Don't retreat! Hold your positions!" I shout, trying to instill courage in my men as the demihumans draw closer.
Some are impaled by the stakes, falling to the ground with cries of agony, but others press forward, pushing ahead with unrestrained ferocity.
Our numbers have dwindled significantly, but they still outnumber us.
"We can't allow them to advance any further! Fight with all your might!" I declare, as we brace for the impending clash.
It's at this moment that all of us, the soldiers, disembark from the carriages, facing the demihumans with determination and courage. We know we can't let them advance any further, that our only hope of survival is to fight to the last breath.
"Let's go, soldiers, hurry! Take the wounded to the earth dragons and ensure they're securely fastened!" I order, urgency and determination evident in my voice.
"Together, everyone, leave no one behind!" shouts one of the captains as he helps load the wounded onto the earth dragons, fostering a sense of solidarity and sacrifice.
Once all the wounded have departed, only we remain.
"Pick up the pace, soldiers, we're in danger! We can't stop now!" I exclaim, my voice filled with determination and urgency.
As we run, the demihumans' roars grow nearer, their ferocity palpable in the air. The soldiers exchange looks filled with fear and determination, sharing the burden of uncertainty and danger that surrounds us.
Each step we take serves as a constant reminder of the threat we face, but we continue moving forward, driven by the instinct to survive and the hope of finding safety somewhere distant.
The demihumans' roars blend with our own shouts, creating a cacophony of terror and desperation that fills the air as we run toward the unknown, praying to find a secure refuge before it's too late.
As we distance ourselves, we watch in horror as one of the demihumans begins to undergo transformation.
His body grows disproportionately, now towering three times higher than the carriages.
"ROAAR!"
With a deafening roar, his muscles swell to grotesque limits, while his eyes burn with uncontrolled fury as he leaps, crashing down onto the carriages.
"Look at that!" one of the soldiers exclaims, his trembling voice lost amidst the explosions' din.
BOOOM!
The resulting explosions from the shattered carriages fill the air with a deafening roar, the scent of smoke and burnt metal mixing with the palpable fear enveloping the atmosphere. In an instant, a chain reaction unfolds, and a barrier of ice suddenly rises, reaching a height of over ten meters.
"Damn it! We have to stay away from that!" I shout, my words barely audible over the chaos surrounding us.
The ground trembles beneath our feet as we continue running, our hearts pounding against our chests with a frenzied rhythm.
Wounded soldiers cry out for help, while others shout orders in a desperate attempt to maintain order amidst the chaos.
The heat of the flames and the cold of the ice intertwine in a macabre dance as the ice barrier rises, a grotesque reminder of the brutality of war.
We are forced to press forward, our steps marked by fear and the determination to survive at all costs.
Then, a deafening roar shakes the ground as the giant demihuman, in the form of a colossal gorilla, demolishes his section of the ice wall. His roars fill the air, shaking the ground beneath our feet, as he pounds his chest forcefully, issuing a chilling challenge.
"For Od Lagna's sake! It's massive!" one of the soldiers exclaims, his voice lost amidst the battle's tumult.
As the demihuman giant begins to move, a horde of his kin rushes toward the breach in the ice wall, running with unrestrained ferocity.
Our soldiers halt and open fire, but surprise overtakes us as from the mountains, dozens of cannon blasts begin pounding the enemy field, laying waste to everything in their path.
"It's our chance, keep moving forward!" I shout, urging the soldiers to keep running as destruction unleashes around us.
Despite the devastation wrought by the cannon blasts, the giant monster seems immune, his imposing figure barely affected by the chaos surrounding him. With hearts filled with determination and fear, we continue advancing, knowing that the battle is far from over and that we face a formidable enemy that defies all logic and reason.
Amidst the chaos and fury, we confront an inescapable nightmare. Death relentlessly haunts us, and the suspense of the fight for survival grips each of us.
We find ourselves cornered, facing an unparalleled threat. The deafening roars of the creatures' echo in our ears, filling the air with palpable terror.
It appears that the approaching creatures cannot rely on their magic or arrows, resorting instead to using their bodies as deadly weapons. The ground trembles beneath their footsteps, and their presence is akin to titans descending upon us with uncontrollable rage.
In the midst of the confusion, the colossal gorilla of monstrous proportions emerges from the shadows, its eyes burning with wildfire and its breath filled with rage. With each step, its imposing figure instills panic among our ranks, while its gigantic arms swing threateningly.
"Keep moving! Advance! AGHHH!" The enemy captain's agonizing scream fades amidst the carnage as we witness a dog-like demihuman begin to devour him.
The colossal gorilla, with a strength that defies all logic, pounces upon us with unrestrained ferocity. Its blows are like the hammering of a demon, shattering everything in its path with overwhelming violence.
We cling to our weapons desperately, fighting with all our might against this tide of destruction looming over us. In the midst of battle, every moment is a struggle for survival, a desperate battle to stay alive against all odds.
The thunderous roar of cannon explosions continues to resonate as we fiercely battle the demihumans descending upon us.
The reality is bleak: fewer than a hundred soldiers stand, and our shots seem to barely affect the towering enemies surrounding us.
Only a precise shot to the head seems to cause them any significant damage, but amidst the whirlwind of chaos and death engulfing us, hitting that vital point becomes a nearly impossible feat.
The abyss of defeat looms over us, and the possibility of a final sacrifice looms on the horizon. However, amidst the despair, my voice rises with determination.
"Soldiers! FOR OUR FAMILIES!" My cry rings out amidst the fury of battle, a call to courage amidst the chaos surrounding us. The shots continue, the cannons rumble, but time seems to move faster than the ammunition we have left.
A specialized grenade in my pocket is our last hope, a sacrifice that could grant us an opportunity. Despite the shadow of death surrounding us, the commitment to protect those I love burns intensely in my heart.
The chaos of battle engulfs us as we advance forward, each step resonating on the trembling ground. My fellow soldiers surround me, sharing the determination etched on their war-worn faces.
The beast stands imposing before us, its eyes ablaze with fury flashing with terrifying intensity.
But we do not falter, we do not waver in the face of fear that threatens to paralyze us. With steady hands, I grip my pistol, feeling the reassuring weight of the grenade in my other hand.
It's a critical moment, an opportunity to change the course of this desperate battle.
"Advance!" My voice resonates above the roar of cannons and the cries of the demihumans, urging my comrades to press on, not to retreat from the horror looming over us. Every shot we fire is an affirmation of our will to resist, to fight until our last breath.
Bullets whistle through the air ominously, finding their mark in the beasts approaching with indomitable ferocity.
The roar of explosions surrounds us, shaking our bodies and spirits. Flames dance on the horizon, illuminating the darkness with flashes of destruction and death. Finally, I stand before the colossus, its imposing mass casting a threatening shadow over me.
There is no time to hesitate, no room for fear. I feel the rapid beating of my heart, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I face this monstrosity with unwavering determination. With agile movements, I dodge its charges, my shots finding their mark in the most vulnerable areas of its body.
Each hit is a victory, each wound inflicted a step closer to salvation.
But the beast does not yield, its fury undiminished by my efforts. A guttural growl escapes its jaws, a harbinger of the violence to come. Suddenly, I see a gigantic arm hurtling towards me, a deadly blow threatening to crush me mercilessly.
In an act of desperation, I hurl the grenade with all my strength, knowing it is our last hope, our only chance of survival.
BOOM!
The explosion reverberates, a deafening burst of fire and shrapnel tearing through the air, unleashing a tempest of destruction. I am hurled through the air, feeling the searing heat of the explosion and the brutal impact against the ground.
Despite the pain and confusion engulfing me, I know we have achieved something significant. We have confronted the enemy with courage and determination, defying the forces of darkness with our inner light.
As the smoke dissipates and silence descends upon the battlefield, I realize our fight is far from over. But we have edged closer to victory, closer to the hope we so desperately crave.
Or so I thought.
I lie sprawled on the ground, devoid of strength. Each breath is an agonizing effort, every heartbeat echoing like a funeral drum in my ears.
Attempting to move, my muscles are paralyzed by pain and despair.
Opening my eyes, I realize the tale has reached its end.
The monster, with its sharpened fangs and fierce gaze, seems to pulsate with a dark and sinister energy. Its presence overwhelms, like a shadow eclipsing the light, a darkness devouring all in its wake.
As the monster draws nearer, a chilling cold course down my spine. Thoughts blur, dissipating into the mist. Amidst the encroaching darkness, a clear image forms in my mind: Petra's face, smiling with innocence and joy.
"Petra..." I whisper hoarsely, her name laden with despair. "I love you... I will always love you..."
Tears well in my eyes, mingling pain and longing with inner fear. Silently, I seek forgiveness for failing to protect my family, knowing I won't be there for them when they need me most.
The monster looms over me, its gaping jaws like a voracious abyss ready to consume me whole. I feel it's hot, fetid breath on my face, a curse slowly enveloping me from within.
In a final act of desperation, I attempt to break free, but the monster holds me fast, as if intent on crushing me into the ground.
The pain is almost unbearable, yet I cling to the hope that perhaps, some miracle might spare me from this cruel fate.
Just as it approaches, I see the opportunity. I move my arm with all my strength and thrust my hand into its eye. When I do, the monster doesn't react, as if it doesn't feel pain.
But then, when I grab some kind of cord inside its eye, I see its reaction of pain. A scream, a scream that just hearing it makes my ears feel like they're going to burst.
"Cursed beast!" I pull with all my might, and its eye pops out of its socket, falling to the ground. The monster starts thrashing me everywhere, causing my vision to darken.
It tightens its grip, and amid my screams, I try to break free.
But I'm just a human.
The monster, with its jaws wide open, lunges at me with inhuman ferocity. In an instant, I feel its sharp teeth sinking into my arm, tearing through flesh and bone with relentless force.
"AAGGGH!"
A muffled scream escapes my throat as pain consumes me, a burning sensation spreading throughout my body like a voracious fire.
With horror, I watch as the monster tears my arm off, as if it were a broken toy, it no longer needs.
"DAMN IT!"
Blood gushes from the open wound, staining the ground around me a dark and sinister red.
But the horror has only just begun. The monster, with insatiable voracity, prepares to devour me whole, as if I were a feast it cannot do without. Panic and desperation grip me as I see it inexorably approaching, its eyes gleaming with wild and ruthless greed.
With a final sigh, I close my eyes and resign myself to my fate, letting the darkness envelop me in its cold and eternal embrace.
Yet, amidst the darkness threatening to swallow me whole, a glimmer of hope emerges from the darkness.
"Stop right there, monster!" a resounding shout pierces the air, cutting through the chaos and despair like a sharp sword.
Her silver hair gracefully waves in the air, as if dancing to the rhythm of the wind blowing around her. With each movement, her ice sword shines with dazzling intensity, reflecting the blazing determination burning in her eyes.
With firm and determined steps, she approaches the monster, her face serene but filled with unwavering determination. Her presence radiates an aura of power and bravery, illuminating the battlefield with a light that defies the darkness threatening to consume us.
Dressed in impeccable white military attire, her figure stands out amidst the surrounding chaos, a vision of purity and strength amidst the carnage. Her silhouette is elegant and powerful, her movements fluid and precise as she confronts the monster with unwavering confidence.
With a swift and precise motion, she wields her ice sword and cuts off the monster's arm in an instant, freeing me from its fierce grip and restoring a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.
Her intervention is like a miracle, a ray of hope in a sea of despair, and I feel deeply grateful for her courage and determination.
The monster recoils with a grunt of pain and surprise, its fury turned to disbelief at the sudden turn of events. Meanwhile, she turns towards me, her amethyst eyes shining with an intensity that seems to pierce my soul.
"Get up, Lucas!" Her voice resounds with authority and strength, infusing courage into my wavering heart. With a superhuman effort, I rise from the ground, feeling the throbbing pain in every fiber of my being.
In a matter of seconds, the monster's head flies off, and then it begins.
The battlefield becomes a scene of chaos and destruction as the imposing figure of Emilia moves with deadly grace among the remaining demihumans.
Every strike of her ice sword is a flash of light in the darkness, annihilating the enemies with impressive precision and efficiency. The monsters fall one after another, unable to withstand the overwhelming power of the general.
"Colonel! We are saved!" shouts a soldier with palpable joy, but my senses are dulled, struggling to comprehend what is happening around me.
The blurry vision gradually clears, and I discern Emilia's figure in the distance, standing out amidst the carnage like a beacon of hope in the darkness. Her courage and skill are unparalleled, and in a matter of seconds, the remaining monsters are reduced to nothing under her relentless fury.
The soldiers, who moments ago were plunged into despair, begin to smile and shout with joy at the sight of their savior in action.
"It's General Emilia!" they exclaim, full of gratitude and admiration for her bravery.
"Head to the base! Those who are able, search for the carriages and take the wounded to Irlam!" Emilia orders with a firm voice as she approaches me with serene determination.
Without saying a word, she places her hand over my wound, and a sacred relief spreads through my body as the bleeding miraculously stops. Carefully, she immobilizes my injured arm with bandages and ensures that I am as comfortable as possible.
"Everything will be alright, but I need to know, where are the others?" she asks with concern, her eyes full of empathy and compassion.
I can barely stay conscious, but I make an effort to respond before darkness completely envelops me.
"In the... Elior forest."
Darkness consumes me, but the last sensation I have is one of relief.
She has always been like this, the light amid darkness.