Chapter 95

"--- Charge!"

It was the perfect moment. While shock still swam in everyone's eyes, Matia's voice shook the surroundings.

Immediately, the allies' war cries echoed as if they had been waiting for this moment, and they roared to tear through the disorganized enemy vanguard.

Supporting the front line were the knights of the Emblem Faith and a few surviving Elven soldiers, no more than a hundred and fifty in total. Each and every one of them, armed with spears and swords, charged at the enemy, whose numbers likely exceeded a thousand.

At this point, it didn't matter whether they were Elves or humans. Under the command of the Holy Maiden Matia, the revolutionary army, seizing the opportunity, was leveraging the advantage of the road to suppress the enemy's elite forces. Everyone understood that this was their last chance, the final light to clear the path.

I couldn't help but let out a sigh. It was wonderful, truly wonderful.

I knew that Fiarat had once summoned rain and storms as part of her tactics. Even if it was only localized, the power on the battlefield was immense. A single weather condition could even change the course of history.

However, I had never seen her cause such a flood. My throat felt like it was burning, my arms were covered in goosebumps, and my chest was filled with excitement and unease.

Here, in Fiarat La Borgograd, I saw a glimpse of her genius, which filled me with excitement. However, this also brought unease, as the enemy had not completely collapsed.

Now, the battlefield was at a critical juncture. The enemy had concentrated a large number of troops at the main gate. Naturally, the forces on the side roads would be thin. Our front line, though severely damaged, had not yet been annihilated. The enemy's fangs had not yet reached the rear guard where Eldis was hiding.

If we could hold out here, there was a chance of victory. Conversely, if we were overwhelmed by the enemy's elite forces and the path was opened, it would be over. The rear guard had no strength left to withstand the enemy's assault. In one blow, our allies would collapse. This was it, this was the place.

Now, our allies were desperately holding on, gritting their teeth and fighting with all their might against the overwhelming numbers.

Sadly, numbers were absolute. No matter how we used the narrowness of the road, the enemy numbered over a thousand, while we had only about a hundred and fifty, and that number was dwindling.

I could clearly see that we were being pushed back, little by little. My eyes naturally caught sight of the palace where Lagias should be, at the front of the front line.

My right hand had no feeling in the fingertips. Fortunately, my legs and left hand still worked. The strength that had drained from my body had somewhat recovered after a brief rest.

One deep breath. Three shallow breaths. And finally, one deep breath.

With my left hand, I gripped the precious sword that had slipped from my fingers, putting extra force into my little finger to ensure it wouldn't be knocked away again.

"Surely you don't intend to rush into that mess and act like a warrior with just one hand?"

My shoulder twitched. It was Celia's voice, not her usual piercing tone, but a quiet one.

"Of course. As long as I have one hand, I can still eat bread."

I showed her my right arm, which hung uselessly from my body, as if to say that the pain was something I was used to.

I didn't think I could contribute much to the battle, but I couldn't just stand by and watch.

Besides, I didn't want Celia to be here. If she stayed behind to guard me, it would be meaningless.

If Fiarat was the mistress of the sky, capable of controlling the weather, then Celia was undoubtedly the mistress of the battlefield.

Her long sword cut down all enemies, and her presence on the battlefield drew everyone's attention. Her overwhelming individuality and bravery inspired and encouraged the entire army. She was once called the Goddess of War and the Knight among Knights.

Here, too, we needed the Goddess of War to work her magic, especially in such a situation. I didn't think all my predictions and readings of the battle would come true, but at the very least, I had a basic understanding.

Now was not the time to waste Celia as a bodyguard. That would be like throwing away a trump card.

Besides, I didn't need a bodyguard. A bodyguard is for protecting someone of value.

Shaking my uncooperative right hand, I told Celia this.

I expected her to respond with insults like "fool" or "idiot." But I believed she would still join me on the battlefield in the end. I knew she was a wise person.

However, her response was quite different. Suddenly, her silver hair brushed against my nose, and I was pulled close with a force that seemed almost brutal.

"--- Don't push yourself. Please, stop hurting yourself."

Her voice, whispered in my ear, made me realize she was trying to tell me something. I was about to say something like, "This isn't the time for that," or try to brush it off with some excuse.

But no words came out of my throat. Her pleading tone left me stunned, my eyes wide and unmoving.

I could feel Celia's fingertips digging into my back. It was a strong grip, but it also seemed to be concerned for me, unlike her usual forceful manner.

She said "please." This woman, Celia, who seemed to have never said "please" in her life, was asking me.

Emotions surged through me from my toes to the tips of my hair, leaving me speechless.

Stop. Please, don't say such things. Her words resonated more deeply than any insults or threats. Just those few words.

"--- You stay here. Relax. I'll bring back everything that can be called victory from the enemy."

Her tone had returned to her usual self.

Commanding, with a hint of arrogance. It was the Celia I knew. Yet, for some reason, my heart accepted it so easily.

I used to always react with defiance to her high-handed words.

"But in return, swear this. No matter what happens, I will return with victory in my sword. So, you must not put yourself in danger. Stay safe--- and trust me once in a while."

"We are comrades, after all." With a twisted expression, Celia pulled away. Her whispered words still echoed in my ear.

What is she saying? Trust me? This woman who once trampled me, belittled me, and told me my life had no meaning.

I understand, I know. The Celia here and the Celia Bardonic I traveled with are different. But I couldn't help but think that her core nature wouldn't change so easily.

I respected her noble spirit, her extraordinary efforts, and her strong will to uphold her principles.

But to trust her nature, deep in my heart---

A mix of inferiority and lingering fear of her, which had been buried deep in my heart, swirled together like mud, settling in my gut.

For a moment, I hesitated, then I collapsed onto the road, my legs giving out.

"--- Sorry, my legs couldn't hold out. This body can't just stand up easily. So, what--- yeah, I'm counting on you."

I said this, slightly averting my gaze. Why was I feeling so embarrassed today? I couldn't even look at Celia's face.

But I heard a voice that sounded like she was suppressing a laugh.

"--- I'll take care of it. Watch me, I'll bring back enough victory to satisfy you."

Her back, heading towards the battlefield, looked strangely reassuring. How inspiring it was to see a hero move forward.

Celia would undoubtedly accomplish everything. No matter what happened on the battlefield, victory would be waiting beyond the enemies she cut down with her sword. I had to believe that.

--- So, it's not that I don't trust you. Sorry, I'll explain later.

As her back disappeared into the battlefield, I whispered these words silently in my heart.