episode_0026

Foolishly, humans are designed not to give up as long as there is even a small hope. Even in the most desperate moments, they have the habit of striving if there is a faint possibility of survival or success. Conversely, this means that when all hope has completely disappeared, it becomes a state where progress is impossible.

“Darn… How did this happen…?”

Gallad also had hope. In the past, when he was nearly killed by the guys from the Phibron Empire, he did not give up because there was a negotiation tool called the Holy Maiden, and he survived by defiling the Holy Maiden, and on every battlefield, he used his fellow knights and magicians who could be used like consumables to achieve results and save his life. He commanded from behind and fled when the situation became dangerous, repeating such daily life.

In the past, after almost being killed by Tekelloman, he always occupied advantageous positions and fought. Therefore, death was something distant and peculiar to him. But not anymore.

“Let me make a proposal. Promise to abandon Gallad, and spare the rest of them.”

When Macderas spoke, the expressions of those around him changed. In fact, Gallad’s reputation was not good among them either. Because in the battlefield where comrades died countless times, Gallad often came back unscathed without proper injuries. As much as he achieved results, he was promoted without being punished by the royal family, but that was more of a problem. Those who actually experienced Gallad would realize that he was only interested in his own safety.

Just as he carried out civilian massacres to attack Tekelloman advantageously, just as he pushed his comrades forward for his own safe retreat, his actions were so blatantly obvious.

Therefore, the knights are troubled. Whether to abandon the man in front of them and sacrifice their own lives.

“Let me ease your worries.”

As Macderas reached out his hand, five bright red spears descended from the sky and struck them down. In an instant, five men were killed. Soon, that energy was absorbed back into the red sphere.

“You have no chance of winning. This time, I’ll change the conditions. If you kill Galad with your own hands, I will spare the rest of you.”

Unbearable despair. For the men, Macdarras was such a presence. But just now, hope had arisen. In a situation where they could only survive by defeating a man with a power like an external disaster, the situation had changed to one where they could win if they defeated only the knight commander.

It didn’t matter whether Macdarras would really keep his promise or not. What mattered most to the knights of the Kaelorin Empire was that there was hope of survival.

“Ah!”

One of the knights charged toward Galad. Galad shouted as he slit the man’s throat.

“Attack… attacking the enemy! Treason in battle means immediate execution!”

Galad’s threats, which used to sound terrifying, had no effect at all. Facing a monster who had killed dozens, even hundreds, right in front of them, Galad’s swordsmanship was hardly fearsome. The mages and knights of the Kaelorin Empire began to attack Galad together. At first, he managed to kill a few, but soon he was overwhelmed and received one wound after another.

“Damn it! We are allies! Why the hell are you bastards doing this!”

The man who had abandoned his comrades lost his composure. The result was inevitable.

“Stop… please stop…”

Galad began to be pushed back, accumulating wounds all over his body. Blades pushed into his arms, abdomen, and legs from all sides, draining him of strength.

The sight of those who had once followed his orders, who had been allies, now using all their might to kill him, was more pitiful than anything else.

Tears streamed from the man’s eyes.

“Damn it!”

He cried out almost in a wail, and Macdarras went toward the man, causing the others to stop. The knights and mages of the Kaelorin Empire now began to fully obey Macdarras’s orders. It was the response of those who had learned that they couldn’t win and that if they didn’t obey, they would surely die.

“How do you feel?”

Galad, whose body had become a bloody mess, muttered without even wiping the blood from his bleeding lips.

“Cruel bastard… How could a person… How could anyone do such a thing… Do you know how many people you killed today?”

“They were people who deserved to die.”

“Don’t rationalize… You’re just as much of a monster as I am in the end.”

As Galad raged, Macdarras chuckled and said, “Is it because you think you’re going to die anyway? Your attitude has become quite arrogant. Begging for your life like a dog won’t save you.”

Afterward, Galad fell silent and crawled toward Macdarras. He was clearly begging for his life.

“You disgusting bastard.”

In an instant, Macdarras stabbed Galad in the arm, leg, and one eye with his sword.

Galad’s screams echoed across the battlefield, but not for long.

Macdarras ordered the knights of the Kaorelden Empire, who had been Galad’s comrades, “Kill him.”

In an instant, about a hundred knights surrounded Galad. With the sound of swords piercing flesh, Galad died.

…

After Galad’s death, no one spoke or moved. The only person with a choice on the battlefield was Macdarras alone.

“I said earlier that I would spare you. But I’ve changed my mind.”

As Macdarras finished speaking, the knights and mages of the Kaorelden Empire prepared for battle. However, he unexpectedly uttered another statement.

“In this war, tell me who has never attacked civilians even once. Who hasn’t killed them. I’ll spare only those people.”

“We haven’t killed anyone!”

The cries of numerous people could be heard. While waiting for Macdarras’s judgment, not just a few, but everyone claimed their innocence. A man asked Choi Ye-bin,

“Is anyone lying?”

Choi Ye-bin hesitated for a moment before replying, “They’re all lying.”

Macdarras was puzzled but did not doubt Choi Ye-bin’s answer.

“If you say so, then that must be the case.”

Suddenly, hundreds of blades shot from the red sphere in the sky.

Within 30 seconds, all the hundreds of knights and mages on the battlefield were dead. The only ones left on the battlefield were the knights of the Phlemya Empire and Macdarras’s group.

Macdarras asked Phlemya a question.

“How are you feeling? Relieved?”

“Yes…”

Flemya seemed somewhat uncomfortable. Macderas whispered quietly as he stroked her head.

“It’s not just about feeling relieved. You can’t help but feel guilty. If you don’t feel any emotions while watching countless people die, then you’re a monster. But Flemya, remember one thing: those people were fighters who faced death with determination. They may have killed others without remorse before, but this time, it’s their turn.”

After a pause, Macderas added,

“Because they died, the knights of the Phibron Empire lived. Civilians were able to keep their lives. In any case, the battlefield is ultimately a series of choices. Deciding whom to kill or whom to spare. The former is necessary, the latter is a choice.”

Only then did Flemya’s expression soften.

“I understand what you mean. I did feel some guilt, but I don’t regret what happened this time. Those people deserved to die, and I know it was the right thing to do.”

The fragile saint’s heart gradually grew stronger. Feeling proud of her, Macderas walked over to Tekelloman. As Macderas stood in front of him, Tekelloman bowed his head and spoke, using formal language to express his gratitude.

“Thank you. If it weren’t for Macderas, who appeared by our side like a stroke of luck, we would surely have all died. After we died, they might have followed the refugee procession and committed massacres. Thank you in many ways.”

Using formal language himself, Macderas looked at Tekelloman earnestly and spoke.

“The reason I helped you is not just because you showed kindness to Flemya, but also because I admired your refusal to give up your life for your comrades. My assistance wasn’t just luck; it was because I was impressed by your actions. So please continue to act as you do now. Even if you live foolishly, someone will recognize you someday.”

Tekelloman bowed his head, his voice choked with emotion.

“I will keep that in mind. Also, please speak more casually. It’s more comfortable.”

Macderas nodded and spoke, looking towards the territory of the Phaeron Empire.

“I will actively intervene in this battle. To do so, I need to make contact with the Phaeron Empire’s leadership. Going alone might lead to misunderstandings, so Teckeloman, through you as the commander, I would like to meet with them. Is that possible?”

Teckeloman, a highly esteemed magician, crucial manpower on the battlefield, hastily replied, “Of course, it is possible. I will also propose the reward to be given to Macderas. I will guide you.”

He turned around, and the knights behind him bowed to Macderas and then followed Teckeloman’s procession.

As I walked beside Teckeloman, he asked me with curiosity, “I’m sorry, but may I ask one question?”

“Of course.”

“It’s a fundamental curiosity. What is Macderas’ purpose in participating in this battle?”

It was because of Flimia’s plea to liberate the people and maidens suffering under the Kareldean Empire. In fact, in the recent battle, he ensured the survival of the maidens.

So what is the essential purpose?

Macderas answered briefly, “To end the war.”

Looking at the red sphere, he added, “I will end this war even if I have to kill one side entirely.”