39 First huge battle

~

Soldier cheering*

"General Anderson is here guys!"

"We are saved!!"

"Sob* Sob* I am lucky to be placed at the back of the formation."

"Hahaha come on, now that he is here, we are unbeatable!"

Anderson got down from her horse and hurried to the commander tent. She knew that the other captains and general wouldn't listen to the order coming out from Jason thus she quickly rush here after protecting Amanda from harm.

Initially, she had given up returning from the battlefield after she got attack by two strong demons. Lucky for her, she got summoned by Raul. She is grateful but seeing how Raul was smiling and talking to her without worry made her stop and start to think about her situation.

Without hesitation, she decided to retire from being the general. There are too many risks, she rather dies to protect Raul than the kingdom. Her priority has slowly shifted as Raul is powerless to leave by. Many friends and soldiers that she knew had died protecting the kingdom.

Previously she would have to torture those that have different mindset other than protecting the kingdom. But after treated kindly and lovingly by Raul, it is her first time her heart is satisfied. Her emotions too have changed, she doesn't get mad at every little thing anymore.

Now that she thinks about it, there were various situations that she could solve the problems without screaming at the soldiers that had done something wrong. Her perspective of view has slowly been broadened thus the danger of being promoted is something she needs to avoid at once.

~

"Princess, part of their forces is retreating, and we do not know why."

"Sent out the scouts asked them to follow the retreated members. There isn't enough information. Too much at risk."

"Oh Anderson, welcome back. I see you manage to escape from the battle from harm."

"Greetings Jason, it was a close call. Anyway, how's the preparation for the battle upfront."

"Not good. There are few that can hold on much longer. The killing intention from the monsters and demons this time is different."

"That's what I thought… They even attacked the palace."

"W-What!? Is Amanda alright?"

"Worry not Princess. Princess Amanda was the one that saves the palace instead. Her magic circle that placed all around the palace building was used exceptionally well thus no one got killed on our side."

"Anderson, when exactly did you reach back here? Hahaha, you manage to step to the palace to show your face to your dear Raul I supposed?"

"… Jason, it's a misunderstanding, we can talk about that later. As of now, let's get rid of the monsters that are glaring at our soldiers, shall we?"

"Go ahead. I'll go check out what is the status for the evacuation of the citizen."

"Thank you, Princess."

"Wait up Anderson!"

Anderson suddenly turned around to face Eliza.

"Oh? What's wrong Anderson?"

"?"

"Princess, I have something personal to say. Permission to tell you."

"Do continue."

"After this battle, I will retire from the army."

"WHAT!"

"..! Did something come to mind Anderson?"

"Yes Princess, I worry about Raul. Even though he is staying in the palace, I can't seem to find myself at ease if he is not beside me."

"…"

"Sigh* I knew you would say that sooner or later."

"Eh?"

"You escape huh? I was about to promote you to a commander and serve me by my side though."

"The commander is retiring too?"

"…. I intend to force him to retire."

"…" x2

"That's not important anymore. Go and defeat our enemies."

"Right away Princess!"

"Hahaha, now that's what I would like to hear!"

Anderson and Jason rush out straight towards the battlefield. The rest of the allied soldiers just stood there dumbfoundedly while looking at two of them rushed towards the massive number of monsters and demons that were staring at them full of killing intentions.

Only after a couple of seconds, one of the captains got out from his daze. All the soldiers were tired and demoralized from feeling the huge pressure coming down on them but after seeing the general that he admired, and the acting commander was rushing towards the battlefield alone he felt that all hope for not lost.

Raising his voice, he immediately sent out his orders. Arrows and bolt of different element started to appear towards the battlefield. Soldiers are shouting "For the kingdom of GWENDAL!" while the monsters kept on growling.

That is how the battle started.

"ARGGGHHH!!! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY RA… THE KINGDOM OF GWENDAL!"

"… Raul is fine isn't?"

"I'm trying to make build up. Don't disturb me."

"…"

The clash is overly loud breaking as Jason jump in between the monster and using his unique power as an area of effect to damage the surrounding monsters work magnificently. Bodies of monsters were splattered everywhere, it was loud and gore, but that is what Jason wanted to do.

He pauses as he awaits the call.

"HOORAYY!!"

"DIE BASTARD!"

His intentions have worked well in his favors. The soldiers, no matter new or veteran had managed to gather up their courage and is currently rushing in to join him in battle.

No matter how strong both, they are only human. Without backup, they would either tire themselves out or they could be easily surrounded and could end up as a smashed watermelon themselves.

Anderson and Jason quickly jump back up from the monster formation.

They await and charge alongside with the soldiers that had gathered up enough courage. It is relatively bad that the soldiers didn't form their formation to counter the monster. They aren't sure what the captains of the squad are doing, but they could not afford to stop the soldiers now.

The more they delay, the higher the chance the soldier's courage that they are currently showing would dim down. The initial charge was great but during the one on one fight between the monsters and the soldiers.

They could easily see how badly beaten the soldiers were. It was chaos. This is a result of a battle without formation. Every person for himself, rather than a battle of wits, it's like looking at two monsters slashing at each other.

Every second a lot of lives were lost. Just a glance Anderson could see that the humans were losing the battle. They might have caused massive lives to be lost but he wasn't down but are focusing on the present.

If they do not do anything, the soldiers that he had trained so hard would all be wiped out. Most importantly, the chance of him being able to retire might be revoked. In turn, made him look and try to find something that would save them.

"!! The monsters aren't moving forward."

Anderson is shocked to realize that the monsters are not pushing forward even though they are winning. The soldiers were the ones that are currently throwing their lives on them. Immediately, Anderson sounded the retreat alarm.

Jason quickly turn towards the sound, he didn't expect Anderson, the general that rarely retreat during the battle against the monsters would be the one that makes the call. Jason already knew that the soldiers would lose in the battle, even if he had a second chance he would do it over again.

That is part of the reason why he could be the acting commander. Ruthless but the ability to achieve the goals is the priority the losses are secondary. Jason was about to overwrite Anderson sounds of retreat, but after seeing Anderson perspective of view, he himself got taken aback.

"So, Princess is making the right call in trying to make you the new commander. Well, there goes her chance of having a powerful aid beside her. Should I join the army in return?"

There were confusions to be seen across the battlefield, but after hearing Anderson screaming of retreat, the soldiers all heed the call and quickly back off.

Anderson sigh seeing piles of bodies of his soldiers lying dead on the ground. He can't blame anyone except himself. For not knowing that the monster is ordered to station on the spot thus they could have made a choice to let the soldiers rest rather than going towards the trap itself.

It is partly not their fault for making the wrong call. It was the first time that such a situation has appeared. Monsters don't think. They are known to be ruthless and violent. They look down on any weaker being than they are, even their kind.

It was their first time, encountering monsters that were forcibly controlled by the demons. Little did they know that the demon is panicking on how to answer their possible demon king that told them to pull back their troops.

Haa? Humans? What's that?

That's what they wanted to say but after hearing that they might be punished by their lord. They tremble…

Shaking and shivering…