Forward! My First Conquest. (Part 7)

"Aaargh!"

"Help- *crack!"

"Ambush- splat"

"Captain- *crack*!"

"Who-"

Cold sweat drips from his neck as the sounds of his comrades in arms scream across his coms. For a week now this land has truly been cursed, not only do the beasts suddenly start migrating to the west, not even plants can grow as the sun refuse to rise beyond the dark clouds. His heart sank as he hold unto his crystals while he beheld the carnage of the once proud mercenary group.

"Jun, we need to retreat! Those mountain barbarians-"

*crash*

As swift and as silent it appear, its arrival brings forth air thick with the stench of blood and plumes of dust.

"Urgh..."

The silence is pierce by his dying comrade's groan, and the leader in the face of such might can only clench his hands with rage and despair. From the thick plume of dust, her long raven hair flows with the sudden gust of wind, as she releases his dying comrade she paints her mask with their blood as she trails her fingers through her mask. With the mark of a hand died with blood, the darkness in her eyes pierce theough her mask.

Amidst this act of barbarism and cruelty, the captain, a veteran mercenary given the blue plate draws his sword in an act of rage. Raising his sword high he silently vow to avenge his friends with every ounce of his strength. As he takes a single step, he can safely tell, through years spent on the battlefield he can easily discern that standing before him is but a monster wearing human skin. Unlike the previous 2 invasions, this time they must've brought their secret weapon.

(Muscle Reinforcements)

(Optical oversense)

(Increase Flow)

(Nerve Control)

Before his blade even swing down, he has casted myriad of spells to strengthen himself, this swift casting speed of modern spells despite not being a multi caster earn him the title of swift chant.

(Piercing Shot)

(Increase Flow)

(Greater Control)

With his new power he throws multiple knives with a sleight of hand. Laced with not only magic to change directory with a thought but also poison enough to kill even a monster 3 times his size. Despite all those efforts, the monster before him easily catches those knives with speed even his boosted vision cannot catch.

(Not yet!)

Pinpont the tip of the steel blades, he cast,

(Shock-

In that moment, he could see death, and in defiance he pulls his sword back but,

*pang* *smash*

The leader, a veteran mercenary can only see the dark skies. His vision seems to be half of what he used to. Half of his world succumb to darkness in that moment. Maybe he should've retreated during the first casualty, maybe he shouldn't be attach to his comrades so personally as a merceray, or maybe...

*step*

In the midst of his regret the dark skies becomes crimson. Those dim rays of light faded as he can only hope for peace in the afterlife.

*click*

*************************************

"This mask really can't keep up with my speed. It keeps falling."

(Maybe Seyong's mask is a bit different since it can transform and stuff... This mask can't even open the mouth part. Wearing a mask sure is a bother).

"Oh, he's still alive Gwishin nim? I guess that means you spared everyone. Honestly killing him would've been much kinder if you hurt him that much. Half of his face is mush."

*rummage*

Those words of concern would've have more impact if Heon wasn't rummaging through his pockets and taking his items for himself. I wipe the knives off its poison before burrying them saying:

"Heon, I know it might be important to you but can you not loot him?"

"What are you saying Gwishin nim!? Looting is absolutely neccesary when you showed him such mercy- Oh! This guy is packed with expensive gear. I could live for years if I traded all of his items for even the lowest value. It would've been better if you didn't destroy his sword, it's made of the same Runicium from those supply crates."

Maybe it is the different life that we live but maybe forcing Heon to change his ways is a bit unfair or forceful-

"Wait a minute..."

"Hm? What is it Gwishin nim?"

"Heon, let's make you into a proper Person."

"Huh? Where is that coming from?"

"You're going to soon become the leader of the Republic or Fam don't you think you should change your ways? The Republic will change too so shouldn't you be the bigger person too?"

Heon jolts as he react to my words, his hands stops but is still inside their pockets as he starts contemplating.

"W-Well when you say it like that..."

"Then stop looting his corpse- I mean, his body."

"But..."

"No need to be so upright, Dark Spawn."

"Oh? Harun Ssi did Kagan say what's next?"

"Yes, since you did spare all those scouts their lives will be yours to handle. But I can't in good conscious let a monster like you have your way so I do hope you don't mind letting us handle them instead."

"Uh, yea, sure. I was going to let them go anyways."

"Oh? Is that so? Either way, Heon Ssi, we're still going to split the spoils after we retook the base anyways. Rather than wasting time rummaging him, just tie him up and let the rear army handle them."

Heon seems to finally put his hands away as he ponders and hit his palm as he realize something. With a bright face he points at the sky shouting:

"Haha! That's right! Rather than looting the bodies myself, I should be the once ordering people to take it for me. Yes, how can I forgot the basics! Very well, servant girl, take the bodies and guard my loot well. Hurry, Gwishin nim, let's plunder and sack all the valuables before the other warriors. Conquest~!"

(That doesn't sound like what a normal person would say but...)

Heon grabs my hand and lead me forward the narrow passage, leaving Harun behind who's looking down at the fainted scout. More concerning is hearing such a young kid saying stuff bandits would say, I try to steer his path just a little better saying:

"Just make sure you at least spare as many as you can. I prefer not taking stuff like that."

"Then what do you prefer to take, Gwishin nim? We could be a one hit bandit who only aims for one specific item. Like my Hyung who only seems to take all kinds of honey."

(He really said bandit, and honey? There's honey here? And I'm curious why he only takes such an item, what did he use so much of it for? And as for me...)

Thinking back, I don't really have any hobbies to collect anything until now. I'm not so literate to focus on books too much like May, not so much a fan of cooking ot eating either like Aunt, I don't knit or sew, I try to not fight... To the death.

"That's... I guess I'll keep it to myself for now."

"What!? Come on, Gwishin nim! A Hyung must be able to send gifts to a family member! Do you want food? You seem to only wish for food ever since I met you."

"You're not wrong... Thinking back, all my clothes keep getting destroyed everytime I get involve in a major fight so maybe an extra pair of clothes would be nice."

"Hah! That's perfect! Once we go back to the Republic, we can make those fools the first target!"

"Whoever you're saying, I do hope we can convince them to join without fighting. You are supposedly the legitimate leader right?"

"If that was always the case, we wouldn't be so shattered. Those Hyungs are greedy bastards who would betray each other for peronsal gains! The nicer they are the worse of a person they are!"

"So I must be quite the suspiscious person huh?"

"N-Not at all! After all, you're not human Gwishin nim!"

(I wonder if I should just let them continue their belief? I mean I guess the more confused the better when I'm hiding?)

I look over Heon where the main force are marching towards Wenju whose walls now block the skies. I lift my hand and notice the ring on my finger. Remembering how this ring can act like some sort of tracker I can only wonder,

(Is Gangyi okay? Will she be able to tell where I am? Or I still haven't really figure out how to use this ring).

"Huh? Is something up there, Gwishin nim? I just notice but you wear a ring huh Gwishin nim? Is that like when you're alive or something? I didn't even notice it when I pick your body."

Heon seems curious as he tries to get a closer look, I bring my hand down replying:

"Not really, this is just a gift or should I say a reward for passing a trial."

"Trial!? Like the one inside a dungeon or some ancient ruins? That's awesome! What does it do? What does it do?"

Heon's attention is now fully on the ring as he grabs my hand and bring the ring closer for inspection. He lift my hand left and right as to check every scratch on the ring before he then look at me at the face saying:

"And what about that black headband? It seems to have some sort of rune or something. Is it a magic tool? I did see you wear it when you washed over."

I grab the headband and tug it replying:

"Not at all, just a gift from my mother. It's the only thing to remember her by."

"Ah... Well, sorry."

Heon seems to regret asking that as he lets me go and turn towards the mighty walls.

"Let's get our mind off the gutter. We're literally one stone away from Wenju. Come, let's show those fools what the Hangong Fam can do! No surrender!"

Heon runs ahead following the other warriors and I slowly follow suit keeping him at least in sight. The skies haven't gotten any better as dRk clouds gather. Crawling pass the stip and winding pass alongside the warriors, we finally emerge out of the rocky pass, only to be greeted by an unbelievable sight.

Stetching across the towering walls is a massive army already waiting for us. Compared to the disorganized gathering of warriors gathering before them, the armies of Wenju are disciplined and organized with percision. Unlike us who only comprised of infantry, the enemies before us have diverse variety of troops. From winged and ground calvary, each detachtment riding upon different beasts, rows upon rows of cannons line at the walls and rear, mechanical vehicles of war in air and land, each row different than the last, their metallic form still glisten under the gloomy weather. But despite that, our side doesn't seem to waver.

Our warriors keep pouring endlessly from the mountains, soon enough our numbers exceed the troops they have muster and the desparity continues to rise. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the defenders doesn't seem to flinch but starts beeming with confidence. Geom soon raises their flag of countless sword crossing each other, the soldiers then start bashing their shields and starts shouting"

" "KAL GEOM DO!!!" "

(Huh? Are they trying intimidate us despite having the disadvantage? I may not know war but isn't this just weird?)

*Bam* *Bam*

It seem their warcry have stir our side into action. Each tribe starts lifting their round flag, wach tribe bearing different emblems but all share a common theme, the triangle representing the mountains.

" "WEN!!!" "

" " JU!!!" "

(Woah... I did hear that there are flags that is not the shape of rectangle but this is the first time I'm seeing a different shape flag... Seeing all the tria gle and mountains I thought their flag would be traingle or close).

On our side, each tribes starts clamouring their weapons as they shout their chants in turns. The whole ground quake from their voice as the tension in the whole region is could crush my stomach with each shout as they seem to compete who can shout louder. Encountering such a unique experience from somewhere so close, I can only start wondering what kind of ordeal I will face when I leave this frontier.

"W-Woah, is it me or is the ground shaking?"

"That's just you feeling the pressure."

"What did you say? I can't hear you over those shouts!"

I pat his head reying:

"Never mind."

*tap* *tap*

"Woah, who?"

Feeling someone tapping my shoulders, I quickly turn around seeing Harun. After so long not getting surprised like this I could barely hold my hand back.

"(Fa- Lord Kagan wishes to see you. Follow me to the war gathering)."

(What the?)

Wondering what just happened as I hear Harun's voice very clearly despite such a commotion, I start picking my war wondering if something went in but Harun shakes her head replying:

"(Enough looking so stupid, this is simple thought transmission. One of the basics of qi every martial expert can learn. Don't make me repeat myself)."

"You can speak through the mind? Without magic? How come Sis never told me this..."

"(How should I know? Don't waste anymore time, the battle is soon to begin)."

Following Harun as I hold Heon by his hand to follow, we pass by a massive group of people tight below us as they clamour their weapons shouting their war chant. Countless flags rise from one place to another and just the sight of so many people seem to make my chest tighten. Similar to when I saw the armies battle at Meonbich. We didn't have to travel far before we reach the rear and saw a large group of tents being build by many more people. At the centre is the biggest tent and as traveling with them for a week, I can tell that's the King's tent.

"(We have arrived, I'll be waiting outside. Fa- Lord Kagan is waiting for you at the gathering)."

"Alright, let's go."

"Finally, my time to shine!"

Heon proclaims as he pulls his hand back and rush inside, brushing aside the cover as I see so many people gather at a circle. Just like last week, many of the tribe leaders of chiefs have assemble to discuss this with the King. Just like in the throne room, their presence are loud and boisterous but the moment Heon comes to their sense, they all turn and close their mouths. Heon seems to revel at their silence as he enters and walk up to the center where Kagan stands. Through the hearth of fire, through the thralls of rulers, they split for my path. The gazes those chiefs always give seem to be one of curiosity and anger.

"Haha! What do you need for my Fam? Give us the hardest task and let us show you why we're the real deal. A reminder to that spar last week!"

Kagan, don in full gear and prepared for war look like a titan compared to Heon who couldn't even reach his knees. His red gaze lowers to him before replying:

"I always admire your courage or lack of shame, little boy. I need not you but your companion."

"Grr... Fine, Gwishin nim. Remind him his place!"

"Right, right."

Walking right beside Heon and standing before everyone, I remove my mask for respect and look at the King. Feeling the wind brush my cheeks and the sound outside dampen I'm finally feel comfortable enough to say,

"Ah, that feels much better. Is there perhaps a change of plans? Or is Chwa-kin or kim is not at the base?"

Kagan shakes his head replying:

"You seem to have integrated quite swiftly, if I didn't have my powers I wouldn't notice."

(Oh? This is rare).

"Didn't think you would be engaing in small talks."

He shakes his head once again with even more force that his long crimson hair flutters left and right.

"There's nothing wrong with treating a good deed with good, even if the one doing it is a spawn of evil."

(I think I know where Harun gets her speech).

Kagan turns around and grabs a pole with a folded azure flag.

"Huh!?"

"Wha!?"

"No way..."

The whole gathering erupted with gasps and disbelief as I wonder what he want. Kagan holds the flag with both his hands before handing it to me with grace saying:

"Since you have proven yourself to be a great ally and saviour ever since you arrival. I wish to give you the honour of a flag bearer to the King of Kings."

"Excuse me?"

Caught in surprise by his sudden gift, I'm completely unsure of what to do before Kagan unfolds the flag to reveal his own emblem of blue dragon embracing two giant mountain.

"Will you do the hounour of the Madai? It means to be first."

"Oooh! Now that's the attitude I'm talking about! Take it, Gwishin nim. Let's lead by example!"

Heon shouts exitingly as he hops and Kagan sighs replying:

"Ignoring his rudeness, the little boy is right. To be Madai is to lead by example. I wish for you to start the charge and show the warriors the might of a true monster, this is my first gratitude."

(Oh? Does Heon know what this means? Well if this is suppose to be super important, I guess it would be rude to refuse such a generous gift...)

My heart seems to burn with passion at the sight of the flag, I soon realize deep down that this may be a chance for something bigger. Seeing Heon's excitement and the envy from the tribes, I put on the mask and accept the flag with both hands replying:

"Leave it to me."

*************************************

Two massive armies stood against each other, tension thickend the air not for the dark skies but the sheer volume of their cries.

" "KAL GEOM DO!!!" "

" "WEN!!!" "

" "JU!!!" "

" "OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!!" "

Both sides eager to intidimate the other unleash the chant of their homeland, their bellowing roar echo across the battlefield. A eerie symphony and most of all, a precursor to the impending clash.

Both sides have shown their tenacity with their voice. And this will be the 3rd time those Wenju barbarians decided to invade. But the bad news for this 3rd invasion would be the loss of the scout mercenaries he hired. Without them, they can't get the estimate for the enemy's forces, but before losing contact they did send out the highest emergency signal...

"How tenacious."

Watching over the battlefield atop the giant tower, at the centre of the walls is a man in his late thirties. With a unique sword that chains countless blades strap to his back, he walks with the sound of a revving engine towards the edge. His long coat flutters revealing his topless half covered with countless scars as he then holds his shoulders where their King have scarred him in the previous invasion, and his eyes burns with the fury of a thousand suns.

His officers watching closely beside him sees the man before them to be someone of not many words even towards his family. And to them the fact he called those barbarians tenacious shows how much of threat when he wouldn't utter any compliment for the kingdoms before them. But they have to agree, the previous battle that occur wiped out enough soldiers for any kingdom they fought to surrender twice and yet here they are bringing forth more to the field.

(Man... There's no way in hell I'm going to stay here any longer than I have. This is is really making my stomach bubbly. Why did Hak have to put me in charge of such a scary place!)

Despite his tormenting appearance, Chwa-kin, one of the 7 blades of Geom is quite the opposite character.

"Lord Chwa-kin nim, should we call upon Lord Ka-Jung nim from Undam? He is the closest King's blade."

Chwa-kin jearing such suggestion turn his head with sharpened eyes. Seeing such reaction the officer walks back replying:

"I'm sorry for my words!"

(That's right, ain't in no Hell I'm dealing with that dude. All the king's blade but him! I'll take any aspiring blade over him!)

Another officer not trying to make the same mistake tries with,

"Or maybe we should request for the air force? We have pretty much finished conquering the north."

"..."

His gaze becomes sharper as he turns around and the officer seems to realize his mistake as he quickly continue saying:

"I'm terribly sorry! I have stepped out of line!"

(That's right! Do you think I would ever talk with those Heaven folk? That's why I don't stay in the inner palace of this citadel. I could barely stand in the same room when they visit much less directly asking or talking to them. Plus, I already have a hard time being suddenly given this position and so many people just wouldn't accept it even when I forfeited. They keep thinking that those people I refuse to fight are not even worthy or something).

Seeing his own officers trying to comfort him, Chwa-kin at least feels grateful for their good will. He looks back at the 3D projected map the phoenix have given them. At least one of the many good things they got is the advancement of magic and technology. From being a underdeveloped nation exploited for blood and money, we have become an Empire who have conquered half the peninsula with the Heaven's mandate in but a few years. And soon that title will grow to a peninsula.

Gathering before them are wave of Warriors from the east, so they will mostly comprise of Fire and Water mage or martial artist. Seeing their numbers on the screen, their bumbers have already reached 5 digits and it isn't stopping. Everyday we have to deal with constant small raids from the western tribes that got cut off from the east where the King is, and if not them then it's the eastern tribe's massive coalition lead by their king.

(This is no different than spending time in the furtherst frontier. Do they grow on trees or something? If only we could ressuply as fast. While their numbers may outnumber them 3 : 1, their main problem isn't their number or strength but their tenacity. Those mountain warriors just wouldn't surrender, compared to how there are 1 surrender for every 3 deaths fighting the northern kingdoms, these warriors have a surrender rate of a unbelievable 1 for every 500,000 deaths, five hundred thousand?! They just wouldn't surrender which lead to needless slaughter and sacrifice.

In fact, that one surrender is their King who has to retreat twice and servants who didn't escape in time. The problem is the fucking time, commitment, and morale we have to deal with burning piles of corpses of not only elders but kids as well. Their absolute zeal is beyond fanatical that they brought child soldiers! But I suppose that is why Hak calls them the Ancient Guardians of the Peninsula...)

*grip*

Chwa-kin tighten his fists as everyone can feel anger building up inside him. They may not know the real reason why, but they know that there's regret to his gaze, and those officers who followed him is right.

(With each blood spilled by my special blade, the more regret I have piled for killing my own kin. Much less people who are defenders of our land, the guilt is slowly giving me a death by thousand cuts).

His gaze then change towards the tunnels in the city and one officers steps forward shouting:

"Don't worry Lord Chwa-kin nim! My special squad have already booby trap all those tunnels and sealed it tight. Nobody's going in or out of there."

He starts to loosen his anger and feel another emotion rising. Realizing how someone need to use both redundant honorifics no matter what language when adressing someone of greater being, he still and will never get used to it as he was always in the same place m. Seeing such a genuine attempt to help, Chwa-kin nods at his effort and the officer clasp his hand shouting:

"It's an honour!"

"Hahaha! It seems your escapade is quite the spectacle as always Sword Master nim. Huup!"

*crash*

(Oh, did reinforcements finally arrive?)

Landing on his feet, a giant figure crawls out of the metal floor after his grand entrance. Wielding a bastard sword as thick as a normal person, he drags the sword and lift it over his shoulders with such strength no normal person can do without any special powers.

(Me and my stupid mouth... Maybe I should've just accepted calling Ka-Jung for help despite the aftermath).

Standing arrogantly before one of the King's blade could be mistaken for an old man if it wasn't for his baby face. With smooth and round cheeks despite his bulging muscles, he is one the brightest future of Geom, one of the aspiring blades,The Unstoppable blade Po-Tae...

"Heh."

"Hoy..."

Chwa-kin cracks a smile at the newcomer and it seems the mighty blade doesn't take his reaction too kindly as his spiky hair flutters fron the excess of his qi.

(Pfff! Po-Tae, this brat definitely came from the same region as me with such a name. Well, I guess we could get along).

"Hahaha! To think you would get mock after meeting each other. How shameful~"

"Mm..."

*swoop* *flutter*

Two other notable figures gracefully lands close to them. Unlike the massive swordmans before them, these two blade seekers are the opposite. A small minx with such a wicked smile, she carries six blades on her waist hiding it under her armoured tail she wraps like a belt. The other girl is small, meek, and serene, a complete contrast to the rough people standing before her.

The armoured blade, Sun-Yun is supposedly a beast-kin of the pangolin variety. Her body alone have exoskeletons made out from overlapping black scale and her long disheveled black hair makes her seem like she has many layers of armour.

The last would be the silent blade, Haneul. A young lady who isn't even 15 and the youngest person to be given the title of blade, with smooth long green hair that shows she's from the south west, she is one of the few people those benefactors shown interest in and she didn't dissapoint when she took her title from the previous silent blade.

(I guess the reinforcements are not bad but...)

Seeing no one else coming up here anymore, he finally realize those three are it. Chwa-kin eternal stern face starts to get worse as his scowl goes even lower. Po-Tae the mighty blade looks down at Chwa-kin with a huge smile saying:

"Hahaha! Don't look so mad, Sword Master nim. Are you afraid of us taking all the glory? Well, keep getting angry if it means we'll be the new 7 blades soon enough. Hahahaha!"

(This fucking brat... It was just 3 years ago being the King's blade was an absolute shame. Now everyone's cutting for it, Heaven sure is scary. But their arrival doesn't really make the situation any better. We're completely fucked. I thought they would send at least another King's blade but they sent in this cocky brats instead...! Haaak!!! Send me out of this place!!!)

*shiver*

"!?!?"

"...?"

"Hoh?"

"What's this?"

As if called upon by fate, the four blade seekers walks over the edge to sate their curiosity. As if called upon by fate, they turn to look at the centre with strengthen vision or tools where the warriors behave strangely. They finally stop shouting their hymns and turn to look at the new arrival. Splitting apart and making way for a single individual, those warriors starts cheering louder.

" "WEEEEN...!!!" "

" "JU...!!!" "

She can hide her strength amongst the countless torrents beside her, but the strong can tell, that masked girl with long flowing raven hair is an absolute monster similar to their current king. Donning layers upon layers of crimson robes and white mask marked by a bloody hand, she holds in her thin arm a massive flag twice her size. Chwa-kin who have face these warriors countless times can easily guess who she is and what her position is.

Turning around, Chwa-kin raise two fingers and swings them down in a downward cut, signalling his officers to stop taunting and get in formations.

(Haaah... I keep complaining but I still stayed in the end. Is this why you keep exploiting me Hak Hyung?)

"All units, battle formations!"

"Mages, start the strengthening mass ritual!"

"Engineer squad, start pumping those war machines!"

"Artillery squad, reaim!"

"All fire teams, get into positions!"

Orders are being shout left and the 3 newcomers pick up the situation and start preparing themselves. But as they don't have much to prepare other than unsheating their blades, they continue to watch this mysterious new figure. As she raises her round flag up to the sky, the wind flutters to reveal an azure dragon embracing two mountains. Slowly she walks forward to the forefront which surprises the warriors as well before she pushes the flag forward shouting something, turning all the warriors into demons as she follows the side by side.

*WOOOOOM*

Their war trumpets burst through the battlefield and the barbarians charge following behind her. Surprised by this act of leading by example, the soldiers start to tighten their formation and the range artillery behind them take this opportunity to aim at their leader of possible.

*Boom* *Boom* *Boom*

At the same time those war horns signal the battle, all the smaller cannons and artillery start unleashing their payload while the traps inside the fortress all go off simultaneously. The barbarians have start their assault and they're coming in all directions. Not only from the walls but some brave warriors start coming down from the sides, going down using tough cloth and wind magic to glide across the steep canyons. The whole city erupted like fireworks as the whole place lit the whole dark days and spew fire upon the enemies.

*Crash* *Boom* *Clang*

Waves upon waves of artillery rained down upon the helpless barbarians, but just like a worm those small holes are quickly plugged back and more take their place. Thanks to those artillery, the first line of soldiers receive the mass blessing and brace for impact, and just in time as the barbarians finally arrive crashing against the first bulwark. The second invasion was able to be repelled back thanks to these cannons and Chwa-kin knows the enemy won't fall for the same trick, and he's right. As the flagbearer approach the barricade, she raises her flag and,

*Clang* *Clang* *Clang*

A massive purple barrier emerge from the skies and shield the barbarians from the incoming shells by turning those steel rain to dust. Not only the enemy but her allies as well are awestruck by such a display such magic by herself. Chwa-kin is impress by her might but all is still under his expectation.

(While rare there are mages out there who can perform mass ritual by themsleves but that alone won't change this tide of war. And she nust've spent most of her magic for that).

Chwa-kin gives the signal to unleash one of their secret weapons given by their benefactor.

"Bring out the Heaven buster!"

From the order of one officer, a part of the mighty bastion walls fold open revealing a mighty cannon easily 10 times the size of the regular artillery. Just like the ane implies, this massive cannon is design to shoot down any massive ships from Heaven. Only being able to move with the help of rails and heavy machinery, this gigantic weapon takes up more than a quarter of the entire wall. All the personnel inside the massive war machine starts loading their most powerful spell and special munition to their strongest cannon, soon the wall's largest artillery starts aiming down the mighty fortress.

"Holy! How can a weapon be that big!?"

"And it got quite the name to boot."

"Nn!"

The three aspiring blade look at the mighty weapon with both awe and fear while the barbarian's flagbearer seem to realize the predicament as she looks between the barrier above and the cannon before her.

(A bit of an overkill but I do need to end this soon).

Before she could form any plans chwa-kin lunges his arm forward shouting:

"Fire!"

*BOOOM* *Quake*

The mighty cannon's roar shook the entire battlefield,

*pang* *shatter* *BOOOM* *Quake*

And as the sound of the cannon reach the barbarian's ears, it has already shattered the shield given by their leader and smash into where she stands. The whoke ground beyond the barricades quake as the plates shift and cause the surface to rise and crumble where the barbarian stand. With a single shot, they have pretty much not only cut half of the forces charging the gate but also change the terrain to suit the defender's favour. As the tall cliff above the canyon beside the city cracks, many boulders starts to fall upon the Fortress, and most fortunate is with such a quake many of the secret routes made by the mountain tribes have caved in causing many casualties from their side and limiting their options. Chwa-Kin smirks upon the favourable outcome.

"Oooh! As expected of Lord Chwa-Kin."

"Everything is going according to what you said!"

" "Kal Geom Do!" "

All the officers cheer at his feat. This is all going according to Chwa-kin's plan. He have consulted, studied, and observe the terrain around the city before planning the shot. All this time, the barbarians have always held the terrain advantage but this time they will play by their rule. A thick plume of dust rises from the ground forming a massive pillar of sand and smoke. A ring of fire burns around where the shot landed and a massive crater is formed right where their leader once stood. The land surrounding the crater have becomes unstable and uneven, and even worse the uneven terrain have form some sort of a natural barrier that funnels all warriors to travel one way towards the first defense line, turning them all into a fish into a barrel if they wish to continue.

Po-Tae seeing such might from a machine can only have his mouth left agape, Sun-Yun instinctively wants to shed her scales as she can only imagine what if that thing point at her, while Haneul starts to look at her sword with doubt. Such a display of might cause many of the barbarians to stop their charge and look back, ruining their momentum and changing the tides to the defender's side. Chwa-kin satisfied with what he sees turns his back from the front. His coat flutters from the warm winds as he commands:

"Clean up the mess-"

" "OOOOOHHHH!!!" "

" "GWISHIN!!! GWISHIN!!!" "

*Rumble*

" "WEN!!!" "

" "JU!!!" "

*Rumble*

"W-What the hell!?"

"Did I see things right? Po-Tae, please tell you eyesight is bad."

"Like hell it is!"

"Uuu..."

Hearing the opposite reaction and fear from the aspiring blades, Chwa-kin's turns his attention back as he walks to the walls and look at the situation. Instead of the wail of defeat and hopelessness, the barbarian warriors erupted in cheers causing both Wen and Ju mountains to tremble and the earth beneath them to shake. Chwa-Kin's eyes widened as he finally see why.

Emerging slowly from the pillar of smoke, a silhouette carrying the royal flag steps forward from the center. Part of her mask shatters revealing her glowing golden eyes, her raven black hair seem to turn golden as her right sleeves burned away revealing her thin pearl white hand holding a massive blown shell half her size. Such an unbelievable scene causes some of the officers beside Chwa-kin to fell on their knees as they wonder what kind of monster could not only survive but catch such a powerful blast.

This time, as the officers of Geom is in a daze, the barbarian flagbearer assumes a stance. Putting her left feet forward, she plants the flag to the fround, pulling the arm holding the shell back and everyone soon realize what she's about to do but refuse to believe it. A bright purple glow shrouds the shell in her arm, imbuing the projectile with her unknown power.

*swoosh* *Pang* *BOOOOM*

Hurling the shell like a javelin, she returns the favour back by blowing up the barricades upon the first defense line and creating a massive breach. Her ridiculous display of strength blown away the fire surrounding her and clears away all debris as she then raises the flag.

" "GWISHIN!!! GWISHIN!!!" "

The barbarians seeing the signal immediately charge once again with even more zeal, running over their own kin under their feet just so they could reach the walls faster. The monster this time raises her flag before the walls and,

*woom*

A massive magic circle appear beneath her,

*crackle* *crackle*

"Impossible..."

Chwa-kin mutters in disbelief shocking not only his officers but the aspiring blades as well. The possibility of magic may be endless there's a limit a living being could manifest. For one, is the distance and size of the magic cast by a single person is limited, that's why there are mass rituals done by a group of mages to surpass that wall. There are cases where individuals like an archmage can cast super spells, here that monster is doing the job of a mage company by herself over and over again like it's nothing AND possesing the physical strength of a one man army.

On the hand that grabbed the Buster Shell, she summon a sword. The four blades of Geom soon understood the taunt as she then lift the sword to the sky and call upon a bright purple pillar that reach the Heavens. Taking one step forward, she soon dashes towards thebwall, briging the sword to her shoulders while the magic circle follows beneath every step. Everyone comprehends her action but simply can't accept the absurdity of it. The speed she displays surpassess their expectation as she soon reaches the second defense line isolated from her nearest ally, she jumped above the barricade and soon,

*SEVERE*

"Woah!"

"Jump!"

"Mmm!"

"Chwa-kin nim!"

Not just the whole second line was breach, but the whole defense line and even more absurd, she have cut open the mighty walls of Wenju and split the Heaven Buster with a single swing. The 4 blades of Geom barely dodges her strike that destroyed the tower from where they observed the battle and that's when he realize what her attack does.

"Haha- ahack! Sorry drinking buddy, I'll be the first to take the shot. Please, take care of my wife..."

One of Chwa-kin's closest aid, an officer he have worked with since his academy days lays dead on his feet, with half of his body missing and black cracks slowly spreading through his upper half steadily turning his body to dust. Those unlucky enough to be hit by her attack turns to dust as if the Heaven's have ripped their souls from their bodies, leaving no traces of their existence behind. Chwa-Kin went on his knees to hold his dead comrade, wondering when did it go wrong.

With such a large breach, the barbarians pour in like a unstoppable human wave. Many defenders outside the walls whose morale is completely crushed by such inhuman might throw down their weapons and flee on their feet or with their steeds while some desperately hold their ground. Those atop the walls even stop aiming their cannons and start fleeing the scene only to be hunted by the gliding warriors who have sent in their next wave of divers, now even the whole city slowly delve to melee.

*clench* *grit*

Seeing the whole table being flip over by a single person like this, anger boils Chwa-kin to his core as he regrets underestimating his foe.

"Haha! The Princess is an absolute beast! Let's not waste the opportunity she has given us!"

"I doubt anybody can win her favour anymore, but that doesn't mean we won't stop trying!"

"Drive these bastards away from our home! Show them what happens to those who dares bare their fangs to Wenju!"

" "Yes, chief! We obey!" "

More and more gliding warriors descend to the walls and open a new front to fight. With many of the officers dead, the last piece of his friend crumbles and slips past his fingers as he wonders what face is he making. Sadly, he cannot stay silent, Chwa-kin grabs ahold of his magic coms shouting:

"Don't be discourage! We still hold the upper hand! The enemy can only still funnel in through a single path. Break through their rear and seal the path to isolate their vanguard."

Multiple warriors close in on Chwa-kin, he grabs ahold of the sword on his back and revs the hilt.

*vrrrrrooom* *slash*

His chain sword roars with fury as he slices all his assailant in half with a single strike. In a display of savagery and might, their blood splatter acorss the floor like butchered animals. In the midst of this chaos, some of the surviving officers approach him in desperation.

"Lord Chwa-kin nim! The situation is dire! We can't hold on any longer!"

"The soldiers are desserting in mass, we need to do something!"

"The barbarian horde are coming in from all directions, and our huge battle seems to have attracted some movement from the West mountains!"

"The residence of the city have started another revolt again, they're all trying to reach the gates! Our forces at the front are being pincered!"

(So the one desserting are the soldiers and not the mercenary? How laughable).

Chwa-kin raise his hand trying to calm the officer down before he bring the coms closer again saying:

"Tell the blade singers and black swords to gather in the inner city, form a last defense perimeter with our core army. Also take any surviving officer and send them to the artillery team to bring back order and reorganize their ranks. Time is off the essence now go."

The officers surprised by how much he speaks but understand the situation clasp their hands shouting:

" "We obey!" "

As the officers leave with contingents of Headquater guards, Chwa-kin looks over the darken skies. Mountain warriors continue to pour down from the top of the canyons while the warriors led by that monster will soon reach the gates.

"Swordmaster nim!"

"Po-Tae! Wait!"

The three aspiring blades who survived that massive strike reconvene near Chwa-kin. Po-Tae rather than scared seems to have fire burning under his eyes as he arrives dragging a dead warrior shouting:

"Haha! How lucky am I to face such an adversity. Swordmaster nim, let me be the one to face her!"

"Don't be absurd, Po-Tae! There's a limit to your stupidity."

Sun-Yun comes after Po-Tae slapping his back as she arrives with limbs kf countless warriors stuck to the swords to her tail. She slowly removes the body parts asking:

"It seems we're lucky to arrive for this battle. Do you perhaps have a plan for this Swordmaster nim?"

Haneul arrives wiping the blood from her blade as she walks upon a trails of beheaded corpses. She holds her blade with new determination and looks up to Chwa-Kin anticipating for an order.

"Mm... Order."

(Hoh, I guess this kid might be even more quiet than me).

Seeing the younger heroes keeping up a nonchalant attitude, Chwa-kin tries to calm down as well before answering:

"For your orders, Po-Tae I will give you the opportunity to be the last defense line to the gaping hole left by that monster. Sun-Yun and Haneul, you both will support the pincer attack to cut their leader from their path for retreat. And in case this all fails..."

Chwa-kin look at the inner palace of Wenju that is fighting and shpoting the gliding warriors. He then look down over to the monster pretending to be human before saying:

"We have our own monsters to unleash."

Chwa-kin walks to the direction towards the city, he grips his blade tightly saying:

"And besides, she's not the only one who have surpassed human limits. Just like the previous 2 invasions, this will be no different, they will all fail once again."