Mob no Longer

Ch. 3 | Front Line Struggle

I was too arrogant. Too foolish. 

Just because I'd seen this world in an Otome game didn't mean it was one. 

One full month had I spent on the front lines. 

I was given one mission and was supposed to return, but upon our many successes, the queen kept sending us on more and more missions until her order became to take over this rival country opposing Holfort.

The cruel grounds of the front line tested everything we were capable of. The war I sought looked like a dream in comparison with what I was seeing in front of me. No attachment to the concept of death could make me see things the same way. 

We advanced through a neighboring country with one month of preparation, barely any equipment, and scarce rations, and there I was. In the middle of it all, incapable of leading my troops to any form of glory or victory. Troops I brought with me. Troops I led to death's doorstep.

We trudged through enemy territory after a hard battle. We were outnumbered and with inferior weaponry.

It dawned on me my foolishness, my rashness. The queen had been right, I was far too young, too inexperienced to be in my position. We survived because of my eyes, the least I could do was endure a headache as my men treated their wounds. 

I stared down at the ground below. Brown dirt dyed red from all the death caused by my hands. All of the death, destruction, blood, flesh, and bone scattered throughout these cursed dirt lands was my fault. 

I kept sane giving my subconscious excuses. Talking to myself in my slumber. 

You've killed thousands.

I had to. They attacked first.

Their motives were righteous, their malice extends to wanting better lives. 

I fought for my country as well. I killed them because they got in the way. They want to destroy everything I hold dear! What I am doing is noble!

Is it really?

Caught in my thoughts, I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder.  Fergus dragged his tired feet through the dirt. "Are you alright captain?"

I didn't answer him, instead nodded and kept walking forward. 

I kept staring at the horizon. At its edges, I stared at several glowing lights. My eyes widened as a blue fog composed of glowing particles surrounded me and was sucked into the lights at the end of the horizon. 

"ENEMY AMBUSH! IT'S A MANA CANNON! SPREAD OUT!" I yelled, waving my arm. My soldiers ran away from each other. A flash of light went passed us, hitting the center of where we had been before. There was a loud explosion, then a strong shockwave. 

I fell to the ground.

My ears rang. I could see several black spots appear in my vision. My crash into the ground must have been more severe than I thought. 

Pushing myself off the ground, my head felt light. My headache came back instantly, splitting my head from the inside. 

Gritting my teeth I grabbed Caladbolg and unsheathed it.

"Gather together and prepare the strongest defense spell possible! They are using B-rank magic cannons!"

"Captain! Our Mage specialists are down!" Arthur yelled from one of the corners of our circle.

"Shit. Grab them and remember to stay away from each other! Form groups of two and no more than three! I see four cannons at best!" I yelled back, rushing toward the cannons on the horizon.