Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 40.2: Save Kashi (2)

Lymar Village,

7.45 a.m. 18th Banem 1092.

Gloomy dark clouds hung over the quiet village. Heavy rain drenched the surviving centaurs, who were gathered at the mountaintop, staring at the frozen monster army. The beasts' presence caused a strange atmosphere to hang over the town, as they could not decide whether to celebrate their victory or prepare for war.

A brave centaur had attempted to cut down a monster earlier, but it instantly broke out of its 'trance' and defended itself. Even scarier, its cry seemed to awaken the others around it, but luckily, the centaur and his squad were able to kill it off before it completely roused its kin.

This led to the current standoff. The centaurs did not dare attack for fear of bringing about a disaster upon themselves. However, on the other end, they could not celebrate in good faith with hundreds of enemies at their doorstep.

Balasius stood at the forefront of the centaurs with the other generals, their expression as gray as the somber clouds. He hated this feeling. They had won, managed to survive, so what was this conclusion? Why were they forced with this twisted reality? Were they gods playing a practical joke on the centaur clan!?

Balasius was on the verge of letting out a loud roar, but Casetes suddenly patted his shoulder and then said as he pointed to the forests, "Hey Balasius, do you see that?"

Balasius, started, his heart quickening in fear. He prayed as he peered in the direction Casetes pointed. "Don't tell me it's more enemies. If they agitate these guys..."

"Don't think so," Casetes assured. "There's only one horse." The young general gave Balasius a snarky smirk, "You're getting old, Old Bal, you need to get your eyes checked."

"Shut it, kid. You may be a general now, but this old man can still tan your hide," chided the old general with a snort as he channeled ki into his eyes.

Casetes turned pink with embarrassment as Anatolia hid her chuckle behind her right hand. Casetes grumbled and then turned his attention to the approaching horse to hide his apparent shame.

"What!?" exclaimed Casetes, eyes shaking as he realized the horse had already reached the base of the hill. "How fast is that horse!?"

The centaur received his answer, as Drixlia charged up the mountain within seconds and arrived at the rear of the monster army.

Balasius' gaze shifted when he noticed the horse's path. "Wait! Sto—" the general started to shout, but the warning froze in his mouth when the most inexplicable thing happened.

The monsters which had remained frozen the entire time suddenly parted ways and dropped to the ground, laying their heads low in submission.

Balasius barely had time to process his shock when Drixlia suddenly arrived in front of him in a frantic gust of wind.

"Where are the shamans, Balasius-san!?" Shadow shouted, too agitated to care about courtesy. "Kashi needs their help!"

Balasius' heart skipped a beat as he stared at the daeben. He thought of the monsters' strange actions and dared to hazard a guess. "The enemy stro—"

"Taken care of," Shadow hastily interrupted. "Please Balasius-san, there's no time to waste!"

As if on cue, Kashi suddenly coughed up blood, and he began to spasm violently. Balasius' expression turned grave as he finally realized the severity of the situation. "This way!" the general shouted and galloped into the village with Drixlia in tow.

The general approached a heavily guarded, barn-like building near the village center. The soldiers on duty recognized Balasius, and after a quick word, allowed him into the building with Shadow and Drixlia.