Chapter 49: Too Late

Words : 1006 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 49: Too Late The villagers lined up along the road, kneeling and bowing their heads as they welcomed the impressive army. That was the Dalmasca way. The king had been overthrown twenty years ago, and now the country was run by a military government under the name of a republic. What the powerful in the capital wanted had nothing to do with ordinary people like Amal. Life went on as usual. All it really meant was that if you joined the army, you wouldn’t go hungry. As soon as the main force came into view, Amal ran out in front of the army. He quickly spotted Rex, who was hiding in the shadow of a building, out of sight. "Who are you?" one of the soldiers on guard called out. "My name is Amal, I’m a supply officer from the 12th Division. I have a report about the 12th Division." The army came to a stop, and Amal was taken to the commander. The commander was about the same age as Amal but he had a slender build, which was unusual for a soldier. His pale face was untouched by the sun and he had a neatly trimmed reddish-brown beard that stood stiffly. He didn’t look like a soldier who rose through the ranks by experience—he was more likely promoted because of his family background. "Give me your report," the commander said. A calm, authoritative voice spoke. Amal kept his head lowered as he earnestly explained what had happened: how the 12th Division had been completely wiped out after a massive horde of monsters emerged from the magical circle they had deployed, and how the circle was now out of control and extremely dangerous. "The monsters coming out of it... they’re the ones attacking this village," he finished, then looked up at the commander. "So, what do you expect me to do?" the commander asked. "The magic circle is dangerous," Amal said. "Please, I beg you—destroy it." But then the commander suddenly burst out laughing. The high-pitched, shrill sound grated against Amal’s ears. "So you admit it," the commander sneered. "You want us to destroy a fully functioning magic circle that’s actively sending monsters into enemy territory? With our own hands? You traitor—clearly you’ve turned against us! Seize him! Once we reach camp, he’ll be dealt with. Bind him." "Commander, please! The magic circle is dangerous! I’m begging you—please, please listen!" Amal’s desperate plea was ignored. Soldiers tied him up and chained him to the rear supply wagon of the army convoy. "Form ranks! Pick up the pace!" The order was relayed down the line, and the army resumed its march. Amal had no choice but to start walking, dragged along by the movement of the supply cart he was bound to. The vllagers looked on with pain and sorrow written all over their faces. "Amal..." "Mister..." But none of them could say or do anything. The fear of the army had sealed their lips. "Thanks for everything. Stay safe, all of you," Amal called out. He managed only a dry, weak smile to the villagers seeing him off. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Rex behind one of the houses, glaring fiercely at the army from the shadows. —Forget about me. Just get back to the fortress! Amal could only scream that silently inside his heart. It was like a scene straight out of hell. It felt as if the terrifying world of demons, said to exist deep beneath the earth, had risen up into this world. When the commanders saw the destroyed camp, none of them wanted to believe that the magic circle was the cause of the army’s destruction. There were dark blue and black stains and puddles like mud, but not a single monster corpse could be found. They decided that it must have been the Rosaria army that launched a surprise attack, and that the 12th Division had given their lives trying to protect the magic circle. The commander ordered both soldiers and mages to head to the circle. The mages were to inspect the circle to see if it was still working properly, and to repair it if it had been damaged. The soldiers were sent to guard it. The commander and his officers followed to oversee and command the operation. Then, suddenly, the ground split open and thick, blue-purple vines burst out all at once. Before anyone—mage, soldier, or commander—could react, the vines wrapped around them and captured them. Some troops had been farther away, cleaning up the ruined camp or preparing a new site, and they were spared from the first wave of attack. They rushed back with their swords drawn, trying to help their comrades. But they only met the same fate. Amal who is still tied to the supply wagon, couldn’t do anything but watch. "Amal." A voice called out beside him. It was Rex. He quickly cut the ropes binding Amal. "Is your leg hurt?" He must have noticed how Amal had been limping while being dragged along by the wagon. The pain was intense—his bones felt like they were grinding together—but Amal nodded that he was fine. "So that’s the magic circle," Rex murmured in a low voice, fear creeping into his tone. "It’s terrifying." "We can’t go back through the forest. We need to return to the village," Amal said. Rex nodded. Most likely, a massive wave of monsters would be heading for the village soon. They had to protect the villagers. They both climbed onto the horse Rex had brought, and rode off quickly, back along the path the army had come through. They hadn’t been riding for long when it happened. Boom...! The shock was enormous. The horse suddenly froze in place, then reared up in fear, throwing both Amal and Rex to the ground. Amal’s whole body trembled as he collapsed, unable to even stand. His legs had gone weak from sheer terror. He could only stare at Rex’s pale, frozen face, twisted with fear. ...

Chapter 49: Too Late

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