Vol 5 CH Extra 2 (2/2)

Die–

The other side yelled out at the same time as we did. Their drums resounded in beat with the troops’ roars, making them seem ever more impressive and fearsome.

This is, this is probably my last battle right.

Yaaaaa– I yelled out as I charged into the enemy with my troops.

In the next instant, both sides clashed. But even from my position in the center, I could see that our troops were surrounded.

Our numerical disadvantage is so severe that even when we meet them head on in the plains, we are almost half-surrounded instantly huh.

Forget it! Yaa!

I threw out all stray thoughts and thought of myself as an ordinary soldier as I raised my blade and killed all surrounding enemies.

However, I was keenly aware that we were losing very quickly on every front even though I was embroiled in battle. Every time I killed an enemy soldier, my troops would get slaughtered. Every time I wanted to advance, my troops would get pushed back.

Only then did I realise how powerless I was.

Ah… Perhaps I should have surrendered then. But I really couldn’t say it in front of Xuan De.

At the very end, I wanted Xuan De to see my most confident self.

“My lord’s troops are being surrounded! Pull back our right wing!”

An unknown general yelled out at me. But my hands were full with killing enemies and I really didn’t have the leisure to bother about much else.

“Tell Yuan Rang and Miao Cai to save her!”

“Both generals are embroiled in the chaos and can’t pull out!”

“What about the others?!”

“We’ve lost all contact with them!”

After killing another 3-4 soldiers, I pulled up my horse and turned back only to find that I was deep in enemy territory. Hu Chi, Ren, Hong, and everyone else are all gone.

“Yaa!!”

*Neigh*~~

Wu!

All of a sudden, a nearby enemy slashed at my horse. I couldn’t dodge in time and fell off my startled horse.

As I fell to the ground, I saw the surrounding enemies closing in for the kill.

Ah, this is where I meet my end huh.

And so, I closed my eyes–

— Meng De, watch out!

In the next instant, I hit the ground and pain came from my head. I felt dizzy as well and realised that I wasn’t dead yet.

*Dang* *Dang*! *Ding*!

I slowly opened my eyes as the sound of clas.h.i.+ng weapons filled my ears to see someone standing before me. This person wasn’t tall nor was he well-built. His figure was also unsteady but at this time, he seemed bigger than anything.

“Meng De, are you alright!”

That person yelled at me, and I found his voice very familiar. I blinked away the tears from pain and only then did I recognise who he was. Apart from some blood on his face and a set of plate armour, he didn’t differ much from when we met yesterday.

This person was someone very familiar to me.

“Xuan De!” I cried out in surprise, “Why are you here!”

I was very surprised and shocked at seeing the person before me, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Not only that, Xuan De was actually smiling at me.

“Meng De never thought I’d be here, right!” He smiled as he continued to cut down the surrounding troops, “I ordered Zi Long to bring my troops to Xuchang, and gave my position of Imperial Uncle to Yun Chang so she can act in my place.”

“What are you talking about!!” I yelled at Xuan De as rage filled my heart, “What have you come here for! What good will you coming to my side do?! You have more important duties to fulfill!”

“So Meng De can make this sort of expression huh.”

Eh?

I was throwing my temper at him but he still smiled at me.

“But… Why?” I said as I looked at him with a frown. “Why, have you come here to find me?”

Hmph.

Swords, glaives and halberds filled my field of vision but all I could see was Xuan De’s dazzling smile.

And in his smile, I saw myself.

“Because you’re Meng De.”

When I heard Xuan De’s words, I couldn’t help but to take a deep breath. His words didn’t make sense and I didn’t know what he was trying to convey but for some reason, I felt very emotional. As I looked at Xuan De before me, tears began to fill my eyes.

“Meng De! Now isn’t the time to be sitting around.” Xuan De continued. The surrounding troops were increasing in number and it seems like Xuan De can’t hold them off for long.

… Xuan De you idiot.

“Eh? Meng De, did you say something?”

“No, nothing.” My heartstrings tightened and I leapt to my feet and stood beside Xuan De as I wielded my weapon.

Looks like we’re completely surrounded.

“Xuan De, since you’re already here, then be prepared to die with me!”

“I came here with that very intention!”

… Hmph.

In that case–

“Xuan De! Let’s charge!”

“Oh!”

…

Now that I think about it, this is probably the first time, and also the last, that I’m fighting by Xuan De’s side.

Sometimes I wonder, what would it be if Xuan De and I were just ordinary peasants in a countryside village?

But, we can’t help ourselves.

All we can do, is hope that we can meet in the next life.

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