214 A World Built By Killers (2/2)

Again, they learned to say nothing and continue onward.

...

”Is something wrong strategist?” General Donghai's rasping voice rang behind her.

Rin stood in front of steps of the province training grounds, her eyes resting on a dead tree in the corner. No one could guess what was on her mind, nor did anyone who passed try as the aura was stiffening.

Shifting her gaze, Rin stared at the scarred general's face for a moment before looking back at the withering tree.

”Have you ever regret killing people on the battlefield?” She asked in a quiet voice.

The burned side of General Donghai's mouth twisted. ”No, it gives me joy to kill people.”

He didn't hesitate to answer. In fact, he sounded rather content with his words. Rin stared up at him with wide, disbelieving eyes, as if she couldn't believe those words had come out of his mouth.

”You don't hate it?” Rin glanced at him with raised brows.

General Donghai's face was hard to read. He took a long moment to consider.

”Hate is good as any to keep a person going, better than most.” He said in his deep raspy voice, and Rin fell silent.

Her eyes trembled, then she quickly looked away. This time her gaze fell not on the tree but the ground.

”Do my words upset you?” General Donghai asked.

Rin said nothing and clenched her fists. Her silence was enough for General Donghai to know he was correct.

”I hate to break it to you, but the world is built by killers. It's better to get used to it than trying to find some shitty peaceful route.”

”But what if there was a way to live in this world peacefully? To accomplish your aims without harming anyone?” Rin asked, her voice turning slightly more chilled.

”Have you worked to achieve your aims without killing anyone? Face it, we are no different from an emperor killing his family to stay on the throne.” General Donghai's voice was deeper and more powerful than any voice she'd ever heard before, and amusement flickered in its depths. Amusement at her, she soon realized with a raw burst of fury.

Within her heart, Rin was in turmoil and after hearing his words, it provoked her last thread of reason.

”I am not like them.” She coldly spat. He hadn't realized how close to home his words hit her.

”Of course you are.” General Donghai laughed. ”Everyone apart from children and some women are an exception. You've already crossed every line, and you're afraid of how far you'll go. No point in trying to hide behind that fact. I know fear when I see it. I've seen it a lot.”

Rin stared with wide eyes; her heart was extremely uncomfortable and filled with shame, so much that her clenched fists were trembling uncontrollably.

Each and every word he uttered pierced the dignity Rin held for herself. She knew she had already thrown so much away to come this far, but at the very least she hoped she could hold on to the last bit of her purity. Her ability to think peacefully.

In the end, General Donghai's words shattered all hope she had of fighting civilly.

She was no longer able to turn back.

”I...”

”Advisor Lan, General Donghai! A group of unknown men were seen coming toward the wall!”

Both Rin and General Donghai turned to the soldier before walking away to see the commotion. At the top of the wall, a cool breeze brushed against their faces. Rin's eyes fell upon the group of six men heading in their direction.

”Scraa!”

The moment Rin heard the sound of a bird's call and her eyes fell upon the bird above, a look of joy crossed their depths.

”Is it the enemy?” A soldier asked.

”No...” A smile crept across Rin's face and she looked ahead with bright eyes. ”It's our hope.”