Chapter 89 Swordsmanship: Starfall (2/2)

”B-but we don't know this man...”

”You guys don't believe in our leader!”

Suddenly, another voice interrupted the girl. The mercenaries turned and found out that the voice belonged to Anne who was quietly standing by the side. Contrary to her usual joyous expression, her face was now ice cold.

”Anne believes in our leader. If leader says he can bring all of you out safely, he definitely can do it. Since you guys can't do it yourselves, then stop wasting time alright?”

”What did you say?!”

The thief was angered as she jumped and revealed two gleaming daggers in her hands.

”Are you looking down on us?”

”Anne is just telling the truth since you can't see it even if it is right before your eyes!”

Anne snorted coldly and raised her chin. The shield on her hand immediately glowed when she took a battle stance.

”If you don't believe me, then go ahead and try!”

As the conflict was about to reach its peak, like a bucket of ice water Rhode's cold voice drenched the two heated women.

”Both of you shut up and stop.”

Rhode's voice wasn't loud, but somehow after hearing it both of them couldn't help but tremble. Anne pouted and retrieved her shield. Since her opponent also put away her daggers, Anne also chose to stop.

”I'll say it one more time.”

Rhode's hand pressed against his forehead.

”This matter is already decided. All of you don't have the rights to refuse. I won't use Mr. Sereck to pressure you, but do understand that Mr. Kudla and I already agreed on this. If there's someone who is still unsatisfied with this decision, you can go look for Mr. Kudla. We can't afford to waste any more time right now, and if both of you do similar things in the future, then I will leave you behind to join the undead family.”

”...”

The atmosphere was tense, but fortunately no one else objected to Rhode's authority. Finally he could move on to the next step.

Both Sereck and Kudla had suggested to return using their path from before. But Rhode's plan was different.

”That's a foolish decision.”

Rhode said coolly.

”Why?”

Sereck stared at Rhode, puzzled.

”It's true that we're already familiar with that path, and if we returned from there we would be faster...”

Rhode then shook his head.

”... however, we won't be able to pass through the prairie again.”

”But when we came...”

”It's different from before.”

Rhode thought that Sereck's skill with his sword was outstanding, but as for his other aspects, he was still lacking in various areas.

Rhode waved his hand and explained to him patiently.

”Previously, I had carefully arranged our numbers before setting out and five Clerics were already barely enough to support the group. Now that we have another six, our formation would surely expand. This means that we have more ground to protect with the same number of Clerics. If they run out of stamina halfway, it would spell death.”

”So that's why.”

Sereck's eyes lit up after understanding Rhode's point. Kudla who was standing quietly by the side also nodded his head as if he was thinking of something. Then he asked doubtfully, ”So what should we do next?”

Facing his doubt, Rhode answered without hesitation.

”Continue to move forward.”

”What?!”

Both Sereck or Kudla were shocked. They looked at Rhode in disbelief wondering if they heard him wrong.

Oh Holy Soul... just to travel here was already so dangerous. Why would this young man want to press forward instead...? Why...?