"Did you hear that?"

Airen rushed to Resarit's side, pointing towards the direction where Avi had departed, exclaiming, "The beast cries over there have grown increasingly intense. Your Excellency, if we delay any further, there might be peril ahead!"

"The boss is in jeopardy!" Rafe reiterated Airen's warning, clutching the shattered giant sword, his gaze fixed on Resarit with a menacing glare. "If you don't permit us to go to his aid, I'll cleave you open like a tin can!"

"I have accepted the captain's orders. He demands that all of us, including you and me, remain here and await his return."

With a brief pause, Resarit closed his eyes momentarily before reopening them abruptly. "Before his departure, he entrusted me with the role of acting captain, and you were all present when this decision was made. Everyone! Obey the command and hold your ground!"

"Damn it all!"

Rafe clenched his fist, ready to strike Resarit, but Airen intervened. Rafe glanced at Airen, the typically composed cavalry captain shaking his head in disapproval.

"If indeed this is His Excellency's decree, we have no choice but to comply," Airen reasoned. "Mr. Rafe, I share your concern for His Excellency's safety, but his deliberate issuance of such orders implies a calculated strategy. We ought not to interfere."

"What?!" Rafe's eyebrows shot up incredulously at Airen's words. He grabbed Airen's arm and exclaimed, "You, two-faced man! I thought you were loyal to the boss, but it seems you're no different! Fine, today I'll—Hey! Hey, what in the blazes are you doing! Let me go, damn it—"

Several giant swordsmen, following Resarit's signal, swiftly bound Rafe with ropes. Despite Rafe's strength, he was unable to resist their ambush, and soon found himself tightly bound, with a makeshift gag stifling his protests.

"This is the only way to keep you quiet, and regrettably necessary," Resarit sighed. "Rafe, you are an outstanding warrior, even a hero, but your adherence to discipline leaves much to be desired."

"Mmm... Mmm...!"

Rafe writhed on the ground like a trapped animal. His muffled protests were barely audible through the cloth, yet his expression betrayed his fervent belief that Resarit intended harm towards Avi, and by extension, himself.

"And you, Airen, do you also suspect me of betraying the mercenary group and plotting against Captain Avi?"

Airen remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I cannot say. Until His Excellency's return, I shall refrain from speculating, yet I am not quick to cast doubt either."

"Your belief in me is inconsequential, as long as—"

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Resarit's words were cut short by the resounding roar of beasts emanating from the mountainside. The cacophony of their cries intensified, the multitude of sources condensing into a singular direction, indicating the convergence of scattered beast groups.

"As long as you adhere to orders, that suffices," Resarit declared with a furrowed brow, listening intently to the beasts' cries before turning to issue commands to the mercenaries.

"Swordsmen, advance ten paces and form ranks here. Spear infantry, divide into two flanks and assume formation. Halberdiers, arrange yourselves in two rows to fortify the front shield wall. Archers, stand ready behind the formation, while cavalry take position behind the archers. Giant swordsmen, position yourselves behind the halberdiers."

Soldiers gradually arranged themselves into a 'mouth' formation according to Resarit's instructions. Then, Resarit personally walked into the formation to guide the soldiers in adjusting their positions and orientations, meticulously ensuring every detail. It wasn't until the mercenaries formed a nearly circular hollow formation that Resarit nodded in satisfaction, commending their efforts with a subtle smile.

"Next, marksmen, take your positions," Resarit commanded with authority, directing the musketeers and archers to the heart of the circular formation. He also instructed the giant swordsmen to join, ensuring both firepower and protection were optimally utilized.

Facing the enemy head-on stood imperial swordsmen and spearmen, followed closely by pike infantry. The infantry formed slightly dispersed formations, providing ample opportunities for the marksmen to aim and shoot with precision.

"The formation is ready. Airen, if anything goes awry later, lead the cavalry to harass their flanks and rear. I may not have time to relay commands, so exercise your discretion," Resarit instructed calmly, his confidence unwavering.

"Understood. But I must emphasize: no matter what orders His Excellency has left, I will never stand idly by while you place yourself in harm's way. Your safety is paramount," Airen declared with unwavering determination.

"I stand by you; act as you see fit," Resarit affirmed, his respect evident.

Standing amidst his meticulously arranged formation, Resarit observed with a sense of pride and satisfaction, akin to an artist admiring his masterpiece before the unveiling. Yet, this tranquil moment was fleeting, as duty called once more.

"It's the captain—!"

A mercenary's urgent cry pierced the air, snapping everyone's attention. Airen swiftly mounted his warhorse, his movements swift and decisive. Following the mercenary's direction, he spotted a rider approaching, his form wavering unsteadily.

"Your Excellency—!"

At the sight of Avi, bloodied and battered, Airen's veneer of composure shattered, replaced by an urgent determination. Like a thunderbolt, he charged forth from the formation, his steely resolve cutting through the chaos.

"It was futile to expect absolute calm from him," Resarit mused quietly. With a flourish of his sword, he signaled the infantry to create a clear firing lane for the central marksmen, a testament to his strategic prowess and adaptability.

"Take aim—prepare to unleash hell!" Resarit's voice boomed with authority, his command echoing across the battlefield.

Avi, barely clinging to consciousness, rode forth, his figure a beacon amidst the chaos. Behind him loomed three wounded Great Khans, their roars a cacophony of defiance, accompanied by a tide of relentless beasts.

"Your Excellency!"

Airen, undeterred by the impending danger, charged forth with reckless abandon, his sole focus on reaching Avi's side. With expert precision, he guided his mount through the chaos, his actions a testament to his unwavering loyalty and unmatched skill.

"Exceptional horsemanship," Resarit murmured with a hint of admiration. In that moment, as Airen and Avi veered away from the heart of the conflict, Resarit couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their unwavering resolve.

"Fire—!"