The Herb King

The battle outside Warmridge was still raging on. The human army was fighting with all their might and they somehow managed to stop the beast army from going further despite the large difference in number. This wouldn't be possible without the strategic positioning of the soldiers. On the other hand, the beast army continued their fearless charge.

They didn't even bother to resort to tactics and just used their overwhelming advantage in physicality and power.

At this moment, William was on the frontline, fighting with all his might. He was already beyond exhausted, but he never let go of his sword. The moment he lowered his weapon, the enemies would use the chance to eliminate him.

"Sir William, you should retreat and get some rest. We will take care of this position and hold it until you come back." Shouted an infantry soldier to him.

William didn't answer him immediately. He swiped his sword and killed the two savage beasts in front of him. "Alright. I'll get a few minutes of rest. Once I have rested enough, I will come back here. You guys better be alive when I come back." He muttered as he retreated with his subordinates.

"Make way for Sir William's crew! Don't let any beast touch them!"

William looked back at the fearless soldiers. He prayed for their safety in his heart. "Let's go. We should replenish our energy as fast as possible!"

"Yes, sir!"

"How is everyone?" He asked while looking at his subordinates.

"Everyone is alive, sir, but one of us is severely injured. It might take a few days for him to recover." A soldier said while pointing at the man who was being carried. The guy was unconscious and one of his legs was severed. There were also varying degrees of injuries in his body. It was a miracle that he was still alive.

William frowned upon seeing the state of the man's injuries. He then scanned his subordinates and was relieved to find out that the others weren't seriously hurt. "Bring him back to get treated. The rest of you will rest at the rear."

"Yes, sir!"

While they were retreating, he took out his communication device and called Aethelwolf.

A moment later, the call connected. "William, what is the situation there?" Aethelwolf's worried voice drifted into his ears.

Hearing this, William answered. "We are fortunate enough to survive. However, one of us is severely wounded. He can no longer continue to fight." His voice became serious at the end of his words.

"Is that so? Get him treated first. Once we return to the manor, he will receive a healing pill."

"Yes, Sir Aethelwolf!"

"We are still on our way. We should be there by midnight. You guys must hold on until our arrival."

"I will try my best, sir." William smiled bitterly. The situation on the battlefield was very chaotic. He didn't know when he would be attacked. He had to be on guard every second. Just a moment of carelessness would result in death.

***

"Sir Kenneth, we haven't spotted the Nascent Soul beast leading this beast army. Should we send a unit to search for this hidden leader?" Charles asked while looking at Kenneth. The two of them were hovering above the sky, looking down at the fierce collision of the two armies. It has been some time since the battle started, but the leader has yet to show himself.

This left them uncomfortable since the very presence of a Nascent Soul beast was a huge threat to their army.

Kenneth narrowed his eyes, searching every corner of the battlefield. "Just where is that bastard hiding?" He muttered in a cold voice. He then turned his head and looked at Charles. "I will leave you in charge of this place. I will call another Nascent Soul Esper to help me search for the beast army's leader."

Charles frowned upon hearing this. "Sir Kenneth, it will be dangerous for you guys to search by yourselves. This might even be a trap set up by those beasts. You must think it over."

Kenneth shook his head. "Our soldiers are barely holding back the beast army. We won't be able to maintain this stalemate with the enemy's overwhelming advantage in number. The only way for us to win this is if we can kill their leader!"

Charles was stunned. He didn't expect that Kenneth was actually planning this. Their initial goal was only to hold back the beast army until reinforcements arrived.

Sensing his astonishment, Kenneth patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. Even if there is an ambush, I'm confident that we can escape. Stay here and lead the army while I'm gone."

Charles wanted to persuade him again, but Kenneth had already left. Looking at his disappearing figure, Charles sighed. "I hope you return safely, Kenneth."

***

"I sense two Nascent Soul Espers approaching our location. What should we do?" Serena said with a serious voice.

"Oh? Are they finally getting impatient?" Kazak chuckled. This was within his expectations. He knew that the human army would soon collapse if they continued with this battle of attrition. "Gargan, Argent… I'll leave those two to you."

Gargan nodded his head, while Argent snorted.

"Do you want us to bring one alive?" Gargan asked.

Hearing this, Kazak shook his head. "There is no need for that. We don't need any hostage. Just kill them!" He muttered in a cold voice.

"Alright." Gargan grabbed the fuming Argent and left.

"That f*ck*ng lizard! How dare he order me around like his servant?! One day, I will kill him!" Argent was still fuming. As a descendant of an ancient beast, he was very prideful. He couldn't stomach the thought that someone was ordering him around. It hurt his pride.

Gargan shook his head in disdain. "Then why didn't you complain to him? You are all bark, but no bite, Argent."

Argent's face twitched at his words. "What did you say you stupid, old elephant?! Say it again!"

Gargan didn't respond and merely shook his head. He was too lazy to argue with him.