"That's your responsibility, Captain Madden."
"Well said—" The veteran of the November War couldn't help but look deeply at Brand, feeling a bit strange. It was as if this boy knew exactly what he was thinking, always hitting the right spot with his words. Like someone coming up to give you a stage just when you want to sing a play. He couldn't help but think that if this boy switched professions to become Your Majesty's fool, he would definitely have a bright future.
But heaven knows, Brand had thoroughly understood his personality.
Thinking about these things, Madden had already stood up and commanded in a deep voice, "I order the Buqi Guard Team to assemble here and prepare to execute the breakout plan!"
The surrounding atmosphere became solemn, and then the guard team members stood up in unison.
Madden then turned around and said, "Zeta, go inform the villagers and ask the men among them to gather. Now it's time for the men of Erune to protect their homes and families—"
Zeta was stunned and turned back, "Captain?"
"What are you looking at? Are you scared to death? I'm telling you—now is the time to fulfill your promises. Young men of the Buqi Guard Team, before dawn, we will launch a breakout attack on Madara's vanguard. I estimate none of you will survive, but that's okay because the villagers of Buqi will carry our heroism out to the world and tell everyone—we are fearless and have fulfilled our duty."
From Brand's perspective, the veteran's gaze swept over every face, his expression solemn: "My former commander often told me that dying to protect others, without losing honor, is the fate of a warrior. Now I'm passing these words unchanged to you, hoping you will remember this honor—"
"So, go and do what you have to do. Breson, I want you to lead the remaining villagers in breaking out from Dagger River Beach. There's only one requirement, do you understand?"
"I understand." A gloomy light flashed in Breson's eyes, but he bowed his head in response.
"Great." Madden nodded, "You, and Frey, both of you. I require you to immediately join the Buqi Guard Team as militia. Do either of you have any objections?"
Frey quickly shook her head.
But Brand nodded amidst everyone's gaze, "I have objections."
Madden was stunned, "Speak," unable to help but look at Brand, "but if it's about being cowardly or afraid of dying, you can roll out of here right away. The Buqi Guard Team never accepts weaklings and cowards."
Low laughter came from the surroundings, but surprisingly Breson remained silent on one side. Brand looked back at him, feeling puzzled, but then his gaze fell on Roman, remembering the words from the merchant girl earlier.
"I've never seen them. Since I can remember, my aunt was always by my side. Aunt said, 'Little Roman, when you grow up, you must repay Aunt well!'"
"So you wanted to become a merchant?"
"Yes."
"That's a strange thought."
"It's okay—"
Brand smiled slightly and raised his head. "Captain Madden, your decision is not wrong from Buqi's perspective, but have you forgotten one problem?"
"What problem?" Madden was even more confused and increasingly curious about this boy.
"As the buffer line of Ridenburg, the Buqi towns have always acted as Ridenburg's early warning outpost. If we choose to leave now, Ridenburg will find itself in what situation without any alert? If we can say we've fulfilled our duty in that case, I think not."
Brand spoke eloquently, but the others' expressions gradually changed. He was indeed right, just leaving like that wouldn't mean they've fulfilled their responsibilities. If Madara manages to break through Ridenburg's defenses, then the Fanmir-Ridenburg defense system could be in jeopardy.
This could lead to all of Golan-Elsen Region falling under the Undead Army's assault. Thinking of Madara possibly attacking down to Brags City, these young people couldn't help but be momentarily speechless.
But what can they do?
"We've already done our best."
"Under the circumstances, we can only do so much."
"It's not we who've abandoned Ridenburg, but Ridenburg that's abandoned us!"
Madden tightly stared at Brand, knowing this young man wouldn't speak without having a solution.
"Indeed, I happen to know a way to break out to Ridenburg. Although the chances are slim, it's better than nothing." Brand spoke, as if squeezing the air from his chest, and exhaled heavily.
He looked back at Roman again—the future Miss Merchant was lowering her head, gripping her bag in rare unease.
"Which way?"
"Xavier Mountain Path."
Madden couldn't help but gasp. He searched his memory but instinctively avoided that place. He couldn't help but want to warn Brand, asking if this young man knew the dangers there—that mountain path was in the southern Belredo Forest, crossing Yu Song River Valley, near Erune and the Barbarian Forest border.
Just beyond that valley to the south was the boundary of civilization, an endless wilderness. Since The Year of the Howl (L.350), no one entering that valley had ever come back alive.
It's said there's a dragon in the valley—
He thought launching an attack on Madara might still hold a shred of life-saving potential, but sending people there would be like sending a meat bun to a dog. He couldn't shake this deeply ingrained thought.
"That's a dead end, young man." The veteran couldn't help but shake his head.
"Fulfilling duty doesn't require success, just effort." Brand replied.
"But I can't send my young men there to die recklessly; that's irresponsible. A warrior should honorably die like a warrior."
"It's okay." Brand answered, "I'll go."
A dead silence fell.
"What, say it again?" Madden was dumbfounded.
"I'll go."
"Why, the Buqi Guard Team's duty has nothing to do with you, young man. If you merely want to show off, you'd be better off joining us." The veteran couldn't help but ask.
"No, I'm not showing off." Brand turned to look at Roman and smiled, "I have my reasons to go; other reasons are secondary. So Little Roman, would you like to come with me—"
"Brand?"
Roman was stunned, looking up, her face full of surprise.
(PS: Thanks to all the classmates for their strong support. Hu Po's collection is still not enough. If you think it's good, please help to promote it, thank you!! -v-/ ;.
This is the only chapter for today. I'll be going home at noon.)