Section Eighty-Four: Radiance x Guardianship

"They have broken through," Ling'er reported.

She was wearing a pair of glasses nearly ten centimeters thick and a headset with a thirty-centimeter-long antenna. While constantly adjusting the dials on her glasses and the angle of the antenna, she relayed the frontline battle situation to Lin Feirui.

"The weakening of the fence was effective, but the arrow towers didn't collapse. Gettini claimed he had people weaken and corrode them all beforehand."

"They dug up the chain-reaction traps we planted, but there's no way to bury them in this new camp... these two relocations destroyed many of the traps we had prepared."

"Black Sha hasn't made a move yet. The enemy's contractor doesn't seem to be directing from the rear; he's on the front line, standing with the soldiers. It's difficult to target him there."

"Right, the one in command is an NPC. He looks weak and doesn't appear to have any leadership skills. Should I notify Black Sha to move?"

"Understood. He is authorized to choose his own moment to strike."

"There's no word from Wright. He should be in position by now, but..."

"Red Lightning is using his crimson electrical discharge. Per the plan, he’ll follow up with violet and blue next. But he hasn't been able to push the line very far; the enemy's resistance is stubborn."

Lin Feirui leaned back in her seat, her expression calm, saying nothing.

Reports of the battle continued to pour in. Gelu followed the main force, waiting for an opportunity among the crowd. The soldier fought on the front line, covering the advance while killing over a dozen enemies, though he sustained several injuries himself. Dart used fireballs to attack the archers above, then shifted focus to the arrow towers, successfully setting one ablaze and destroying it. Charles still had not acted, nor had he sent further word. Zhou Suyan had completed her mission and withdrawn as instructed.

The rest of the team members were also fighting with all their might. At this point, no one was holding back their skills or generic points. Yet, there was no clear improvement in the battle situation. Despite the two breaches made, the enemy's resistance was incredibly tenacious; after half an hour of fighting, they had gained almost no ground.

"Impressive," Lin Feirui murmured softly as she watched the developments.

"Wang Luo's main force is still locked in a fierce battle with the Han army. There are no signs of them returning."

"Excellent!" Hua Kai said from the side. "If he doesn't return, we have an even better chance of taking this!"

Lin Feirui suddenly frowned. "But... I have a bad feeling about this."

"Don't worry." Hua Kai walked over to her and took her hand. "It doesn't matter if the attack isn't going smoothly for a moment. Haven't we had similar situations before? We always won."

"That's not what I mean." Lin Feirui hesitated. "I suddenly feel like it would be better if the enemy turned back to reinforce..."

"What are you talking about? Wasn't our plan to break their camp and rear while the enemy was out fighting?" Hua Kai looked at her in surprise. "Capturing the enemy's supplies, rations, and families to hand over to the main Han army will earn us the most generic points. What are you thinking?"

"No... I don't know. I just feel as if something bad is about to happen." Lin Feirui shook her head. "Forget it, I'm probably overthinking. The battle is raging, and I can't afford to be distracted by such things. Ling'er, still no news from Wright?"

"None. I'm trying to contact him." Ling'er adjusted the antenna again. "Still no response."

"Are you worried we won't be able to breach the enemy camp?" Hua Kai asked anxiously. "We've already invested all our generic points. If this doesn't work, then we really will be..."

"No, we will take it." Lin Feirui clenched her fists and bloomed into a smile.

"The previous ambush failed, but I will win. The surprise attack caused no losses to the opponent, but I will win. The enemy is powerful, but I will win. The offensive is stalled, but I will win. Even if I am fooled, schemed against, and all these little setbacks accumulate to cost me my entire fortune, it doesn't matter. The one who wins in the end will certainly be me."

"Because, this time, I want to win."

"Because I am the one favored by this world, the chosen one. Luck will always be on my side."

She stood up. In that moment, all charm and delicacy vanished; her figure stood tall and proud, like a goddess from legend.

---

The wind had picked up.

Watching the temporarily retreating enemy, Zhou Yingxiong wiped the sweat from his forehead, took the canteen handed to him by a soldier, and took a sip.

Around him lay many corpses—his own men and the enemy's, sprawled and mixed together. Armor and shields were scarred, covered in dents and bloodstains.

Who could say how many were the enemy's and how many were his allies?

At least they had managed to beat them back for now. Through the gap, he could see the enemy regrouping; they were likely planning their next charge.

Break out? No, there was no choice. They had to stay here, relying on the narrow terrain to form a defensive line. By protecting and depending on one another, they could defeat a superior force despite their smaller numbers.

Luck was on their side. The wind was strong, blowing from behind. It was refreshing. More importantly, the enemy had to charge into the wind, making it all the more exhausting for them.

Combat. His talent was suited for combat. Hadn't he heard Wang Luo mention it before? On the battlefield, between life and death, all the trivial pains of life fade away. In the constant cycle of fighting and killing, one can be reborn.

Was there anything more exhilarating than this? Protecting teammates while using them to protect oneself. Killing and striking at the enemy—not fearing them, but making them fear us. They were a single entity, orderly in formation, coordinated, and in sync. Relying on strict training and firm conviction, they breathed as one and shared a common fate, raising their shields together to ward off attacks, swinging their blades together to reap lives.

There was no time to grieve for fallen comrades; all they could do was eliminate the enemy to avenge them.

Was there any sound more beautiful than the enemy's groans of pain and cries of agony? This was what a warrior was meant to do, not hide in a rear camp transporting supplies, processing punishment lists, or arranging firewood and cooks. He would never do those things again.

Yes, he shouldn't keep catering to him; he had grown up. Though they were friends and he had received much help, it didn't mean he had to listen to everything. Their relationship should be more equal—he was excellent, worthy of knowing all the plans, receiving better treatment, and having more resources.

The enemy soldiers were charging again. The contractors mixed among them would use all sorts of little tricks. Hah! They had destroyed a few arrow towers, killed dozens of soldiers, and inflicted status ailments on a few dozen men. But on the battlefield, what use were these petty tactics?