The Extra Wants To Live

"Those who are afraid may run away! Those who wish to live may run away! However! At least do not drive your comrades who have been with you to death!"

Topal's voice, mixed with hot tears, was clearly conveyed to everyone even amidst the screams and cries. In the midst of the hell of Abigyuhuan, everyone felt a sense of shame that wrung their hearts at the cry of one person who had made a firm resolution.

They trembled as they turned away from their comrades, whom they had caught, knocked down, and trampled upon.

"I will fight the enemy to the end! For the people of this land who are isolated and dying there!"

Topal's voice roared like a lion's, his spear held aloft.

"Is there anyone who will join me?"

Silence greeted his call. Undeterred, Topal shouted again.

"Are you saying that there is really no one who will be with me?"

When no one answered, he encouraged them instead.

"Good! Then get out of here! Get out of this land, and make sure you survive and return home!"

"… … ."

He absolved them of guilt, shouldering the responsibility for their plight.

"This is all my fault for sending you to your death! If anyone accuses you of something, mention the name of Sahal Din Topal and deny your unjust punishment!"

Then, without hesitation, Topal turned and rode toward the enemy alone, shouting, "Topal is here! Sahal Din Topal is here!"

His lone charge, a figure in fluttering white with no armor, stood out starkly.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

Moved by his bravery, some soldiers reversed course, swearing as they followed him. Inspired by his courage and selflessness, their exhaustion faded, replaced by a burning resolve.

Though only 500 of the 3,000 reserves joined Topal, their spirits were unshakable.

---

The number of reserve troops running alongside Topal was pitifully small.

But that sight was enough to instill hope in the hearts of the fleeing cavalrymen.

"Support from our allies! Support from our allies!"

"Wow!"

"Turn! Turn!"

It was fortunate that they were so absent-minded that they didn't notice there weren't many reinforcements.

The vanguard of the fleeing cavalry stumbled and tried to circle back into formation. However, the elite cavalry that had originally led the charge fled late, were attacked by Carl's cavalry while riding in the rear, and were killed or fell off their horses. Now, the least skilled ones were in the lead.

"Follow me! Follow Sahal Din Topal!"

At that moment, Topal, in fluttering white clothes, passed by the inexperienced leader.

Upon hearing Topal's name and seeing his appearance, the leading cavalry gritted their teeth and ran after Topal's back.

Topal held his spear high and swung it around to indicate the exact direction and timing, controlling the speed.

"Turn around!"

"Wow!"

The cavalry, following Topal, made a sharp turn from the west to the center and charged toward Carl's cavalry.

Originally, it would have been possible to directly attack the enemy's flank and penetrate them, but Carl's cavalry was too superior to be easily overcome.

Doo doo doo doo!

The Hardion cavalry, which had been chasing the fleeing enemy cavalry, performed a turning maneuver without delay.

The cavalry of both camps made a large clockwise turn and passed by without colliding.

"This!"

The cavalry commander, Carl, suddenly broke out in a cold sweat as the enemy cavalry's movements became sharp.

The cavalry of the Tumarian rebels numbered over 3,000, while the cavalry of Carl pursuing them numbered only 500.

If they fought head-on in a relatively wide-open space, away from confined areas, even with differences in training, the six-to-one numerical disparity would be impossible to overcome.

If they fought, they would be completely destroyed.

However, retreat was not an option, as one mistake could collapse the infantry's encirclement that had barely secured victory.

Topal rode his horse and scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes. When he saw the infantry being surrounded and brutally slaughtered, he gritted his teeth.

"Commander! Where is the commander?"

Instead of charging straight ahead, Topal circled slowly for a moment, searching for the cavalry commander.

As he rode in a circle, his shouts echoed far and wide. A group of cavalry broke away from their ranks and rode across the circle toward Topal, his white robes fluttering in the wind.

"Sahal Din Topal!"

"I will divide the forces! You tie up the enemy cavalry! I will save the infantry!"

"Yes!"

As soon as Topal gave the order, the cavalry that had been circling in a large loop suddenly split into two and began to move.

One thousand cavalrymen circled close by, keeping Carl's cavalry in check as they waited for an opening, while the remaining two thousand galloped powerfully to relieve the infantry.

"Damn it! I have to stop it…!"

"Enough! There's no need to fight!"

The knights and soldiers in Carl's cavalry strengthened their resolve upon seeing this sight. Meanwhile, the commander retreated coolly, ensuring the enemy's advance was unblocked.

Topal ran hard to protect his infantry and the people he was supposed to defend.

Doo doo doo doo…! Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

A group of cavalry passed by Topal.

"… … ."

"… … ."

Topal locked eyes with the man at the center of the small group of cavalry.

Chandar, riding a horse and abandoning his palanquin with his entourage and guards, stared at Topal.

Topal closed his mouth with firm resolve and turned his gaze away from Chandar.

He ran forward with only one thought in mind: to save his people.

Meanwhile, Chandar couldn't take his eyes off Topal as he passed by.

A bewildered Chandar turned around, searching for Topal's white robes fluttering in the distance.

But Topal had already disappeared, hidden by the cavalry.

"… … Ugh!"

Topal galloped vigorously, biting his lip as he observed the movements of Carl's infantry.

Blood flowed from his lips, down his beard, staining his chest red.

Topal saw through Carl's strategy and read the shining path to victory more clearly than anyone else.

He was a renowned general, capable of turning a completely tilted battle situation around.

But it was too late. Carl had been too fast.

"Get in line! Prepare for impact!"

"Understood!"

Carl, who had been behind the infantry in the center, now led from the front, standing proudly in his red cloak.

Beyond the wall of soldiers, he sensed the movements of the invisible enemy and moved one step ahead.

"Nameless General of Tumaria! Surrender! The battle is over!"

Carl stood tall in front of everyone, shouting at the charging cavalry.

His sword, drawn with an eerie glow, and his fluttering red cloak inspired awe and fear.

Cavalry could do nothing against a wall of heavy infantry in formation.

Everyone who studied military science knew this.

But Topal didn't stop.

He bent down, holding his spear firmly against his side, and aimed at Carl.

His hood, blown away by the wind, revealed his gray hair fluttering wildly.

His black eyes, heavy with the determination to save his people, pierced through Carl's green eyes.

Despite their distance, Carl's voice reached Topal and his men, carrying a promise.

"If you surrender now, I will not kill your soldiers. I swear this in the name of Carl Feld Hardion, Grand Duke of Hardion!"

Topal rode hard, his black eyes locked with Carl's green ones.

When Topal finally reached him, the horse beneath him panted heavily.

Topal looked down at Carl, distrust and fear etched into his gaze.

Crunch.

Carl sheathed his sword deliberately so all could see.

Topal dismounted, panting heavily.

"Hoo, hoo, hoo… … ."

Relaxing his grip on his spear, it clattered to the ground.

"…I surrender."

Topal's voice, now worn out, sounded gentle and wise.

"Good. I will keep my promise."

Carl removed his gauntlet and extended his hand.

Topal hesitated but finally took it.

The battle was over. H