Chapter 31. Subjugation
After wrapping up the meeting, Ji-hyuk headed back to his quarters in the late afternoon. The corridor was already silent. With departure set for dawn the next day, everyone had turned in early for the evening.
Ji-hyuk walked down the hall with steady footsteps, then noticed someone standing by the pillar next to his bedroom door. It wasn't Yael or Grace. He took a few more steps before realizing who it was—Bella, the healer from Elraim's team.
Ah... She spotted him and hesitated for a moment before approaching slowly. A gentle, pretty smile curved her lips... but there was an uneasy glint in her eyes.
"You must be tired from the late meeting...?"
"This is nothing. ...But why are you waiting?"
"Oh, no, just... um..."
Bella chewed her lower lip, dragging out her response. Ji-hyuk suggested they step into his room for a bit. She nodded faintly. She seemed anxious that someone might overhear them in the hallway.
They entered the bedroom. The air inside felt cozy, unlike the corridor. He offered her a chair, but she waved it off, saying it wouldn't take long.
"What's up?"
Finally mustering her courage, Bella handed Ji-hyuk something—a small sun-shaped ornament. He grinned widely and thanked her for the gift.
"What do I do? I don't have anything prepared. ...I'll make it up to you next time."
The healer started to say it was fine but held back. It felt better to grasp any thread connecting her to him, even like this.
"They say it's a lucky charm. It wards off curses too..."
"Yeah? Thanks. I'll keep it on me."
"...Yes."
Bella couldn't help the smile spreading across her face. They'd exchanged brief greetings in the big city of Niger Song last time, but this was their first one-on-one in a year and a half. Not seeing the man she had a crush on for so long had been torture.
She wanted to stay with him longer, but she had to leave for tomorrow's sake.
"Well, good night then. I'll be going."
"Yeah, you too. Sleep well."
Ji-hyuk spread his arms lightly and approached Bella. They shared a gentle hug. His embrace felt so warm and comforting that she wished time would freeze right there.
Bella soon left the hero's bedroom. As the door clicked shut, she let out a shallow, lingering sigh.
...Actually, she'd planned to confess her feelings to him today. That she'd liked him for so long. But in the end, she couldn't muster the courage.
...No, maybe she'd vaguely realized it. That he was already far beyond her reach.
Bella walked slowly down the corridor, head bowed. Even after giving him the gift and hugging him, her heart felt strangely bittersweet and sad.
...I love you, Ji-hyuk. I love you. From long ago until now...
But those words remained trapped in her chest today as well.
The subjugation force departed the mid-sized city at the crack of dawn. If the Demon King's army had marched on this place called Labro, they might have prepared for a siege defense, but the enemy had veered off course. It was clear they intended to avoid a siege war.
Ji-hyuk hadn't expected them to take the hard road anyway. If those idiots had charged headlong into a siege without a care, he wouldn't have made it to the 15th loop.
"How far are they?"
"Two days' march and we'll see the Demon King's army."
"...Fucking bastards."
Morning had broken, but the sun hid behind thick clouds. Snow fell on the day of departure, of all days. ...An ominous chill hung in the air.
The subjugation force trudged through the snow. Snow piled on the hoods over their heads. The Mangnani triplets smacked each other's heads under the pretense of brushing off snow, cursing and laughing crudely.
Crunch, crunch. The sound of boots on snow echoed everywhere. The long column resembled a death march.
Thankfully, the snow stopped soon enough. The clouds parted, and the sun emerged. The sticky, impure aura clinging to their bodies faded.
Huff, huff— Their breaths came out in long plumes like cigarette smoke. Everyone exhaled that tense, smoke-like breath.
They marched straight for two full days. Scouts reported back frequently on the Demon King's army's position. Then word came that the enemy had halted and set up camp.
...Ji-hyuk sensed they were gearing up for battle there.
...Come at us, if you dare?
He sneered at the demon bastards. They'd strutted like hot shit when descending, but now they were playing weak because they were scared. Pathetic.
"What's your take?"
Ganesha asked for Ji-hyuk's opinion again. He thought for a moment before replying.
"If they won't come to us, we'll go to them."
The muscle woman grinned.
"You little shit, I like your fire."
"Still, we can't rule it out. They might hit us with a night raid."
"Then we'll keep some distance. Enough to buy time if they come."
"Yes, exactly."
The subjugation force set up camp at a distance that would allow them to respond if the enemy raided at night. Ji-hyuk ordered scouts to monitor the Demon King's army constantly, fed the force a solid meal, and let them rest.
With the Demon King's army nearby, faint demonic energy mixed into the air. Weak-willed soldiers suffered nightmares because of it. Even without that, anxiety kept many tossing and turning. This night might be their last.
As night deepened, Ji-hyuk mulled over various thoughts and was just drifting off when someone shook him awake. The hero sprang up as if he'd only blinked.
He stepped out of his small tent and faced the scout.
"What is it?"
"The Demon King's army is advancing."
Soon, the clamor of clang-clang-clang! rang out. Ganesha must have ordered the wake-up bell.
So it comes to this... Waiting until the disadvantageous daylight would have been weirder. Still, plenty of distance remained for battle prep.
The subjugation force roused quickly, donned gear, and lined up on the snowy field. Knight orders helmeted up, clad in chainmail, knee and shin guards secured. No mounts here—harsh terrain made horses impractical. Yak-like beasts were too slow for riding.
Ji-hyuk scanned his gathered team. Everyone was thoroughly prepared. He met each one's eyes, offering words of encouragement. Then he stood before them for a brief speech.
"Demon King's army or not, no need to fear. We've fought countless battles. This is just more of the same. Stick to your roles, and no one dies. ...Fight, and win. Then we'll greet a glorious dawn. Everyone, huddle up."
The guild members formed a circle, arms around shoulders. They exchanged heated gazes. Belonging and camaraderie swelled in their chests.
"Don't give up till the end. ...We'll all survive this."
"Yes, Boss!"
Ji-hyuk bolstered his comrades' spirits and returned to Ganesha. True to her S-rank No. 3 team, her subordinates brimmed with ferocity.
"A word before battle?"
"Of course."
The muscle woman strode before the assembled subjugation force. They panted ragged breaths, eyes fixed on her.
"Men!"
Her thunderous roar shook the air like a beast's howl. Ganesha swept her gaze over the ranks, then raised her weapon high.
"LET'S FUCKING SLAUGHTER THOSE DEMON SHITS!!!"
Raaaaah!!!
Ji-hyuk smirked. That was her. After the war cry, Ganesha whipped around, beaming triumphantly at him.
"How was that?"
"Perfect."
"You little shit."
She chuckled slyly.
"Remember our bet?"
"Cutting off the Demon King's head?"
"I don't say shit I don't mean. Don't try to weasel out, punk."
"Looking forward to it."
"Oh? Cocky bastard, huh?"
Ji-hyuk answered with a grin. Ganesha jabbed his arm and marched forward.
"Let's go."
The subjugation force advanced steadily. Mages' light orbs floated, illuminating the surroundings. In the dim moonlight, far off, the Demon King's army approached.
No restraint in their movement. Thousands of ghouls shambled relentlessly toward them.
Ganesha halted the force at a suitable spot.
"BATTLE STATIONS!!!"
The hero bellowed. It ignited the subjugation force's hearts.
Huff, huff. They gripped weapons fiercely, breaths steaming.
The thousands filled their vision. Crushing fear eroded their courage, seeping into the soldiers' minds.
Ah, aaaah—
"DON'T LOSE YOUR NERVE!!! FIGHT TO THE END!! GIVE UP AND YOU'RE DEAD!!!"
Ganesha kept rallying them. Heroes weaved through the ranks, dispensing encouragement.
The Demon King's army closed in. Buff casters began their spells. Sparkling auras bloomed at the force's feet, warding off demonic energy to some degree. It blocked the demons' vile mental assaults too.
After circling the ranks, Ji-hyuk stood firm beside Ganesha. She glanced at him sidelong and spoke.
"...Don't get yourself killed. I've got a bright future ahead."
"You too, Your Majesty. Live to a ripe old age."
"Fucking prick, 'ripe old age' sounds creepy as shit. ...Fine, asshole, I'll outlive you all."
They chuckled dryly. Ji-hyuk patted his chest. He felt a few items—including the lucky charm from Bella yesterday. He pulled it out, kissed it lightly.
...May the sun god bless us all.
And tucked it away. The Demon King's army was nearly upon them. Ganesha flexed her bulging muscles and roared.
"KILL 'EM ALLLLL!!!"
The battle between the subjugation force and the Demon King's army began.