Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Clash with the Enemy Commander
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Along the wave-crashing coastline, corpses from both sides lay scattered here and there.
"Now it's time for us to step in."
I donned the helmet Ham-a had made for me and fastened the leather strap under my chin. Then I mounted the horse Geom Mojam had been holding. Seeing me climb aboard, the soldiers followed suit and got on their own horses. I drew my sword and shouted to them.
"The moment has come for us to charge. We'll strike the enemy's rear guard. They're far more numerous than we are, so we have to ride like the wind and keep them off-balance before they can react. I'll lead the way."
Geom Mojam cried out in surprise.
"Master!"
I ignored him and pressed on.
"I'll take the front. This is my fight. I won't return alive unless we win. So stake your lives on this as well!"
From Yang Man-chun on down, everyone roared their assent in unison. A wave of emotion swept through them, and I raised my voice again.
"All who fight alongside me here today are my brothers, regardless of rank or birth."
It was a line from Shakespeare's Henry V, also the title of a famous American war drama. In a class-bound kingdom, a king's speech declaring his fellow fighters brothers no matter their status was profoundly moving. I'd aimed for exactly that effect.
As expected, they all seemed deeply stirred. I turned to Geom Mojam, who gripped the reins, and said,
"Mount up, brother. Stand by my side."
"I'll guard my brother with my life."
Geom Mojam leaped onto his horse like a gale. Seeing that, Yang Man-chun rode up beside me and asked,
"Does that make me your brother too?"
"You're my friend."
"What a shame. I wanted to be a brother."
"I wouldn't want a little brother like you."
"Why am I the little brother?"
I let out a sigh, sensing he could torment me verbally almost as well as Go Jeong-ui. Yang Man-chun burst into hearty laughter at the sight, then adjusted his grip on his spear.
"Guess I'll have to protect my friend, then. Don't worry about the rear."
The retainers used their spear shafts to shove aside the obstacles of branches in front of the headland, clearing them away. It created enough space for horses to pass—a spot they'd camouflaged with boughs that was invisible from the shore. Once the retainers pulled back, I took the lead.
Back in modern times, my first time on a horse had been riding a pony in Jeju. But the pre-possession Yeon Namsaeng must have been decent at it, because I mounted without trouble. The outer slope was steep, but gripping the reins, I managed to descend. Behind me came Geom Mojam and the retainers, followed by Go Dol-bal and Ita-in. As we reached the coast, we spurred our horses straight toward the Silla army. Geom Mojam stuck close by my side, with Go Dol-bal and Yang Man-chun right behind. I shouted to them,
"Charge straight ahead!"
Once we'd descended the sloped hill, we bunched together into a tight formation and galloped toward the rear guard. The Silla troops noticed too late and hurriedly formed a shield wall, thrusting out spears tipped with hooks.
"Shields and spears—the best way for infantry to stop cavalry."
Fortunately, I'd prepared a counter. I glanced back, and Geom Mojam signaled with his hand.
"Forward!"
A dozen or so retainers dashed out, each clutching a small jar. They contained Goguryeo Fire. The retainers hurled the jars at the shield wall. They shattered against the shields, spilling the flaming liquid. Then two retainers with torches approached.
The Silla troops sensed something was wrong and loosed arrows. Both torch-bearers fell, struck by shafts.
"No!"
But the fallen retainers rose again and charged the shield wall. Spears pierced their bodies as they flung their torches onto the shields. In an instant, the shields erupted in flames.
"F-Fire!"
Startled by the unexpected turn, the Silla soldiers dropped their burning shields and fell back. Through the gap, a dozen retainers led by Gi Do-ryang unleashed a volley using Instant Legolas crossbows. Pulling the light string launched arrows at an incredible rate.
Arrows flew through the broken shield wall, embedding in Silla torsos. Gi Do-ryang's skill stood out—he nailed the flagpole with his last shot. It snapped, the banner tumbling down, and the Silla troops' morale plummeted. Gi Do-ryang's retainers split left and right, letting my group plunge into the disorganized Silla ranks. Go Dol-bal broke through first. I heard his voice as he swung his curved short sword.
"Silla dogs! Go Dol-bal of Ogol Fortress is here!"
He severed the neck of a Silla infantryman blocking his path in the blink of an eye. The headless body spun in place before collapsing. Ita-in followed, swinging his massive cleaver. Yang Man-chun charged in too, spear tucked under his arm, shouting excitedly. I bellowed at the top of my lungs,
"Find the enemy commander! Cut off the head of their force!"
Our timing had been perfect, but the enemy vastly outnumbered us. We had to achieve our goal before the element of surprise faded.
"Master! Over there."
Geom Mojam beside me pointed right. There, soldiers in distinctive uniforms huddled behind shields. Behind them flickered a white-haired general. It had to be the commander of the relief force—either the lord of Dalholju or Nangdang, confirmed by the banner.
"Charge!"
"I'll lead."
Geom Mojam surged ahead, thrusting or slashing at approaching Silla troops with his spear.
"Not just swords—he's good with spears too."
He struck efficiently at necks, armpits, and lower backs, avoiding armor. Not vital spots, but enough to make them drop weapons and collapse. The gap widened, and Yang Man-chun plunged in first. But a hooked spear snagged his white horse's leg from between the shields.
"Watch out!"
Yang Man-chun, as if anticipating it, leaped gracefully into the air and landed lightly. His fallen horse crashed into the shield wall, tangling men, shields, and beast in chaos. Beaming with pride, Yang Man-chun shouted,
"Come at me! Yang Man-chun of Ansi Fortress is here!"
Everyone was yelling their names like cartoon heroes. It was amusing, but it made sense—deeds in battle meant promotion in ancient times. Yang Man-chun swung his spear through the breach, felling two foes in seconds.
"The gap in physique and skill is huge."
When formations broke, well-fed nobles in good armor had the edge, especially with their weapon training. Ita-in approached the shields, dodging thrusts, then jammed his cleaver through a gap.
"Argh!"
A shield sagged with a agonized scream. Amid the fray, I spotted the commander—seated under the Nangdang banner, clad in scale armor with a cheek-guarding helmet.
"That's him!"
I spurred my horse toward him, but a Silla soldier suddenly blocked my path.
"Urk!"
My horse collided, tumbling forward. Unlike Yang Man-chun's elegant dismount, I rolled across the ground.
"Master!"
Geom Mojam discarded his spear and rushed over, beheading the Silla soldier about to impale me. Ita-in arrived too, cleaver whirling. I staggered up and drew my sword.
"Cut down the commander! He's right there!"
They gathered at my call. With their lines shattered, it came down to individual prowess. These elite retainers, handpicked from lifelong warriors, fought desperately to protect their lord.
The Nangdang commander's guards fell one by one to my men. Only as I closed in did he rise from his chair.
"I am Kim Seohyeon, son of Silla's Lord Kim Muryeop, governor of Daeryangju, and grand commander of Nangdang. Who are you?"
"K-Kim Seohyeon?"
To me, who'd lived with the Samguk Sagi, this was an unexpected figure. More precisely, the father of an unexpected figure.
"Kim Yusin's father?"
"You know my son? Well, a few years back, I crushed Goguryeo forces at Nangbi Fortress."
Fathers were doting fools, past and present. The question was why Kim Seohyeon was here. The chronicles didn't mention him after Nangbi—he was presumed dead around 640.
"Is that now?"
Of course, my possession was rewriting history. Still, I'd never imagined facing a historical giant like this. As my mind raced, he bellowed,
"State your name and rank!"
I barely gathered my wits and shouted,
"I am Yeon Taehwan—no, Yeon Namsaeng, eldest son of Eastern Division Leader Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo!"
"The Eastern leader's son—that explains your formidable men."
Not sure if praise or admiration, Kim Seohyeon gripped his sword with both hands.
"Luring our army in, then charging like lightning... I acknowledge your courage."
Not quite lightning speed, but it was reckless enough.
"General! The tide has turned. Surrender!"
"Ha, my house betrayed Gaya for Silla and suffered greatly. Better to die here."
With that, Kim Seohyeon lunged, sword flashing. Age had dulled him not a whit.
"Damn!"
I retreated, readjusting my grip. Pre-possession Yeon Namsaeng knew enough martial arts to hold my own. Kim Seohyeon tired quickly amid the chaos. I didn't want to kill him, but dragging it out risked a counterattack. Steeling myself, I attacked—only for him to surge back fiercely.
"Huh?"
It was a feint. He'd played exhausted to lure a strike.
"Damn!"
I stumbled back, tripping over a corpse. Kim Seohyeon advanced, sword aimed at me.
"Is this the end?!"
As I thought my possession would end so anticlimactically, Geom Mojam flashed in and slashed Kim Seohyeon's side. Off-balance, the general faltered, letting me roll to my feet. Trembling, I thrust wildly between neck and nape—not elegant, but desperate.
Twice struck, Kim Seohyeon spat blood and dropped to one knee. His beard stained crimson. Gasping, he straightened.
"Dying on the battlefield is the warrior's way. You've won—take my head."
"C-Cut off your head? I'm no butcher!"
But Kim Seohyeon was dying anyway. I had to end his suffering quickly.