Chapter 38: The World After the Prologue (3)
***The moment he saw the incoming rocket, Kim Mansoo realized that defeat was imminent.KAAABOOOOM!!Swept away by the explosion, the thought of his impending death crossed his mind.Being a Superhuman did not mean that one was completely invincible. Getting shot was painful, excessive bleeding could lead to death, and a direct hit from a rocket was a guaranteed death.But, of course, there were exceptions.Superhumans who had reached a certain level—for example, powerhouses like the Margrave or the Holy Sword—could even withstand tank turrets by using their highly reinforced mana.However, Kim Mansoo had not reached that level. Nor did he even dare to wish to reach such a state.Because he was a typical person who only looked at the immediate reality in front of him instead of dreaming an unattainable dream.So, at this moment, he could only grit his teeth while thinking of retreating.Was it simply because he valued his life? No, it wasn't. In the first place, he wouldn't have become a mercenary if he truly valued his life.The problem was—North Manchuria has fallen.The first line of defense, which was supposed to prevent the monsters from advancing south, had gone silent.To prevent civilian casualties, they needed to deliver this news to the Manchurian base as quickly as possible.And someone could turn the truck around and escape, he would have gladly sacrificed himself. However, it was clear that a rocket would come flying the moment someone moved the truck.In the end, a slightly fleet-footed Superhuman would have to go personally. And he was the only Superhuman present....Damn it.Having made up his mind, Kim Mansoo turned towards the Manchurian base. And while doing so, he immediately met Yeomyeong’s eyes from the opposite direction.Golden eyes glanced at him briefly, but that was all. Yeomyeong ignored him without even saying a word.Even though it wasn't a situation to be ashamed of, Kim Mansoo was unable to raise his head.Yeomyeong brushed past his shoulder. And the next moment, Kim Mansoo's eyes widened as he looked at the Newcomer."Wait, Newcomer, how... How are you wielding mana?"Mana.It was so intense, that even someone as insensitive as him could feel it emanating from the Newcomer's body.Had he just awakened as a Superhuman? Or had he been hiding his Superhuman status all this time?...Either way, it didn't matter.What mattered was that now, there were two Superhumans here. It would have been impossible if it were just him, but with two Superhumans, they somewhat stood a chance.Even if it's just one shot, we need to get the truck out of here.With the truck's speed, they could reach a place where they would be able to communicate with the Manchurian base within an hour. That was much faster compared to him running."Newcomer! Do you plan on fighting?"Kim Mansoo asked as he caught up with the Newcomer. Instead of replying, the Newcomer revealed his sword and shotgun.Seeing that gesture, Kim Mansoo let out a hollow laugh."If you're thinking of fighting, fine. I have a plan, but I need your help.""...Does having a plan even mean anything in this situation?"As soon as Yeomyeong finished speaking, another anti-tank rocket hit the mercenaries.KABOOOOOOM!!! Amidst the prolonged explosion, screams echoed.Seeing that, Kim Mansoo's expression hardened. They didn’t have much time. Hence, he spoke quickly."The plan is simple. We distract them so the truck can escape.""...Is that all?""If possible... you’ll have to distract them by yourself for a while. I'll take care of the ones with rockets in the meantime.""...""If even one truck manages to get away, we can prevent tens of thousands of deaths. So please, just hold out until then."It was a straightforward request to act as a meat shield, but Yeomyeong nodded without a complaint.After all, he had already decided to fight at the forefront. He had no reason to refuse someone who had planned to escape but turned back to help.Of course, the words that came out of his mouth weren't exactly kind."It really is a simple plan.""...I'm sorry."Kim Mansoo could only bow his head since he was practically asking the young man to die with him.And the next moment, they heard Tian Lin's voice echoing in their ears.- Newcomer! Vice Captain!Tian Lin was urging both of them to retreat to the Manchurian base. It was similar to the decision Kim Mansoo had made, as he had still not realized that Yeomyeong was a Superhuman."...What will you do?"As soon as Tian Lin finished speaking, Yeomyeong asked."We stick to the plan. No need to explain. Tian Lin will make a move even if we don't say anything."His answer was firm. Yeomyeong nodded and gathered mana in his feet. Kim Mansoo grabbed his rifle and unsheathed his trusty hatchet.That was all the preparation they needed; no further discussion was necessary.- Everyone who’s still alive, provide support! Cover those two…!Using Tian Lin's voice as a signal, the two of them pushed off the ground simultaneously.
