Chapter 49: Too Late
The villagers lined up along the road, kneeling and bowing their heads as they welcomed the impressive army. That was the Dalmasca way. The king had been overthrown twenty years ago, and now the country was run by a military government under the name of a republic.
What the powerful in the capital wanted had nothing to do with ordinary people like Amal. Life went on as usual. All it really meant was that if you joined the army, you wouldn’t go hungry.
As soon as the main force came into view, Amal ran out in front of the army. He quickly spotted Rex, who was hiding in the shadow of a building, out of sight.
"Who are you?" one of the soldiers on guard called out.
"My name is Amal, I’m a supply officer from the 12th Division. I have a report about the 12th Division."
The army came to a stop, and Amal was taken to the commander.
The commander was about the same age as Amal but he had a slender build, which was unusual for a soldier. His pale face was untouched by the sun and he had a neatly trimmed reddish-brown beard that stood stiffly. He didn’t look like a soldier who rose through the ranks by experience—he was more likely promoted because of his family background.
"Give me your report," the commander said.
A calm, authoritative voice spoke.
Amal kept his head lowered as he earnestly explained what had happened: how the 12th Division had been completely wiped out after a massive horde of monsters emerged from the magical circle they had deployed, and how the circle was now out of control and extremely dangerous.
"The monsters coming out of it... they’re the ones attacking this village," he finished, then looked up at the commander.
"So, what do you expect me to do?" the commander asked.