Book 10: Chapter 30
“What are they doing?”
“Digging a hole to bury our fallen soldiers, it seems.”
Marvel narrowed his eyes. The panther, who had no trouble in snow, watched the three vague silhouettes on the other side. In a bewildered tone, he said, “I don’t understand what humanity wants. They’re burying our men? I thought I would see our fallen soldiers on their wooden fortress. We don’t value burials, but it is humanity’s respect for us. Soldiers, we must show the human soldiers respect, as well, if we clear the battlefield in the future.”
“Do we still have a chance to?”
Marvel didn’t answer the question, because he didn’t know the answer; or rather, he knew the answer to the question, but didn’t want to acknowledge it. Yesterday’s attack was a success. They didn’t suffer too many casualties and managed to shock the enemy, but he could only succeed that once. Further, the success was pointless.
The difference in numbers was too big. Despite coming here with the determination to face an inevitable death, he still left a team at his territory. He had a pregnant wife, so he had to protect his family. He could die for this continent, but he didn’t wish for his family to die as a consequence of his decisions.
“There’s still a chance. Our victory this time will definitely be able to move everyone. Their confusion at present is surely because they don’t know if we can defeat humanity, but I’ve proved it. Humanity isn’t invincible. We can defeat them so long as we unite.”
Despite not being convinced of his own words, Marvel still needed to say that to his men. He spoke with his usual determined and optimistic tone, combined with his gaze, which gave his soldier confidence and courage. His soldiers didn’t completely believe him, but they had no right to be worried when they saw their commander so confident. After all, their commander was with them in success and defeat.
Marvel looked at his soldier. He knew that this land no longer had any opportunity and humanity was unlikely to give them another chance to launch an attack on them. Clashing with humanity’s army head on with his own army was a death wish. Thus, his only option was to walk the last path, which was also his last hope. And that was to defend the valley with his life.