Latifa began the march toward the desert highlands once again, riding a camel with Hades.

“Why do we have to head for the highlands? We can just collect the rainwater if it rains.”

“Every few decades, a great amount of rain falls in the desert, very rarely. So much that the lowlands are flooded with enough water to cause people to drown.”

“That much?”

“It will be a spectacle. That’s why all the animals head for the highlands too. Their animal instinct warns them of the danger.”

“What if the animals are wrong……?”

If the animals’ instincts were wrong, the whole army heading to the highlands without water could have been annihilated in the desert.

“I have data summarizing the climate and signs in this vicinity. Exactly 20 years ago, there was a heavy rain here, and the entire area was flooded. The weather then and now roughly matches, even if the rain clouds are not visible.”

‘He leaves no room for error.’

Latifa nodded her head in admiration of his judgment and insight. He was not the top general of a country for nothing, even if he was called mad.

“If, just if, it doesn’t rain……”

“Then accept the honorable flame, Ignite, and the glory of dying together.”

“…….”

Hades, as seen by Latifa, was a truly strange type of leader. He controlled his subordinates with a cool, insane look, but quickly changed into a relaxed and cheerful appearance.

Confidence and arrogance overflowed, and as soon as it seemed realistic, he would unfold absurd ideals, confusing his subordinates.

No one could change so quickly without going mad.

“Why didn’t you tell the soldiers the truth? That it’s going to rain. They are all shivering with fear about the water.”

“That’s more fun. It will help them snap out of any complacency and tighten up the discipline. An army should always be tense.”

“Fun? You scare people for fun?”

His evaluation was about to add one more point.

‘He’s even cunning.’

He took the camel’s reins again and said to Latifa,

“I’m not trying to scare people for fun. It’s quite the opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m trying to give fun instead of fear. Let’s talk about the details when your body is better. You really are a talkative woman.”

Hades chuckled as he readjusted Latifa’s robe to protect her from the desert heat.

A few days had passed since they entered the highlands.

Everyone was tired from the continuing heat today, but unlike the others, Latifa was the only one who could not help but tremble nervously.

The sky was slightly cloudy, but there was not much difference from usual.

There was no particular wind blowing, and no humidity was felt, just a strong smell of sand.

In other words, it was a day when no signs of rain could be felt at all. Considering that numerous lives were at stake, she could not feel at ease.

‘It’s not raining……!’

Added to this, her body continued to weaken due to the lingering effects of the poison, so there was little time when she was fully awake during the day.

The desert was scorching, but her body was sweating cold sweat and her body temperature was dropping so much that she felt cold even at noon.

Moreover, she couldn’t even control her body properly, so she couldn’t ride a camel with Hades and had to lean on a wagon following behind, simply stroking a desert fox.

“Sigh…….”

She was about to swallow the medicine that Manute had brought when the march stopped for a moment. It was a bit strange that the march stopped at noon, not in the evening, so Latifa put down the fox and leaned forward.
Soldiers were gathering at the back, and Hades standing there seemed unusual.

She held her breath and eavesdropped on the noises the soldiers were making around her.

“They’re going to punish the guards who couldn’t protect the water.”

‘What?! They’re going to kill people?!’

Latifa Glaesia gasped and jumped to her feet.

“Suddenly?! The General must have gone mad again.”

“The path has changed, and the betrayal has been divided just as before. Even though no one says anything, it’s time to reduce the number of people.”

“There’s only a week’s worth of water left.”

‘Crazy! Since it’s not raining, they must have gone really mad! I shouldn’t have said it would rain…! I must stop it!’

Latifa Glaesia couldn’t think anymore and rushed out of the wagon.

“13th battalion, gather in a line!”

Hades Caleb Ignite drew his sword and called the soldiers to gather, and the darkskinned desert warriors moved seamlessly, forming a perfect line without a speck of dust.

Hades approached the general at the front and asked,

“What was your duty?”

“Sir, it was to safely keep the supplies for the march.”

“Did you fulfill it properly?”

“I did not… fulfill it.”

“Then, do you have any complaints if I punish you for the failure here?”

Hades’ repeated questions made the soldiers’ faces turn pale. And then, Latifa came running, shouting.

“General Hades!”

“…….”

At that moment, all the soldiers’ attention was focused. Hades looked down at her with his pitchblack eyes indifferently.