“The Talphenus army is not in sight! Focus on defense!”

“Aren’t they worried about their families’ safety? These cowardly bastards!”

Someone spat out a curse.

Who is accusing whom of cowardice! Who was the one using others’ families as hostages?
Idric stabbed his knife into the man’s chest. As he withdrew the knife, the man collapsed below without strength.

Above him, Idric’s cool and calm voice spilled out.

“We’ve reclaimed the territory of Talphenus. Your cowardly plan to use others as shields by taking families hostage has failed.”

They’ve recovered the Talphenus territory during that time!

Such a perfect plan.

Even though the territory was quite distant, I couldn’t know how they managed it, but regardless, the fact that they reclaimed it was fortunate.

Now that it has happened, the momentum of victory has undoubtedly shifted to our side. We can win this war.

At that moment, the ground began to tremble like driving a wedge into the victory.

“What, what’s happening!”

The Serbian army hesitated in confusion, and our soldiers wielded their weapons in the gap.

“Talphenus will not flee. Talphenus will repay the favor!”

Someone shouted from the middle of the Serbian territory, riding on a horse.

It was the Lord of Talphenus. He raised the hand holding the sword high.

The cute mole that had been leading the way, wiggling its little bottom just before, was nowhere to be seen.

Even though his body probably hadn’t fully grown, he came to help us as soon as we went out.

Without stopping, the Lord of Talphenus issued a command once again.

“Now! Attack!”

Who is he commanding? I looked around, puzzled.

It was that moment.

Dududududu.

The ground shook. Then, like dry bread breaking, the ground began to split and collapse.

“Uwaaaah!”

“Aaah!”

Soldiers in armor sank down as if falling into a swamp. Hundreds of people were drawn into the ground, but there wasn’t a single ally. Without error, they were all Serbian soldiers.

“The mole dug a tunnel! Avoid it!”

But we couldn’t know where to avoid. Trying to escape towards the invaders on the ground that didn’t collapse, our heads fell directly into their hands.

When the ground finally stopped collapsing, many Serbian soldiers were still stuck in the ground. Some managed to escape before turning into snakes and landing in the pile of dirt, but even they suffered fatal injuries.

“Never underestimate the mole again!”

The Lord of Talphenus shouted energetically.

Now, the formation of the Serbian army was in chaos, and the invading animal army completely dominated the Serbian territory.

The disappearing Serbian army began to swing their swords recklessly.

A full-fledged fight had begun. Enemies and allies were mixed together. Screams and clashes of swords were heard everywhere, and the sound of gunpowder exploding echoed.

Idric was busy moving around. Attacks came incessantly.

“Gk, ik, ik, ack.”

I also found it difficult to regain my composure as I floundered in his arms. I could barely manage to hold onto his chest.
Idric rolled, ran, and leaped. His breath became increasingly rapid, and his movements noticeably sluggish.

Why is everyone attacking Idric only!

Subjectively, it seemed like over half of the soldiers were targeting Idric.

If these bastards let Idric transform into a white tiger, we could end this right away!

The inability to transform due to the curse was a regrettable constraint.

“Idric! Are you okay?”

It sounded like an angel’s voice. Someone came to help Idric. I peeked through the buttons, and there were arrows stuck all over the fallen ones around Idric.

Who would do such a grateful thing!

“I thought you were dead with no news. If that were the case, I would have tried to take Deroth’s throne, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”

It was Terminus.

“Even in the next life, it’s impossible.”

“Next life? You’re going too far.”

Terminus said that and came down from his horse, reaching out to lift Idric.

“Your condition doesn’t look good. Your face resembles the death lion that crossed the Hades River just the other day.”

“There’s no problem fighting. More importantly, there’s something else I need to do.”

“Something else to do? Can’t you see that leading a worn-out army without you is draining the life out of my smooth skin?”

“I don’t see it. Take Cecilia and leave this place with her.”

Idric said that and abruptly put his hand into his clothes, lifting me up.

Why take me with you? How can we part ways after meeting so painfully? The curse hasn’t been lifted at all. If anything, things have gotten worse now.