Rather Than Be Taken, I Will Take (12 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 125

The battle on the night of record-breaking downpour continued until dawn the next day.

Though the enemy’s command structure had collapsed and their formation shattered beyond repair, Aden was ultimately forced to retreat when fresh troops from the rear returned to reorganize the front lines.

“Have you returned, my lord?”

It was Salom who greeted Aden, drenched in blood upon his return.

Aden, his eyes weary, nodded and dismounted, handing his armor to a servant before scanning his surroundings.

Awakened by the commotion tearing through the predawn air, townspeople and residents within the fortress watched anxiously from a distance.

Aden exhaled briefly, accepted the water Salom offered, rinsed his throat, then turned toward Neser, who followed behind.

After emptying the cup again, he instructed Salom to let the soldiers rest, then told Neser to wait—he would convene a meeting immediately.

After a quick wash and changing out of his blood-soaked clothes, Aden closed his eyes tightly, clearly exhausted.

Though the battle fought all night had certainly favored them, overcoming their numerical disadvantage had not been easy.

His arms and shoulders ached from swinging sword and spear all night, and the strain on his eyes from staring wide-eyed into the darkness had built up considerable fatigue.

Sitting quietly on his bed, listening to the morning birdsong, Aden suddenly found their chirping reminiscent of humming, and let out a quiet chuckle.

He lifted his head to examine the portrait hanging in his room—a painting Ludmila had drawn for him.

As he gazed at it silently, Aden wondered whether the portrait he’d sent her had arrived on time.

He had hesitated to send it at first, fearing it might seem like clinging sentimentality.

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