The Overlord of Blood and Iron

Chapter 154: The Turning Tides, Time Running Out (pt 2)

Baruk Al-Yusuf’s unexpected journey south. The exhausted soldiers. Arshelly in grave danger.

All of these are what pushed Kang Chul-In to come up with this reckless, almost suicidal plan.

There's nothing I can do but go on a rampage.

Kang Chul-In clenched his fists.

Seeing as Baruk Al-Yusuf had come south, it would be nothing but a burden to bring his army with him, since there was a chance that they would get decimated.

There was no other option but to create a small elite squadron to follow him and go.

It was an extremely dangerous operation.

Although Kang Chul-In was strong, he still needed an army so that the enemies didn’t all focus on him. There was a limit to a one-man-army.

He hadn’t grown to the point where he could show the power he had in his prime.

However,

This is my daughter.

It wasn’t the time to be thinking of that.

I will save her.

Even a beast would rage if their precious child was stolen from them, and it was the same for Kang Chul-In.

“Lucia, Drakan.”

Kang Chul-In called the two arguably strongest officials of Laputa.

“You will lead 250 soldiers each to follow me and head North. I will rescue Arshelly myself, and you will help secure the escape route in case I emerge injured.”

Basically, Kang Chul-In was saying that he would get past Baruk Al-Yusuf’s 15,000 soldiers and save Arshelly himself before getting out.

“Milord!”

“That’s too reckless!”

The officials of Laputa tried to stop Kang Chul-In.

They tried, but failed.

“Enough.”

Kang Chul-In shook his head, and signaled his subordinates to quiet down.

“It’s no use trying to persuade me now. I will not change my decision, so let’s get going now.”

“Please reconsider…”

However,

“Am I going there to die?”

Kang Chul-In stared at his subordinates with a confident gaze. 

“I’m not going there to suicide. I’m just going to kill that damned Sheville Polansky and rescue my daughter from him. Before worrying about me, you should worry about how to deal with Baruk Al-Yusuf.”

“Yes, Milord.”

Knowing that Kang Chul-In wouldn’t change his mind anymore, the officials of Laputa all conceded.

----------

Everyone started to move quickly. 

Lead by Kang Chul-In, the small elite squadron rushed towards the Bittermoon territory, whilst Kwak-Jung started to position the troops in the Chermart territory in preparation for Baruk-Al Yusuf's arrival.

Meanwhile, Lee Gong-Myung was talking to Baruk Al-Yusuf.

“Great Khalifa.”

Lee Gong-Myung called Baruk Al-Yusuf, who was traveling on a giant lizard.

“Before we start our siege, we should probably split our troops into two.”

“Hmm… Is there a reason for you to report that to me? I have already handed the military's authority over to you.”

“That is not true, great Khalifa.”

“And the reason behind that is?”

“We have a great army of 15,000. This army is rightfully the Great Khalifa's, so how can I make such a decision without permission?”

At Lee Gong-Myung’s flattery, Baruk Al-Yusuf laughed.

Giving such reports even while taking care of the army, it made Baruk Al-Yusuf really ‘feel’ like a Lord. 

“Great Khalifa, please let me split the troops into 5,000 and 10,000.”

“And the reason?”

“It’s because I’m afraid of what will happen behind us.”

“Behind?”

“The people in the Bittermoon territory have locked themselves up, almost as if they’re waiting for reinforcements. If we split our troops like this, we can stop their reinforcements from coming.”

“Then do as you wish. However…”

“Yes, Khalifa?”

“Do you think that you can stop their reinforcements with just 5000 troops? If the two territories in the South come they will have around 7 or 8 thousand troops. Why not just split our army in half?”

“Don’t worry about that. This one will come up with plans beforehand to make sure that it’s okay. 5000 will definitely be enough.”

If this man was under me, it wouldn’t be impossible to build an Islam Empire in Pangaea…

Baruk Al-Yusuf stared at Lee Gong-Myung, with greed in his eyes.

He was tempted.

Although Lee Gong-Myung wasn’t able to show his worth against Sheville Polansky yet, what he had already proved was enough to absolutely impress Baruk Al-Yusuf.

Lee Gong-Myung. You will have to decide whether to stay with me, or to die.

Baruk Al-Yusuf vowed that he would recruit Lee Gong-Myung after this. He was too tempting to let go of.

--------

Kang Chul-In once again urged the Altaica on.

There was no time.

Arshelly’s mana was running out, and the Bittermoon territory was about to fall into the hands of Baruk Al-Yusuf.

In order to not be a useless father, Kang Chul-In had to get there in time and rescue her.

-Krrr!

As if answering Kang Chul-In’s worries, the Altaica also started to run at its maximum speed. 

After running for around 40 kilometres, Kang Chul-In was finally able to spot Arabian writing on a black flag.

It was obvious that they were troops of Baruk Al-Yusuf.

“Stop right there!”

The man at the very front warned Kang Chul-In.

“Stop there, and reveal who you are! If you don’t stop right now…”

As the man was talking---

-Krrr!

The Altaica jumped on the man.

“A-Argh!!!”

A terrifying scream was heard, and blood splattered all around.

“M-Monster…”

The remaining soldiers started to step backwards, all afraid of the display of power that the Altaica had shown.

“Altaica.”

Stepping off the Altaica, Kang Chul-In spoke.

“Kill them all. Don’t leave a single one alive.”

An advance group being here meant that the main army was also nearby. If news spread, they would be in deep trouble. 

-Krr!

Growling, the Altaica knocked down the fleeing soldiers.

“Where are you running!”

Drakan who had arrived late joined in on the chaos, swinging his giant greatsword.

“P-Please have mercy…”

The remaining soldier kneeled down, begging for mercy.

“P-Please let me live…”

“Is there an army nearby?”

Kang Chul-In asked, his voice cold.

“Y-Yes.”

“Size?”

“5,000…”

“Aim?”

“In order to stop reinforcements from joining…”

5000… if we let them do what they want, our escape route will be cut off.

Even though they could avoid them right now, it would be different when they try to escape with Arshelly. 

Though it will be tough…

Kang Chul-In turned to look at Lucia, as well as Drakan.

“Lucia, Drakan.”

Kang Chul-In called out.

“Yes, Milord?”

“Please speak.”

The two most powerful subordinates Kang Chul-In had spoke at the same time.

“I will give you a mission. According to this soldier, there is an army that is cutting us off from joining the Bittermoon territory. Is it possible for you two to lead the army and create some chaos, through guerrilla warfare?”

It was an extremely difficult mission, having to fight against an enemy that had 10 times as many soldiers as them.

However,

“This girl will show off her ability!”

“I have been waiting for this day, Milord.”

Lucia and Drakan nodded, happy that Kang Chul-In had entrusted this mission to them.

“Very well.”

Kang Chul-In nodded, and turned around.

“Umm…”

At that moment, the remaining soldier opened his mouth.

“W-Will you let me live now?”

One could see hope on the soldier’s face.

“Go.”

Kang Chul-In said.

“T-Thank you!”

The soldier answered, happiness evident on his face.

But that wasn’t what Kang Chul-In meant.

“W-Well then, I’m of-- Kuk…”

Without a scream.

Plop…

The soldier’s head fell onto the ground.

Kang Chul-In hadn’t said that he would ever let him go. Not even once.