I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 62
Of course, no more bottles of wine were found afterward.
But one incident was enough.
Everything started with something small and insignificant. Yet once doubt and dissatisfaction took root, they were not easily shaken off.
Instead, as time passed, they grew like a snowball rolling downhill.
The grumbling against Prince Tarek and his cronies grew louder. Rumors spread uncontrollably throughout the camp.
“While we’re breaking our backs training, those high-ups are just partying with wine…”
“Are nobles everything? Aren’t we humans too?”
Hearing the conversation of two soldiers passing by, Rufus bowed his head.
He covered his mouth with a hand, but couldn’t suppress his laughter.
Ah, truly.
Causing someone’s downfall was turning out to be so easy.
***
It was late afternoon, and the sun was slowly sinking behind the hills.
Rufus looked over his squad members who had gathered in front of him.
“Has everyone assembled?”
“Yes, as you commanded, all twenty squad members are present.”
Iruel, standing at the front of the squad, spoke with a grin.
“Thank you all for making time despite being tired and worn out.”
Rufus, standing in front of his squad members, scrutinized each of their faces.
The faces of the gathered squad members were not bright. Some were wiping sweat with furrowed brows, while others grumbled, barely concealing their dissatisfaction.
It was understandable. The squad members, having just finished their general training, wanted nothing more than to rest.
But Rufus couldn’t let them go just yet.
“I’ve called you all here to save your lives.”
Rufus looked at his squad members and spoke calmly.
To save them?
Rufus’s unexpected words puzzled the squad members.
“The general training you receive is limited to swinging swords and holding shields properly. Such rudimentary skills won’t keep you alive on the battlefield.”
“So, what should we do?”
“From now on, after the general training, you’ll undergo additional training with me.”
The squad members reacted with disbelief to Rufus’s declaration.
“General training is already tough, but you’re saying that we’re getting more training now?”
“We’re already learning enough about combat in the general training. I don’t see the need for additional training…”
“Then die.”
Rufus’s cold statement froze the squad members in their tracks.
“Lieutenant… what do you mean by that?”
“You are mostly commoners. Weak in magic, never professionally trained in swordsmanship.”
Rufus retorted sharply to his squad members.
“Look at the swords you carry. How many of you have a sword coated in silver? Do you really think you can face demons with such mediocre weapons?”
“…”
“If things remain as they are, all of you will die on the battlefield.”
Rufus laid it out bluntly.
“Don’t underestimate the demons. They are a race far superior to humans.”
At these words, Iruel unconsciously tensed his shoulders. Rufus looked at him disdainfully and continued.
“The demons live longer and possess stronger magic than us. As it stands, the humans are obviously in for defeat.”
“But humans have never been ruled by demons!”
A squad member with a rural accent, Nad, spoke out against Rufus.
Was his name Nad?
Rufus scoffed at the other man.
“Nad, don’t be mistaken. The reason we haven’t been under demon rule isn’t because humans are strong, but purely because demons have no interest in ruling us.”
Demons originally had no intention of fighting humans.
It’s true that recently, the number of people claiming to be harmed by demons has increased. However, this is because humans first encroached on demon territory.
Demons considered humans as mere insects. They had no interest in the hierarchical order or collective behavior of these ‘insects.’
However, it changes when these insects crawl into their dwelling.
“Humans are inferior to demons in every way. Our only advantage is in our numbers.”
Demons live long lives, meaning their population is small. The only reason humans have been able to defeat demons in the past was due to their overwhelming numerical superiority.
“Nad, you said you wanted to go to the academy to study and research.”
“Y, yes.”
Nad, one of the squad members, looked uneasy at Rufus’s words.
“Then you’d better not die.”
Rufus patted Nad’s shoulder.
Seeing the confused look in Nad’s eyes brought back painful memories for Rufus.
