The Last Monarch : Unlimited Regeneration
Chapter 44: The Assault (Part 3)

Chapter 44: The Assault (Part 3)

Clard was ready to launch his attack, but moments later, the Ant Bees that had just unleashed a fiery assault disappeared.

Clard squinted his eyes. "What is this? They just vanished like that..."

The three Sky Bird soldiers from earlier were now hovering low, alert. But before they could assume position, a hissing sound came from their right side.

"What’s happening?" one of the soldiers thought.

Their eyes moved swiftly, ready to take off again, but suddenly, something could be heard.

Fwoosh!

One of the Ant Bees emerged from the shadows and slashed its claws toward the nearest Sky Bird’s neck.

Slash!

Blood sprayed in the air, the winged bird’s body dove toward the ground. They couldn’t react in time. The attack was too sudden.

"ARGHH!"

The three soldiers fell to the ground and died.

"He came out of the shadows?! Impossible!" one of the soldiers cried out in panic.

Clard gritted his teeth. His eyes swept over the entire area — the air and the ground. "They... are hiding in the shadows?"

He had just finished saying that when another Sky Bird fell. This time, because a large spike had pierced through his back — thrown from behind a large-bodied Ant Bee acting as the frontline shield.

Then they vanished again. Clard saw that and clicked his tongue in frustration.

"They’re not dumb. They have brains to think up strategies. This isn’t like the information I was given," said Clard.

This would be a bit troublesome. There was even a possibility that this could become a turning point for the Ant Bee forces.

The Ant Bees could even use several different tricks. That’s what made them truly difficult to deal with.

Clard had to find a reason why the Ant Bees could do all this. If not, then they would be in trouble.

"Damn it. They’re a real nuisance."

***

In the city of Chillg, or more precisely in Raiga’s room. He was standing in front of the window, watching the Chillg city troops preparing to follow the kingdom’s main army.

Knock knock!

"Come in!" said Raiga.

The door opened. The one who entered was Brukk. Brukk’s face showed slight confusion. He actually didn’t want to come here, but he had been given an order. Brukk couldn’t refuse.

He bowed and knelt afterward.

"Tell me, what is your purpose in coming here!"

Brukk nodded. "Sir, I think you should stop the attack on the Ant Bee colony. I don’t think it’s a wise choice."

"Since when did you dare defy me?" His voice was flat.

"Forgive me, sir," replied Brukk.

Raiga sighed. He turned around and sat back in his chair. This time their eyes met, but Brukk immediately lowered his gaze. He didn’t dare look Raiga in the eyes.

"I know this is an order from Tamae, isn’t it?"

Brukk didn’t answer.

Just from that, Raiga knew the answer. He fell silent for a few minutes, deep in thought. After that, he let out a long sigh. Raiga smiled, but it was an awkward smile.

"I didn’t want to do it either."

Brukk immediately looked up. He thought Raiga was truly going to stop supporting the royal army’s assault on the Ant Bee colony, but the reality was different.

"But I have no other choice. I still have to send troops to them."

Brukk was shocked. His eyes widened, and his breath caught for a moment. He tried to say something, but all that came out was a disbelieving sigh.

"B-But... sir..."

Raiga slowly raised his hand, then tossed a red-stamped letter onto the table. The paper slid and stopped right in front of Brukk.

"This is the reason," said Raiga flatly.

Brukk stared at the letter. He swallowed hard. Then he slowly picked it up and began reading its contents. His face, which had been filled with hope, turned pale. His hand trembled slightly.

The letter clearly stated a direct order from the King, reading:

"You must send troop support for the Ant Bee Colony Cleansing Operation. If you refuse or delay, it will be considered treason and punished accordingly. I do not forgive refusal!"

Brukk looked up. "So... this is a direct order from the palace?"

Raiga merely nodded slowly. His eyes looked tired.

"I’ve considered everything. I even thought about sending a letter of objection. But..."

He looked at the sky outside the window. "I know what kind of man the King is. If I refuse... it won’t just be this city that’s destroyed. You, me, our families... we’d all be branded as rebels. He’s like a monster, showing no mercy at all."

Brukk clenched his fists. "But Sir, the Ant Bees—they are incredibly strong. On their side are three extremely powerful figures. If those three join the attack, we’ll be annihilated."

"I know," replied Raiga softly. "I believe in you all, but you’ve read the King’s order. If you were in my position, what would you do?"

Brukk was silent. He couldn’t say a word. Raiga’s position was indeed very difficult. In fact, it was extremely heavy. Being a leader seemed easy, as if anyone could do it. But the truth was, it wasn’t that simple. Their responsibilities were enormous.

"Forgive me, sir," said Brukk.

Raiga shook his head. "It’s fine. You’re not at fault because you didn’t know." He stood and walked toward the window again. The Chillg city troops were beginning to move. Raiga could only watch, closing his eyes for a long moment and finally sighing again. "Tell Tamae, ’I’m sorry’ for not following what she said."

Brukk nodded. "I’m sure she’ll understand once I explain what happened."

Raiga nodded. "Right."

***

In front of Raiga’s room door, Tamae remained silent. She had heard everything. Her earlier overwhelming stubbornness had begun to subside. Her anger toward Raiga was also starting to fade. Now she understood how heavy her brother’s burden was.

"Damn it."

Tamae was about to walk away, but moments later, the door opened. Brukk turned and was surprised to see Tamae there. He wanted to say something, but Tamae gestured for him to stay quiet. Brukk nodded. The two of them began walking.

Once they were far enough, Brukk finally spoke. "You heard everything?"

Tamae nodded. "I heard everything."

Brukk had already expected that. He was relieved he didn’t need to explain anything.

"In that case, what should we do next?" Brukk asked.

Tamae fell silent. She was confused about what to do. She wasn’t the type to be a thinker, which is why Tamae didn’t understand at all. She didn’t know what she should do. All she could think of was fighting and fighting.

"I don’t know," Tamae replied.