Chapter 193: Jubilant

Chapter 193: Jubilant

Chapter 193

Jubilant

They once again stood in front of the wall, a massive army far outnumbering theirs spelling doom. But, this time around--as was the case a few times before already--Sylas helped. Not in the going alone and committing a genocide help, but more in being the facilitator stabilizing the line. He kept an eye out on the superhumans of the other side while also helping the army whenever he saw a side give way or stumble.

Even with this, they werent without severe loses. Over fifteen thousands lay dead by the time the battling was over. The other side surrendered as over half their force met an untimely end, the remainder too demoralized to continue. The difference from when they were facing Sylas alone was that the enemy wasnt something beyond life--it wasnt a devil they could rally their partly courage behind. It was ordinary men, just like them, beating them down.

Though nobody was quite certain how a measly force like theirs could stand up to the task, the reality was so. With the white flag raised and the weapons left on the ground, the Princes forces encircled the rest and cheered at the impossible victory. Tears swelled within Valens eyes as he himself was beyond certain they would fail. And yet, victorious they stood--though they did so at the back of thousands of dead, it was still a victory nobody predicted.

Sylas stood off to the side, bloodied again from head to toe, observing the jubilant atmosphere. It did little to stir him, as the joy would be beyond temporary. They had sacrificed effectively half their army for the win, and while it was miraculous by every account, the only way they could continue would be if the Prince could somehow sway the now-prisoners to turn and fight for them.

The numbers will swell, Asha said as she appeared next to him.

Really? Sylas quizzed as he took the bottle of wine she was giving him.

Of course, she nodded confidently. Theyve witnessed the impossible. Even now, whispers surge within their ranks--how did they do it? And you know whats the most repeated answer?

What?

Gods are on their side!

... well, technically.

I did jack all, though?Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

You cheered.

I havent said a word.

With your heart, she sighed at Sylas grin.

Men are averse to fighting the impossible, she added. And yet, the impossible they fought and won. Such victories go a long way.

I know, Sylas said. Stories will spread of a tiny force as tall as a mountain. But thats what worries me.

...

They are not that, he said. Theyre just... ordinary soldiers who would have been buried in normal circumstances.

It doesnt matter, she said. Im fairly certain I picked it up from you, but isnt it that all great stories are ushered by legends mostly fictitious?

I suppose so, Sylas sighed, taking a sip. Youre working tirelessly.

Eh? I am?

Youve got the toughest job of em all, actually, he cracked a smile. Keeping me sane.

... yeah, no, Im fairly certain Ive failed a long time ago.

Are you insinuating you will execute those we do not pay for or those who do not join you? General Staun asked, his frown deepening.

No, Av shook his head. But they will be sent into labor camps, likely for the majority of their lives.

Then the terms are acceptable.

General--

Enough, the tall man interrupted. You already know it, constables. Vast majority of those men will switch sides. And those few who remain loyal... Ill pay out of my coffers if the Crown elects not to. It is more than what you would have offered them had we won.

They are rebels! the man exclaimed.

... can I ask you something, General--Stone, was it? to everyones shock, Sylas spoke up. Everyone expected the somber Prophet to sleep through the meeting as he always did.

Staun, the General replied, his eyes swerving to the side where he saw a shabbily-dressed and unkempt man sitting in a leisurely position. To his shock... he had completely missed the man during the inspection he had upon first entering the tent.

What would it take for you to come over to our side? gasps eclipsed the silence of the room, and even Sylas, deaf though he was to the social customs, knew why. Asking an enemy General to defect was one of the most dishonorable things one could do... but asked he still did. The Generals face darkened immediately as Sylas words were a sword cleaving at his honor. Before everyone in this room starts singing of honor and such, I do have my reasons. That fat boys words caught my attention--we are rebels, and thus you are allowed to do whatever the hell you want with us. But... what if we werent?

Werent what? the General asked, barely holding himself back.

Rebels.

To hell with you, demon!! one of the round men shouted.

Oh, in due time, Sylas stood up and began walking around the room. Look at these people. Do they seem like some scatterbrained, random nobodies we picked up in the countryside by sheer luck? One or two, perhaps. But the rest?

... the General frowned. The strange man made a good point--he was already shocked at the quality of army, but doubly so at those leading it. What are you insinuating?

You are clever enough to know that, Sylas smiled lightly. And clever enough to realize why something like that would happen. The Kingdom is rot, General Stone.

Staun.

A thousand eyes vie it, within and without. All waiting for a kindle to burst into fire of conflict--and that conflict will raze this place to the ground.

Are you implying you wont do the same?

Oh, no. Not at all, Sylas shrugged, stopping by the Princes side. But when it is all said and done, when the fire is done burning and all thats left of this cancer is ash... who do you want sitting on that metaphorical throne? Some maddened, crazed noble? A bloodthirsty warrior? Or a man learned and smart and charismatic enough to have such an assortment of figures swear loyalty to him before he is even a name, let alone a King? clasping the boys shoulders, it was as though he was whispering to the Prince to straighten up and project an image of confidence--despite how much it hurt Valens head to hear Sylas speak so loudly just above him.

Your confidence, if nothing else, is marvelous.

Ah, words wont sway you, I suppose, Sylas chuckled lightly. But how about this--you and I, well duel. And if I win, you join us.

And if you dont? anger turned into a wide smile on the Generals face. Thrice now, this beggar-looking man had insulted him.

Hmm... alright--if you, by some godly miracle, manage to win, well waive all the terms and free both you and your men immediately. In fact, well turn around and walk back north, and you can weave a story of how you beat back the rebel force and gain as much glory as youd like.

Something was off, General realized. Not only was the man speaking freely in the presence of the Prince and many other notable figures, but he also proposed undoing something that took many sacrifices to achieve. And not only did nobody say anything to oppose him, nobody even had a flicker in their expression.

Very well, though he had doubts, General Staun was not the man anchored by them. If he was confident in anything more than leading an army, it was in his personal ability. Even if the beggar-looking man was some sort of a hidden expert, so was the General. In his youth, hed reached a realm that had even the King praise him for his efforts. Let gods be our witnesses.

Oof, Id rather not, Sylas shuddered. Those guys worship me. Itd be very bad for you if they got the wind of our lil duel. while the General looked at him confused, the rest of the room tried to stifle a laugh. Such was Sylas, they all knew. The Prophet who had them march from the frosted north down south in the middle of a Cold Snap. Something impossible... and yet, possible.