New World - A New Beginning

Chapter 111: Small Steps

JEAN LYMINE'S POV:

Our advance into Fei territory had been overwhelmingly successful over the past few weeks, but one look at my scout's face as he rushed into the tent told me our victory was short-lived.

"My lady, we've spotted Fei reinforcements arriving from the south," he said, his short breaths gasping for air reinforcing the severity of the information.

I said nothing, tapping into the neutral bind around me as I attempted to sense the presence of my fellow S-ranks. A wave of energy washed over me, my eyes shooting open. This was the power of two S-ranks combined, and considering we were on the Eastern front, there were only two individuals who could resonate with such power.

The Vye twins.

It was true that I was technically more powerful than each of them, but taking on two S-ranks was impossible for one individual. We were already deep into enemy territory, and being pushed back would result in a huge loss for everything we had accomplished. All the soldiers that had perished on the battlefield would've died for nothing.

"How long would it take our fastest mount to traverse the continent and reach the Western front?" I asked. The scout seemed rather surprised at the question but quickly recovered as he began to estimate the duration.

"At least a few days of constant travel," concluded the scout. I scowled in frustration, realizing the position we had been forced into.

"How numerous is the reinforcement force?" I asked, attempting to picture the entire situation.

"Only a few thousand, my lady. The real threat is the two commanders leading the charge."

"Yes, I know. We won't be able to hold them off," I muttered.

If sending a message to the western front was going to take a few days, then that meant we'd need to defend against one major offensive that pitted the entirety of the Fei force against ours. If Ares was fighting Jay, and both the Vye twins were here, then that meant Amelia's front was completely unguarded.

Amelia was most likely pushing the Dwarven resistance back like small insects, but her assault was sure to come to a halt.

The power of an S-rank was equivalent to around five to ten AA-ranks, and I was certain that King Glad had set aside the required amount of adventurers in the case of an Imanian attack.

So was calling for Amelia's aid the right move?

The Pink Terror could easily make it to our location within a few hours using lightning, and even if she were to be exhausted upon her arrival, her presence alone would allow us to push back against the Vye twins.

"Prepare our troops. We are to remain alert and ready until reinforcements arrive," I ordered, the captains around me rushing out of the tent immediately.

"R-Reinforcements?" asked the scout, completely lost as to how we'd manage to receive any.

"Yes, you'll be getting them for us," I said, advancing towards the scout, "take the fastest mount you know of and head to the Western Front. Only one person can save us."

"Yes, my lady!" he exclaimed, understanding my message. I watched as he bolted out of the headquarters in a flash, the high-pitched whistling that acted as a calling order for mounts ringing in my ears.

My turn arose to exit the tent, the shining sun blinding me momentarily. I winced, adjusting to the bright light before looking down at the sight before me.

Tens of thousands of soldiers ran around hurriedly, gathering their weapons amidst the barking of orders from their superiors. My eyes glanced in the direction of the enemy, the oncoming army still invisible to normal vision.

We're counting on you, Amelia.

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

"A letter from the Empress?" I asked, grabbing the piece of parchment from the envoy's hands.

"Yes, sir."

I unraveled the small cords keeping the letter wrapped, revealing its contents. My eyes quickly scanned the page, each and every word imprinting itself within my mind.

Selena wanted to see me personally.

The importance of the matter was evident. If Selena wanted to leave her front to come to see me, or vice versa, it would severely weaken our defenses. Our meeting had to be done face to face, but as to why remained a mystery.

However, it seemed like she was the one doing the moving. She was already on her way to the Western front, and she expected to arrive a few days after the arrival of the letter. It seemed like she also wanted to keep this matter private, and one look at the envoy told me he was already aware of the secrecy of the meeting.

The page of parchment erupted into flames as I watched it slowly dematerialize into a small hump of ash right before me.

"I assume you'll inform me of the location and time?" I asked the envoy. He nodded.

"Yes, sir."

I walked out of the tent, pretending the conversation had never taken place.

My eyes settled on the royal tent as a small pulse rang across my body. I could tell the source of the feeling was from the other side of the link, but I couldn't imagine what could be requiring so much energy.

I made my way to the giant red tent, nodding once at the sentry placed outside as I entered the room. My eyes widened as I realized what was happening.

Even if it was slowly and awkwardly, the Dragon girl was beginning to walk again. I noticed her entire body trembling from the weakness of her legs, but simply standing up and achieving balance was an incredible feat.

I hurried to Asthia's side, wrapping my arm around her waist to support her. It was clear that she wasn't ready to be walking on her own yet.

A small squeal escaped Asthia's mouth as she felt the contact of my arm. I laughed, realizing the girl had been so concentrated on not collapsing that she hadn't noticed my presence.

"Sorry," I said softly, still amazed that Asthia was standing. I guess a shattered spine only took a few weeks to heal in this world, or maybe it was just the girl's overwhelming determination.

"I-It's okay," muttered the girl, calming down as she put her other arm over my neck.

Even amidst the happiness I felt from seeing Asthia's slight recovery, I could tell she was pushing her body way too hard. I understood her impatience to help those around her, a trait I greatly admired but sacrificing her own wellbeing to achieve it was simply contradictory.

How could she help others if she couldn't even help herself?

"Just take it slow," I said, noticing the exhausted pants that escaped the girl's mouth.

"I need to recover..." whispered the girl, but it felt as if she was talking to herself rather than answering my remark.

"It takes time, Asthia," I added, raising my voice in an attempt to be heard. The white-haired girl looked at me, a dark cloud enshrouding her irises.

"We don't have time."

"I'll create time!" I exclaimed, forcing my point. "I'll create as much time as you need. Just don't hurt yourself!"

Why was I getting so agitated over this? I rarely raised my voice, and I could tell my change of tone even took Asthia by surprise.

"You don't understand..."

"Understand what? The pain of losing someone without even seeing them? The pain of losing your family without even saying goodbye? Being so powerless that all you can do is watch as those around you die? I'm maybe one of the only people that does understand you, Asthia."

"Your family is alive!" cried out the girl. I could tell she was simply letting out all of her pent-up frustration, but what she needed now was someone who would fight back, someone who would support her even if it meant clashing.

"Do you think I don't know the pain of loss?!"

Asthia said nothing, tears beginning to streak down her face as she began to realize what words had echoed from her mouth. I wiped away the girl's tears, smiling.

"It takes time, Asthia. Everything in this world does."

"I know... I'm sorry..." she croaked, her legs giving in to the constant pressure they had been holding up.

I accompanied her fall, crouching down and making sure she didn't hit the ground hard. If this fight of ours allowed her to move on, even if it meant merely taking the first step and accepting the pain, as well as the time it would take to heal, then it would be the greatest victory I had ever fought for.

"Come on," I whispered, lifting her up. Asthia said nothing to my action, burrowing her head forward and avoiding eye contact. I smiled, laying her back onto the bed.

"You're kind of heavy, huh?"

Asthia burst out laughing at the sarcastic comment, remembering the peaceful years we had spent together back on Lares.

"Shut up!" she said, unable to hold back tears. This time, however, I felt like her tears were originating from a different kind of emotion, one that I hoped would fill her heart one day.

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