Hours after the trial began, Ataparag resumed collecting reports from his team, as was his routine. She visited each station around Galica, ensuring everything was in order.
A few hours later, she headed to a watchtower ten kilometers west of Galica's border. This tower served as a sentinel, guarding the town's boundaries against monsters and potential attacks.
Ataparag rode in a carriage pulled by a white horse, a common mode of transport for city patrols. Accompanying her were Toto, Nyabu, and four other soldiers, all vigilant as they scanned their surroundings.
Part of their duty was to inspect the main roads used by merchants and citizens entering and leaving Galica. Inside the carriage, Ataparag cheerfully greeted Nyabu, who was still upset with him and barely responded.
"Good to see you joining me for patrol, Nyabu," Ataparag said with a grin.
"It's my job to follow you, Leader, no matter what," Nyabu replied curtly.
Ataparag gently took her hands, her tone softening. "Don't stay mad at me, Nyabu. I hate it when you're upset. You and Toto are like family to me, and it hurts when you're angry."
Nyabu avoided her gaze as she leaned closer, pleading. "You don't get it, Leader," she snapped. "We care about you, but you don't listen. You keep giving that human special treatment."
Ataparag chuckled. "What? You think I keep him around because I'm craving his flesh?"
She smirked but denied her accusation. While she admitted to feeling a slight hunger for human flesh, that wasn't why she wanted Nathaniel on the team. In the month Nathaniel had been with them, Ataparag had grown to value him as a member. Unlike others, Nathaniel showed no fear or avoidance when they were together, despite Ataparag's reputation as a half-monster. Most people and creatures kept their distance, wary of his nature.
"The Vice Commander entrusted him to me, so I can't neglect him," Ataparag added.
Nyabu gave him a skeptical look, clearly unconvinced. Ataparag shook his head, trying to deflect. "I'm telling the truth… though, I'll admit, I do kind of like the smell of his flesh," she whispered with a sheepish grin.
Nyabu sighed, resting a hand on her shoulder and pushing her back. "I can't blame you for craving human flesh, but don't forget your agreement with our Majesty."
Ataparag suddenly pulled her into a warm hug, beaming. "Don't worry! I know the consequences from our Majesty would be severe. I'd never trade my time with my siblings for a fleeting craving."
"Leader, you can't act like a child on duty," Nyabu chided, though her tone softened.
Nyabu had no choice but to accept her explanation. She knew she couldn't stop Ataparag's fascination with human flesh, but with Nathaniel on their team, she felt compelled to keep a close watch on her. The other soldiers glanced at them, amused by Ataparag's affectionate display.
"See, Leader?" Nyabu said. "You need to be serious, or one day your soldiers won't respect you if you keep acting like a kid."
"What? That's harsh!" Ataparag laughed.
After an hour of travel, they arrived at the watchtower, a ten-story structure where stationed soldiers greeted them. Many lived there, rotating between watchtowers monthly. Ataparag sent two of her men daily to such posts to check on supplies like food, medicine, and other essentials.
Today's visit was to inspect the tower and its operations, a task Ataparag performed across the thirty-plus watchtowers surrounding Galica. As they reviewed reports, a soldier noticed a crow flying toward them, its movements erratic.
"What's that?" the soldier muttered.
The bird plummeted to the ground before them. A soldier examined it and discovered it was a messenger crow from the Ravena Tribe, used to carry urgent communications.
"Really? But why is it injured?" Nyabu asked, concerned.
They retrieved a letter tied to its leg, which a soldier read aloud. It detailed a threat from the Black Scorpion bandits attacking the Ravena Tribe's village, forcing them to evacuate. The tribe was requesting aid.
"They're asking for our help, General," the soldier reported to Ataparag.
He explained that the Black Scorpions were notorious outlaws led by Alpha-class fighters. Their numbers were formidable when they targeted a village or tribe for destruction.
"The Ravena Tribe is in the Mashu Mountains, General," another soldier added. "That's nearly a hundred kilometers away. With the rough terrain, it'll take us two hours to get there."
Ataparag immediately ordered the carriage prepared and instructed some soldiers to return to Galica to report the situation. As she rushed to organize, Nyabu grabbed her arm.
"Wait, Leader! It's reckless to go with so few forces. We need a better plan."
She pointed out that, according to the report, the Black Scorpions had a large force, while the watchtower only had three hundred soldiers. Taking everyone would be a gamble, leaving the tower defenseless.
"Nyabu, if we don't act, those people will die," Ataparag said firmly. "They're citizens of the kingdom, and we can't abandon them."
"I know, Leader, but why not wait for reinforcements from Galica? It's safer than charging in unprepared," Nyabu countered.
Ataparag explained that help from Galica wouldn't arrive quickly due to a shortage of generals at the base. It would take at least an hour for approval and preparations, wasting precious time.
"I understand, Leader, but—" Nyabu began.
"My mission is to ensure the safety of this kingdom's people, and I must fulfill it," Ataparag interrupted, brushing her hand aside and heading toward the carriages.
Shse urged the soldiers to prepare quickly. "Leave fifty men to guard the watchtower. The rest, come with me!"
Nyabu, though worried about the dangers ahead, had no choice but to follow. Ataparag confided that she'd waited for orders and reinforcements in the past, only to arrive at villages too late, finding no one left to save. "All we could do was bury the victims," she said grimly.
Turning to her soldiers, she addressed them with resolve. "Remember, we Eskapa are saviors, not just gravediggers for the victims we fail to protect."
Minutes later, over thirty carriages raced toward the mountains. Some soldiers whispered among themselves, uneasy about the mission due to their limited numbers and lack of preparation.
"I don't doubt the General's orders," one murmured, "but if the enemy numbers in the thousands, aren't we too few to fight?"
"Exactly," another agreed. "They say the Black Scorpions have monster allies. We might just die out there."
Nyabu, with her sharp hearing, caught their words but remained silent, her gaze fixed on Ataparag. She noticed her quiet concern. "Are you worried about what's coming?" she asked.
"We're soldiers; danger is part of the job," Nyabu replied. "But we can't go in without a solid plan."
Ataparag took her hand, admitting her fear—not for himself, but for her valued soldiers. Still, she knew she needed their help. "Don't worry. Your mission is to save the fleeing civilians. I'll handle the enemy leaders," she said with a reassuring smile.
Nyabu stood abruptly, objecting. "No! I won't let you put yourself in that position. It sounds like you plan to face them alone and leave us behind!"
She pleaded with her, insisting there was no need for reckless heroics. They could retreat and wait for Galica's reinforcements. "I'm ready to die in battle, as it's a soldier's fate," Ataparag said calmly, "but not you."
Nyabu shook her head, pointing out that Ataparag had much to live for—a free life, a happy family in Galica. She acknowledged their duty but felt certain they were marching to their deaths.
"Nyabu," Ataparag said softly.
The soldiers fell silent, heads bowed, sharing her fears about their fate. Ataparag noticed their low morale and realized their doubts and fears would render their efforts futile.
She sighed deeply. "Stop the carriages at the next tribe."
Minutes later, they reached a village of Kakudyo, small creatures who were citizens of the kingdom. Ataparag explained they were there to provide protection in case the attacks spread. She ordered her troops to surround the village and remain until reinforcements from Galica arrived.
"No one leaves this village until backup gets here, understood?" she shouted.
The soldiers saluted and dispersed in groups to guard the village. "Nyabu, Toto, you're in charge of the troops," Ataparag said. "I'm counting on you both."
With that, she walked toward a tent they'd set up as a temporary base. Nyabu's eyes lingered on her, her worry evident despite her agreement to her request.
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