The confrontation with Lady Lan and Dante's powerful intervention made Aria more keenly aware of her position in this camp. She was not just a medical or tactical advisor, but also the target of envious eyes and Dante's possessiveness. His protective gaze was both a comfort and an invisible shackle tightening around her.
A few days later, an urgent mission was assigned to Dante and his legion: eliminate a dangerous group of rebels hiding deep within a treacherous, dense forest. This was a critical, life-or-death mission, determining the safety of an entire region. Dante ordered Aria to accompany them, not as a military physician in the rear, but as a tactical advisor on the front lines.
Aria donned a light leather armor, tying her hair back neatly. She checked the small dagger Dante had given her and some basic medical supplies. This was the first time she had officially returned to a real battlefield since her transmigration, and the adrenaline still coursed strongly through her veins. But unlike the modern battlefield where she had firearms and well-trained comrades, here she only had her intellect and close-combat skills to survive.
The journey through the forest was arduous. The treacherous terrain, natural traps, and enveloping darkness forced all of Aria's senses to work at full capacity. Dante always led the way, his presence imposing and majestic. Occasionally, he would turn to look at her, his gaze containing not only evaluation but also a hint of subtle concern.
Upon reaching the rebels' lair, the scene that unfolded before Aria's eyes was one of bloody chaos. Screams, the clash of swords, the whizzing of arrows, and the pungent smell of fresh blood assailed her nostrils. The rebels fiercely resisted, relying on the challenging terrain.
Aria immediately sprang into action. With her knowledge of guerrilla tactics, she quickly identified the enemy's weak points. "General! Southeast! Utilize the narrow gorge to encircle them!" she shouted, her voice echoing amidst the battlefield.
Dante heard her words. He looked towards the southeast, where a seemingly harmless narrow gorge lay, yet it was a deadly weakness to isolate the enemy. He immediately ordered his soldiers to encircle according to Aria's instructions. Her perfect plan had changed the tide of the battle.
In the midst of the chaos, a poisoned arrow suddenly flew towards Dante. Aria, with a special agent's reflexes, instantly lunged, pushing him aside. The arrow grazed his shoulder, but missed its mark. Immediately, another rebel charged, swinging his sword. Aria didn't hesitate; she drew her dagger, parried the blow, and counterattacked. The sharp dagger tore through flesh, bringing the rebel down.
Dante looked at her, his eyes no longer holding their usual coldness but a profound surprise mixed with alarm. "You..." He couldn't finish his sentence before Aria was knocked down by another rebel soldier, her weapon falling from her hand. A cold blade pressed against her throat.
"Aria!" Dante roared, his voice filled with fury and panic. He charged like a hungry tiger, slicing down the rebel holding her. He knelt beside Aria, cupping her face in his hands, checking if she was wounded. His eyes were only on her now, no longer concerned with the chaotic battlefield around them.
"I'm fine," Aria said softly, feeling his ragged breath. She had never seen Dante express such clear emotion.
Dante pulled her tightly into his embrace, a hug full of strength and protection. "You risked your life for me," he whispered, his voice deep and husky, filled with emotion. He kissed her hair, a kiss devoid of lust, but full of gratitude and a fleeting fear.
The battle raged on, but in that moment, amidst the smoke and blood, a deeper, invisible thread bound Aria and Dante together. He had seen her courage and loyalty, and she had seen the genuine concern of a tyrannical general. This war was not just about power, but also the beginning of a love forged in blood and fire.