Word came that the enemy was pulling back.

  A shallow breath of relief passed through the ranks.

  Oh Jinchul spoke quietly.

  “This is when you need to be careful.”

  “When they pull back, it means they’re about to strike.”

  Seongjin asked,

  “A flanking move?”

  “That’s right.”

  A cold smile touched Oh Jinchul’s lips.

  “Nothing in this world falls at random.Everything connects.”

  Seongjin hesitated.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “Then… I’ll report it.”

  Oh Jinchul frowned.

  “They’ll say it’s pointless talk.”

  Senior officers avoid reports like that.Accepting them means admitting they might be wrong.

  Most people know this simple truth—and still avoid it.

  Out of weariness.Or because they believe it won’t be them who die.

  Seongjin pressed his heels lightly into his horseand plunged into the dust.

  Hwang Hyeon-pil had reined in, watching the front.

  “Report!”

  “There’s word the enemy is retreating.”

  Seongjin steadied his breath.

  “But it’s a feint.They used the same tactic before.We need to prepare the left wing.”

  His gaze shifted left.

  The formation there had loosened.

  Horses kicked dirt at will.Even the foot archers’ line was uneven.

  Fatigue lay heavy on Hwang Hyeon-pil’s face.

  Relentless marching.Shrinking sleep.Meals broken apart.

  A brief silence.

  Then an answer Seongjin had not expected.

  “I see.”

  Hwang Hyeon-pil lifted his eyes to the dust.

  The column had halted.Only dust continued to rise.

  “Prepare fire on the left.”

  “Control officer, move forward and signal.”

  “Loyalty!”