Scenario:The Art of Mercy - Chapter 5: Elegy for the Valorous - Episode 3

The Art of Mercy - Chapter 5: Elegy for the Valorous - Episode 3

The Erdeni soldiers withdraw and return to the base with news of Polaris's death. Altair instructs everyone to prepare to attack the enemy at full force. Zawra asks Altair for permission to deal with Erik himself in their next fight and makes a vow to come back alive.

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Vitali: Well, this is a pain... To think the king's right-hand man would be this difficult to shake off!

Zawra: This day will be your last!

Erdeni Messenger: U-urgent message to all units!

Erdeni Messenger: General Polaris... General Polaris was killed in action against Prince Erik of Zilantos and his troops!

Zawra: ...!
Polaris... is dead?

Erdeni Messenger: Yes, sir! Prince Erik is also confirmed to have suffered heavy injuries, and his troops have retreated from the battlefield.

Vitali: Oh dear. Dear, dear me... If Prince Erik is no longer on the battlefield, then I suppose this will be it for me as well.

Vitali: Let's call this a draw, since we've both suffered our own losses. We'll settle this another time.

Zawra: Wait!

Before Zawra can take another step, Vitali is enveloped by a blinding light.

Zawra: Curses... A smoke screen!

Vitali: I'm afraid standing at the front lines is not my forte. Well then, until next time.

By the time the light disappears, not a single Zilantos soldier is to be seen.

Zawra makes a frustrated sound and turns to his own troops with his orders.

Zawra: We will retreat for now. With Polaris's unit out of action, we'll need to rethink our strategy.

Erdeni Messenger: Yes, sir!

Zawra: (Polaris... So you've gone on without us...)

Both armies retreat to their respective bases.

At the Erdeni headquarters, Polaris's body is laid on a simple stretcher, a cloth placed over her.

Shura: ...

Vyrn: You're kidding, right... No way...

Altair: This is something I will never grow accustomed to no matter how many times I experience it on the battlefield...

Zawra: ...

Speechless, they can only stand in disbelief as they mourn the loss of their friend.

It is then that Zawra reaches a decision within himself and quietly steps forward.

Zawra: Altair. Will you grant me the permission to deal with Prince Erik alone?

Altair: ...

Altair: Erik is the third prince of Zilantos.

Altair: Since we have wounded one of the royal princes, it is likely that Zilantos will retaliate, with the intention of annihilating us completely.

Altair: In other words, they will bring their full strength to bear... with Luhua at the front line.

At the mention of Luhua's name, Shura quivers slightly.

Shura: It will be a terrible battle... even more so than any we have experienced thus far.

Zawra: That is exactly why we will need to focus however much power we can afford on Luhua.

Shura: No, wait! I believe it would be better if we work as a single body rather than divide our military power.

Shura: We can focus our resources on defeating the enemy one at a time, whether it be Prince Erik or Luhua...

Altair casts a sideway glance at Shura, his expression grim.

Altair: Focusing all of our military power and crushing the enemy step by step is not a bad idea.

Altair: However, the one we need to be wary of is not the prince, but their strategist, Vitali.

Altair: Considering the number of unknown variables in this equation, it would be wise to split up our forces so that we are better able to respond to unexpected developments.

Zawra: Silver Strategist... What are you hesitating for?

Zawra: It is not me whom you should protect. It is the people and their king. Wouldn't you agree?

Seeing Zawra stand firmly in his belief, Altair asks a single question.

Altair: When you face the prince in battle...

Altair: Can you promise that you will act not out of revenge, but calmly and unswayed by emotion?

Zawra: There is no right or wrong on the battlefield. One's reason to fight is purely based on one's own emotions and beliefs.

Zawra: However, I can swear that this sadness I harbor will only serve as fuel for the fight. I will not be overcome by it in battle.

Shura: Commander Zawra...

At Zawra's temperate words, Altair relaxes and finally nods.

Altair: I understand. Then I will leave Prince Erik to you, Commander Zawra.

Zawra: Thank you, Altair. I appreciate it.

Altair: I trust you to stand firm in your beliefs and not be rattled by the enemy, no matter what actions they take.

Altair: According to our hostages, Prince Erik is a man who does not treat other people as equals, be they friend or foe.

Altair: And as far as I can see, Vitali is also someone very capable of such inhumanity.

Altair: Do not let it shake you. Even if you are to witness people used as shields and thrown away, you must stay strong.

Zawra: Understood. I will keep your advice in mind.

Zawra: I swear on my name that I will bring down Erik and come back victorious.

(Captain) and the others take in a sharp breath, feeling the tension in the air as they prepare for the final battle.

The battle for Zaha slowly approaches its end as the winding paths around it twist and converge into one.