Merchant From Earth in the Magical World-Chapter 519 - 369 Saving Erelado_2

Fighting would only increase unnecessary risks for ourselves.

Olaf received the command, sheathed his weapon, and took off with Erelado and an Elf Guard.

In the air, Divine Beasts attempted to intercept, only to be shot down one by one by Arlanda.

After Olaf delivered Erelado to the transport plane, he flew down to continue escorting the other Elf Guards to it.

During this time, Yan Xing and the members of his Super Tactical Squad formed a circle, keeping the Tower Mages on the outside. If the other side didn’t move, neither did they.

Soon, Olaf had all the Elves designated for rescue onto the transport plane.

Yan Xing and his team members took off at the same time, remaining vigilant while refraining from any actions that would provoke a battle.

Thus, the Super Tactical Squad successfully rescued Erelado.

After the lurking thief Naisike also returned to the transport plane, the air fleet turned north to leave the battlefield.

Only then did the Tower Mages dare to dispel the War Mist. Watching the Eternal Domain air fleet fly far away, they suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness.

"We won this war, yet we also did not win it. We don’t know how many more powerful warriors like those in Thunderous Swamp remain. However, the number of trained Tower Mages is far from sufficient.

"We are still a long way from the standard of a warrior.

"Anderson was right; we do not have a warrior’s heart to match our strength. Will we have the courage to emerge from the mist and fight them next time?"

「On the transport plane.」

Yan Xing, who had deactivated his Magic Weapons, sat opposite Erelado. Erelado curled up inside his coat, his eyes lifelessly staring out the window. In the sky, the air units from both sides were still locked in battle.

Chui Chui placed two cups of water on the table between them and said softly to Yan Xing, "Master, our air fleet is returning from the battlefield. It will take at least twelve hours to return to the battlefield after resupplying, and longer if the weather is bad."

Yan Xing nodded and replied, "I know... During this time, our Elf allies need to hold on.

"I believe that as long as we do our utmost to support them, a significant number of Elf Warriors will be able to return to Snowland.

"Get some blankets for those Elf Guards; it’s getting dark... and chilly at night."

"Yes, Master."

After Chui Chui left, Yan Xing said to Erelado, who had not uttered a word, "I’m sorry I couldn’t save more Elves. Your Guard Division will now have to rely on themselves."

Erelado, whose spirit was somewhat broken, replied, "It should be I who am sorry. If I had listened to you, none of this would have happened.

"This was the strongest army Snowland ever had, chosen from the best warriors by myself.

"Yet because of my arrogance and foolishness, they have perished in this foreign land far from home.

"I am not fit to be their king."

"Yes, you are not fit to be their king."

Yan Xing’s response took Erelado by surprise. He finally looked at Yan Xing and said with a wry smile, "I thought you would comfort me."

Yan Xing chuckled. "I comfort you? Who will comfort me? How many of my planes and soldiers have been left here?

"This war should never have happened in the first place.

"If it weren’t for the fact that Snowland genuinely has no one more suitable to be king than you, I would never have taken such a great risk to rescue you."

"I’m sorry... I... I am sorry..." Erelado didn’t know what else to say and kept apologizing.

"Apologies can’t bring back the lives that have been lost. If you really want to be a qualified Elf King, next time you make a major decision, think carefully... can Snowland’s population withstand the losses of failure?

"I, like you, cannot bear heavy casualties, so I tread very carefully. Every decision I make takes into account my strengths and weaknesses, instead of betting everything on one gamble."

Yan Xing did not spare the Elf King’s dignity and rebuked Erelado, venting the resentment that had built up over days due to the rash military actions of the Elves.

After venting his frustration, he somewhat softened his tone and said, "I know you’re under pressure, wanting to prove yourself to Snowland. Otherwise, with your military command abilities, you wouldn’t make such a mistake.

"But the direction you chose to prove yourself is wrong.

"You are not a commander now, but the Elf King. The place to prove yourself is at the Royal Court, on your throne.

"Victories on the battlefield will only bring temporary fear to your political enemies, and failures will only stimulate their ambitions. Your battlefield is not here, and neither are your enemies.

"I might have said these things in the past, and you might not have been able to take them to heart, but I hope now you understand what I’m saying."

By this time, Erelado was much calmer. After listening to Yan Xing’s words, he asked, "Is there trouble at the Royal Court?"

"Yes... A faction of the Royal Elves launched a rebellion while you were surrounded by Orcs. I’ve already sent troops to work with your remaining forces to suppress them.

"As long as we can hold the border and prevent the Orcs from moving north, the scattered rebels won’t pose too much of a threat.

"Also... a portion of the underground races have been bought off by Cloud Tower. Although I have taken countermeasures, the bandits of the Underground City will surely become a long-term problem for Snowland.

"Your return to the Royal Court is of great importance."

Erelado felt relieved to hear that Yan Xing had already taken measures to deal with the changes in Snowland.

"Thank you, my lord, for rescuing me. Rest assured, I know what I should do in the future."

Yan Xing said, "If this war can awaken you, then it has not been a complete failure.

"Go back to the Royal Court with ease.

"My army is already en route to reinforce the Snowland border, and air support will continuously provide airdrops and cover for the Elves trapped in the wilderness. We will do our utmost to bring more Elves back to Snowland."

Erelado stood up and saluted Yan Xing. "I thank you again, and I promise..."

Yan Xing interrupted, "I don’t want to hear what you promise; I’ll judge you by what you do from now on! If you take such unilateral actions without informing your allies again, I may not be able to save you, nor might I choose to."

Today, Yan Xing’s words to Erelado left no room for sentiment. He had to make Erelado deeply realize his own mistakes. Moreover, "the master is very angry, and the consequences are very severe!"

"I understand. Please judge me by my actions in the future, my lord."

...

The air fleet continued its flight northward, growing in size as more and more returning aircraft joined the formation. The sun dipped below the western horizon, and night enveloped the land. All aircraft turned on their navigation lights, and communication waves echoed through the vast airspace. The air fleet crossed the border mountains and soon saw the brightly lit frontline airfield.

Aircraft low on energy landed first, while those with ample energy continued flying north in search of nearby airfields. After the transport plane carrying Yan Xing landed, Erelado said his goodbyes and, accompanied by his guards, boarded a plane headed for the Elf King’s Royal Court.

The frontline airfield was bustling with activity. Aircraft were constantly landing; once refueled, they were promptly dispatched for takeoff. Some aircraft belonging to the Elf forces, having been loaded with ammunition, flew south towards the wilderness. Various logistics and supply vehicles shuttled back and forth on the ground. Elves, Werewolves, humans, Goblins, and alchemical robots hurried between their various posts.

The roar of airplanes resounded throughout the airfield, while the navigation lights under their wings created a unique spectacle in the sky. Yan Xing sat on the roof of a barrack, smoking a cigarette and enjoying this vast scene that belonged to him.

Hibel walked up to him. She had deactivated her superweapon and was wearing the combat suit designed for it, its tight fit accentuating her excellent figure. Hibel sat beside Yan Xing, also watching the sky where planes rose and fell. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"You are changing the world. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined war looking like this. It’s unfamiliar and more spectacular, but at the same time, it also frightens me.

"Its efficiency in ending lives far surpasses any war in history.

"I thought the Anjik Fort war was brutal, but compared to what I’ve seen today... that was just barbarians fighting."