Chapter Fourteen: The Old Village Chief and the Young Soldiers

Chapter Fourteen: The Old Village Chief and the Soldiers

Because Rose, the super warrior, was in their midst, every soldier and civilian encountered on the road to Huangshi City received their protection. This caused the convoy to become a chaotic, bloated mass; the journey of over a hundred kilometers took three whole days. Along the way, they ran into small groups of reincarnated demons and giant wolf patrol boats, but thanks to Rose and the guardian angel Yan, no harm befell them.

Outside Huangshi City, a small group of refugees was under attack by reincarnated demons—humans who had willingly abandoned their humanity to become lesser demons, capable of flight and controlling dark energy for assaults.

Three of these demons were tossing a man about in the air, while the elderly, women, and children on the ground could only watch helplessly, powerless against foes who could fly. Once the demons tired of their games, none on the ground would escape their fate.

Fortune smiled upon them, however, as Rose and Angel Yan arrived just as the demons prepared to kill the man. A micro-wormhole opened, redirecting the dark energy ball meant for the unfortunate soul toward another demon. The targeted demon dodged nimbly, avoiding the blast.

Infuriated, the demon turned to see Rose on the ground, clad in black armor. Recognition dawned—this was the Black Armor of the Heroic Legion. Once, he would have fled at the first sight of such a warrior. Now, his new identity gave him enough confidence to stand his ground.

Without hesitation, he hurled a dark energy ball at Rose. With a casual wave of her hand, Rose made the projectile vanish mid-flight, only for it to reappear behind the demon, exploding violently and sending him flying, his fate uncertain.

The remaining two reincarnated demons exchanged a glance, then swiftly created dark energy balls, one launching his attack at Rose, the other targeting the crowd below.

Rose ducked to avoid the incoming energy, only to witness a scene that made her grit her teeth in fury—the energy ball was about to hit the ground, and its destructive power suggested certain death for those nearby. But her genetic engine was still cooling down; she wanted to rush forward and shield them with her body, yet the short distance felt like an insurmountable chasm.

The crowd also realized their chances of survival were slim. After countless hardships and losses, they had finally reached the outskirts of Huangshi City—only for the final few kilometers to become a deadly ordeal.

As despair clouded their faces, a radiant figure leapt into the fray, sword raised to intercept the dark energy ball, her wings spread protectively over the crowd. It was none other than the injured guardian angel, Yan.

She looked up at the demons without a word. But where she was silent, the demons spoke.

“Ah—it’s a high-level angel. Let’s retreat, survival comes first,” one demon said, fear thick in his voice.

“Stay calm. This angel is wounded. Let’s kill a god for fun today,” the other replied, not waiting for his companion’s answer before diving toward Yan on the ground.

At that moment, Rose rushed behind Yan, checking for injuries among the civilians. Seeing the demon charging at them, she knew the glory of an angel must not be defiled—even a wounded one.

Unyielding, Yan gripped her Flame Sword, soaring skyward. In the instant they passed each other, she sliced the demon clean in half, then pressed on toward the last demon.

Seeing his companion slain in a single move, the remaining demon cursed his stupidity, but wasted no time, unleashing several energy blasts to force Yan back.

With the angel on the defensive, he prepared to flee, but tongues of fire licked past him and pain flared across his body. Turning, he saw a soldier firing at him—a death sentence in his mind. He couldn’t defeat an angel, but surely he could handle a human.

It was Wei Qi. The gluttonous beasts, giant wolves, and demons were at least overt invaders, but these reincarnated demons were traitors. Every time the land of China teetered on the brink, scum like this appeared, draining its last vitality. Seeing a human turned into a lesser demon ignited his rage.

The demon charged at the soldier, acknowledging his courage but mocking his lack of sense—a broken gun could do little but cause pain. Accelerating, he aimed to deal with the soldier and escape.

Yan saw the demon shift his attack from herself to Wei Qi. That wouldn’t do—Wei Qi was a fine warrior, but he was ultimately just a mortal.

Without hesitation, Yan’s wings shimmered, accelerating her as she darted ahead of Wei Qi, saying quietly, “Weapons of your caliber won’t hurt them.”

The demon shuddered, seeing the angel appear before the soldier in an instant. If she used speed to kill him... Fearful, the demon pivoted sharply and fled without looking back.

Meanwhile, Huangshi’s artillery crews received their orders—several Dongfeng missiles soared toward the demon.

Relieved that the angel wasn’t pursuing him, the demon slowed, but before he could savor his escape, the whistling of missiles filled his ears. Supersonic Dongfengs exploded beside him, ending his flight.

Watching the blasts in the sky, Yan knew the demon was finished. She sheathed her Flame Sword, pressing a hand to her injury, and turned to look for Rose.

Instead, she found herself surrounded by gratitude—the refugees thanked the angel for their salvation.

Perhaps the angel seemed too remote, so after thanking her, the old village chief noticed Wei Qi standing nearby. As a member of China, he placed his trust in the soldiers—their bond unmatched by any other nation. No other army could offer such unconditional protection or self-sacrifice.

The village chief grasped Wei Qi’s hand, saying, “Over a hundred people from our village, and now only a handful remain. It’s been so difficult, so very difficult.” His eyes reddened, his body trembling with exhaustion and relief—contradictory emotions laid bare. The fatigue came from leading his villagers through hardship, losing many along the way. The relief came from seeing the soldiers of China—he could finally lay down his burden, trusting that with these warriors, his people would be safe.

As Wei Qi listened to the chief’s woes, Rose approached Yan, asking lightly, “Are you alright?”

“Don’t worry—as long as I don’t court disaster, I’ll survive,” Yan answered with her usual pride.

“Good. I don’t want you dying and leaving that loser Ge Xiaolun to bother me again.” Rose retorted, turning her gaze to the rescued crowd, her heart conflicted.

After the Battle of Giant Gorge, the entire eastern coast retreated inland, communication lost and vast territories abandoned. Soldiers protected the people, setting an example. For a long time, they couldn’t launch a true counterattack—not just because communications were down, but because the enemies were too numerous and varied: gluttons, demons, angels, gods. The Supreme Command ordered them to defend Jiangnan, stationed in Jingchu.

The convoy reached its destination outside Huangshi City. As the last bus carrying civilians entered, the soldiers followed in an orderly formation.

Rose and Yan sat in the car as Wei Qi drove slowly into the city, stopping by a park fountain. Watching the dried fountain, Rose could almost see elders playing with grandchildren, youths with their lovers. Glancing at the wooden box beside Yan in the back seat, she quietly got out, shouldered her Yunyang rifle, and walked toward the hotel prepared for them.

The roar of artillery echoed behind them. Yan remarked, “Just a few alien scouts, and you’re making it look like a fireworks show. You humans are so capricious.”

Rose said nothing, only whispered, “I wish it were fireworks, but fireworks can’t protect lives.”

“If the angels’ righteous order descended on Earth, you could enjoy the happiness of life—only fireworks, no need for cannon fire.”

“No. Humanity’s fate shouldn’t depend on the protection of angels.”

“You’re right. It’s too late now—Queen Keisha has fallen, the righteous order is in peril.” Yan spoke with sorrow.

“That’s why power held in one’s own hands is true power. Relying on others leaves you too passive.”

“Yes, you’re right. As guardians of the known universe’s order, angels have too many enemies. Angels cannot be without a king. I need your help—help me find Empress Lena; I need energy,” Yan pleaded to Rose.

“I’m searching for Lena too—she needs energy as well. We share the same goal; I’ll help you.” Rose replied, tightening her grip on her Yunyang with resolve.

The two fell silent, advancing toward their destination. Soon, a hotel appeared with a sign reading “Heavenly World,” though the character for “heaven” was missing a stroke.

Before they could stop, a soldier hurried out, saluting Rose. “Comrade Rose, these are extraordinary times; we can only stay in a place like this for now.” The soldier was nervous, eyes filled with awe. That name—Heroic Legion, Rose, together with you! It inspired countless to resist the invaders. Now, seeing a living idol in person, how could he not be excited?