Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 93: [92] Baptism by Fire

-Third-Person Perspective-

The expedition had finally begun. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Rows of newly trained soldiers marched in disciplined formation, their uniforms simple yet functional, with newly crafted rifles strapped to their backs. Though most of them didn’t fully grasp the true importance of this mission, they followed their orders with the discipline drilled into them over the past three months.

For most of them, this was nothing more than a live field exercise—their first real test after months of grueling training under Kael and the other instructors. But for those within Arkan’s inner circle, this was far more than just a training exercise.

This was the first step toward securing the Rune Stone mine. A critical mission to ensure that this valuable resource didn’t fall into the wrong hands before they could gain full control.

At the front of the formation, Kael rode on horseback, his sharp gaze scanning the young soldiers marching behind him.

At forty years old, he had survived countless battles, far too many to count. But this time, something was different.

Firearms.

Kael still remembered the first time he saw and fired one—the terrifying blast, the sheer speed of the projectile, the realization that this one weapon could change the very fabric of war.

This was beyond anything he had ever known. Beyond swords, beyond bows, beyond all the battlefield tactics that had been used for centuries.

Kael had always been a pragmatic warrior, always searching for new ways to adapt and improve. But this time, he truly felt it—

The era of war had changed.

No more knight duels on horseback.No more phalanxes of spearmen holding the line against cavalry.No more honorable one-on-one combat to prove one’s worth.

The battlefields of the future would be won by those who mastered this new weapon first.

Kael exhaled slowly, eyes sweeping over the troops he had trained with his own hands. They were still inexperienced, but they had shown great potential.

Given time, these recruits could become the deadliest force on the continent.

This was not just a simple expedition—they were forging a path to the Rune Stone mine, which lay deep within a monster-infested forest.

Everyone knew a battle was inevitable. The only question was when.

For the first few hours, everything proceeded smoothly. The formation remained disciplined, and the workers assigned to clear the path cut down trees, hacking through the dense foliage.

The air was filled with the rhythmic chopping of axes, the distant cries of birds, and the murmured conversations of the soldiers.

Kael and Rainer rode side by side at the front, speaking in casual tones—as if they weren’t marching into danger.

"So, what do you think of their training so far?" Kael asked, observing the young soldiers standing guard.

Rainer shrugged.

"They’re still green, but promising. With more field experience, they could become a force worth fearing."

Kael chuckled.

"At least you’re not underestimating them like before."

"I’ve learned to be more realistic," Rainer replied before smirking. "And I’d rather not see them die pointlessly due to poor leadership."

Kael shook his head, still smiling. But beneath their lighthearted exchange, their awareness never wavered.

A battle was coming. It was only a matter of time.

At the first kilometer, everything was normal. Only the dense forest ahead.

At the second kilometer, something changed.

The air grew heavier. The distant sounds of wildlife suddenly vanished.

Some of the workers exchanged nervous glances, but they continued cutting down trees, trying to ignore the growing unease.

At the third kilometer, it began.

A deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees.

Then—a sudden rustling of leaves, moving fast.

Kael’s eyes snapped toward the source, instincts honed by decades of battle kicking in.

"READY YOUR WEAPONS!" His voice boomed across the formation.

Then, from the depths of the forest, the monsters emerged.

A massive shadow leaped out from the darkness, followed by a horde of creatures of varying sizes and shapes.

The workers immediately scattered, abandoning their tools as they ran for cover.

But the soldiers held their ground.

They had been trained for this.

The front line dropped to their knees, rifles at the ready.The second line stood, aiming over their shoulders.The third line prepared to reload and support.

But Kael saw it—some of them were shaking.

Of course, he thought. This is their first real battle. Training at a shooting range is nothing compared to staring death in the face.

But there was no time for hesitation.

The monsters rushed forward—

Dire Wolves, their massive forms barreling through the undergrowth.Lizard Fiends, their steel-hard scales glinting in the sunlight.And worst of all—Dark Treants, towering tree-like creatures moving with crushing force.

This was no ordinary forest.

The presence of Rune Stones had corrupted the beasts, making them stronger, faster, and more aggressive.

Kael stepped forward, his battle-hardened instincts taking over.

"SOLDIERS, READY YOUR GUNS! FORMATION: FIRE LINE!"

The young soldiers snapped into position, executing the maneuver they had practiced over and over again in training.

First row—kneeling.Second row—standing.Third row—support and reload.

But Kael still saw hesitation in their eyes.

Not good.

"STEADY YOUR HANDS! FOCUS, AIM—AND FIRE!"

Then, he raised his sword high, giving the final order—

"FIRE!!"

-Rainer Astoria’s Perspective-

As the first gunshots rang through the air, I stood on the left flank of the formation, watching the impact unfold before my eyes.

The Dire Wolves leading the charge collapsed instantly—some shot clean through the head, others falling with bloody wounds across their bodies. The first volley was a success.

But it wasn’t enough to stop them all.

The larger monsters, like Lizard Fiends and Dark Treants, continued their advance, their thick scales and bark-like skin absorbing most of the bullets.

Of course. This isn’t enough.

Without hesitation, I lunged forward with my spear.

My target—the most aggressive Lizard Fiend.

I waited for the right moment.

The second it opened its mouth to roar, I thrust my spear deep into its throat.

Splat!

Thick green blood sprayed into the air.

The beast tried to snap its jaws around me, but I was faster—I kicked its head away and yanked my spear free.

"PUSH THEM BACK! KEEP SHOOTING!" I roared at the soldiers behind me.

-Perspective Soldier-

My hands trembled as I pulled the trigger again.

I had already seen my comrades fall—all because they hesitated.

A cold sweat ran down my forehead.

I had hunted before, but this was different. This wasn’t hunting—this was war.

"Don’t stop shooting! Aim for their legs!"

Kael’s voice cut through the chaos.

I took a deep breath, steadying my grip, and locked onto a monster’s joint.

Bang!

The Lizard Fiend charging at my squadmate stumbled and collapsed, its leg blown out.

My friend didn’t hesitate—he plunged his spear into its neck, killing it before it could rise again.

I swallowed hard and cocked my rifle.

I have to survive.

I lifted my gun again, ready to fire at the next wave.

Kael’s Perspective

From a distance, Kael observed the battlefield.

Some of the young soldiers were adapting quickly—but others were still paralyzed by fear.

But this was enough.

They were holding the line.

The smaller monsters were thinning out, but the Dark Treants remained the biggest threat.

Kael raised his sword high.

"PREPARE THE MORTARS!"

-Arkan Lawrence’s Perspective-

I sat atop my horse, positioned on higher ground, overseeing the battlefield.

Kael and Rainer were handling the situation better than I expected.

And now... the new troops were getting used to the battlefield.

But my eyes remained fixed on the Dark Treants still advancing.

Time to test my new weapon.

I turned to Florence, standing beside me.

"Prepare the Florence Mortar."

Florence nodded and signaled to the artillery team behind us. The soldiers quickly loaded the first shell—a projectile packed with gunpowder and iron shrapnel.

I locked onto the Dark Treant and gave the order.

"FIRE!"

Duuumm!

The mortar shell soared through the air—

Then exploded directly against the Treant’s trunk.

The blast was strong enough to make it stagger, then collapse, crushing several monsters behind it.

A satisfied smile crossed my lips.

Modern weaponry truly changes the battlefield.

-Third-Person Perspective-

Arkan stood atop the canyon ridge, the night wind brushing against his face as he observed the battle below through his telescope.

From his vantage point, he could see the mortar explosions shaking the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the earth. The blasts ripped through the monsters, some obliterated instantly.

Blood, soil, and smoke mixed into the chaotic warzone.

Arkan bit his lip, trying to suppress the satisfaction welling up within him.

My God... This is far more efficient than I imagined.

Not because he enjoyed destruction, but because he was witnessing the fruits of his labor.

For months, the concept of modern warfare had only existed in his mind—but now, it was reality.

One of the artillery officers approached him, eyes wide with awe.

"Sir, the mortars are even more effective than expected. Large targets like the Dark Treants can’t survive more than two or three direct hits."

Arkan nodded, his gaze never leaving the battlefield.

"How much ammunition do we have left?" he asked without turning.

The officer glanced behind him, where soldiers were still reloading mortar tubes with fresh shells.

"Enough for ten more shots, sir."

Ten more... Arkan thought.

It was a decent amount, but they couldn’t rely on artillery alone to solve all their problems.

Below, Rainer continued cutting down monsters one by one with his spear, green and red blood mixing into the dirt beneath his feet.

I have to admit... I’m starting to like this weapon.

Even though he had been trained as a swordsman since childhood, the spear felt more natural in his hands.

It allowed him to attack from a greater distance, to strike without stepping too close to danger.

But then—his instincts screamed at him.

Something moved behind the trees.

Wait... That’s not a normal monster.

His sharp blue eyes narrowed as he focused, peering through the smoke and falling leaves caused by the previous explosions.

Then—he saw them.

A pair of glowing red eyes, staring from within the shadows.

And then—it stepped out of the darkness.

The creature towered over them, nearly four meters tall.

Jagged black bones protruded from its body, and its massive fangs glistened under the moonlight.

Kael, standing a short distance from Rainer, immediately raised his sword and shouted—

"READY YOURSELVES! WE’VE GOT A NEW PROBLEM!"

From atop the canyon, Arkan’s breath caught in his throat.

"Shit, what is that...?" he muttered, his heartbeat quickening.

He snapped his telescope up again, zooming in on the monstrosity.

And the moment he got a clearer look, his blood ran cold.

No... That’s not just any monster.

He recognized it.

A creature that had only ever been mentioned in the original novel.

Hellbound Behemoth.