By noon, everyone had arrived, and it seemed that all those invited were individuals of considerable importance, capable of significantly influencing the Empire. The Dukes, who typically preferred the comfort of their own territories, were present as well; this might have been the first time they had stayed in the capital for such an extended period.However, one notable absence lingered in the air—Duchess Isla. Her absence was hardly surprising, as she had a reputation for avoiding such gatherings. Instead of mingling with the nobility, she preferred to remain ensconced in her palace, immersed in her research on poisons and alchemy.As I surveyed the meeting hall, I took in the faces of those gathered. Most of the attendees were candidates for the throne, each one a potential leader of the Empire. I, too, found myself among them, invited to this assembly of power and influence.The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, each noble aware of the stakes involved in the discussions to c
“Is anyone willing to leave?” Adelaine repeated, her voice steady despite the strange sensation that had washed over her just moments ago. It felt as though someone had scrutinized her very being, peeling away the layers of her clothing and exposing her in all her glory. A wave of vulnerability swept through her, leaving her feeling both exposed and ashamed.Yet, she maintained her composure and scanned the entire meeting room, her gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles. Except for the Dukes, whose statuses remained locked from her view due to her lower level, everyone else appeared to be within her reach.However, there was one peculiar individual among them. Adelaine focused her attention on him, mentally reading the name displayed on her status screen.‘Ethan Ifrit… level 90? So weak?’She cast a quick glance in his direction, noting his unassuming demeanour before shifting her focus back to the rest of the assembly. The contrast between Ethan's apparent weakness and the power radi
“The map is a remarkable invention by one of the heroes; only our Empire boasts such a detailed representation,” Princess Ladia declared as she walked around the 3D map, showcasing its intricate features. “With this, our plans and strategies can be precise down to the last detail.”She paused, her finger hovering over a specific area of the map. “This is the Northern Dragon Mountain Range, which the Ifrit Family has been responsible for defending. It has served as a natural barrier between the Beast Kingdom and our Empire for centuries. However, it seems the Beast Kingdom has discovered a passage through this range.”I listened intently, the weight of her words sinking in. The implications of this revelation were significant, and I could feel the tension in the room as everyone absorbed the information. The Northern Dragon Mountain Range was not just a geographical feature; it was a critical line of defence, and the thought of a breach sent a ripple of concern through the assembly.I
When their supplies are cut off, those mighty beastmen will be like lambs on the chopping block—their fate will be sealed!” Gislain declared, his voice rising with fervor as he traced his finger across the 3D map, illustrating his vision of a pincer attack.He indicated the strategic points where his army and Martin’s forces would converge, their combined might poised to strike. “With their supplies severed, the Beast Kingdom’s soldiers will be starved and weakened, ripe for the taking. This will be an assault from two sides, executed by two of our strongest armies.”The intensity in Gislain’s eyes was infectious, and I could feel the energy in the room shift as everyone absorbed the implications of his plan. The idea of launching a coordinated attack from both flanks was not just a tactical maneuver; it was a declaration of our intent to reclaim control and assert our dominance over the battlefield.“Imagine it,” Gislain continued, his enthusiasm palpable. “As we close in on them fro
"Instead of attacking those three supply points, why don't we just target the cities that are supplying the rations?" I proposed, my voice rising with enthusiasm.As a demon sitting at the table with humans, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. Surely, I had to contribute something meaningful to this gathering! “Hmm, do you have a different plan?” The Princess’s curiosity was piqued. “Young man, tell me about this plan of yours.”I stood up and moved to Gislain’s side, my finger hovering over a city beyond the Northern Dragon Mountain range—a city nestled within the Beast Kingdom’s territory.“This is the nearest city to the Beast Kingdom, and I’ve heard that the inhabitants here are trolls,” I explained, tracing my finger from the city to the three supply points of the Beastmen’s army.“Therefore, it’s quite safe to assume that this city serves as a key supplier of rations for the enemy. Even if it isn’t the sole source, it’s likely where all the rations are gathered b
“But if the Beast Kingdom’s motivation for attacking is territorial expansion, this strike should suffice. They wouldn’t be foolish enough to continue their assault while their city is engulfed in flames.”I turned to Princess Ladia, my gaze unwavering. "The Beast King has grown restless, sensing the absence of the Emperor. He has underestimated you, Your Highness. I would suggest using this opportunity to make him reconsider his choices."My words carried a weight beyond their surface meaning. I had yearned for years of peace, a chance to grow strong enough to walk this world without fear or hesitation. Yet, the path before us was fraught with peril, the consequences of our actions far-reaching."I am not a heartless man," I continued, my voice steady. "Though they are our enemies, I do not wish for such bloodshed. This attack will destroy an entire city, killing hundreds of thousands of innocent lives – men, women, children – none will be spared from the devastation."I paused, allo
In that tense moment, everyone in Northfall City held their breath, anticipating one crucial message from their leaders that could change everything.The stakes were higher than they could have imagined. A single misstep, a moment of recklessness, could lead to catastrophic consequences. The lives of the hostages hung in the balance, but more than that, the very fate of North Fall City itself was at risk.Even if they could withstand a siege, the soldiers knew they could not evacuate the citizens quickly enough to ensure their safety. The beastmen's trap was a cunning one – if they opened the gates to launch a counterattack, the hostages might not survive, and their city could fall into enemy hands.Should they surrender, sacrificing their pride and their principles to save the lives of their comrades? Or should they stand firm, risking everything in a desperate gamble to defeat the beastmen and protect their city?The soldiers' eyes darted from the hostages to the city gates, their m
“Spread out!”Drakan’s voice, amplified by the mana stone he wielded, cut through the chaos like a blade. His fury was palpable, igniting a sense of urgency among his troops.“Now!”At last, his command reached the ears of his soldiers, and they sprang into action. The vast expanse of the plains provided enough room for the large army to maneuver, and they scattered in all directions, desperately seeking to avoid becoming easy targets for the flying machines above.The soldiers scattered across the battlefield, creating considerable distance between them. The explosions, while powerful, were not as large as they seemed; it was the sheer force of the blasts that had caused such devastation.“Shoot them down!” Drakan commanded his archers, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He longed to cast a barrier spell to shield his troops, but he hadn’t yet mastered that particular magic.With a coordinated effort, numerous enhanced arrows were launched into the air, aimed at the peculiar