"Two chests of gold coins, a Heroic Medal, and the position of..."“Advisor of Brightwing Academy.”Those who heard the final announcement were taken aback, their expressions shifting from shock to grim realization. The title of Advisor to the Brightwing Academy was not just any position; it was equivalent to that of a vice-principal—a rank held by a Saint-level powerhouse.Now, this young man, once viewed as a mere boy by many of the older nobles, was poised to become an advisor?They could hardly believe it.Such a position demanded vast experience, wisdom, and knowledge accumulated over decades, along with significant contributions to the Empire. The thought of someone so young stepping into this role was almost unfathomable.I turned my gaze to Princess Ladia, who regarded me with a knowing smile. “Do you accept?” she asked, her tone steady.The weight of her question hung in the air, and I could feel the eyes of the assembly upon me, each gaze filled with expectation and disbelie
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
"Hey! Why should we listen to a brat like you?" The interjection came from the back of the crowd, a young soldier, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with defiance. The rest of the soldiers turned to stare, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.A genuine smile spread across my face. Finally, someone had the audacity to speak up. A flicker of satisfaction ignited within me. This was exactly what I had been hoping for, wasn't it? Didn't this feel like the natural order of things?I had anticipated this moment from the very beginning. There was no way these esteemed scions of nobility and battle-hardened knights would meekly submit to the commands of a mere child. The moment I was elected commander of one of the three mighty armies, I knew this tension would inevitably arise. After all, who among these talented warriors would willingly follow a teenager with little to boast of in terms of accomplishments? And let's not forget the shadow of my less-than-st
Ladia couldn't help but castigate herself for her lapse in judgment. How had she not seen it before? If the involvement of the magic towers would significantly aid the Empire, then the impact of the very person who had defeated the magicians of the tower participating would be monumental.The princess's heart thrummed with the realization, chiding herself for taking so long to come to this epiphany. Was Ethan's proposal the correct course of action or not? She no longer dwelled on the question.With a steely gaze, Ladia announced, "I have reached a verdict."The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the princess. The final decision lay in her hands, and she was ready to reveal it. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, and Ladia took a deep breath before continuing. "I have decided to accept Ethan's proposal."A murmur of surprise rippled through the room, but Ladia held up her hand for silence. "I believe that Ethan's plan, with a few modifications, is the best course of action for
My suggestion ignited a firestorm of debate among the upper echelons of the capital. The princess convened her officials in the grand throne room, where the air was thick with tension and uncertainty as they deliberated their next course of action. Ultimately, the march toward the City of Aran was postponed by a full day, a delay that weighed heavily on everyone present. The officials found themselves divided, caught between two stark choices: should they attempt to reclaim the nearby City of Aran from the Beast Kingdom, or should they focus their efforts on retaking the more strategically significant City of Northfall?"But, Your Majesty," one of the officials interjected, his voice rising above the murmurs of the assembly, "as we stand now, we cannot afford to risk an attack on the Northfall Fortress! I have heard reports that the beastmen have fortified their walls and laid even more traps to ensnare us! If we allow this farce to continue, we will be nothing more than lambs led to
A chill snaked down Ryle's spine. Ethan's suggestion hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, like a shroud woven from despair. To attack City of Aran, a fortress city now bristling with tens of thousands of Beast Kingdom soldiers, felt like a declaration of utter annihilation. Even Lance, their most valiant commander, had fallen captive within its walls.Ryle's brow creased into a deep furrow. He, too, was a commander of the Initiation Army, a man who had tasted the bitterness of defeat and the sting of loss. He couldn't fathom how Ethan, this newly appointed leader, could so blithely propose a course of action that reeked of self-destruction."I cannot, in good conscience, agree with your plan," Ryle stated, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "As we stand now, attacking Northfall City is a fool's errand, a suicide mission. We are scattered, depleted, and outmatched. We must first rally our remaining forces, regroup along the borders, and then, and only then,
"Ryle Green, step forward!" the Royal advisor said, seeing Ryle was in a daze.Ryle coughed and stepped forward, his heart pounding with excitement as he knelt before the Princess."Ryle Green, you are hereby granted authority over fifty thousand soldiers," the Princess said, her voice like a melody that soothed the soul. "You shall be the commander of the Vanguard Army!"With a snap of her fingers, the Princess bestowed an insignia upon Ryle's shoulder, its glow of light like a beacon of hope in the face of the looming threat of the Beast Kingdom."I will crush those beastmen for you, Your Highness!" Ryle said, his voice filled with determination and resolve.The Princess smiled, her eyes filled with pride and hope. "We have faith in you, Ryle," she said. "Together, we will defeat the Beast Kingdom and restore peace to our lands."Princess Ladia nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I expect a lot from the younger generation, Ryle," she said, her voice laced with both encou
The Dwarven Kingdom, a land renowned for its glittering wealth, held its breath. The Brightwing Empire’s meager offer, a desperate plea for aid, was all they had to entice the notoriously hard-drinking mercenaries. Even if their weapons were outdated, their reputation for unmatched effectiveness in battle preceded them. Surely, that would be enough.“Your Majesty,” a guard murmured, his voice barely a tremor in the air. “They have arrived.”Princess Ladia, lost in a labyrinth of thought, startled slightly. She had wrestled with the decision for what felt like an eternity, but finally, a solution had emerged. All that remained was to face them, to meet their gaze and offer her hand in this desperate alliance.Viscount Lamiel, a man whose arrogance was only surpassed by his thirst for gold, strode into the royal garden, flanked by a legion of equally boisterous mercenaries. Princess Ladia recognized most of them – the nobles summoned by the crown, their faces etched with a mixture of g
The scene unfolded with brutal efficiency. Several soldiers, their faces grim and resolute, descended upon Drew and the other soldier, their movements swift and decisive. There was no struggle, no desperate pleas for mercy. They walked away with heads bowed, accepting their fate with a stoic silence that spoke volumes of their resignation.Ryle, his expression a mixture of weariness and amusement, ran a hand through his hair, a sigh escaping his lips. "What a waste of a perfectly good sleep," he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "Young men like myself need our rest, yet everyone seems determined to disrupt my slumber over such trivial matters."His gaze shifted to me, and a playful smile curved his lips. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said, extending a hand towards me. "Ryle Green, third son of Count Green, and as you might be able to tell, the future commander of this very army." He spoke with an air of unwavering confidence, his words carrying the weight of
Two soldiers from a rival camp, their boots crunching on the gravel path, happened upon the conversation. One soldier, his face contorting with barely suppressed mirth, clamped a hand over his mouth, desperately trying to stifle a chuckle. His companion, sensing the impending eruption, jabbed him in the ribs with an elbow, a silent plea for decorum. But the laughter, like a trapped spring, was too powerful to contain. Tears welled in the soldier's eyes, threatening to spill over as his shoulders shook with silent mirth. Finally, with a strangled cry, he burst into a full-blown guffaw. "Hahahaha! If it's the Young Master leading us! Hahaha! We'll be able to… Pft! Hahaha!"The sound of his uncontrolled laughter echoed through the camp, drawing curious glances from nearby soldiers. Gaston, his face a mask of confusion and irritation, turned to the source of the amusement. "Excuse me, but what's so funny?" he demanded, his voice laced with displeasure.The soldier, still gasping for br
The unyielding army of the Ice Demon City had been journeying for a considerable number of weeks, traversing a multitude of cities and towns along the way. During our sojourns, we would occasionally restock our supplies, find respite in taverns, and often in the great outdoors, before resuming our arduous trek.Given the unfortunate circumstances, we were informed that the Ice Demon City was the most distant of all cities from the capital. This reality meant that we were among the last to receive the urgent message, compelling us to join the ranks of the other nobles and their armies in the capital.It was in the fourth week of our relentless march that we finally arrived in the grand and magnificent Capital city. The journey had been long and arduous, but our determination never wavered, as we knew our presence was required in these critical times. I had already surmised that the majority of the other nobles and their forces would have already amassed in the capital, readying themse