The Racial Alliance meeting successfully came to an end. However, the problem was what came next. Suddenly, the demons launched an offensive across the entire continent. This was already a story from two weeks ago.
Thanks to this, Hans’s plans for the siege naturally crumbled like a sandcastle. He had intended to strike at the heart of the enemy to diminish the demon’s forces even further.
Who would have thought he’d have to take the first hit like this? Hans clicked his tongue. Just like in games or reality, the enemies weren’t to be underestimated. Still, he had sort of anticipated the retaliation from them.
He never thought the demons would just sit back and relax. Given that he thought they could attack at any moment, having about two weeks of leeway was pretty much a stroke of luck.
The first to launch a surprise attack were, of course, the Human Kingdom and the Dwarf Republic. It was a sudden onslaught, but they managed to defend against it without much difficulty—until the Blood Demons showed up.
“Does that mean the Blood Demons have appeared?”
“It seems so.”
“Blood Demons resurfacing? They rarely make an appearance!”
Hans clicked his tongue again. The reason the Blood Demons usually don’t show themselves is simple: they are the source of the demons. Blood Demons can create not just demons but also monsters under them.
However, this is determined by their numbers. If, by any chance, the Blood Demons became severely injured or killed, the power of the monsters and demons they could create would dwindle, starting a downward spiral of their forces.
That’s why Blood Demons usually don’t step forward unless it’s absolutely necessary. They are, after all, a crucial strategic resource. The only time they come out is during total war.
“The demons have pulled all their forces to the front. Are they looking to end this?”
“Since the Dragon Lord has diminished the northern influence, they seem determined to cover that loss before it spreads any further.”
“Probably.”
Losing influence in one area doesn’t mean the end. Naturally, the influence in other areas will also diminish. As that happens, advantageous points slowly begin to fade away.
The reason the demons had been favorable in fights until now wasn’t just their overwhelming power but also that they had been able to fight on their terms using monsters. However, now that’s changed.
Still, the fact that the demons remain in an advantageous position hasn’t changed. The total amount of their power is still stronger, which is why they’re waging total war. They don’t want to lose their foothold.
This also implies that the demons have tossed aside the mindset of not wanting to lose anymore. Up until now, they sought victory with minimal or perfect damage, but—
“They must have realized that’s no longer possible.”
“Right, because we’re here now.”
‘…What does that have to do with you?’
Thanks to Clara casually chiming in beside him, Hans almost blurted out something useless. The weight of a person’s words can change depending on what they say.
So, he had to be extra careful with his words. Even something trivial could pile up and trip him up. Especially if there was a huge bubble around his reputation.
Since Hans recognized that fact clearly, it had become a habit to watch what he said, which helped him avoid disasters like accidentally saying something foolish.
“What do you mean?”
“Commander, you already know what we’re talking about, don’t you?”
‘No, I don’t really.’
“It means we understand that the Commander wants to protect us. But we can also put in our share now.”
“?”
However, even Hans couldn’t help but feel surprised at the sudden emphasis on one’s voice. Yet, they pressed on. They no longer wanted to solely rely on the Commander for protection.
“We want to mark the Blood Demons.”
“You want to mark the Blood Demons? One by one?”
“That’s right.”
Only then did Hans finally grasp what they were trying to say. Yes, they were suggesting to him that they would take on the Blood Demons one-on-one.
In a sense, it was only natural. The Blood Demons were already dispersed, attacking different nations. While they were managing to hold on for now, the Blood Demons were different. Their power was of an entirely different level.
Naturally, if you weren’t on the level of the Royal Knights, you wouldn’t stand a chance. Ideally, it would be best for the Royal Knights members to split up and face them. But Hans shook his head.
“I cannot allow that. It’s too dangerous.”
There was no way Hans would allow such a thing. The Royal Knights had just been rebuilt. Would they really take the risk of scattering? If asked, the answer was no.
“While the Commander’s argument makes sense, this isn’t completely reckless.”
“Not reckless, you say?”
“Yes, there is at least one knight of comparable or equal level to the Royal Knights in each race.”
“Hmm…”
“If we have support from the military, we should be able to hold our ground.”
Yuren affirmed this. Since Yuren was the one who trained them, her words held enough credibility. But no matter how much she believed in it, hesitation couldn’t be helped. The Blood Demon alone was strong.
To face one stronger than that? Sure, there had been instances before where the Royal Knights repelled the Blood Demons. But back then, the Blood Demons showed up with only three members to minimize casualties.
Even then, they couldn’t manage to take down two of them. Even though they had numerical superiority. So how could he give a clear answer right away? After mulling over it for a moment, Hans finally spoke.
“Let’s take a moment.”
He knew logically that this was the best method. Yet, the lingering unease was unavoidable. Thus, Hans wanted to buy as much time as possible. Just like now.
*
“Does the Commander not trust us?”
The one who suddenly spoke up during their meal was Clara. Her perspective could be summed up as a desire for recognition. Just like how she wanted acknowledgment from her mother, Clara wanted to be recognized by the Commander.
She didn’t hide that desire at all because she was confident. She believed she wouldn’t lose even if she faced the Blood Demons head-on. Helia responded coldly to that remark.
“I wish you’d refrain from such arrogance.”
“But it’s true! If the Commander believes in us…!!”
“What difference would it make even if that were true?”
“What do you mean?”
In truth, Clara’s words touched Helia’s sore spot. While Helia usually found them displeasing, she had refrained from expressing it to avoid disapproval from the teacher.
However, openly doubting them like this was a different matter. As a student of the teacher, she felt the need to correct it. Different mindsets collided with one another.
Helia quietly stood up from her seat. And then, she glared at Clara, who had also risen. Their gazes met, and at that moment, someone intervened.
“Inner conflict is strictly forbidden.”
“Yuren is right. We have a big issue ahead of us; do you plan to let your energy dissipate by fighting among yourselves?”
“……”
“……”
“I don’t think you’re that foolish.”
Due to Yuren’s firm words and Cluna’s sharp retort, Clara and Helia had no choice but to take a step back. It was only natural that they were on edge. After all, it took them back to that moment.
All except for Helia and Cluna already knew. They had experienced failure once. That label isn’t easily shed. The pointing fingers of others, and even their own memories.
The memories of failure linger, haunting them. Hence, those who have failed tend to want to rectify their mistakes. Or they are crushed by despair from a massive failure.
Recognizing that if they just stayed complacent, they could succumb to different thoughts, Cluna calmly pondered. How could she alleviate their burdens? After much thought, she finally spoke up.
“The Commander doesn’t not trust you. It’s because he’s worried about you that he’s trying to protect you.”
“But that…!!!”
“It’s somewhat similar to what I did to you in the past. Though the intensity is lighter… it’s just inevitable.”
Cluna was right. Worrying about precious people is inevitable. You hope they will avoid hazardous situations as much as possible. But depending on the situation, that can feel like neglect.
“But if you persevere and keep persuading him… then I believe the Commander will surely acknowledge you.”
“……You’re right, Mom was right.”
“That’s exactly it.”
Without any sense of competition, Clara and Ruby spoke up as they stood up from their seats.
“We’ll settle this directly with the Commander!”
“I’m in the same boat!”
If Hans were present at that moment, how would he react?
He would probably be rolling on the ground in delight.
Of course, that’s sarcasm.
