I thought he might say that. Captain What’s-his-name’s smile is so wide it’s about to fly off his face. How annoying. Odysson must agree with me, because he’s smirking as well. Acting Commander Willow and Captain Marius are grinning lightly, while Captain Origis and Captain Zakkow are beaming like they’re invincible.
“Yes! Clashing head-on with full strength! It’s not like we were ever in a position to hold back anyway. Not only are our forces weak, but they also lack stamina. Plus, no matter how much time we were given, there’d be no hope of uniting the country... humanity is already on the brink of annihilation,” remarks Father Felipo.
He has a point; we surpassed our limits long ago. The northern reaches might be wartorn and barren, but in the south people’s hearts have rotted into oblivion. Parents sell the flesh of their children, while children sell the bones of their parents... no matter how many times I experience it, my hand still shakes when I give them money in exchange. Same thing when I give the vampires their product: I shiver and shake, but no tears come out. Meanwhile, from their mansions above the back alleys, the nobles enjoy their feasts.
It’s a nightmare. To humans, it’s a nightmare. Chased into a corner due to weakness, smeared in wretchedness, and treating wine and women like the peak of culture... it sickens me. Naive logic like “slow but steady” won’t work anymore.
“If the vampires are bringing their full might to bear, then naturally the elves will follow suit. For the first time, an opening will present itself... we shall stake our all-or-nothing decisive battle on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are weak and have short lifespans; this is the only option available to us,” concludes the priest excitedly.
Heh heh. Talk about crazy. And these adults, who somehow survived until today, are all smiling naturally. Ah... the image of a certain absent someone appears in my mind—the profile of that raven-haired girl.
“Essentially, we will be focusing on defense and hit-and-run tactics,” states Acting Commander Willow as he places two new red pawns on the map. “Our main force of Origis’s two thousand cavalry, Felipo’s two thousand foot soldiers, and Odysson’s one thousand magic soldiers will be positioned here, in the northern Frontier. Felipo will be their commander. Maintain a defensive position, and if the situation calls for it, send soldiers out to nearby areas.” Hmm... considering the need for diplomacy with the elves, Father Felipo has to stay here. However, to station two impulsive and straightforward men with him... “We will then dispatch Marius’s two thousand cavalry and Zakkow’s two thousand foot soldiers to the Hell Expanse as a side army. Jashan will be their commander. Support the locals in their defense, but remain flexible.”
Ah, I see. So that’s it. How calculating. Acting Commander Willow has no intention of defending the Hell Expanse to the death. If things take a turn for the worse, he wants them to pull out and preserve their soldiers. At the very least, the cavalry should make it back. And he’s dispatching the perfect people for the job. The impulsive ones have a tendency to let their emotions get the better of them, after all.
Captain Zakkow seems to understand this; he nods resolutely. Yes, that’s the correct response. The time spent waiting for an opening is worth ten thousand gold, and the soldiers reserved for the final battle will be equally valuable. Inevitably, there will be sacrifices. That’s the sort of battle we’re entering into.
“I will lead a force of a thousand cavalry in hit-and-run tactics going west,” concludes the knight.
Heh. Heh heh... that face. The light in those eyes. I could fall for you right here, Agias Willow. You intend to take on the most dangerous role and clash with our enemies using a thousand of our most elite cavalry. Yes, you are certainly not holding back. Your stout resolution and self-confidence are blinding. You plan to fight on the front lines, survive by any means necessary, and then command our armies in the final battle... what an amazing man.
“One last thing: we must be wary of the Apostles’ movements.” Father Felipo tries to gather the large black and white pawns in his fat hand, but they fall out. Just leave them be then, man. He can be an idiot at the weirdest times. Stop copying him, Captain What’s-your-name... hey, you’re pretty good at that.
“Ahem. Where will the vampires’ Crumbling Mountain appear? Where will the elves’ Absolute and Deep Sea be positioned? The true battle begins once we understand the Apostles’ locations. Until then, please don’t do anything rash,” warns Father Felipo. He picks up a large red pawn. “In this way, we shall do all that we can.” The lone large red pawn. The symbol of our hope. “And we shall await a divine revelation...” he recites, placing the pawn reverently onto the side of the map, “...from the hand of God.”
It’s as if he’s challenging and praying to God at the same time. Everyone closes their eyes. I follow suit and pray.
I pray that our precious wish for a future where humanity can exist proudly comes true. I pray that that means our victory. I pray that if it means defeat, the sacrifices we shall make are not too great. I pray that in exchange, many get to enjoy that happy future. I pray so that one day we can be happy that children are born. I pray for a wonderful world, where parents can watch their children grow.
“Deus Ex,” we chant. Now, our final battle has begun.