Chapter 507: Deal

*A few days ago*

Perseus POV

"No, let's go on offense." Noah, the temporary chief said

"Why?"

"Did you not hear what Aminu said? The tree will fall." he countered, "We can't protect everything, we can protect the tree, but we'll die in doing so, the tree itself is our home and does hold a lot of historical significance, but what significance will it have once we're dead?"

"What do you suggest then?" Grandpa Laker asked, "Go on offense, more than we are now?"

"We can do both." someone else suggested, "Our enemies would rather have us fight here, they studied the forest too extensively and it's only a matter of time before they figure out how to eliminate all of the beasts, not only that, they know that we would prioritize our surroundings.

"So we can use that to our advantage. Don't they have gods on their side? That means that they have more than enough mana to teleport everyone into somewhere nearby, where we'll ambush them in an all-out offense."

"That's...an all-or-nothing move." Grandpa Laker commented, "We will have to attack them so destructively that they'll teleport us here to slow us down. But even then, we risk the unpredictability of their counterattack since they've done well to weed out spies."

"If we're going to execute this plan, we need to ensure that our assault is both relentless and chaotic. We want them to see us as a threat worthy of teleporting us away. We can't hold back." Noah said

"Diversions could be the key. We'll play into their expectations while subverting them at the same time." I chimed in, "I can host my wedding, and make it a spectacle they won't be able to ignore, not only that, they'll be so bamboozled that they'll forget what they're doing."

"Once they teleport us," Grandpa Laker started, "We need to capitalize on the confusion. Our goal is to maintain momentum and strike swiftly before they can regroup and fortify their defenses. We've studied their patterns, and I got a good idea for a large portion of em, they'll likely opt for a defensible position to reestablish control."

"How do we ensure they teleport us to a location of our choosing, not theirs?" Someone asked

"We just need to create a concentrated aura of magical energy." Ruka interjected out of nowhere, "So concentrated that they'll attract the teleportation spell and pull it out of its desired location a bit, we can set our traps there. Mom can handle that or Maple...since they're more useful helping from the long range."

"That way, we dictate the battleground. But we must be prepared for anything. They'll be on high alert, and the moment they realize our ploy, their counterattack will be swift." Grandpa Laker nodded in approval, "Especially since they'll be more cohesive now, they'll recollect themselves really quickly...those heroes are geniuses for a reason."

"I'll get Bridget to control the creatures around us, that should help our forces to be less chaotic."

"What about you?" Noah asked, "Those gods, the cult, the demon lord, and the heroes...all of them will target you specifically...how will you survive? The black rose, no matter how powerful she is, the white rose will get in the way and prevent her from getting close, the other generals are also going to keep the blue rose away...Even if Buddy and the goddesses step in to stop the gods in their track-"

"I'm here." Bora interrupted, "Don't worry about those gods or angels, worry about the demon lord and the heroes, and the stupid cult members who'll slip through."

"No offense...but we can't risk everything on an outside help whose strength is quite unknown."

"Don't worry, I've fought gods before in Ragnarok or whatever it's called under another Perseus Silver, I know my strength." Bora smirked, "And...your kid here will surpass me if he survives...all them Silvers do."

*****

I stood silently amidst the bustling preparations for what would be our last all-out attack. The air was thick with the clanging of metal against metal, and the murmurs of warriors fastening their armor and enjoying their possibly last-ever meals.

The atmosphere was charged with a mix of determination and acceptance, a silent acknowledgment that this could be the end of our journey. As I observed the warriors around me, each lost in their own thoughts, a sense of resolve permeated the air. There were no words of camaraderie or elaborate speeches, just a shared understanding that we were all steeling ourselves for what might be our final stand.

"Give a speech." Noah ordered and pushed me a glass of water, "Here's some water to help your throat...unless you rather have some liquid courage."

"Can't be drunk yet, chief."

"I won't be chief for long."

"Who said you won't?"

"Aren't you going to take this position?"

"I rather not, too much responsibility."

"Alright, we can make a deal, I'll become the next chief and you give a speech now."

"...you're not gonna give up, are ya?"

"Nope, that's just how we are, son."

"Alright, get everyone's attention." I sighed

He then shouted for attention and everyone quieted down...

"Alright, listen up, everyone!" I shouted, "We're in deep shit, and I won't sugarcoat it. The storm is coming, and it's bringing a war with it. Now, I'm not here to paint pretty pictures or tell you it's gonna be a walk in the park. No, it's gonna be tough as hell, but I've seen us conquer hell before.

"We're warriors, every damn one of us. And I don't care if you've never held a weapon before or if you've been through more battles than you can count. When that war horn sounds, we fight. We fight for our homes, for our families, for each other.

"Now, I know some of you are scared. Hell, I'm scared too. Anyone who says they're not is either a liar or a fool. But courage ain't the absence of fear; it's staring it in the face and charging forward anyway. We're not running from this fight. We're running headfirst into it because we know what's at stake.

"If you're thinking of backing down, of deserting your post when the going gets tough, let me tell you something. I don't care if you end up in the darkest depths of hell. You better drag your sorry ass out of there because I swear, I'll kick it right back into the fight. This war is gonna test us. It's gonna push us to our limits and then some. But we're not gonna break. We're not gonna crumble. We're gonna rise like a damn phoenix from the ashes because that's who we are.

"So, sharpen your blades, load your weapons, and brace yourselves. When that war comes knocking on our doorstep, we'll be the ones answering the call. And if any of you end up six feet under, you better believe I'll be waiting in the afterlife to kick your ass if you don't crawl out of hell and join the fight again!"