Chapter 70: The Battle Plan

I sat at the strategy room's table, dressed in a dark military outfit my black hair falling slightly over my forehead one hand resting on my chin as I pondered.

Around me, the grave and determined faces of my allies reflected the intensity of the moment.

 "Our enemies have prepared meticulously" I declared, breaking the heavy silence so we must do the same they do not expect to face humans as well-organized as us. We will prove our worth to them."

Robert clad in his imposing knight's armor, adjusted his sword resting against the table and spoke with firm resolve:

"My king command us, and the soldiers of Ednia will obeye are ready to lay down our lives for our homeland."

Sylena sitting near him, nodded.

Her bright eyes betrayed a cold fury.

 "We will also contribute," those invaders have dared to set foot on our lands they need to pay for that."

Kodort the tall elf with a powerful build, and a fiery red beard grinned fiercely.

He slammed his massive fists onto the table, making the water cups tremble.

"It is my honor as an elf to protect Azulferia those vermin are nothing against the might of our people you can count on me!"

I nodded in approval.

 "Good" I said in a strong voice, drawing everyone's attention "I will now announce the group formations based on our abilities and the adversaries we will face."

But before I could continue, Katran stood up and interrupted me with a grave expression.

"Sire, forgive me for interrupting, but I have important information to report the prince of the Katakiel Empire is present in these lands."

I furrowed my brows, surprised.

 "The prince of Katakiel, you say?" I asked, fixing him with an intense gaze. "

I recall you mentioning the presence of demons among our enemies am I to understand that the Demon Empire of Katakiel has allied with the Beast Kingdom of Etrakios?"

Katran shook his head with conviction.

 "No, Majesty Etrakios and Katakiel maintain courteous relations but they are not allies."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Then why is their prince here?"

Katran took a deep breath before responding.

 "According to Shadow Raven's intelligence, it appears that Prince Niolz has taken the initiative to come with his own men. His goal is to prove his worth and claim the throne.

The emperor of Katakiel deeming his son still inexperienced, denied him a major role. Niolz then decided to organize this coalition war against Ednia to demonstrate his legitimacy."

Nilyna sitting to my left in her servant's outfit with her fiery red hair, suddenly straightened.

 "W-What?! Wait a minute, Katran!" she exclaimed, visibly outraged. "Are you telling me this entire coalition war is just because of an impatient brat's ambitions?!"

Sienna, wearing her scientist's white coat, her glasses slightly slipping down her nose, placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a nervous laugh.

But despite her efforts, the tears of suppressed laughter sparkled in her eyes.

The members at the table couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

I shrugged, a slight smirk on my lips.

 "It makes sense if this prince is here, it's probably to ensure that the werewolves fulfill their part of the deal.In exchange he hopes to gain their support in the future to solidify his rule over Katakiel."

Raelia, in her military attire with her chestnut hair tied back in a ponytail, locked her burning orange gaze on me.

 "Jonady" she said in a serious tone, "do you really think that after a failure, this prince would persist in targeting Ednia?"

I met her eyes, then responded calmly but firmly:

 "Yes guys like him never stop until they obtain what they desire."

Thaloria, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, her expression stern.

"I can't believe he considers Azulferia as merely an appetizer before targeting Ednia as the main course" she said her golden eyes flashing with contained fury.

I struck the table with my open palm, ending the discussion.

 "Regardless of his ambitions, they end tonight here is the distribution of our forces:"

Gilbert and Raelia: You will head east to fight the werewolves and the Mapinguari, an enormous beast. Your combined skills will be ideal for neutralizing it.

Robert and Marcus: Your mission will be to take down the dark mage, known for his stealth attacks. He is far too dangerous to be left alive.

Nilyna and Katran: You will defend Elsihore Castle. If our forces engage in battle, our enemies might attempt to siege our command center to paralyze us.

Gilbert then asked:

 "Who will be responsible for neutralizing Prince Niolz?"

I was reflecting on his question when suddenly Kaylen, known as The White Tiger, stood up, his sharp gaze meeting mine.

 "Let me take care of this arrogant prince," he declared with a predatory smile.

I raised an eyebrow.

 "Are you sure? Can you defeat him?"

He responded with unwavering confidence:

 "I will win It's as good as done as the right hand of the King of Ednia, I will strike down anyone who threatens our kingdom."

I smiled at his declaration.

 "Very well make sure it's done."

At that moment, two members of the Council of Sages, a stocky dwarf named Gaynor and an elderly goblin named Zotun, rose from their seats.

 "We will fight as well," they declared in unison.

I looked at them, then spoke in a solemn tone:

 "Tonight, it all ends at dawn we will have won.

 Absolute victory is the only outcome failure will not be allowed.

A resounding roar echoed through the room, energizing all those present.

A fierce and relentless battle awaited us, and the fate of our nations perhaps even the entire continent was about to change forever.