Chapter 507: Amara’s skills
Overlord’s gaze swept across the gathered officers, his words resonating with a cold precision that matched his demeanor. "These clusters represent the human-run groups or factions we will encounter in Oceanis. My Sentinels have already collected extensive intelligence. Some of these factions are in extremely precarious condition, barely surviving. Once they witness the might of the Xaos Kingdom and realize the security we can provide, I am confident they will gladly join the Xaos Civilization."
At that point, Overlord paused, letting his aura turn notably frigid and detached. He continued in a low tone that carried a solemn finality. "But we must also prepare for individuals who would rather stir up violence than relinquish power. I have identified multiple examples that are not far from our current location. We will have to take certain steps before even contemplating a diplomatic approach."
A tense hush settled over the group. Their thoughts circled back to earlier discussions about dealing with troublesome leaders. Each and every person recognized a brutal truth: when faced with losing their hold on power, certain despots might well lead their people to a senseless death rather than cede control. The Xaos Kingdom could not, and would not, permit such tyranny. They had already devised measures to address exactly that scenario.
All eyes shifted in unison to Amara, a Royal Guard and renowned master assassin. She stood unflinching under their scrutiny, entirely composed. Her bearing and steady gaze spoke to her acceptance of the lethal missions assigned to her. Her voice showed no hesitation or doubt as she said, "My team is prepared. We will move as soon as Overlord gives us the final packets detailing our targets."
Vlad glanced at the young woman and nodded, satisfied he could rely on her unwavering loyalty and skill. He recalled that even when she had only been a Champion, she had infiltrated a city teeming with angels and managed to inflict serious wounds on their leader. Now that she had progressed to Guardian-level power, there was little to threaten her. The real challenge here was remaining undetected: it was of utmost importance that no evidence trace the disappearances of these problematic individuals back to the Xaos Kingdom.
For several hours afterward, the group continued their discussions, meticulously plotting the order of operations, the timetable for the next advance, as well as short- and long-term objectives. By the time dawn light spilled across the horizon, each person understood precisely the role they would play.
That same morning, hundreds of Xaos Warships departed from the fortified shoreline, carrying thousands of highly trained soldiers on board. Almost simultaneously, shadows flickered across the sand, vanishing at shocking speed toward the nearest human-controlled settlement.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of additional soldiers departed from the stronghold. Grand Marshal Anglius and Freya led one of the primary battalions, assigned to confront a sizeable horde of demons. Overhead, Fafnir soared through the sky, followed by hundreds of thousands of Thiamatos units. Their designated objective was a menacing forest that harbored a savage congregation of Monsters.
High above them all, Vlad floated with an unyielding expression, watching as soldiers marched forward below. Although their mission could be called noble—they planned to protect the human population of Oceanis and introduce them to a better future—he was keenly aware of the inherent irony. The Xaos Kingdom was an invading force, imposing dominion upon everything it surveyed.