Chapter 400.1
Kasser’s confirmation of Eugene’s message sparked a tense ripple.
[It’s starting. – Kasser.]
The kings, having diligently pored over their magic notes since before noon, felt a collective tightening of their jaws as Kasser’s message materialized. Riner, who had been near the capital earlier that morning, wasted no time in heading to the border where his army stood ready. With this movement, only the Fourth King remained camped outside the capital. The other five positioned themselves in buffer zones near their respective borders.
Akil, taking a deep breath, rose abruptly and strode out of his tent. His emergence was a silent command, instantly bringing the waiting warriors and soldiers to attention. He scanned the vast expanse of his army, the line of soldiers stretching further than his eye could see. This force, exceeding thirty thousand strong, represented the elite troops he’d managed to gather after ensuring his kingdom’s perimeter was firmly secured.
While eliminating the monster using larks within the capital was their only option, the collateral damage to the unsuspecting citizens was a grim prospect. Never having encountered larks before, they would be defenseless. Thus, the army’s primary objective was to hunt the larks with minimal civilian casualties.
This concern wasn’t unique to Akil. Across the land, the other five kings mirrored his strategy. Combined, the mobilized forces of all six kingdoms totaled nearly two hundred thousand troops.
This is our only chance. We have to take down the monster, Akil thought, acknowledging the Fourth King’s point. Eliminating the creature within the dry season was crucial.
Despite the inevitable losses, the kings mobilized their armies and resources. Realistically, a king’s primary concern is his own kingdom, and ignoring the capital’s sacrifice wouldn’t have been unthinkable. However, this might be the only time they would unite selflessly, pooling their capabilities for such a war.
You bastard. If there really is a god, today is your last day.