Chapter 173: Strategy Meeting
The command tent had been established in the center of the army and was surrounded by more than fifty guards. The number felt a little over the top, but it might have been prudent considering the unpredictable nature of the Gate’s eruptions. I ducked through the tent flap as the messenger held it open, finding the generals, Connor, and Alex waiting for me.
The General of the Brithlite army glanced at my horns and scowled. "Slave Hero, I understand you are useless when it comes to combat. As such, you will be deployed to a suitable location among the forces holding the Gate Entrance. As for the Fire and Undead Heroes, you will be charged with leading our armies to glorious victory over the demons."
"As is only natural," Alex said, smiling brightly. "Besides, I’d like to see how a bunch of popsicles manage to withstand my flames."
"Both your and the Undead Hero’s abilities hold a great advantage over the ice demons, but don’t let your confidence get out of hand," the general reminded him. "Demons are remarkably clever, for mere beasts. I have no doubt they have prepared countermeasures for whatever tactics we employ."
A leader of the other kingdom’s army laughed, lips curving up mockingly. "Does a dragon fear an ox? No matter how the ox strategizes, it simply lacks the ability to damage a dragon. These demons will fall before our blades, of that I am certain. There is no battle they can fight where they will win."
The Brithlite general stiffened, his face growing red. "I have lost a thousand men in the last four gates. You would do well to remember that this one will be our hardest battle yet."
"Relax, old man," another general said, leaning back in his seat. "A thousand men for ten thousand demons? Our only mission is to buy time while the world’s powers mobilize, but at this rate, we might just wipe them all out first."
As the meeting devolved into bickering, I folded my arms and tried my best to keep my tail from twitching restlessly. Connor sat in his chair, passively watching, with Alex enjoying every moment, occasionally throwing in a comment about his own victories against the demons. They spoke as though the demon armies consisted of nothing more than scions, mindless in their lust for destruction.
Elise’s face flashed before my mind, twisted in despair moments before a seventh-circle curse reaved her life. Although she managed to survive, thousands didn’t. After five minutes of constant belittlement, I couldn’t restrain myself any longer.