Chapter 329. If You Cannot Resist, Then Join (1)
The strike force was reassembled once more, but there was one difference: The addition of two Archmages from the Magic Towers.
One was Cor, the Archmage of the Imperial Magic Tower. The other was Libre, the Archmage of the Dark Magic Tower.
With those two added to the existing companions, the unit was no longer a mere squad. It had grown into something resembling a small legion.
At the front stood Caron, Leo, and the giant chieftain Utula, forming an unshakable vanguard. Behind them marched Orion, the contracted summoner of the Spirit King Ifrit. At the very center of the formation walked the Grand Saintess Seria. And at the rear, Gratia and her two fellow mages held their ground.
It was a force capable of leveling an entire kingdom.
Caron cleared his throat and spoke, "I'll explain our plan simply. As soon as we make contact, we unleash the new weapons. We test their power quickly, then when the trial is complete, Ifrit and Lady Gratia will lead with one massive strike. After that, we wreak some havoc, and then we fall back. Any questions?"
It was a hit-and-run, an old and reliable tactic. So long as mobility was assured, it was always effective. Warp spells were already prepared for emergencies. The strategy was simple: Hit hard once, then retreat intact.
The companions nodded in agreement. Only one voice dissented.
"Caron," Utula called out with his booming voice carrying over the battlements, "I only wish to be drenched in the blood of my enemies. But retreat? That is unworthy of a warrior."
Utula, the brave warrior and chieftain of the giants, stood scowling.
Caron opened his mouth to scold him sharply, then sighed and shook his head instead. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, coaxing. "Utula, we're not retreating."
Utula frowned and asked, "Hmm... But hit-and-run, does that not mean retreat?"