Sword of the Philosopher

We're moving to a room in the castle for an ops meeting. Only Croix and I are here. I don't even have Zemun.

"I'm entrusting you with another job. Don't worry, we'll discuss it properly later."

Yes, Croix told him, spreading the map to a table in the center of the room.

"Now, dominating the western strip is the minimum condition to confront Ehlas... but in due course, our next opponent is the Demons present in the Midwest... Bizel"

"Do you normally go north and fight?

To Sophia's question, Croix looked difficult.

"Even if we do that soon, it won't be. From Sanak's information and materials, Widels seemed to be thinking of a way to attack Bizel… he was exploring joining hands with Amel, a demon tribe with territory in the Northwest"

"On the other hand, do you mean you're the one who can't win unless you put your hands together"

"That's right. The size of the territory is no different from mine or Amel's, but the West is the strongest in terms of force."

You mean the biggest obstacle to our goal of Western reunification?

"Nevertheless, even if you join hands with Amel, you have replaced me, and you will succeed in fulfilling it"

"Were we negotiating?

Croix nodded at this question,

"Apparently, he was in a meeting. Most of all, Amel had pending answers."

"It was passive," he said.

"Sounds like you didn't put much credit against Widels. I think I still have a better chance of winning..."

"If we were to join hands, does it feel like profit is to rule the territory in half, or something?

"If it's a normal battle, it doesn't make sense."

Oh, so is that. 'Cause if you become the Demon King, it's total.

"May collide with Amel in some cases"

"What do you mean?

"I'm a female demon race...... probably the most belligerent Demon King candidate I have right now, wanting a single hit, etc. That's how she's expanded her territory, and most importantly, she's a combat freak."

That's also troublesome......

"I guess that's why the negotiations didn't go forward as late. The problem is, let's just say I won by taking a single hit with Amel. Not until we take in the power, but the territory we held must cross the territory of Bizell and we cannot govern it properly"

"Then, eighty-nine, Bizel will take the territory."

"That's right. Even though there is a difference in force at present, there is a further difference...... Eluas himself is unlikely to attack because there are verses that are discerning how the West can be settled. But Bizel isn't. If we could have taken Aemer's territory, we would have come this way without hesitation. I can think of something I can do because I'm getting stronger... and I'm fine with it, but it'll do a lot of damage to the people."

... you're going to be pushed in with quantity. Even if Sophia and I stood around, for example, our bodies were one, so if there were a large number of enemies everywhere, there would be limits to suppressing them.

I think me and Sophia are fine under those circumstances... Exactly, you'd want to avoid that as a Croix.

"The status quo is also unlikely to come from Bizell. Assuming they attack our territory, Amel will invade and take over the back. That's why if we can work hand in hand with Amel and make a simultaneous attack...... that's the idea, but it's hard"

Hmm, so I don't know any more about the Demons, but just the information from Croix sounds like a pretty challenging fight.

"As far as this side is concerned, there seems to be no way to break through with Amel at the moment."

"It's hard to be alone. It inevitably will."

"... then why don't we just talk about it for once?

Croix began to think about putting his hand on his mouth to the proposal.

"Honestly, I don't even know if you'll listen to me. Rather surprising in itself that Widels was negotiating"

"... how brain-muscled are you"

"Nowkin?"

"My brain is made of muscle. I mean, I can't think strategically or anything."

Croix smiles bitterly at my comments.

"Well, that expression fits...... together, do we have to talk about it once? Something might work with me."

"The concern here is that Bizel and Amel might be working together."

Sophia's point. But Croix denied it.

"Amel is in the same position as I am, so in the end, if I lose, I will be put in a predicament. Even if we don't interfere with each other, let's just put our hands together."

... I wonder.

"If you prioritize fighting, if you defeat Croix, Bizell will do a single hit, or you could be persuaded to do something about it"

"No, it doesn't either. Because Bizel is less capable of combat."

"Huh?"

That's surprising.

"Being a Demon, it's not like we're all incapable of fighting... if you say so, it's a little bit better than that."

"Do not possess power, do you lead the devil clan"

"You should see it as one of the few exceptions. There are many men who believe in Bizel, and he fights with it"

"... Unlike defeating the Admiral, Croix has even more disadvantaged elements."

"Oh, yeah. Assuming I possess the power to defeat my own men, the key Bizel won't come forward."

If he strikes, Eighty-Nine Bizel escapes. So, if you go after it in a mucky way, this time it will reduce the power of this one by many of its men?

Some say me and Sophia stand around and annihilate my men, but if we can't use a method that will make Croix stand firm in the form of a one-horse blow, whether his men and residents will be convinced to fulfill it even if we defeat Bizell.

"Yeah, I see the situation. So, I'm gonna negotiate with Amel after all, okay?

"That's right. If you fail, think of other hands."

... um, I wonder if it'll work. No, wait.

"Ah, Croix. As for Amel, you want to fight the strong, don't you? Then after we discuss Bizell, if we hold onto a ride or something, we can figure it out, right?

"Will it? That?"

Tilt your little neck and Sophia asks.

"I mean, Dear Luon, I'm judging a lot just because of the information from Mr. Croix... don't you think that the thought of a demon clan named Aemer is, by the way, simple?

"Oh, no, I mean, the battle is simple and articulate at the heart of the purpose, right? I thought you could convince them to fight well by putting them on the payroll."

"Say what you want."

Yeah, I think so too.

"… well sure, is the method likely"

Croix on my measures... are you serious? Is that all right with you?

"Amel doesn't move in simple negotiations. Then it's still possible that we should talk about it with that area in mind."

"Well... that's fine if Croix decides that... by the way, if you make a single hit, do you have a chance?

"If it's just combat capability, it's the strongest in the West, how far do I work with the help of Widels..."

I see, is that it?

"I just saw some outlook in the discussion. Thank you both."

"If that's helpful... we'll wait until the negotiations begin."

"Yes."

Nodding Croix - the battle was finally about to move on to the next phase.