Sword of the Philosopher

Well, it went well with Amel and the quick ops conference, but I don't think there's that many options to be honest with you, but what happens...

First, I wondered if it was okay for Amel to reveal the number of troops in her territory - or such classified information - but I was also unwilling to ask questions when I saw her happy to speak.

"… should we expose ourselves to more than just revealing your situation?

"It doesn't matter. You haven't had a shallow day since you took office as lord in the first place, and you haven't figured it all out, have you?

Croix's eyes narrow for a moment on the point. Besides, Amel raised her hands,

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not going to make a fuss. I just know because I've taken over territory before. After merging a big territory, there will be just a little more administrative work. Enough to open it up."

... I'm a battle freak, and I still don't like that.

"I'm not so worried because there's a guy over there who does a good job on the back called Sanak... so... Look at Widels' material or something. You were thinking of making contact with us, weren't you? The power information I just said and the information Widels looked into... it's pretty much the same, isn't it? So at least you know we're not lying, right?

Croix is silent - oh, I see. Is Amel saying it to make Croix trust him?

Nevertheless, I want you to trust me until then......

"... does pretty much match what Widels looked up"

"I wonder what he was going to do with that, huh?

"I guess you could join hands and argue for a bizel, or you were putting a math on it... at least I know you're not lying"

"As far as I'm concerned, I want to avoid the fact that people in my territory will be murdered unharmed. But if you don't, if you're going to put up a stage where you can basically fight the person you want, then you're going to drink."

... True, you're an unscrupulous demon. As long as I have minimal coverage, I feel like I don't mind my own being destroyed.

Is this easy or hard for Croix to do... After some silence, Croix started talking.

"Fine, nothing to do. This one makes me want to kick ass, but at least there's a big reason I'm moving to fight Bizell's men. For that, work with me... so, okay?

"Oh, that's fine"

"As you can guess though, this one isn't completely in order... plus the defense on Bizell's side has already been perfect since Widels. There is no reason for me to lead a new lord."

So you're harnessing the power of both of us?

Amel glances at me and Sophia. So Sophia opened her mouth to Croix.

"Are you saying that we open the battlefield...?

"You were using powerful magic when you planted Widels? That breaks the opponent's defenses… it's easy to say by mouth, but it's never an easy fight"

Saying so, Croix drops her eyes on the table. There it is, a map of the demonic world.

"Let me explain it to Mr. Luon and the others again. It is the mountains that form the border between the former Widels and Bizel territories. Not much altitude, but this mountain range, which runs from the sea on the western edge to almost near the centre of the continent, has become a natural factor, blocking the path."

"The northern border to the opposite is merely a plain"

Yes, Amel opens her mouth.

"That's why we're putting the right troops near the border. Nevertheless, Bizel does not come under attack. 'Cause we know that decent work can do a lot of damage."

"What bypasses the mountain?

"Then now it's the woods. There are a number of fortifications, which inhibit the attack. Because the sea side is also wary, it's very difficult to land, and when it comes to maritime warfare in the first place, this one has no experience. Might be tougher than fighting ashore."

"Does this side mean it's hard just to break into territory..."

"Nevertheless, because in the battle between demons there are demons flying in the sky - the way that Widels used a large number of demons to march, seize control of the air, and fall into the border while Amel carried out the attack was up as a proposal for the operation left by Widels... its aim is one thing"

He points to a place with a map. Apparently, it's a lockup there.

"There exists only one path through the middle of the mountain range. This sentinel is robust and can be described as a substantial fortress. Huge iron gates plus fairly tall walls… more demons reside in the sky and are perfectly prepared"

"But when you aim there,"

"We really need to use this path to get our soldiers into Bizell territory for a short period of time. So it's Mr. Luon's turn. Magically breaking through the gates... there are magic barriers, but if they're both magical, they should be."

"It's amazing how powerful it is to destroy a fortress."

Amel looks at us as she says. My neck muscles are kind of zooky......

"But at the time of the raid, they'll take care of you, won't they?

"From there it's a battle with time. Things change depending on how much power you can cross the mountain"

"Am I supposed to set up normally from the north side?

"Well... luck is involved from here on out... and the rest depends on how Mr. Luon and the others work"

"I mean, when we're going to move around quite a bit,"

Croix looks sorry for this comment.

"I'm sorry."

"I don't mind that, but the question is, how well does Bizell know about us? That would change the level of vigilance on the other side."

Here I threw my gaze at Amel.

"I know you heard more about us from Croix, but did you know that before?

"Even as Croix, you still feel it's premature to get to know the two of us, don't you? As a result, there was a blockade of information, and at least I didn't know the two of them..."

"but?"

"It's true that Croix has enough power to defeat Widels' troops, and you have some wary material. Bizell's unleashing a secret detective in various places, and I can't be optimistic - so Croix, what if we break through the precinct?

"We'll rendezvous with Amel's troops."

"With this one?

"We are divided into two armies: one that guards the perimeter of the barracks and the other that plants Bizel. Therefore, the Bizel attack cannot be carried out alone. As soon as Amel and I rendezvous, we set up to Bizell at once."

"... That's a pretty short showdown"

I squeal. In fact, it should be difficult to keep fighting long in enemy territory. If so, it hangs on how quickly we can confuse our enemies and get under the bizelle.

"Confirmation, what will the people in Bizel's territory do?

"The inhabitants who are not under Bizel will not intervene in the battle between the Demon King candidates. I basically ignore it because it won't interfere... if anything, I'll deal with it every time."

"Got it... well, the question is when to set it up,"

Croix nods at the statement.

In fact, if there is no sign of Bizell attacking, Croix should get ready slowly. There are circumstances where we would like to go home as soon as possible, but we would want to be as capable of combat as possible, and it's not good to force ourselves to attack and fail.

How to judge...... Amel inquired as this one was silent.

"Croix, how soon can you be ready over there?

"We'll see what's going on in the realm, so it's the best we can do. I can't be sure."

"Right. But, well, I don't think you're gonna be able to stay very long."

"Why?

So Amel put her arms together,

"It seems Bizel is preparing for some war... and it's not just preparation. That's what makes us so powerful."

"Something like war, weapons?

"Oh yeah. I haven't checked the full story of what it is, either, but that could be what makes Croix territory worn out..."

Croix puts his hand on his mouth. Weapons of war...... we all have no idea what that is, but at least we will certainly put the situation here at a great disadvantage.

"It's supposed to be something to prepare for the battle against Eluaz, but how powerful it will be... if it's done, there's a chance that I or Croix will try it when we start a war."

"... how long will that take to complete?

"A report came that I was nearing completion at the stage before I left the castle. A weapon wouldn't be operational in action as soon as it's complete... but it doesn't mean you can afford it."

Sounds like there's a time limit...... when me or Sophia is silent, Croix eventually said.

- Let me think.