Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race Chapter 361 - Edge
Previously on Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race...
POV: Aisha Greyrat
Why does this mobilization for war feel so remarkably smooth? Couldn't there be some sort of obstacle? Perhaps internal dissent, discontent among the troops, or an unforeseen logistical snag? Anything at all, really.
Instead, my current predicament is an overwhelming surfeit of volunteers!
An astonishing number, in fact.
Of course, there were volunteers. The moment Taes declared a war mobilization, an eager chorus rose from everyone wanting to demonstrate their worth and allegiance.
This could be attributed to the Kingdom of Gaia's meteoric ascent overall. So many aspired to join this grand endeavor, to become part of something significant.
Some were driven by pure loyalty. Others sought to prove themselves to their families and friends.
And then, there were those with a particularly pronounced suicidal inclination.
As Helios ascended closer to the Iron Legion Headquarters's upper courtyard, the immense gathering became apparent. Even from this vantage point, the sheer excess of people was noticeable.
It truly was a multitude. Well, at least a lack of willingness wasn't the issue.
Regardless, no sooner had Helios landed than I made my way to the courtyard and proceeded directly to the Meeting Hall, wasting no time observing the surroundings.
Taes was already awaiting me, two stacks of documents in his grasp. Ghislaine stood nearby, her gaze fixed intently upon me.
She remained silent initially, merely following my movements with her eyes as I approached the central table.
"What was the final count?" I inquired.
Taes presented the first list to me. "Well, you requested only elites, but honestly, that's rather broad..."
I accepted the list, tapped its edge on the table to align it, and began scanning the names. Veterans from past conflicts. Adept mages proficient in Chantless Magic. Dragon Knights. Swordsmen of Saint-Level. Numerous Iron Legion warriors with diverse specializations.
I eyed Taes with suspicion. "These are considered the elites? There's no way you couldn't have been more selective..."
A faint smile touched Taes's lips, a blend of weariness and grudging satisfaction. "It appears even you underestimated the Kingdom. What did you anticipate? Years of training and battles have passed, and you just announced a significant opportunity for merit in Begaritt. A great many individuals will be eager to participate."
"Mere eagerness isn't a criterion for selection," I countered.
I continued my perusal, sorting the names into three distinct piles. Ghislaine peered over my shoulder briefly, her tail swaying with curiosity.
I had already resolved on the journey here that no more than three hundred would be chosen, and that was already being somewhat lenient. Begaritt would hardly be a tranquil battlefield.
There would be monstrous entities capable of leveling cities while locked in combat, apostles of Hitogami prepared, elements of the Dragon God Faction involved to some degree, and a resurrection ritual amidst it all. If I were to fill the operation with too many standard soldiers, it wouldn't just prolong the process; it would also attract undue attention.
Without averting my gaze from the list, I stated, "The vanguard will comprise no more than three hundred."
Taes emitted a tired sigh. "I presumed you would decide that."
Ghislaine pulled up a chair and sat beside the table. "Do you already know which of the Twelve Kings will accompany you and who will remain?"
"More or less. But yes, largely," I confirmed.
I separated a few more names, re-examined the primary pile twice, discarded three, reinstated one, and only then handed a final roster to Taes. He drew the sheet closer and quickly reviewed it.
"Two hundred and ninety for the vanguard," he confirmed.
I nodded. Taes then retrieved another report from the table and proceeded. "The initial mounts are already being readied. If we adhere to this number, we shall depart before dawn."
I nodded absently. At least that aspect was proceeding as planned.
Ghislaine inquired, "How do you intend to deploy the forces?"
I set the documents down and directed my attention to the map. The vast deserts of Begaritt were spread across the table, depicting key locations like the Ever-White Oasis, established travel routes, and more densely populated zones.
"Three primary functions," I announced. "The vanguard will serve as the spearhead. However, we also require a support contingent capable of independent operation. The remainder will be tasked with organizing the evacuation of Begaritt's inhabited regions by sea."
Taes raised an eyebrow. "Evacuate an entire continent?"
A wry smile played on my lips. "Have you witnessed the nature of Master's battles? In truth, even without him, other formidable beings could escalate this conflict beyond control. It's prudent to be prepared, commencing immediately."
Taes lifted his gaze. "So soon? That's likely to alarm many."
I rolled my eyes. "Causing alarm now is preferable to dealing with burnt corpses later, wouldn't you agree?"
Taes regarded me for a moment before sighing.
"As you command." Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the chamber, rustling the lighter documents and causing the magical lanterns' flames to flicker. Moments later, Verdia entered, her cheerful humming filling the air. She cast a brief, friendly wave at everyone present before her gaze settled on me. "Greetings, all! Atoferatofe is en route, Aisha." *Well, at least things proceeded smoothly on that end,* I mused. "Were there any unexpected hitches along the way?" I inquired. Verdia paused, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, before taking a seat and casually tossing her hair aside. "An unforeseen issue... that depends on your definition. It seems Atofe is rather too enthusiastic about war. She's arriving expecting a grand battle. It's always been her nature, but it could be disruptive for you; I'm not entirely certain..." My attention fixed on her. Verdia had encountered Atofe during the Laplace War, some four centuries ago. If she was highlighting this particular detail, it must carry significant weight. I responded, "I will keep that in mind... perhaps it would be best to assign her to someone capable of managing her fervor." She was merely one of the individuals Verdia had alerted and mobilized. Verdia's command over her spirits was exceptional, most notably Aerion, whose aerial prowess had already earned him the moniker 'Sky Traveler' among observers. With Aerion's assistance, Verdia could achieve flight and move with the speed of the wind. The other spirits shared similar specialized abilities. For instance, while Aerion commanded winds and gales, the earth spirit Gaia possessed the ability to manipulate vast amounts of soil and rock with remarkable fluidity. Given sufficient time, she could even construct or dismantle immense structures, including mountains, making her an invaluable asset for logistics. And Nixie, the water spirit, could quell tempests and command the ocean's waves, providing substantial support to the Kingdom's naval forces. Naturally, there were also spirits optimized for combat, such as Ifrit, who could wield and conjure substantial flames and even transform into a being of fire. All these capabilities positioned Verdia as a crucial strategic asset, in addition to her formidable power as a battle mage. It was through the mastery of these Summoned Spirits that Verdia had ascended the ranks of the Twelve Kings, even as she primarily operated as a mage. Of course, I too possessed my own Summoned Spirits. However, these remained trump cards I intended to keep concealed for the foreseeable future. I shifted my gaze back to the scattered documents on the table, reviewing each one meticulously. This time, every element seemed to align perfectly. Perhaps it was this very perfection that fueled my suspicion. "Indeed... we have nearly everything finalized... has there been any word from Master?" I asked. Ghislaine provided the update: "He stated that he and Eris are progressing as swiftly as possible. They are currently contending with some demon beasts, but major complications are unlikely." Taes offered a shrug. "Well, it is Rygar. He'll manage to emerge alive through some improbable means, no matter the situation. Honestly, from a certain perspective, it's advantageous that they pursued Rygar rather than us..." I noticed Taes subtly shiver after uttering those words, likely envisioning the overwhelming might of confronting both the Fighting God and the Technique God simultaneously. I couldn't fault his reasoning. It would undoubtedly be a dire predicament. Even accounting for all other factors, only a select few possessed the capacity to offer genuine resistance. And, to my knowledge, I was the sole individual on our side equipped with the destructive capability to truly vanquish any of them. This did not equate to confidence in my ability to defeat them in direct combat, however. In truth, my confidence in such a scenario was far from assured. Therefore, I replied, directing my gaze once more to the map of Begaritt, "You might be correct, but our objective remains to thwart Hitogami's schemes in Begaritt. Whoever Hitogami intends to resurrect is likely powerful enough to fundamentally alter the course of events. Otherwise, he wouldn't be investing so much effort. Our primary goal is to prevent the emergence of another unpredictable factor and to eliminate all of Hitogami's apostles. Once they are gone, Hitogami will be rendered toothless and clawless..." Verdia, Ghislaine, and Taes fell silent. All three wore expressions of resolute determination, each in their own characteristic manner. Then, with a faint smile, Ghislaine announced, "Nina has requested a position in the Vanguard. I will refrain from offering my judgment on this matter; the decision rests with you." Having spoken, she departed the Hall, presumably to make her preparations. I observed the space where she had stood moments before, remaining silent. Nina. Naturally. Verdia offered a gentle smile and remarked, "Whatever the decision, please endeavor to be understanding..." And then she too departed. This served as Taes's cue to leave without further comment. He simply gathered his documents, cast a final, fleeting glance my way, and exited the Hall as well. In the end, I found myself alone. Nina's desire to join the Vanguard. I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes briefly.Frankly, her intentions were crystal clear to me from the outset.
Unwittingly, she had divulged crucial intelligence. Master's location within the Dragon God's Hole was precisely why Badigadi and Laplace were dispatched.
Regardless of her lack of awareness, the outcome remained unchanged, a fact Nina understood implicitly.
Her desire was to take constructive action rather than passively await the war's conclusion in Gaia, a conflict partly steered in this direction by an unwitting act of hers.
Resting my chin on my hand, I continued to gaze at her name.
After all, it was I who had encouraged her to contribute, so it would be nonsensical to reject her efforts now.
In any event, this situation was unfolding rather favorably.
Should all proceed as planned, this war might very well mark the final phase for Hitogami.
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