Reborn As Noble Chapter 1253: A Clean Route to Victory ( 1253 )

Vane let out a slow breath.

"But, Julius..."

Julius turned his gaze towards Vane, his eyes narrowing slightly, a cold, warning smile playing on his lips. "Even though you hold the position of my vice leader, it does not grant you the privilege to address me so casually. You will maintain proper decorum and refer to me as 'Leader' during our sessions. Remember your station and show appropriate respect."

"S-sorry, Leader..." Vane clenched his jaw, forcing a composed expression onto his face while a tempest of rage brewed within him.

Angrar reached for a savory piece of roasted meat from the platter presented by the attending maids and looked towards Julius. "So... enlighten us about this new intelligence you mentioned."

Julius crossed his arms, his demeanor shifting to one of grave seriousness.

"The Supreme Goddess has apprised me that our initial invasion is imminent." He surveyed the assembled individuals around the table before a smirk graced his features. "Before long, the great tide will surge, and the internecine conflict amongst the nobles of the Human Kingdom shall commence. We shall partition ourselves into specialized teams to maximize our operational effectiveness."

With a sharp snap of his fingers, an intricate wooden map materialized at the table's center, illustrating the continent where the Human Kingdom and its neighboring realms were situated.

Julius stood, gesturing towards the displayed map. "The heartland of the Human Kingdom is none other than the Royal Capital itself. Our operatives have successfully infiltrated the noble courts, amassing extensive intelligence regarding their machinations and vulnerabilities."

His gaze intensified, a new concern clouding his expression. "However, another significant obstacle presents itself."

The others exchanged glances before Angrar inquired, "What may that be?"

"We possess comprehensive data on every noble province within the Human Kingdom's borders. Their geographical layouts, their defensive fortifications, their established political structures—everything. We have meticulously mapped out territories such as Turka, Garka, and indeed, the Royal Capital itself. Acquiring their intelligence should take us no more than a month."

Julius rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze fixed intently on a particular sector of the map.

"Yet, this specific region..." He indicated the area designated as Armand. "We have encountered an inexplicable failure to procure clear intelligence from any of our dispatched agents. A few operatives reported considerable difficulty in gaining access, prompting them to engage mercenary assassin guilds from within the continent to attempt infiltration. Nevertheless, following multiple sorties, neither the assassins nor the intelligence units deployed have managed to return or relay any findings."

"Hmm?" Angrar appeared perplexed. "Are you certain? Could they not simply pose as traveling merchants or ordinary wayfarers and gain entry without incident? Assimilate into the populace and gather information in the customary manner?"

Julius continued to stroke his chin before ultimately crossing his arms.

"That precisely constitutes the crux of the issue. The Supreme Goddess has communicated that we cannot initiate a full-scale invasion without a thorough understanding of the area. It is imperative to ascertain the locations of their military installations, the strength of their armed forces, the numerical count of their mages, magic archers, healers, and any other specialized combat units they may possess. Without this critical intelligence, our advance would be akin to marching blindly into uncharted territory. Comprehensive intelligence is indispensable for crafting an effective assault strategy."

Karue observed him, a hint of suspicion in his tone. "Is it merely my perception, or is it rather peculiar that none of our agents are inclined to venture there themselves?"

"Perhaps it is due to the Supreme Goddess's explicit prohibition against them undertaking such a solo endeavor?"

Julius resumed rubbing his chin, a contemplative frown deepening. "That is a plausible hypothesis... but what could be the underlying reason?"

Angrar folded his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It might be attributed to the individual who governs the Armand region. My goddess conveyed that he is not an adversary to be taken lightly. Furthermore, she alluded to the presence of other formidable individuals serving under him whom we ought to regard with caution." He produced a document from within his coat. "This pertains to intelligence I received from my goddess. She indicated that exceptionally skilled assassins pledge their allegiance to him."

"Ah... now that you mention it, I recall one of them being named Alf. There is also a maid who wields twin swords. My informant corroborated their renowned capabilities. And they have a berserker in their service as well. According to the records, he single-handedly vanquished a Hydra."

"H-Hydra!?" Vane's eyes widened in sheer astonishment.

"What prompts such surprise?" Julius tilted his head, a bemused smile emerging. "It is not as if none of you possess the capability to defeat a Hydra yourselves. Its strength is hardly insurmountable, as you are well aware."

Vane lowered his gaze to the tabletop as Julius and the others resumed their strategic deliberations.

Defeat a Hydra?

We collectively felled a Hydra as a team.

And yet, Julius asserts that a single individual managed to vanquish one, and he was a berserker at that?

Is this for real?

Berserkers are notoriously known for their reliance on unadulterated physical prowess, sheer brute force, and unyielding ferocity, charging headlong into combat with a complete disregard for their own defense. They possess no magical abilities, no ranged offensive capabilities, and their combat methodology is characterized by recklessness and raw, untamed power, devoid of any subtlety or finesse.

Moreover, a Hydra exhibits a remarkable resistance to physical assaults. Its regenerative capacity renders it virtually impossible to kill through sheer brute force alone. And still, this berserker supposedly succeeded in eliminating one by himself?

We required a contingent of five individuals to successfully subdue a single Hydra, and Julius dismisses its threat level as not particularly high!?

How could a lone warrior fell that beast? Truly alone!

I... I am desperate to know.

How long did the battle rage?

What toll did it take on his body?

What armament did he wield?

In what state was his armor after the brutal conflict?

He surveyed all those gathered around the table. Excitement filled the air as they exchanged intel and reports, weaving together the fragmented information they possessed concerning Armand’s defenses and key figures.

Yet, concerning this Garius individual, his territory, or a comprehensive dossier on his subordinates, concrete data remained elusive. All that was available were scattered pieces, whispers, and accounts passed down.

How could a complete invasion be meticulously planned with such a scarcity of factual intelligence?

Vane’s hands clenched the arms of his chair, his knuckles stark white, as he observed Julius effortlessly finalize their strategy, designate teams for the subsequent phase, and assign duties with an aura of unshakeable confidence.

"Leader?"

Julius shifted his gaze towards Vane. "Yes?"

"I feel we ought to secure more intelligence regarding this territory before..."

"Ugh... Could you cease your interruptions while the rest of us are conversing?" Julius shot him a sidelong glare before turning his attention back to the others, resuming his strategic exposition. "Simply pay attention and adhere to the established strategy. We are pressed for time and cannot afford second-guessing."

This 'leader'... his ascension was solely due to his formidable strength, lacking any semblance of strategic acumen. His confidence stemmed merely from his overwhelming might, his singular magic that set him apart from all other summoned heroes. He never truly analyzed situations, nor did he contemplate the inherent risks involved.

It was I who was destined to be the strategist amongst them all. The Supreme Goddess herself had affirmed that I would orchestrate the invasion, coordinate the various teams, and guarantee our ultimate triumph. Alas, Julius consistently dismisses my contributions and disregards my apprehensions.

Could he have possibly forgotten that the Supreme Goddess had already entrusted me with the planning of this crucial mission? That the oversight of intelligence gathering, troop movements, and the precise timing of the assault was my designated responsibility?

Vane’s train of thought was abruptly shattered by a sharp voice calling out to him.

"Oi, Vane!"

"Y... Yes?" Vane looked around, his gaze eventually settling on Julius, whose expression was placid, yet his smile held a sharp, cautionary edge.

"You should concentrate on our current discussion rather than indulging in fantasies. Listen intently, and jot down notes if necessary. We cannot afford any needless delays due to your inattentiveness."