Chapter 99: Under Inspection

I ordered Afal to not do anything for now. We still have more problems that needs to be addressed before we even get near Tartarus. Our power still isn't enough.

I was deeply in thought on what to do next in my office next to Caesar. "What's the status of the Three Kings?" I asked him.

They've been attacking us with hordes of large army. We need to counteract that somehow.

"They lost about 30% of their army. This numbers are not exact but an estimate."

"How about our recruitment status?"

"We've recruited 400 or so troops."

"That's low. How about the villages?"

"We haven't tried to recruit there yet."

"Do it."

"I'll do that now."

"How's the army of Three Kings? Do we have any information about that?"

"According to some rumors, the Three Kings doesn't have any flying units. It seems according to my research that they've spent most of their funds on just footmen and such. Occasionally hiring adventurers in the guild in their kingdom to join the war. As of now, they've raided three other fiefs and castles in the span of 3 months."

"That's a problem. Do we have protections to the villages around Polk?"

"Not that much. From the previous king, their priority has been set to the very lowest. There's 5 troops per village."

"5? What's that gonna do? Shoo some dogs? Go give them at least 20-40 soldiers. Prioritize the small populated villages."

"I'll relay the message to Warlord Afal."

"Hmm... Wait, let me ask for some help I might get the king to send some spare troops over here. Telepathy." I connected myself to King Itz.

"A formal meeting might be considerate, King Zieglind." It connected to him.

"You do know what's happening here right?"

"I just heard some rumors."

"From Caesar?"

"How did you know!?"

"Hmm?" I was just joking by saying that. But he was actually spying on me. I deepened my voice. "Why?"

"You're a threat." He said. I could hear him faltering in his words.

"Threat to what? Lie and I have the power to overthrow your kingdom. I don't do it since I don't want to attract other players' attention."

"To the entirety of Pandir. You hold great power that's uncontrollable. You're unpredictable too. And according to Caesar, you also recruited demons. DEMONS I SAY!" I've never seen or heard King Itz act this way. He must be really fearful of me.

"Don't worry. I'll only do what I think is right and I won't interfere with you unless it's needed."

"How I trust your words? You just appeared in this world then suddenly in a few months you have the power that can destroy and threaten kingdoms. How dangerous will it be if we leave you alone!"

"That applies not only to me. Remember, I'm not the only player."

I could hear the click of his tongue. He was annoyed and powerless. "Fine. Let's go back to the main topic. Why did you call me?"

I switched back to my normal voice as I replied to him. "We need some troops. The Three Kings' firepower and troops are out of our league. I can maybe take care of some but I'm afraid some players will go after me."

"What's wrong with meeting other players?"

I can't tell him that all the players in this world are power hungry of world domination. All of us would kill just for the sake of our goals. This is another chance of our life that we wouldn't waste. "They're more powerful or as strong as me. I can't risk letting myself known for now."

"I see... Well I can send about 10,000 troops for now. They'll be there by dawn. Cagyer is in the state of recovery and I'm using some of the soldiers for repairing and guarding. The civilians have been retaliating. Blaming us for the destruction."

"That should be fine... I guess." That's... a really low number. I really wanted to say that but I couldn't do it. We're both being targeted. Crush us before we prosper huh? That's a nasty tactic.

I severed the connection of telepathy and began to think on what to do next. I looked over to my side and I saw Caesar sweating profusely and shaking. I forgot he was listening to my replies to the king.

I reassured him. "Don't worry. It's understandable. Tell King Itz to at least tell me. I wouldn't mind giving out information. We're in this together."

He then hurriedly escaped out of the room.

"Telepathy." I then connected next to Afal. "Afal, get ready. We're attacking tomorrow at dawn."

"This fast?"

"We can't let them be the one that's continually attacking. Get them ready. All of the generals, higher rankings and such, bring them to the strategic room. I've got a plan. Also, tell Rize that she'll come with us. You two are the only ones that I'll bring along."

I stood up from my desk and wore the cape and the crown. I then went into the strategic room and waited for them to arrive.

"My lord, here they are." They entered the room as 20 soldiers went in.

"Welcome. Now, let's discuss the plan."

We spent until night to discuss the plans since most of them were voicing their disagreement with me. I made some modifications according to them but I think it'll be fine. Afal and Rize are with me after all.