Chapter 837 Consternation

Chapter 837 Consternation

Everyone's face instantly dropped. Even Phoenix's heart skipped a beat.

"What are you—"

"Before panic erupts, let me finish," Astaroth interrupted the rising voices, raising his hand to silence them.

"You cannot be serious! Calling us in for a declaration of war?! Have you lost your mind?!" Commander Alena shouted.

"I said let me finish!" Astaroth's voice boomed, a pulse of mana slamming into the woman.

She felt like a mountain had just slammed onto her shoulders, and her knees almost buckled instantly.

'What the... When did he become this powerful?!' she wondered, struggling to stand up straight.

The last time they had fought, a few days before his disappearance, he had needed to meld and use Royal Protection just to make her feel this way. But she couldn't see any traces of such a thing on him currently.

In Astaroth's ears, a notification rang, almost distracting him from his announcement. But he swung it aside for now, wanting to finish this order of business first.

"I am not declaring war on anyone. Yes, we are going to war. But no one will die. At least, I hope not." This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Phoenix frowned.

"Then what did you mean? Because that was a bold statement to make without proper explanation," she stated.

"I'm getting there, love," Astaroth replied, smiling at her.

"First, let me say this. Do not misinterpret my words. We will eventually have to go to actual war. The Ash Elves have a crisis on their hands, and we will help them when they call for us.

"Secondly, the issue with the demon tears and demonic resurgence is also only starting. It will drag us to war as well before too long. But that is not what I meant. Starting next week, we are going to war against our inadequacy."

After saying this, the faces in the room morphed from outrage to confusion.

**

'You don't get it. The demons will not stop at the troops. They will not imprison the civilians or turn them into slaves. They are not here for that. The demons don't want to conquer. They want to feed. And the world is a moving buffet.'

**

He saw her eyes widen slightly at his words, as if she finally understood what they were fighting against.

Astaroth grabbed her hand, shaking his head lightly at her, before looking forward again.

He could see the eyes of some of them already hardening.

"Sir. I don't know if I can get behind this approach," Commander Kadmus said, her eyes wavering.

"Mary. I understand your reluctance. But please understand something. The world will soon turn into a battlefield. And there will be nowhere safe. The people will flock to the largest cities in hopes of safety. How are we to protect them if we can't fight off the threat?" Astaroth replied to her.

And, although his words made sense, it just didn't appeal to her mind.

"But why everyone? Can't we recruit more troops and make them stronger? Why would we mix the civilians in this?" she asked, her eyes pleading.

"Commander Kadmus, let me make something clear. I am not forcing anyone who doesn't want to stay to partake in this endeavour. But it will happen. We need everyone ready," Astaroth said, his tone serious.

"Of course, I won't make civilians into soldiers. I'm not a monster. However, there will be rigorous training for them in evacuation protocols, urgent situation response, and first aid training. I need everyone to be on their A-game if the demons ever reach our walls," he added.

He saw in her eyes that calmed her fears a little. But Astaroth knew he would need to have a one-on-one talk with her.

He needed everyone in this room to be on the same page if this was to work.

He knew Phoenix was already thinking up plans in her mind, even though he hadn't talked about the big picture with her.

He could already see her eyes darting about as she mumbled to herself.

"This isn't going to be easy or pleasant. But it needs to be done. Prepare yourselves mentally. Meeting adjourned," Astaroth declared, leaving through the back room.