Chapter 157: Same Inference

Chapter 157: Same Inference



The room grew quiet as the junior officer stood at attention, waiting for permission to continue. King Thandor, his face lined with the strain of recent events, gestured for the officer to speak.

"Your Majesty, Princess Elara," the officer began, his voice steady. "We've just received a message from Shadow Company, from Commander Vincent Stryder himself."

Elara's eyes focused on the officer, her mind already anticipating the content. "What does Commander Stryder say?" she asked, her voice calm but direct.

The officer shifted slightly before continuing. "Commander Stryder has informed us that they will not be sending additional forces at this time. Instead, they request that we provide them with detailed information regarding the recent attack on the armory. They wish to gather intelligence before making any further decisions."

Murmurs rose from the advisors, some looking concerned while others exchanged knowing glances. One of the older advisors spoke up. "So, the humans will not assist us immediately? They expect us to do their work for them?"

Elara raised her hand to silence him. "No," she said firmly. "This is not a dismissal. They want to understand the full scope of the situation. Vincent Stryder is no fool. He knows that sending troops blindly would only weaken his position. If we want their help, we must give them the information they need."

King Thandor nodded slowly, his gaze focused on the officer. "What else did the message say? Is there any indication of what they plan to do next?"

The officer shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. Commander Stryder's message was clear. They will analyze the situation once we provide them with everything we know. They are waiting on us."

One of the younger advisors, his voice tinged with frustration, stepped forward. "And what if this is simply a way for them to stall? We're dealing with a Demon King's general here. Can we afford to delay?"

Elara turned to the young advisor, her expression steady. "We cannot afford to act rashly. If Vincent Stryder believes we need more information, then we must trust his judgment. Rushing into battle without understanding the enemy is how we've lost before. We will gather the information, and we will ensure that it's complete."

The room quieted as King Thandor leaned forward. "We must proceed carefully. This demon is no ordinary threat. Elara, you will oversee the gathering of this information and see to it that Commander Stryder receives everything he needs. If we are to form a lasting alliance, it will be built on trust and careful planning."

Elara nodded. "I'll see to it personally, Father."

As the junior officer gave a quick salute and exited the room, the advisors fell back into murmured conversations, trying to piece together their next move. Elara, meanwhile, stood resolute, her mind focused on the task at hand. She knew Vincent would not fail them, but this time, they needed to give him something concrete to work with.

"We'll give them everything they need," Elara said quietly to herself, her resolve unwavering.

Princess Elara wasted no time after the meeting. With her father's trust and the gravity of the situation in mind, she decided to investigate the armory herself. It wasn't enough to rely on second-hand reports; if they were to understand what truly happened, she needed to see the scene firsthand.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Dressed in practical elven armor, Elara left the palace quietly, accompanied by only two guards, though she insisted on walking the final stretch alone. The armory lay at the heart of their military stronghold, a place that once seemed impregnable but had now been breached by a force far beyond what their defenses could withstand.

As she approached, Elara felt the weight of the situation settle over her. The large wooden doors to the armory stood ajar, no longer locked or sealed, as soldiers and investigators had combed through the area for clues. The human rifles, including the M4 carbines, were gone. Stolen by the very demon who had broken through their defenses.

I implore you to send word as soon as possible. We need your guidance and assistance in handling this situation. If the demons succeed in weaponizing your technology, they will become an even greater threat than we can imagine. Our alliance must be stronger than ever,

and we must act quickly.

I await your response.

With respect, Princess Elara of Arendel."

She sealed the letter with the royal crest and handed it to one of her most trusted messengers.

"Take this to Vincent Stryder at once. Do not delay."

The messenger gave a firm nod before heading out the door, determined to deliver the

message as quickly as possible. As the door closed behind him, Elara took a deep breath, standing alone in her chamber. The stakes had never been higher, and now, more than ever,

she hoped Vincent would act swiftly.

***

Back at the Akarios Island.

"Sir Vincent," Colonel Brandt called. "Sir Ferm has received a response from the elves

through a letter."

"Good, read it for me," Vincent ordered.

Colonel Brandt cleared his throat as he read the letter to Vincent.

Vincent listened intently to every word coming out of Colonel Brandt's mouth and his eyes

were slowly narrowing. His inference matched that of the elves. The demons steal technology and reverse-engineer it. He smiled in satisfaction, knowing that the demons are a truly

cunning species.