Chapter 90: Death Exit

"Well, I see. Fine, we'll gladly help. Of course, under the condition that you keep your promise to supply us."

Gwen eventually said that.

They probably had no choice anyway.

"Anyway, we only hope to survive today." Gwen muttered bitterly.

"We'll help with that too."

"What? You mean, you won't go out and will fight with us?"

A dangerous fight.

Yet, despite having a clear way out, you choose not to leave and fight together?

It had to be unexpected for Gwen.

"But there is a condition."

I broached the essential point. This was the purpose of the long work. It was a critical choice that divided life and death for everyone.

"What is it?"

"Let's hit the monsters, not the undead."

My words were met with disbelief from the residents.

"What? But it's the undead who stole our food supply?"

"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"Why monsters out of nowhere...?"

The residents grumbled.

But I knew what to say to shut them up.

"Supplies."

Mouths closed without a peep.

Make no mistake. I was in control here. Even Gwen seemed to feel it, judging by his less-than-pleased expression.

"What's the reason? I don't understand."

"Basic military strategy. Attack the weak point, not the strong."

"Huh?"

"The undead are expecting us to attack since they took our food source and will be well prepared. On the other hand, monsters will be unguarded, watching from across the river. If you know even the basics of military strategy, it should be obvious where to strike, right?"

I threw out a rough explanation, but it was reasonably convincing.

That could be seen just by looking at Gwen's expression.

As if he hadn't expected such a plausible reason, he looked as if he had been hit by a revelation.

But even so, with an unexpected attack and quick movement, we could start with an advantage before they properly responded.

The residents seemed to think it wasn't bad.

Kamian and Annette seemed to agree.

A quick and aggressive attack to start the battle could indeed be favorable.

A common solution chosen by many players.

However, that alone wouldn't secure everything.

To activate a hidden quest that would yield greater rewards and affect future developments, we had to choose a different approach.

Therefore, I shook my head.

"No, I disagree."

"Why?" Gwen asked.

"Passing through the central plaza seems like the fastest route, but I see a problem with it," I stated confidently, which could be considered quite presumptuous for a newcomer who just joined today.

But I was the one in control now, so even Gwen, the leader, could not take my statement lightly.

"What's the problem?"

"Being in a space open on all sides means the undead can clearly see our every move. Knowing exactly what we're up to is most unsettling."

"Just because it feels bad? Is that it?"

"Is it that simple? I don't want to give the undead any options. I want to completely exclude them from the game until the fight with the monsters is over. That is how to minimize variables."

I spoke fluently, as if someone who had thought out various strategies beforehand.

Gwen and the residents looked at me as if wondering where such a person came from.

"Minimizing variables..." Kamian muttered, having realized something. He seemed to have felt something for sure, even if it was a bit overstated, like a hatchling breaking free from its shell.

He might have realized how tactics and strategies he had only learned in theory at the academy could be applied in real combat.

Anyway, it was good.

As long as the protagonist could grow.

"There is some logic to it. But that alone doesn't make sense without an alternative. Speak," Gwen said, narrowing his eyes.

I moved my finger without hesitation.

"This way."

A path opened up to the left from where we were.

"Straight up."

My finger followed the path, winding its way up to the upper left.

"We hit here directly. The monsters' stronghold."