Prelude of War

In another location...

"How are the preparations going?" The voice held no room for failure, its mere presence eliciting a sense of urgency.

"S-Sir, we are almost done. Rakia has fully agreed to our alliance. Telskyura and the Dwarves have also pledged their support, along with many weaker nations. The plan is on track and ready for execution," stammered the informant, fear evident in every word.

"Perfect. Remember, any misstep, and your head will be the first to roll," the reply came sharp and unforgiving, leaving no room for error.

"Y-Yes," the informant replied hastily, quickly exiting the room.

Alone now, a single figure stood, surrounded by an atmosphere of secrecy and malevolence. The voice muttered softly, "For the Forgotten Ones..."

The words echoed beyond the walls of that room, repeated like a whispered chant among the hidden shadows, signaling the dark machinations of a sinister plot.

--- Finn's POV ---

Preparation for war had always been second nature to us, but this time it felt different. The intensity of the upcoming conflict demanded a level of dedication and focus, unlike anything we had experienced before.

While we had our trusty weapons and armor, there was no room for complacency. Each member of the Loki Familia needed to be well-versed in handling not just monsters but also the intricacies of warfare. Formations were crucial, and we needed to ensure everyone could seamlessly coordinate in battle.

Yet, what weighed on my mind the most was the lack of specific information about our enemies. Each nation had its unique strengths and approaches, but trying to prepare for every scenario would be a daunting task. Instead, our strategy would be to remain defensive at first and observe how they coordinated, hoping to exploit any weaknesses in their half-hearted cooperation.

Amidst all the tactical planning, I also understood the importance of morale. A united and determined Familia was just as crucial as a well-trained one. Our resolve and spirit would be our greatest assets.

In theory, we also held an advantage in our general strength, but I couldn't be sure of that as my thumb has been itching as of late.

---

With few days left before the war, it was time for one last meeting.

"Are you certain you couldn't find any trace of them, Ren?" I asked, my concern evident in my voice. The sudden disappearance of not just the Ikelos Familia but others as well had unsettled me deeply. The fact that even the Gods seemed to be missing added an eerie layer to the situation.

"No, I couldn't find anything of note," Ren replied, his expression pensive. The gravity of the situation weighed on all of us, and despite our best efforts, the answers remained elusive.

Loki chimed in, her tone was serious as she added, "We Gods are equally clueless about what's happening. It's a cause for concern, and we've already convened an emergency meeting to address the situation within the Dungeon."

The meeting also led to the decision to foster cooperation among all Familias in the face of any potential threat that could harm the Gods themselves.

In light of the circumstances, they also decided on a suitable nickname for Ren, given his unprecedented status as an unknown level 6.

"How about... Armageddon?" Hestia-sama suggested, her choice seeming ironic yet apt. Ren Von Seraphis had become synonymous with an unstoppable force, akin to the apocalypse itself.

His prowess with a weapon made him an invincible being, a symbol of sheer power.

But it was not as important for now.

"How will we separate our forces on the battlefield?"

Riveria's inquiry was valid, as each of us first-class executives held enough strength and prowess to cover a significant area individually, making it more efficient to divide our forces.

"I will take the front lines as the Commander, and Ren, Riveria, Gareth, and Ais will support me in managing that area. Lefiya, you will be in charge of the rear, and Tiona, Tione, and Bete will be our mobile units, ready to assist any part of our formation that requires help."

With this, a thorough discussion unfolded on how to efficiently manage our forces on the battlefield. We had to strike the right balance between offense and defense, ensuring that our formation remained formidable and adaptable to any situation.

Not every member of our Familia would be actively participating in the war, as Orario still needed some adventurers to remain behind, guarding against potential threats from within.

Once our individual preparations were complete, we awaited Loki's intel on how the other Familia would be moving, which arrived the day after.

---

Each Familia outlined their roles in the upcoming war. The Freya Familia would send their strongest units to the front lines, while others, like the Demeter Familia, offered to be a supportive role. It was a well-organized gathering, with each Familia understanding their part in the larger scheme.

The lack of concrete information about the enemy seemed to be the main reason for most Familias adopting cautious approaches. While the Gods believed the odds were in their favor, there was an underlying unease, a sense of being toyed with by unknown forces.

The impending frontal assault on Orario was set for a few days from now, providing time for preparations. Yet, the feeling of uncertainty lingered, unsettling everyone involved.

Nevertheless, Orario stood united and ready to face whatever force was thrown at it.

Amidst the tension, Bell Cranel, haunted by the loss of a beloved Familia member, clung to the desire to become a hero. The memory of Yamato Mikoto's last wish spurred him on—to protect everyone and grow strong enough to prevent further losses.

As the hero prepared to rise once more, a troubling question remained. In a world where a certain individual was capable of mass genocide with a mere thought, would his heroic efforts be needed? Only time held the answer to this daunting uncertainty.

---

Author's Note:

I packed all the preparations in this one chap so that we can begin with the War and end this Volume 3.