Figuring Out Allies & Enemies

Spreading a world map out which Meld always handy for some reason… Not like I'd look a gift horse in the mouth and blow its head off, though probably if it was Ehit. The two of us looked at it while discussing who could be an ally and who was an enemy. Which was a tricky subject as right now, the Heiligh Kingdom has fallen under enemy control, yet they are also allies. Ehit and Noint though have essentially brainwashed everyone who can make political moves, except for the princess and the prince. While a former classmate is turning the army into undead puppets, which would've been Meld's fate as well.

"Well Meld, the first place I think that would be our ally would be the Sea of Trees kingdom, Verbergen. They are protecting one of the Great Dungeons as a holy ground. I believe, they are foremost, a very potential and important ally we can contact first."

"The Demi-Humans.... While I do not mind them, I do not believe they'd help us given we're Humans."

"I'm no longer a Human though, I look like one, but I no longer smell or count as one Meld. However, that is a maybe, but regardless they are the first ally we should consider Meld, after them would be the Duchy of Ankaji. They are independent and relatively small that could make a good base of operations if we get them on our side if we can't.... we could subtly take over if needed as this is war."

"Hm... While I don't like your idea, that sadly is probably a very effective option given our situation and skill sets. But if you would allow me, I think we should consider Hoelscher and Fuhren as enemies. Or in Fuhren's case neutral as they could be bought out as an ally but also as an enemy. Unless Ehit actively harms their interest, they would probably not fully side with us or easily sell us out to the zealots."

"Regarding enemies, Garland and Heiligh are right now definitely our enemies due to who rules them secretly or openly. As both are deeply rooted in religion, however, of different versions of the same one, which means Ehit has already entrenched forces, brainwashed, and control over most of them. Fuhren as you said, is a merchant kingdom, so they could be bought to kill us. But otherwise they are primarily neutral in the grand scheme of things if Ehit doesn't fuck them up the ass with a spiked mace and call it justified. Hoelscher is a kingdom deeply rooted in strength and slavery, so they are not readily an ally.

However, it would take an enemy to beat the ruler and thus take over as the new ruler, which an angel will be readily capable of, thus gaining their entire army and slave army. Even without all that, they focus on their own gains first as a slave trade kingdom, as they are corrupt and nothing can stop that rooted mindset so easily. Verbergn though is not liked by any of the nations as they are "inferior life forms". So, while it would be hard to earn their trust, they should at least listen if we present evidence and testify. As from Oscar's notes on Lyutillis Haltina, she would have very likely told them about what to do if a dungeon conqueror appears."

"Hm, I cannot refute you Hōhei-san as that journal you showed me was very informative.... And pointed out some key facts regarding all their magics and dungeon locations. One of which is in the churches headquarters…"

"History is a bitch, huh? Anyway, Dukedom Ankaji while it follows the same religion as the other humans. It is relatively small and if we played it right we could influence the population easily as once we started debasing Ehit an angel would likely begin to attack us. Turning the citizens into active collateral as they would openly say their deaths are in glory to Ehit, and they should be proud. When something like that happens, we be able to just turn them completely to our side."

Meld looked down with a grimace but nodded at Hōhei's suggestion on the matter. The knight didn't like it, but in a war like this there is no honor or fairness, just survival for everything and everyone they know and love. He never would've believed he'd be helping to one day lead a war against his world's God. Sighing, Meld looked back at him, and they continued listing everything they knew of the various nations. Then Hōhei remembered something and chuckled a little insanely at the thought.

"WE HAVE THE DRAGONMEN AS DEFINITE ALLIES!! HAHAHA!!!"

Summoning Relic out into their little cave hideout, Hōhei asked her where she last saw them. The wolf monster, upon hearing his question, was all too happy to help the two men. She pointed at a spot considered a dead zone between all major areas due to how nothing survives there long. Smiling like a madman, which he is, Hōhei looked at Meld and decided their next stop.

Meld, however, felt dread from the look and seeing where they were to go. He could only wish that nothing ate him or worse.... Because that location is full of monsters like the Behemoth from the Orcus Dungeon. However, at the same time, the knight was excited at the prospect of traversing a dead zone and testing his skills. Their prospective allies also intrigued him, as he wanted to know why they were called Dragonmen? Are they dragon-like Demi-Humans? Dragons themselves? Or something else?