Story IV / Part XLV: The Red Dawn of Crimson Sky (XII) / The Wicked Fate That Awaits Us (IV)

On third period of meeting, we discussed about army formations and tactics. We are mainly discussing about Mages placement. They are positioning the Mages on open ground behind Knights and Warriors. However, this placement is too risky. Why would you deploy the Mages, including Healers in open ground that can be easily ambushed from many directions?

"Excuse me, Your Majesty and Your Excellency…I think we should consider the deployment of the Mages, deployed without guards on the middle of our position, they can be ambushed by "them" from underground or any blind spot. Also, if some of "them" managed to slip through the guards on the front, the Mages will be defenseless" Mikazuchi, stated her opinion.

"It's better if you use Summoner Class ability to transfer buffs or mana through their familiars. Eh wait, don't tell me you don't bring your Summoners here?" asked Robert with flat tone.

"We have prepared 20.000 Summoners from our kingdom and invited 5.000 adventurers who at least, have Summoner Class in their guild card." The Prime Minister replied while checking the documents.

"Did you also invite the newbie Summoners or half-baked Summoners as well?" I asked.

"Of course, we are not, Ishizaki-dono. This war is only for the experienced ones." He replied with cold tone. I think he is a little pissed with my question.

"Put the foot soldiers in front of the cavalries, beforehand order The Archers to fire their arrow and ask The Magical Archers to target strong enemies first. After that, the cavalries can march forth to break "their" formation. Foot soldiers like Knights and Warriors will follow after them. The Warriors will deal with the enemies who managed to slip through our lines, the Knights and The Rogues will deal with them who tried to ambush our troops or escape, as well as enemy's spellcaster. After the Cavalries reached a certain point, they will retreat back to flank the enemies and…." Queen Anne is carefully explaining the formation in great detail.

I grasped the formation from Queen Anne's words. If it summarized, it will be like this:

The Non-Magic Archers will fire their arrow to kill the weak enemies on the front, after that Magic Archers will fire their arrow to the strong enemies. Arcane Archers will be divided into three groups; resting spots defenders, hunters and backup attackers because their archery range isn't as far as Magic Archers.

The Cavalries will charge to enemy's formation and break it, while making way for the foot soldiers. They will keep marching until certain points then split to four and they will march to left and right side. The Cavalries on the outer sides will rout the enemies and the cavalries in the inner side they will rout with the remnants. After that, they regroup and return. On the way, they will rout the enemies that foot soldiers faced and return to healing area where mages stationed.

After they rested, they will back to front line and continuing the battle with the same tactic, but they must wait for the main army of enemy first to come before engaging the combat. But the thing that is different on the second phase, that they will have flank troops that will waiting for the signal. The Queens will also place summoned beasts and familiar for extra combat power.

I thought The Mages would be the ones who have the easiest tasks, but I was wrong. After hearing Queen Anne's explanation, they are the one who will have the most difficult and confusing tasks and she even wrote the tasks that The Mages from [Fifth Specialization] need to do.

If I recall, on the [Fifth Specialization], The Mages will be divided into ten classes, they are Healer, Enchanter, Bard, Academist, Puppeteer, Mentalist, Summoner, Necromancer, Alchemist, and Painter. Healer Class itself divided into three classes, Healer and Dryad's Worshippers (Druid and Sage).

But, don't you think assigning the tasks to The Mages based on their specialization class will be a "disaster" if the communication got cut? We will use [Time Attack Strategy] after all.

"You are right, Ishizaki-dono. It's a risky strategy but if executed correctly it will grant us magnificent victory. Moreover, if we are organizing them in order, it will be easier for the commander. And what could our enemies do to disturb our communication anyway? Our enemies are mindless after all." General Ian spoke proudly.

"I hope you are not seriously saying that, General Ian. Did you know that we encounter Demonic Dragons and Great Demon few daesh ago? Our communication signal got jammed by it until now." I said that bluntly.

They looked at each other and their eyes went to Guild Master. Surprised, he coughed his drink, then he immediately nodded and quickly gave them a brief explanation about what we did few daesh ago. He even told them about [Abyssal Reaper] event to them. Robert also told them everything he met and found on that time, even the existence of demonic weapons, and armors, which surprised everyone in the room except us.

���I heard a tale when "they" will arrive on a land, something strange will be happening beforehand and your story had erased my doubt. You also said they appeared from nowhere on the west dungeon, weren't they?" General Sarevelle Einschwert asked at Robert with serious face.

"Yes. But I bet "they" came from the massive crack near the dungeon, although I think it isn't possible for "them" since "they" can't climb." After he said that, he sipped his tea for a while and placed it on the table.

"Oh, maybe they could do that…hmm, did any of you receive a report about earthquake occurred or something exploded on Virizia Plain?" Robert asks the question casually.

"Wait…" General Ian suddenly went into deep thought then he exclaims.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty! Did "their" invasion on Gobi Desert started after an explosion followed by a massive earthquake?!"

"Yes. Our reports confirmed that." She said with flat tone.

"Robert…" I glanced at Robert.

"Oh…right, don't you know that "they" started their invasion by making a big hole anywhere they want? They used their magic to do that, a demonic magic even…or to be precise, high-ranked demonic magic spells."

Again, Robert said that valuable piece of information monotonously while he enjoys drinking his tea nonchalantly. He said that as if this information has no value at all for him.

Everyone in the room stared at him with disbelieve. Robert you bastard, you kept this valuable information all this time when everyone is desperate to gather any kind of information about "them"?!

"Robert…did—"

"Nobody asked me." Before I finished my words, Robert quickly answered my question. You know, I really, really, really want to smack your face right now. That smug face you showed to me right now…ugh….

Soon, Guild Master shook his head as if he tries to say, "I give up with this kid." Even I can see Vetto holding his anger very hard right now. The Prime Minister wrote this information and sent them somewhere with his magic. It seems he shared this information to another Elven Alliance's member.

Father asked him from where he knew that, he answered it by telling him about strange sounds and voices that can be heard from massive crack near the dungeon. He also said the massive crack was new and it created by splitting the Gaia from below. In other word, "something" used high-ranked magic to do that.

"Thank you for your valuable information, Hawk-dono. It's confirmed they came from west and because you had investigated it, it seems they want to ambush our flank troops from there."

"It's better if you close that crack right now, Your Majesty. Otherwise you would be outnumbered by "them" from west and north." Robert suggested something, but without looking Queen Anne's face but instead, he looked at his fingers. Dear my little brother, do you want to behead by Queen that much?

"Ishizaki-dono, May I ask you to let Hawk-dono join imperial army for now?"

"I refuse. Robert is my important party member as well as my precious brother and comrade. Don't you think you asked too much? Didn't you have two million people to fight for you already?"

Father suddenly grabbed my left arm and shook his head at me. Oh crap, I slipped my tongue. Everyone looked at me with disbelieve. Even Claire and Erica looked at me with panicked expression. Shit, I need to make it up somehow, otherwise my head will roll, but again…how could I can say something like that all of sudden?!

"It's fine if you don't want to, Ishizaki-dono. I respect your decision."

Queen Anne glanced her eyes and she continues to read her documents. I can't read her expression, whether she is disappointed or angry right now, I don't know. I saw Robert giggled after that.

"Your Majesty, Please forgive me I—"

"Well, if it's Your Majesty herself who asked for my assistance, I can't refuse it, can't I? It depends on the task…I might consider to do it, Your Majesty." Then, Queen Anne told Robert what he needed to do.

"So…you have discovered a big hole on the mountains and you asked us to close it along with Special Forces that stationed around there? Are our lives worthless in front of your eyes?" Now, everyone is sweating hard because of Robert's words.

"That's enough, Alberto-dono! Don't you understand your words—" Prime Minister raised his voice.

"Stop it, Andrew. Let him talks whatever he wants. I'm also wanted to hear it. You may continue, Hawk-dono."

"Oh, scary! Please have mercy on this orphan, Your Excellency! I don't want to die right now, 'cause dying on your hands is basically worthless…"

Robert finally glared at him and Queen Anne with a serious killing intent. The atmosphere in this room heated up and everyone feels restless because Robert's words.

"Just joking! Ehem, if you want us to do this task, you must pay extra fee that's not included in the main quest reward, you know. We are adventurers after all, we just peasants that betting our lives every day in order to get money to continue our life."

"You…How dare you…!" Prime Minister is clenching his hands tightly. It seems Robert pissed him off.

"Err…I'm not done here Your Excellency! Please hold it a little longer. Ehem, Your Majesty, if you apply this nomination quest just for our party, don't you think it's a bit unfair for the other parties? It's bad for our party because it can spread many unpleasant rumors about us like "The leader used his mother's position and influence to bribe The Queen" or "Oh…so the leader of [White Falcon] is just a spoiled kid", etc."

"You don't have to worry Hawk-dono… I planned to give a nomination quest for all adventurer parties that joined this extermination and clean up quest."

"Good, I accepted it. But, don't have a hard feeling after this okay? I don't want my beloved parent, my family members and my comrades got unpleasant rumors, complaints or harassment after this okay? If I heard they received those treatments, I…no, we will move to another country." Robert glared at Prime Minister.

"I will guarantee that, rest assured, Hawk-dono. Let me confirm this again, would you accept this nomination quest Ishizaki-dono, Frantoire-dono, Dervionne-dono, Tavaniris-dono, Nanderiolle-dono and Viorellia-dono?" We nodded weakly. Yeah, because Robert there is no way we can refuse this.

"Thank you. Now, let us continue discussing about Mages." Queen Anne closed her book.

Honestly, we don't want to have one more quest because our quest now has been enough to make us feel dizzy for daesh. Our main quest main objectives are "Investigation, Exploration, Rescue and Cleaning Up" from last [Rain of Chaos] in the northern villages and it hasn't even started yet. Now, we must explore Virizia Mountains and find the big hole there? Oh, My Maker, please spare us…

I can't help but thinking that over times until I didn't hear Queen Anne's explanation. I was surprised when she suddenly asked my opinion and I replied her question randomly. Queen Anne and my father looked at each other and shook their head. Oh shit, I lost too deep in my thoughts.

Queen Anne repeated her words again while staring me with her usual cold gaze. Yes, I understand Your Majesty. I will hear it well. After she crammed everything into our heads, she dismissed the meeting and returned to encampment with the military officers, along with my father.

There are only guild members right now, and all of them have been glaring at us after the Queen left, especially at Robert. We stood up and walked quickly to the door. But suddenly Guild Master called us with angry tone. I knew this would happen. We returned back and walked to him. Now we are standing in front of him.

"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU DID BEFORE?! YOU ALMOST MAKE MY HEAD FLY!" He crossed his arms and glaring us.

"We are sorry, Guild Master." We apologized to him, but Robert sounds like he isn't taking this seriously.

"HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE TOLD YOU NOT TO MAKE ANY TROUBLE WITH THE QUEEN OR THE PRIME MINISTER? I HAVE TOLD YOU MORE THAN SIX TIMES!"

"Tck…" Robert clicked his tongue.

"OI, I HEARD THAT ROBERT!"

"I'm sorry, Guild Master. I slipped my tongue before. I have no intention to make them angry in the first place. I only did that once when she talked about my time with Ayumi before." He keeps glaring us and he isn't saying anything. Oh God, I don't have a courage to stare him directly at his eyes.

"Fuuuhh…alright, you are forgiven. BUT I DON'T WANT THAT HAPPENED AGAIN. Now, get out from my sight." He glared at me again.

"Thank you very much." I bowed my head and walked back, pretending to act like a good boy.

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING, ROBERT?!" He suddenly grabbed Robert shoulders. He was jolted.

"…But you said, you are…forgiving us…?" From his tone, I bet he is scared right now.

"I talked with your BROTHER before…" The Guild Master is smiling at him. Suddenly, other party leaders are clenching their hands. Kenzia and Nanderiolle quickly grabbed his shoulders while glaring at him.

"Thank you so much for PUTTING ANOTHER WORK on my party." Kenzia said that while showing her frightful smirk at Robert. Now, you have been surrounded by many (angry) people…what will you do Robert?

"I'm sorry…I…" Robert lowered his head.

"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR—" Kenzia raised her voice.

"I MUST GO TO TOILET!" Robert suddenly activated his [RS] [Racial Skill] and slipped through the others. Then, he runs quickly from them.

"QUICKLY CATCH HIM!" Guild Master is running outside the room followed by other party leaders and their vice leaders. But only Rudolph and Daendles who aren't following them.

"Honestly, what's your little brother's problem?" Rudolph asked me.

"Don't ask me. Even I don't know about that." I raised my shoulders.

After that, Ayumi gave me a long lecture. Well, I can't escape because she is more terrifying if she is angry. I gave a signal through my eyes to Julio, Hel, Ridell, Erica, Jordan and Claire to help me but all of them glanced away and didn't say anything. She scolded me for forty minerval straight and it made my head hurts.

"Thank you for your hard work, Shogun Kaka." Claire picked up my book and then she holds it in her arms.

"Cih, why all of you didn't help me when she scolded me back then?!"

"My Lord, if Ayumi-dono angry, she will turn into a terrifying beast. It's better if you just agree and nod obediently." Unfortunately, Julio's words are right. I can't help but agree with that while walking to my room.