The Press Conference

The ornate office, a temporary seat of power established within the conquered territory, overlooked the sprawling encampment of Ragnarok's expeditionary force. Three days had passed since the invaders had burst from the shimmering portal, and still, the situation remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Ragnarok, his imposing figure almost filling the window frame, gazed out at the activity below, his expression a mask of thoughtful contemplation. The news from the scouts had been...disconcerting, to say the least.

"Young Master," a deep voice rumbled from behind him. It was Demurage, his presence as reassuring as ever, "The representatives from the Press await your presence."

Ragnarok didn't turn. "Uncle Demurage," he addressed his father's most trusted Guardian with a respect bordering on affection, "Have the scouts returned from their latest foray?"

"They have, my lord," Demurage confirmed, stepping closer. "Another contingent of enemy forces waits on the far side of the portal. Like the others, they appear to be…primitive."

A deep frown etched itself onto Ragnarok's face. "That is what troubles me, Uncle. If these invaders are so laughably weak, why attack at all? What could they possibly hope to achieve against the might of Nazarick?"

"A valid concern, Young Master," Demurage conceded. "Perhaps this is a feint, a cunning ruse designed to lure us into a trap. A larger, more powerful force could be lying in wait."

Ragnarok nodded slowly. "That is precisely what I fear. The question is, how do we counter such a strategy?"

Demurage allowed himself a rare, if somewhat grim, smile. "Our future emperor thinks like his father! But rest assured, Young Master, if such a scenario were to unfold, we would dispatch reinforcements immediately."

Ragnarok, however, shook his head, his resolve solidifying. "No. I will not abandon my troops, even if it proves to be a trap. I will face this enemy head-on, and we will discover their true intentions together."

Demurage's smile widened, tinged now with pride. "Spoken like a true son of Ainz Ooal Gown. Your courage does you credit, Young master."

With a newfound determination, Ragnarok turned from the window, his gaze now fixed on the distant portal, a gateway to the unknown. "Very well. Let us meet these 'invaders' and see what fate has in store for us." As Ragnarok strode toward the door, Demurage fell into step beside him. The ornate hallways of the building echoed with their footsteps, a stark reminder of the power they wielded and the responsibility that came with it.

"Prepare the troops for a march," Ragnarok commanded, his voice steady and resolute. "We will not wait for them to make the next move. I want every soldier ready to move through the portal."

"At once, my lord," Demurage replied, his tone reflecting the urgency of the situation. "I will ensure that the encampment is prepared for immediate deployment."

As they reached the entrance, Ragnarok paused, glancing back at the vast encampment. Soldiers were busy sharpening weapons, checking armor, and preparing their magical gear. The sight filled him with a sense of pride and responsibility. These warriors looked to him for leadership, and he would not falter.

"Uncle Demurage," he said, his voice low, "if this is indeed a trap, we must be ready for anything. I want scouts deployed ahead of us, and I want a secure perimeter established around the portal. No one enters or exits without my express permission."

"Your orders will be followed to the letter, Young Master," Demurage assured him, his expression serious. "We will not be caught off guard."

With a final nod, Ragnarok stepped outside, the sun casting a warm glow over the encampment. The air was thick with anticipation, and he could feel the energy of his troops as they prepared for the unknown.

As he approached the gathering of soldiers, he raised his voice, commanding their attention. "Warriors of Nazarick! Today, we stand on the brink of a new challenge. We face an enemy that has dared to invade our territory, and though they may seem weak, we must not underestimate them. We will march through the portal and confront them head-on. Together, we will uncover their true intentions and protect our home!"

A roar of approval erupted from the soldiers, their spirits ignited by his words. Ragnarok felt a surge of confidence.

"Prepare yourselves!" he commanded, and the soldiers sprang into action, their resolve unwavering.

As the troops readied themselves, Ragnarok turned to Demurage, who stood at his side, a look of admiration in his eyes. "You have the heart of a true leader, Young Master. I have no doubt that you will guide us through whatever lies ahead."

Ragnarok smiled, though a flicker of uncertainty lingered in his mind. "Let us hope that our strength is enough to face whatever awaits us on the other side."

"Of course, Young master. And Also you should go to the press conference now"

"Ah, Yes"

.....

The two of them continued through the hallway. There are a lot of soldiers guarding here as it is the main building of the city.

Ragnarok: "I heard that father had assembled 70,000 troops for the expedition."

Demiurge: "Yes, Young master"

"When will I meet the other commanders of the force?"

"They are waiting for you. You can meet them at the end of the press conference."

"OK"

_______★★★

Ragnarok stood at the podium, facing a sea of eager reporters. The young commander's presence commanded attention despite his age.

"I am Ragnarok Ooal Gown, Chief Commander of the expeditionary army," he began, his voice clear and authoritative. He proceeded to explain the events of the past three days, detailing the attack on Hoburns and the information gathered from captured prisoners about the Saderan Empire.

As he finished his initial statement, the reporters' hands shot up, eager for more information.

"Sir Ragnarok, what are the expedition army's plans for this empire?" one reporter called out.

Ragnarok answered calmly, outlining their immediate plans to secure the area beyond the gate and gather intelligence. He emphasized their primary goal of locating and rescuing any captives taken by the Saderan forces.

Another reporter inquired about the fate of the Saderan Empire and Parliament's decisions. Ragnarok explained that those responsible for the attack would face justice in the Sorcerous Empire and that compensation would be required.

When questioned about the mysterious appearance of the gate, Ragnarok admitted it was still under investigation. He mentioned the possibility of powerful beings similar to the Dragon Emperor or Tsaindorcus Vaision existing in the other world, but assured the public that security measures were being improved.

As the press conference drew to a close, Ragnarok announced its end despite calls for more questions. He turned to leave, the reporters still calling after him.

"Sir!" they persisted, but Ragnarok had already made his exit, leaving a buzz of excitement and speculation in his wake.