Chapter 46

Makai Hongi

And so I decided to take Saifo with me to tonight’s strategy meeting.

Rig would stay behind. We had meetings every day, so it was good to do something different for a change.

Up until now, Saifo didn’t really care about anything. All he wanted to know was if an enemy was strong or not.

And I thought it was a good thing that he took an interest in something other than just fighting for once.

“You can’t enter the tent, but you can wander around the area until we’re done. But this is the main camp, so don’t do anything foolish.”

“I know.”

“And don’t get into any fights.”

“I won’t inconvenience you.”

Saifo wasn’t mild mannered like I was.

I had told him many times during the walk, that he must not pick fights with anyone… But I was still worried.

When I entered the tent, the others had already gathered.

Corps Commander Nehyor and Bian were based here, and Lobos was close by. However, it was odd that the Gob-gobs had arrived before me.

“Alright, everyone is here now. Let’s start the meeting.”

As always, things began in a very light-hearted way.

“First, let’s confirm the current situation. Things were pretty dangerous with you, weren’t they, Lobos?”

“I am very sorry. We were saved by the reinforcements that you sent.”

There had been a wave of attacks at the center today.

Up until now, Lobos’s troops had been able to hold their ground, but things had changed.

Nehyor had to send reinforcements immediately.

And that was the only reason they had been able to survive until evening. And due to the time, it had ended in a draw.

“It was certainly a close one. …Now, I think you should rest for a while, Lobos. Why don’t you switch places with Golan?”

There was blood on Lobos’s forehead and arms.

This time, acting tough would do him no good. He could only groan in reply. He looked bad.

“I do not mind. But first, I want you to listen to me.”

“What? Golan. It’s not your turn yet.”

“Well, since you brought it up. That we would trade places. It’s about that.”

“In that case, go ahead. What is it?”

“I would rather you don’t have us switch places.”

“Hmm. Why?”

“This Gigant Centaur that we’re fighting now. I’m kind of mad at him. And I don’t want anyone else to take my prey.”

“Hmm. Did something happen?”

“He sent Golems through the miasma zone in order to attack us from behind. And a nearby town was invaded.”

“I heard about the defensive battle in the town. But didn’t you succeed?”

“Yes. Still, this time I want to be the person who attacks.”

If all we did was wait and defend, who knew what the enemy would do next?

Besides, I didn’t like that they attacked someone I had decided to protect.

“The General told me to defend this place. And we can’t afford to lose soldiers, which means avoiding any overly bold moves. After all, if we fail and crumble here, it will ruin the General’s plans. So it won’t do. I can’t let you go.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but you can’t protect anything if we just stay here. You have to let me go. And I'll make the enemy pay.”

“I gave you my answer. Were you listening to me, Golan? If not, it will lead to trouble.”

“I am listening. However, I am saying that I’m still going. I’ll go with or without your permission.”

“Why do you have to be like this, Golan?”

There was something different about Nehyor now. He was angry.

However, I was not going to back down.

To back down now would be to abandon my family mantra. If I am going to protect someone, I should do it, even if it meant risking my own life.