My Goblin System : Levelling up with my SSS Class Devouring skill-Chapter 299

Vex’ahlia’s black eyes narrowed. "Three thousand five hundred? That’s five hundred more than Lord Satou’s initial intelligence suggested."

"The numbers have grown," Ssk’thar confirmed. "Additional kingdoms are contributing forces. The humans want overwhelming superiority to ensure victory."

"What about the four summoned heroes?" Grimnir asked. "Are they still the primary threat?"

"Yes," Satou said. "TheReaper’s warning indicated four heroes leading the assault. Their abilities remain our greatest concern—Gattychan with Villain’s Bane and Adaptive Evolution, Seraphelle with divine healing and buffs, Mikazelle with spatial control, Rindelle with catastrophic amplification."

Vex’ahlia pulled out a tactical notepad, already taking notes. "Countering overpowered hero abilities requires specialized approaches. My forces include mage-killers specifically trained to disrupt spellcasters and neutralize enhanced abilities. We can deploy them against the heroes."

"Good," Satou acknowledged. "But we’ll need comprehensive planning. Each hero requires different tactics."

"The Scaled Brethren excel at anti-magic combat," Ssk’thar added. "Our scales naturally resist many magical effects, and we’ve developed techniques for fighting enemies who rely on supernatural abilities. We can support the mage-killers."

"Orcs will handle the main infantry line," Urgak declared. "Let the humans try to break through an orc shield wall backed by fortified positions. We’ll grind their assault to pieces."

The meeting continued for hours, coordinating forces, refining tactics, identifying gaps in preparation. What became clear was that despite different backgrounds, each force brought unique strengths:

Loki’s forces provided sophisticated tactics and magical coordination.

The Scaled Brethren offered anti-magic capabilities and natural defensive advantages.

The orcs delivered raw power and unbreakable morale in close combat.

The hobgoblins and original settlers contributed intimate terrain knowledge and survival instincts.

Combined properly, they might actually survive this.

As the meeting began wrapping up, the door opened. A messenger entered, breathing hard.

"Lord Satou! Urgent news! Lord Loki has arrived—he says it’s critical!"

Everyone exchanged glances. Loki personally showing up meant something significant had happened.

"Send him in immediately," Satou ordered.

Moments later, Loki swept into the room with his characteristic dramatic flair. His purple hair seemed to shimmer more than usual, and his golden eyes were bright with barely contained excitement.

"Satou!" Loki announced without preamble. "We found him. Richard Clay. Cassius located him."

The room went completely silent. Every eye fixed on Loki.

"Where?" Satou demanded, standing so quickly his chair scraped backward.

"A human nation far north of here—the Kingdom of Valstrath. It’s about five days’ journey traveling fast." Loki moved to the map, pointing to a location well beyond the settlement’s territory. "Cassius infiltrated the area during his mission and spotted Richard in a remote monastery. He’s alone, Satou. No guards. No temporal protections from Chronus. Vulnerable."

Satou’s heart raced. This was it—the opportunity they’d been waiting for. Kill Richard, cripple Chronus, eliminate one of their greatest enemies while he was exposed.

"How long will he be there?" Lyra asked, her tactical mind immediately identifying the critical question.

"Unknown," Loki admitted. "Could be days, could be weeks. But Cassius said Richard appeared to be conducting some kind of research—studying ancient texts in the monastery’s library. Whatever he’s searching for is apparently important enough to leave Chronus’s protection."

"Then I need to move immediately," Satou said. "Before he finishes his research and returns to Chronus."

"Agreed," Loki nodded. "But there are complications."

"Aren’t there always?"

Loki’s smile was sharp. "The Kingdom of Valstrath is deep in human territory. Hostile territory. Five days of travel through areas patrolled by human forces. The monastery itself is isolated but not undefended—monks with combat training, probably some magical wards."

"I’ll manage," Satou said. "I’ve faced worse odds."

"I’m coming with you," Jessica said immediately, standing.

"As am I," Lyra added, her tone brooking no argument.

Satou looked at both of them, seeing the determination in their eyes. Then he shook his head.

"No. You’re both staying here."

"Satou—" Jessica started.

"The settlement needs you," Satou interrupted gently but firmly. "Jessica, you’re coordinating all medical preparations. If I take you, those preparations lose their leader. Lyra, you’re managing integration of three different military forces plus overseeing defensive construction. Without you, coordination falls apart."

He took both their hands. "I know you want to come. I know you could help. But the settlement needs you more than I do for this mission. Please. Trust me to handle this."

Jessica’s expression was conflicted—love warring with duty. Lyra looked pained but resigned.

"You’d better come back," Jessica said quietly.

"I will."

"Promise," Lyra demanded.

"I promise."

Urgak stood. "I’m going. You’ll need backup."

"No," Satou said. "You’re needed here to lead the orcs. Commander Vex’ahlia is still integrating her forces—having you here ensures smooth coordination."

"Then Kelvin—"

"Stays. He’s managing scouts and intelligence networks." Satou looked around the room. "Everyone here is critical to settlement defense. I can’t afford to pull any of you away."

"So you’re going alone into hostile territory to assassinate one of the most dangerous beings in the demon realm?" Chief Ssk’thar asked, his sibilant voice carrying disbelief. "That’s not strategy, Lord Satou. That’s suicide."

"I agree," Vex’ahlia added. "Even for someone of your capabilities, infiltrating deep into human territory alone is extraordinarily dangerous."

"I don’t have a choice," Satou said. "This opportunity won’t last. Richard could leave at any moment. If I wait, if I try to organize a full strike team and coordinate departure, he’ll be gone before we arrive."

"He’s right," Loki said reluctantly. "Time is critical. But—" His golden eyes gleamed with mischief. "—who said he’d be going alone?"

Everyone looked at him.

"I can’t spare my command staff," Loki continued. "But you’ll need a guide. Someone who knows the territory, can navigate through hostile areas, and won’t be missed if they disappear for ten days."

He raised his voice slightly, speaking to the apparently empty air beside him. "Sylvara, stop lurking and introduce yourself properly."

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then reality seemed to ripple, and a figure materialized beside Loki where nothing had been seconds before.

Half the people in the room jumped. Hands flew to weapons. Vex’ahlia was on her feet instantly, magical energy crackling around her hands. Even Urgak looked surprised, which almost never happened.