Treatise Of A Failed Knight-Chapter 238: Separation

"Here is the plan..."

Even as I remain seated on the map, I feel the gazes of everyone resting on me. Some grow skeptical, but most anticipate a miracle.

I do not hesitate to cater to the latter.

"I will protect the Northern Empire through my Magivores while you all should head to the Central Plains. With Kalakuta leading the Freedom Fighters, you should be able to take care of the invaders from the Southern Kingdom. Since I can teleport between places, it won’t be difficult for me to traverse the western and eastern parts of the Northern Empire."

Although these lands are treated as continents, each one isn’t larger than a Kingdom.

In fact, the entire Central Plains is only barely the same size as the Randalorion Kingdom.

This shows just how small the land is.

’Using a flying Magivore of Cadre 4, it is possible for me to reach the southern and eastern parts of the Empire within a day. In that case, I can alternate places while defending both sides...’

I imagine it will be a strenuous venture.

Especially at first.

After all, it will require a lot of preparation to set everything up and then operate in perfect sync with my Magivores.

But this is the only way I can see us saving everyone and protecting our investments in The Great Bridgeworks.

"We need to make an urgent call."

"Indeed. There’s no time."

"Should we go ahead with this plan?"

There is little to no resistance when it comes to the reception of my suggestion.

I see why.

Normally, the Freedom Fighters are a group of hardened warriors who had the strength to fight against the Empire and succeed.

Granted, they had the help of a spy and also caught the Empire off guard.

With the Special Resource Points in No Man’s Land bolstering their growth, and their numbers also increasing as a result of new members joining, I have no doubt in my.mind that they could go toe to toe with another Great Nation’s entire military.

Especially if it is Kalakuta leading them.

’Many of them will die this time around, since Magivores won’t be there to fight for them. But Freedom Fighters are ready to lay down their lives for the cause, so this is not a problem for most of them.’

As I smile in thought, Kalakuta’s voice echoes in the hall, causing us to look in his direction.

"I think the Knight’s statement rings true. I wish to trust him." Normally, he wouldn’t speak until the meeting had nearly reached its end since he doesn’t want to influence the opinions of others.

But I can see why he is being hasty this time.

"I... made a promise to the Tribes of the Central Plains. I told them that was their land, and that they were to explore it in peace and comfort. I told them they were free." Kalakuta slowly rises to his feet while staring at us.

"I wish to protect that freedom."

Everyone immediately raises their hands and hails Kalakuta’s decision.

’I suppose it is decided. Barely anyone will be left in the base once we depart, but since No Man’s Land itself is our defense, our non-combative members will be safe.’ I smile, quickly realizing that they will likely be kept in the Sanctuary until we return.

"We have enough resources to serve us as rations for this battle. We can’t delay. Let’s begin packing." Garett says, to which I nod in agreement.

"I’ll also have to travel through No Man’s Land and gather more Magivores. I’ll need a lot more since I intend to divide their forces. It won’t necessarily be double, though, since our last battle still had a lot of excess Magivores left. A thirty percent increase should suffice."

"How soon can you make that happen?"

"With my current army assisting in capture? A day or two should be sufficient. Once that happens, I can march out."

With everyone now taking practical steps towards the campaign ahead of us, we brace ourselves for the conflict to come.

******

"I don’t feel comfortable with this..."

Kalakuta sighs, watching a certain woman join the rest of the Freedom Fighters as they begin their march towards the shore.

It is none other than the Minister of Combat.

Her expression is stern and battle-hardened, and she possesses more than enough tenacity in her demeanor to scare most men.

Yet Kalakuta finds it to be an uncomfortable sight—a woman going to war.

He can’t believe he has to sanction this.

But—

’Desperate times call for desperate measures...’ He sighs to himself, almost helplessly. ’As a former Minister of the Great Northern Tribe, she has a lot of knowledge on the Central Plains, which can prove very useful to us in this battle.’

Since the Freedom Fighters had to mobilize so quickly, without a proper strategy against their opponent, they had tk take advantage of a native’s expertise in dealing with the foes they were heading towards.

The Knight—Javier—had already explained these things to him, and he saw a lot of sense in it, so he couldn’t refuse.

The Great Kalakuta had to compromise.

’I can’t allow my personal convictions to be the reason many Tribes are doomed. Many people are counting in the Freedom Fighters, and a lot hinges on our victory. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose!’

As Kalakuta is having these thoughts, he takes his eyes away from the Minister, unaware that she has begun to give him a glare.

’That bastard! He’s still looking down on me, isn’t he?’ The woman grits her teeth. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Her frustration feels boundless.

But she controls the rage burning inside her and reminds herself of the assignment. Of course, that includes helping the Freedom Fighters in battle, but that isn’t everything.

In fact, that is simply her secondary goal, an afterthought made to camouflage her original mission.

’I’m only doing this because of you...’ The Minister thinks of the one who gave her this so-called ’special assignment.’

It is none other than Javier.

’I just hope you know what you are doing and you make a safe return...’ The moment she thinks about her husband and soulmate, her heart melts and grows soft.

She can’t help but to deeply care for him.

’Because he will have to move between places, which will make his connection to the Magivores to be temporarily broken during moments, none of us can travel with him as backup.’ The more the Minister thinks about this, the more she realizes just how severe the burden on her lover is.

Javier has to save an entire Empire by himself!

But—

’Kalakuta trusts you with this, so why should I be any different? I know you will succeed!’

Soon, her terrible mood improves and she casts her gaze forward—towards the dark sands and what exists beyond the horizon.

’I won’t disappoint you!’

*******

It’s been an entire day.

The Freedom Fighters have already set out, and all that’s left is me.

I have already commanded half of my Magivore army to fall asleep, while I intend to lead the other half towards the eastern area of the Northern Empire.

It is also known as the Eastern Archipalegos.

Unlike the western tundras, which have extreme weather and a troublesome landscape, the east is a lot more vulnerable.

Once I secure it with my Magivores, I’ll return here with Tracing and take the rest to the west.

Without any further delay...

"... Let’s begin!"