Chapter 73 - Conflict (5) (1/2)
”... You just came to realize about our existence and you already want to get involved in our wars?” Jean frowned.
”While it sounds weird, I believe that we both can benefit from this and it is also a good chance to show you that we truly want to get along with your state,” Edward explained. ”Our tribes have many specialties, so I am sure we can be useful even with our small numbers. In exchange for that, I only want some good rewards for my men.”
”That can be done, but while I heard that you have some unusual skills, I am not so certain that they are fit for the battlefield,” Jean said. ”How about some demonstrations?”
”That is also what I wanted to hear,” Edward said with a giant smile on his face.
In the end, the group left the fortress to show what they could do. It seemed pointless from Billy's perspective… a duel had to be something where people had to bet their lives on the line, or when they wanted to improve themselves by fighting stronger opponents, it wasn't something one had to do just to show up their strength. Still, in that kind of situation, there was no other option.
”At least Edward isn't acting while lowering his head… if things keep going like this, we will probably maintain our independence,” Billy thought.
After calling some guards, Jean asked them to spar with Drew and Sarah. As for Leo, he just had to hit a few targets one hundred meters away to show that he was the real deal. Regardless, even though Drew held back, the opponent didn't have the chance to do anything against his barrage of thrusts. He raised his left arm and gave in because the furry of attacks broke his arm. Sarah did something similar, she fired two Earth arrows at the opponent's feet, and when that broke his defense, she knocked him out with an Earth Bullet in the chin.
”Hmm… I suppose your group have enough power to defeat an average guard, but what about the others?” Jean asked. ”Those here are basically the strongest, right?”
”Yes, but while we don't have high numbers, all of them had plenty of combat experience and practice with each other daily,” Edward explained. ”Since your soldiers are trained to fight as a group, then you probably can't defeat them in a one-on-one battle.
”I suppose… Since you have your elite here, you can help me right now and show that you mean it,” Jean said. ”There is this one enemy commander who is causing me a lot of trouble recently, his tactics are pretty solid and with each passing day, he corners my men. However, he has a son who is guarding their deposit of supplies. I want you to capture him.”
That was a pretty cowardly tactic, but everything is fair in war times. Regardless, the real issue was the fact that they would reveal their existence while doing something like that… they would become known for such a thing. Not to mention, that kind of mission would be dangerous… very dangerous.