Chapter 567: The Messiah (1/2)
While the werebeasts are not religious, they also know to fear the powerful as part of their culture. Truen had the right idea when he proposed the role of a messiah.
”Imagine if someone appeared during their time of need. Surely they would respect and listen to this mysterious saviour if they can prove their might, right? Religion is not the issue because they don't believe in Gods as much as the giants do. However, according to the legend, they worship the hero who was strong, compassionate and likeable. As long as you meet all three criteria, even King Gaon would lower his head before you.”
Donkey Sharo raised a brow judgingly. The werebeasts might be simple people, but did they think this cheap trick was going to work? These people were crazy if they thought showy magic and a charismatic speech could win these barbarians over.
Bob agreed with the plan. This way, they need not try to sneak anyone in. Descending from the skies sounded a little too cliche, but Bob couldn't think of anything better.
”How about I pretend to wound the messiah?” the Eternal Dragon spoke. That way, Master doesn't have to battle against the weather and low-life sea thugs alone. Instead, he can offer 'words of wisdom' to coordinate them in battle and earn their good graces.”
Truen liked that idea, and Zero blinked. ”How will you do that? We're bound by a magical contract. You cannot harm me. Even if we weren't bound by a magical contract, you still can't hurt me.”
Bob grinned. ”I'm an Eternal Dragon. I can use flashy magic that looks powerful but does little damage. The distraction will allow you to 'get injured' as I flee. Other than Jermine and maybe Monoman, nobody else would recognise me in my lizard form. They wouldn't be able to connect the dragon to such a harmless creature.”
Truen thought about it and looked at King Sharo. The idea Bob proposed sounded good. While Zero and Bob were busy acting it out, they would also serve as a very good distraction to slip into the city while everyone was in chaos.
”Where should we meet up after the commotion?” Truen asked, and Bob leaned over to look at the map.
If he and Zero were going to create commotion near the sea close to the half-destroyed capital, Lycantopia would redeploy some guards near the southern gates as reinforcements.
”Can this donkey climb walls?” he asked seriously. ”Lesser guards will station at the gates during an attack, but it wouldn't be unguarded. Those on patrol will most likely get called back as reinforcements. It's a good chance to flip over the walls unnoticed. While everyone is occupied in the capital, Monoman can take Jermine and her family out of the city. It's the perfect opportunity.”
After listening to the plan, the elven king had to admit that it wasn't a completely terrible idea. Even if they couldn't convince the werebeasts, the distraction was a good move to give the mole beastfolks enough time to escape the locked-down city.
As they finalised details for Zero's new identity as the messiah, Donkey Sharo yawned. It would take them a while to get everything together so he might as well take a short nap. It wasn't as if he could escape with the enchanted saddle on his back. If they wanted him to climb a wall, they had to throw him over. There was no way he was going to attempt the stunt willingly. If they were caught by some passing guards on patrol, it would be even better for him.