Chapter 188 Hell and Hell (1/2)
CHAPTER 188
HELL AND HELL
Extremely sharp screens lip up even more an otherwise already lit up room, lined perfectly next to one another, stoutly defying the gravity by seemingly standing in the air of their own volition. Ten or so pairs of eyes were focused on them, all images depicting the same scene -- merely from the different angles.
Lino watched with faint curiosity, as he truly admired the advanced technology of the Empire. Using automaton birds and intricate formations, they were able to transfer images in motion from such a vast distance at such quality. He wagered, however, that it wasn't cheap; yet, all the same, it was necessary. It was, after all, depicting the very first battle that was about to transpire between the Continental Forces and the Hell's Army.
The central screen was the largest, almost two meters diagonally, and was currently focused on the front of the Titan's Children Legion and their Commander, Second Prince On'yal. The latter was currently donning a starkly jet-black robes enchanted through numerous arrays; even Lino felt a tinge of envy when looking at him, as he wagered the item must be of at least Legendary tier, Level 600 at that. That sort of crafting was still well beyond Lino's realm.
However, it's not as though items like the robe can be found just anywhere; chances are that the Emperor was paying extra attention to the first battle as to garner momentum for the Continental Forces.
”They're approaching the enclave,” Patriarch Chen spoke out in a mellow tone, gently tapping against the table. ”Are you certain they shouldn't lay down any formation?” he asked Lino.
”It's pointless,” the latter shrugged. ”En'kav may be proud, but he's not an idiot. He'll never rush in and attack first.”
”... and that's why you settled on the coordinated attack?” the Empire's Guardian, Jean, asked.
”Partly,” Lino replied. ”It wouldn't be hard if it was merely a matter of snuffing his Legion out. It's also a matter of hiding as much strength as we can.”
”Don't they already know our strongest forces?” the Emperor asked.
”... if wars were entirely dependent on those on top,” Lino glanced at him and spoke with a faint smile. ”Why would ordinary men ever need take arms? Besides, chances are that only a few Commanders will fall throughout the entire war. It's better to focus on shaving away their numbers.”
”On'yal seems excited.” the Unholy Guardian noted, his facial features masked behind a black hood.
”Youth ought to be.” the Sky-bearing Monk said, smiling faintly. ”It's not only a chance for the young to get stronger, but also to make a name for themselves in a short period of time. Such an opportunity rarely presents itself.”
”... what's he doing?” Lino mumbled faintly yet everyone present in the room heard him easily, their eyes shifting back on the screen and Prince On'yal. The latter, rather than splitting his forces according to the plan and consolidating defensive position, pressed onward past the enclave, entering the mountains' deeps. ”Hah...”
”I'll contact him--”
”No need,” Lino interrupted the Emperor. ”Jean, go ahead and ensure we don't suffer too many losses.”
”... aren't we just sending them to pointless deaths?” the Emperor raised his tone slightly. Lino glanced at him slowly and smile faintly.
”Our entire army was scrambled together within less than a month,” Lino elaborated. ”Composed of forces that used to fight until recently. Mostly stacked with young people -- most of whom had never even experienced Demon's aura, let alone Devil's. You could babysit them for as much as you want, but what when all of us are tied up with fighting Commanders?”
”... thousands will die.” even Jean said, seeming unwilling.
”And by the time the war is over, millions will,” Lino used the Writ's help to forcibly keep his composure. Nobody knew the price of his command better than him. ”But, if you think my command is wrong, I'm not going to stop you from doing whatever you want to do.”
”... to fight hell, you've to suffer hell, eh?” Patriarch Chen spoke out, glancing at Lino from the corner of his eyes with a strange glint in them. ”It's still too early, I think. It might deter the army more than you imagine.”
”... 's that so?” Lino glanced at him, smiling. ”Very well. From now on, each time someone defies a direct order, we'll forgive them because it might deter them from fighting.”
”...”
”...”
”You all seem to have a misunderstanding about this war,” Lino continued. ”I am not trying to lead you to victory... but to survival.” If their intent was truly to overrun us and kill everyone... do they really think they'd be able to stop it? Lino thought inwardly, sighing. He truly felt being torn asunder inside; had he decided not to come to the Continent, chances are that the Devils would have still waited with their attack. Their division is really the only reason the Continent even stood a chance in the first place; some want to obey the orders from above, and others want to kill Lino more than anything else. ”But, fine. Order him to retreat.” Lino added in the end, mostly due to the Emperor's pleading gaze. On'yal, after all, was the child he was most proud of; chances are, if they went with Lino's intention, he'd become a broken man today. And it was a question whether he'd recover by the time the war was over.
”Thank you.” the Emperor quickly thanked him, getting up and taking out a talisman.