The wooden chair groaned as Liam leaned back. The flickering lantern light cast long shadows across the map spread out on the table.
island with a hundred territories, each ruled by a lord.
"One hundred lords…" Liam murmured under his breath, the words tasting bitter. "And tomorrow, the protection shield disappears."
If the timing was truly what he feared, he needed more soldiers now—no need to waste time.
He straightened suddenly. "Emma," he called, voice firm. " What's about the beast's locations?"
Emma stepped forward, her cloak swaying behind her. Her expression was calm and she set a hand on the map.
"My lord," she began, "we've confirmed nine additional B-rank beasts curving their territory within the island. Alongside this… we estimate hundreds of C-rank creatures and several thousand D-rank roaming the surrounding wilderness."
Liam's fingers tapped against the table.
Emma pointed to nine crimson markers on the map. "These B-rank beasts alone… they are each capable of leveling a squads. Even under the shield, our forces would need hours to kill just one."
Liam felt the room grow colder.
"And once the shield falls," he whispered, "we fight with nothing but our bodies and steel."
He swallowed, chest tight. The others in the room shifted uncomfortably, the reality pressing in on all of them.
Emma continued carefully, "There is… one advantage, my lord. The beasts have territorial borders. They don't cross into each other's hunting grounds. If we plan correctly, we can isolate them and hunt them one by one."
For a moment, hope flickered.
But Liam shook his head, the motion sharp. "The idea is sound, Emma. But our current strength? Not nearly enough."
Noah stepped forward. "My lord, our priority should be increasing our numbers. If we go after a B-rank now, we're walking into a slaughter."
Liam closed his eyes, then pushed back the chair and stood. The legs scraped loudly against the stone floor.
"Fine," he said, steeling his voice. "Gather the squads. We hunt the D-rank and C-rank beasts near our borders. Clear everything around us. I want our ranks to reach hundreds by nightfall."
Emma and Noah bowed instantly.
"Understood, my lord!"
The room emptied, boots echoing down the corridor. Once they were gone, silence settled heavily in the meeting room.
Liam exhaled and began walking toward his chambers, his footsteps slow. Noah followed a pace behind, watching him carefully.
After a moment, Liam spoke softly, almost unsure. "Noah."
"Yes, my lord?"
Liam didn't look back. "Tell me the truth… with my current strength and the strength of our people, what are our real chances of killing a B-rank beast?"
Noah hesitated. His voice was steady but grim. "Truth, my lord?"
"That's why I asked," Liam replied his tone wavering.
"We can win," Noah said, "but we will lose many. More than half, perhaps. Maybe more."
Liam finally stopped walking. His shoulders stiffened.
"So even if I win… I lose my people." His voice cracked slightly. "I see."
"My lord," Noah said quietly, "we will follow you regardless. But a reckless battle now only guarantees death."
Liam let out a breath that shook more than he intended.
"…Then we stick to the plan," he said. "We strengthen our ranks. We grow.
Noah bowed his head. "As you command my lord."