NOVPUB"A barrier? How?" The question was asked by one, but felt by everyone after they heard from Isaac about creating a barrier before the mainland to ensure that if the other side strikes again, they would know.
They were saved by the soothsayer this time, but not every time someone would predict that the demonic forces would be ambushing the human realm.
As such, "A floating town before the mainland, houses made on water, their pillars going down to the surface of the sea. And in those houses, there would be soldiers who would keep a lookout and also inform us if they spot any suspicious movements."
The idea sounded plausible but dangerous. To cover such a vast area, hundreds of soldiers would be required, who would always be in the red zone. They would be the first target of the demons if they really decided to attack again.
"Is there really no alternative? It sounds ...we would compromise a lot in exchange for assurance." Idris called out, sounding unsure and carrying the voice of many in the room, including William's.
The silverhead asked in a plain voice, "Is there any better idea you may have?" His voice contained no emotion, but that itself sounded as if he were insulting the other person.
Idris's gaze sharpened, "I never was told the prospectus of this meeting, how was I supposed to prepare for any strategy?"
The atmosphere between the two grew tense, the weight of unspoken challenges thickening the air, until Cedric finally stepped in.
"This whole argument is irrational, no matter how you look at it," he said firmly. "We're not just sharing a border with the other side—we're surrounded by them. Completely. To guard such a massive area would take thousands of warriors… and even then, for what?"
He glanced around the room, eyes sharp.
"There are aerial beasts out there that no ground force could possibly detect or intercept. Not in time."
"I agree with him." Rinne, the only female ruler in the room, added, "Too much risk for such an uncertain benefit."
Nelson sighed and leaned back in his seat, "We are ready to accept suggestions. We are gathered here to draw a conclusion on how we could create a detection ring around our mainland."
The idea was thought of by a Council Head but was not accepted by everyone at the time. That's why it was mentioned in the meeting, rather than taking the decision on their own.
Amidst the growing silence, the voice of the blond Prince resonated, "Why are we thinking about defending?"
Nelson's brows elevated as he and others, as well, turned towards the boy.
"Mister Austin?" Issac asked.
Austin didn't want to interfere in this meeting at all, but seeing what a rubbish plan they had come up with, he had to say something.
Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table and said, "How long are we going to remain defensive? I have been to the other side, so I know they have forces in the millions. Any night, they could plan to infiltrate our homes and kill thousands."
The weight of those words was felt by everyone in the room.
There was no denying it that he had crossed the borders and had returned safely as well, so his words couldn't be taken lightly.
But what he was suggesting remained ambiguous for some, urging Desmond to say, "Why don't you put your suggestion clearly?"
Austin straightforwardly stated, "A war."
"..!!" Brows elevated, eyes widened, and breath was caught in their throats
The bold statement from the young man took everyone, including Valerie and Cedric, by surprise.
They have faced a war just a few days ago, and he was a part of it, so for him to suddenly suggest waging another war clearly was unexpected.
"Are you really saying that? After witnessing so many losses, can you really suggest another war?!" Liam countered, his tone louder than before, and his state excited.
"While you were peacefully resting inside your safe palace, I was standing there on the frontline and witnessed the losses." With his voice growing dimmer, he added, "I have also...lost my loved ones during this incident."
Directing a sharp gaze at him, he said, "So you don't need to remind me what a war could cause and take away from us."
Liam gritted his teeth, but didn't lose his cool. He had enough rationality to know that saying anything against him would only make others speak against him.
"But Austin...everything has finally returned to normal...shouldn't we ease up the stress from our people and soldiers?" Thea suggested.
"Normal, Lady Thea?" Austin asked, a bit of amazement in his voice, "Demons infiltrate our lands without notice and slaughter hundreds of our people. Those who can defend and those who can't are all hunted by them. And this will continue for eternity, since, unlike us, who need time and resources to become warriors, they are born hunters. They are born with the will of their Lord, their King. And that will is to slaughter every human."
Each syllable quieted the room further and further. The expression on their faces was grim, none of them holding the intention to rebuke what he said since none of it was untrue.
Austin's voice held the agitation and grief he had felt because of the war. The sense of loss and helplessness has never been so vivid as it was when he saw Sebastian and Rudolph die before his eyes.
Valerie worryingly looked at her Lord, wanting to touch him...to hug him. But she was helpless at the moment.
Gathering himself, Austin concluded, "In the end, I'd like to suggest this—if we keep waiting for them to strike just so we can defend, we'll continue to lose countless lives. Instead, we should take the fight to them. Start targeting their forces, weaken them piece by piece… and when the time is right, we deliver a final blow that wipes out the demon race for good."
There was no other way. Austin couldn't do everything on his own. He wouldn't repeat the same mistake as his previous version. And to gain the support of these people, he first needs to make them see the bigger picture.
For quite a few minutes, everyone remained silent, thinking about what he said, and slowly they realized the necessity of taking action.
"Let's take a break and rejoin the discussion at ten." The Moderator suddenly spoke, and no voice of resistance was raised.
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A/N:- Austin has tasted blood, and now, he only wants war!!! Drop a comment.
