Chapter 246: 246

Bernard clenched his fists. “So, it wasn’t an attack. It was a passive effect of Silas’ defenses.”

The harpy nodded. “Yes, and it’s powerful. We couldn’t see through it or break free.”

Bernard nodded, turning to his men. “We need to move carefully as we make sure the others are okay and alive. Stay alert and avoid looking directly at the territory.”

As they took off, Bernard looked back at Silas territory with a frown on his face. This level of passive defense was new and troubling. They needed to prepare for the worst.

Back at Ursula’s domain, Ursula paced back and forth, worry etched on her face. She could only hope that her children are okay, if not she will have to turn Silas home and territory to ruins regardless of the consequences.

When Bernard and his team finally arrived, she rushed to meet them.

“Mother,” Bernard said urgently, “we have news.”

Ursula listened as Bernard relayed what they had learned. Her expression grew more serious with every word.

“It seems he really doesn’t want to make any move on us, this situation can be said to be our fault” Ursula said as she looked at Bernard.

Bernard nodded his head “He really is a smart demon, with such a passive defense on his shield, it seems like we are the one looking for problem with him”

Ursula showed a thinking look “The only conclusion we can draw now is his battle with Erik is about to start, it seems our action of helping Erik made his caution against us so he now hides his move incase we leak them to Erik”

Bernard frowned. “If that’s the case, what should we do next?.”

Ursula nodded. “We need to tread carefully. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our people while keeping a close watch on both Silas and Erik. We can’t afford to be blindsided by either of them.”

Bernard crossed his arms. “We should strengthen our defenses and reinforce our scouts with protection against illusions. If we can counter Silas’ passive defenses, we’ll have a better chance of monitoring his activities without falling into his traps.”

“Agreed,” Ursula said. “I’ll consult with the mages and see if we can develop a countermeasure against the illusions. In the meantime, I want you to keep a close eye on Erik. If Silas is preparing for a battle with him, we need to know when it will happen and how it might affect us.”

Bernard nodded. “I’ll inform the scouts on Erik’s side to be more vigilant. We’ll stay informed and be ready for anything.”

As Bernard left to carry out his orders, Ursula turned back to the feather, now resting on her desk. She could still feel the faint warmth emanating from it, a reminder of her father’s presence and guidance.

“Father,” she whispered, “give us the strength and wisdom to navigate these uncertain times. We must protect our kingdom and our people.”

Back at the southern continent, Yuki and Finn have healed up after the encounter with the chilling gaze and their army have digested the gain from the battle. While they may have lost, for those of Björns people it wasn’t seen as a loss.

To them, it had been a feast of flesh and blood, a brutal banquet that made them stronger. The only regret was that they had not delivered the taste of victory to their lord.

Today, they were preparing to march out once more. For a time, the entire kingdom of Björn was silent, broken only by the sound of blades being sharpened and weapons being readied. Twisted, bloodthirsty smiles were visible on everyone’s faces, and even the children, far from being frightened, mimicked the adults by picking up sticks and pretending to sharpen them.

Yuki, Finn, and Olaf gathered at a table, discussing their next sortie and target. Yuki, standing by a window and gazing out over the silent kingdom, frowned. She turned to face the two current leaders of Björn’s kingdom.

“We need to address the excitement and behavior of our soldiers when it comes to war,” she said, her voice steady but firm.

The atmosphere around Finn and Olaf shifted as they regarded Yuki with a mixture of confusion and caution. Sighing, Yuki clarified her point.

“I understand that this way of living is your culture, but in today’s world, it won’t take you far before nothing remains to remind people of your existence. You are not unlimited in number. Even though every one of your people is talented and can be used in war, you are still not unlimited. It disturbs me that your soldiers fight in this way.”

Finn leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “What do you suggest, Yuki? Our people thrive on the battlefield. It’s where we find our strength and purpose.”

Olaf nodded in agreement. “Changing our approach might weaken the very foundation of our strength.”

Yuki met their gaze steadily. “I’m not suggesting that you abandon your way of life entirely. But there must be a balance. Reckless aggression without regard for losses will only lead to your downfall. There must be strategy, caution, and a consideration for preserving your people.”

A tense silence followed as Finn and Olaf mulled over her words. Finally, Olaf spoke. “Perhaps you are right, Yuki. We cannot afford to lose our people in endless battles. We need to find a way to temper our ferocity with wisdom.”

Finn nodded reluctantly. “We’ll consider your advice. But know that changing the mindset of our people will not be easy.”

Yuki smiled slightly. “I don’t expect it to be. But for the sake of your kingdom’s future, it’s a change worth making.”

Finn and Olaf exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of determination and contemplation. Finn leaned forward, breaking the silence.

“Yuki, if we are to temper our people’s aggression with wisdom, we need actionable steps. What do you suggest we do first?”

Yuki nodded, appreciating their willingness to consider her perspective. “The first step is education. Your people need to understand the value of strategic thinking and the long-term benefits of preserving their strength. We should start with the leaders and seasoned warriors. If they adopt a more measured approach, the others will follow.”

Olaf rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We could hold councils where strategy and tactics are discussed in depth. Bring in experts who can teach our warriors the importance of patience and planning.”

Finn added, “And we should integrate this mindset into our training routines. Emphasize not just the physical aspects of combat but also the mental. Teach them to evaluate situations, to see the bigger picture.”

Yuki smiled. “Exactly. It will be a gradual process, but over time, it will become part of your culture. Another crucial aspect is to develop a reward system that values not just victories, but smart decisions and minimized losses.”

Olaf’s eyes lit up with an idea. “We could start by honouring those who show exceptional strategic thinking in battles. Create new titles and rewards that recognize and elevate these qualities.”

Finn nodded in agreement. “And we must ensure that these changes are communicated clearly. Hold gatherings where we explain the importance of this new approach. Make it a point of pride.”

Yuki could see the spark of determination in their eyes. “I’m glad to see you both embracing this. Remember, it’s about balance. Your people’s strength comes from their fierceness, but it can be enhanced with wisdom.”

Björn in his realm listening to Yuji’s idea nodded but at the same time he had a frown on his face. Yuki lately has been good for his kingdom and people especially with the ideas she comes up with.

At the same Björn was cautious of Yuki’s move as it may all be a part of Murmur’s plan to slowly integrate his way into his people’s way of life and diminishing his own influence on them.

“I need a priest, ’’ Björn thought to himself as he set his eyes on the lion lieutenant who impressed him in the last battle. If opportunity arises Björn doesn’t mind having him as priest to act as his voice on the mortal world.

For the past week, Yuki’s idea has been carried out but there was hardly any change, which was of no surprises to Yuki because she understood it would take time.

The next target Yuki picked was another harbour developed by another smaller kingdom who had no hope or chance of getting into the big league and trading with the demigods.

Yuki planned on leading her men to take over the port which she believed would go very easily as the demigods doesn’t have their hand on this harbour.

As Yuki army made their way to the harbour, a guard on the wall built around the harbour could be seen holding a scope where it caught sight of the approaching army.

The guard immediately ran down from his position as he began running toward the centre of the harbour where the owner stays.

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