The silence that filled the room after my words was not empty. It carried weight, expectation, and something deeper that everyone present seemed to share, even without saying it. I took a few more steps forward, feeling the gazes upon me, and stopped at a central position near the large table where maps were spread out.
The King of Vailor made a slight gesture with his hand, indicating those gathered around.
"Takumi, you already know some of those present here... but today we are gathered as never before."
My eyes moved around the room more carefully. I immediately recognized some faces. The Elven King was there, with his calm posture and attentive gaze. Beside him stood an ancient-looking elder, probably an advisor. Further to the right was the Dwarven King, his presence firm and his arms crossed, observing everything with a suspicious expression. There were also representatives from smaller nations, along with guild masters from different regions.
It was, without a doubt, an important gathering.
"So this is it," I murmured, more to myself than to the others. "A complete alliance."
"Not completely," said the Elven King calmly. "But close enough for us to act together."
Scarlett, standing beside me, lightly crossed her arms.
"That only happens when the threat is large enough."
"Or inevitable," Elara added in a low voice.
The King of Vailor nodded.
"And that is exactly the case."
He slowly stood up and walked to the central map. With a precise gesture, he pointed to the northern region.
"About three months ago, we began recording unusual movements of demonic troops. At first, they were small hordes... disorganized and scattered."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"But that changed."
The Dwarven King stepped forward, placing one hand on the table.
"They started moving like a real army. Coordinated. Strategic."
"Commanded," added the Elven King.
The word lingered in the air for a moment.
Commanded.
I already knew what that meant.
"The Second General," I said.
No one objected.
The King of Vailor spoke again.
"Yes. Everything indicates that he is leading those troops. And not only that..."
One of the guild masters stepped forward and unrolled a scroll on the table.
"We received reports from spies stationed near the advancing regions."
I moved a little closer, studying the map carefully. Marks were scattered across several areas, indicating troop movements.
"And what did they discover?" I asked.
The guild master answered seriously.
"The troops are advancing slowly... but steadily. They are not attacking directly, only applying pressure."
I frowned slightly.
"That doesn't make sense. If their objective was direct invasion, they would have already attacked."
"Exactly," replied the Elven King. "And that is why we believe there is something more."
The King of Vailor then pointed to different regions on the map.
"The demonic forces appear to be divided. One larger group is heading toward our kingdom... while smaller groups are moving toward neighboring territories."
Lyannis tilted her head slightly, analyzing.
"Dividing their forces... to create confusion."
"Or to force us to divide ours," Vespera said in her calm voice.
The Dwarven King let out a low grunt.
"If we spread our troops, we become vulnerable. If we concentrate them, we leave other regions exposed."
It was a clear dilemma.
Scarlett looked directly at the map.
"They want us to make the wrong choice."
"Or hesitate," Elara added.
The King of Vailor turned back to me.
"And that is exactly why you were called, Takumi."
I kept my gaze steady.
"You want my opinion."
"I want your perspective," he corrected.
A brief silence followed.
I looked at the map again, analyzing every point, every mark, every possible route. The movements seemed logical... too logical. Organized, efficient... and yet incomplete.
"There's something wrong," I murmured.
"What do you mean?" asked one of the smaller leaders.
I placed one hand lightly on the table, leaning forward.
"All of this... is too clear. Too obvious."
The Dwarven King frowned.
"You're saying it's a mistake?"
I shook my head.
"No. I'm saying it may be intentional."
The gazes around the room sharpened.
"The Second General doesn't seem like the type of enemy who would make a basic strategic mistake. Dividing troops, pressuring multiple points... that's what any commander would do. So why is it all so... exposed?"
The Elven King slowly crossed his arms.
"You believe something is being hidden."
"Yes."
Scarlett glanced at me.
"A distraction."
"Or a larger trap," I replied.
Liriel stepped forward, her expression more serious than usual.
"You think he wants us to believe we understand his plan... when in reality we understand nothing."
I nodded.
"Exactly."
Silence returned to the room, but this time it was different.
Heavier.
The King of Vailor took a deep breath.
"Then, in your view... what would the real objective be?"
I remained silent for a few seconds, organizing my thoughts.
"If I were in his position..." I began slowly, "I would make the enemy believe they know what's happening. I would force predictable decisions. Divide troops, weaken defenses... and then strike where they least expect it."
Elara narrowed her eyes.
"A central strike."
"Yes," I replied. "And fast."
The Dwarven King lightly slammed his fist against the table.
"Then he could still be hiding the main force."
"Or something worse," said Vespera.
The King of Vailor looked at the other leaders, clearly considering everything that had been said.
"Then we are dealing with an enemy who wants to manipulate our decisions."
"Yes," I answered. "And so far... he's succeeding."
No one argued.
Because deep down, they all knew it made sense.
The king then straightened up, adopting a firmer posture.
"Then we need to decide now. How are we going to respond to this?"
I took a deep breath, keeping my eyes on the map.
The war had not truly begun yet.
But the decisions made in that room... would define everything.
I slowly raised my head and looked at everyone around me.
"Then let's think like him."
And at that moment, it became clear that this meeting was not merely about reacting to the enemy.
It was about trying to outsmart him.