Becker was... relieved. He couldn't help but feel that way, since Erik showed everything but being a tyrant.

It was true that Becker became again Frant's general, commander, and leader.

But in truth, Erik was the one who really held the reins of everything.

The army he provided was stronger than any army Frant, or any other country, ever had.

Yes, the young man had the power to conquer the world, yet he showed no desire to do so.

Instead, he allowed Becker and the others to decide based on their own judgment, never imposing his will upon them.

Despite his strength and the vast army of Chimaeric Demons at his command, Erik was not a warmonger, nor did he lust for power and control as many others might have in his position. But relief wasn't the only thing he felt. He also had a sense of pride.

Erik was Lucius' son, and it was well known at that point that he wanted Erik to join him when he first learned he awakened.

Things were different from how he imagined them, but they were still good.

However, a thought went through Becker's mind. "What about Mira, Amber, and Emily?" he asked. "You should know they will want to go with you."

Erik nodded, his expression growing serious, even more than it already was.

"I know," he said. "I will try to stop them from coming, but I doubt they will simply stay put."

He gave the man a knowing look.

Becker understood the dilemma all too well. Becker was... how to put it simply? Damn hot.

He had many problems with women in the past, and he knew well what situations people like him had to go through.

He nodded in agreement, knowing the strong-willed nature of the three young women.

"If I cannot convince them, please tell their parents that I will protect them and... to forgive me."

Becker placed a reassuring hand on Erik's shoulder. He knew the young man would do everything in his power to keep Mira, Amber, and Emily safe, even if it meant sacrificing his life for them. That was who Erik Romano was.

Van Dyke and Fischer looked at Becker and Erik. They had never seen their leader behave this way.

Subdued could be used as a word, but it was not that. Becker wasn't doing things because of fear.

He was not good with Erik because he was more powerful than him, but... because he respected him. And well, he was the son of Lucius Romano.

Though the fact he respected him was already a lot. Becker wasn't a pushover, and earning his respect wasn't simple.

With the matter of Mira, Amber, and Emily's potential involvement settled for the moment, Becker turned the conversation back to the pressing issue at hand.

"All right, now that this has been accounted for, we'd better get back to the major topic," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

The group huddled around the table, their attention focused on the map of the northern front. "Yes," Van Dyke said. "Hin has established fortifications here, here, and here."

The man pointed to several key locations. "And their fleet is concentrated in these areas. Etrium, instead, is moving from the east. I don't know how they crossed the Eldraith mountain range, given the situation, but they did. They are currently fortifying their position in this quadrant of the forest."

Fischer chimed in, "It's clear they're trying to create a blockade, preventing us from pushing further north. They know Hin is weaker than them, so they are trying to give them time to fortify their position even better."

Erik studied the map. "What about their supply lines?"

Becker ran a hand through his hair. "They're well protected, but not invulnerable. Why, what were you thinking?"

"Me?" Erik made a mischievous grin.

"Nothing too complicated. I just thought about destroying them-at least a couple. It would make them tired or force them to retreat to secure the supply lines again. I bet thaids are not letting them move easily."

"If you want to do this, then you might target this." He pointed to a route on the map, tracing it with his finger.

"This is the best path to reach the ocean. That's not only for you, but even for them. It means you can kill two birds with one stone if you disrupt this supply line. Besides, there is a city there connected to the ancient routes made by our ancestors."

It had been well established that Frant didn't allow enemy troops to use flying vehicles. If the blackguards wanted to move supplies, they had to do it on foot. This meant taking advantage of the ancient roads scattered across the nation.

"The city is at an important crossroads, and it connects to the other supply lines and many sectors. If you really want to do something, you might target this place. But I tell you, given the situation, it is likely these routes will be heavily guarded."

Erik committed the route to memory. "Don't worry. Any other suggestion for the trip?" Becker's expression grew even more serious as he continued, "Yes, you must know that water thaids are far worse than the land ones. They may be generally weaker than the flying thaids, but humans have limited power underwater. You should expect that many of these monsters will be even stronger than their airborne counterparts, given we don't kill them that much, as compared to land and flying thaids."

"I'll keep that in mind. I'll prepare accordingly. There was something I would like for you to tell me, though," Erik said. "Should I fly to Hin or cross the sea?"

To that, Becker remained silent. Crossing the ocean was dangerous.

There were many more thaids there than elsewhere, but it was still possible with crews of

men boarding warships.

The usual route, though, was flying. But being in a war against Hin, it was likely they were observing the skies.

This made flying as dangerous, if not more, than crossing the ocean.

"Since you are going incognito, the best thing would be to travel through the ocean. I can't

give you ships, though."

"It's not a problem," Erik said. "I was thinking of stealing one, anyway."

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