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Side Story Chapter 224

You dont look too good, Joshua commented.

-A-Are you talking to us without a crystal ball?

-No w-way. It looks like hes in the far north, so its impossible to communicate with us from there without a medium. If that were possible, the Tower Master wouldnt have gone through the trouble of installing crystal balls.

The basic principle of communication spells was that the amount of required mana multiplied as the distance spanned by the connection increased. The same applied when the connection had to last longerand that was why crystal balls were needed.

It took no less than ten high-class mages to establish and maintain the links among the kings scattered all over the continent. However, Theta, the only Eighth Circle mage on the continent, was carrying that entire burden on his own.

Why are you all surprised? Joshua asked with a sly grin.

-What?

When is anything impossible for me?

The conference chamber descended into silence as all of the attendees stared at Joshua, dumbstruck. Theta and Ulabis, Joshuas close acquaintances, were slack-jawed.

-Ahem, ahem

-You must be the only one who can say that with a straight face, Your Majesty.

-Hahahahaha! What? I think its nice. You know, they say that being too humble is condescending.

-I feel like he could use a little of it right now, though...

Joshuas attempt to lighten the mood worked quite well. Now that the air had cleared, it was time for him to get serious.

Why dont you stop weighing your options and make a decision? Joshua asked. The kings went quiet, their attention fully on him. You brought this crisis upon yourselvesall of you. If only youd taken action after Hubalt let its ambitions show or after they started a war in the middle of Avalons capital, things would have gone much different.

-Your Majesty, about that

Im not finished.

The King of Palentine earned a cold look from Joshua for his trouble. Although the king was known to be a sly fox, the sheer weight behind Joshuas gaze held his mouth firmly shut.

Avalon defeated the Four Paladins on their own and had to deal with the demons and undead right afterward. Since Im sure that all of you have already received the reports, you must be aware of these incidentsbut dont get me wrong; I didnt bring them up to blame you. I understand that all of you are rulers who are first and foremost responsible for your people and that you had many factors to consider.

The kings heaved a collective sigh of relief, but Joshuas next remark immediately put them on alert again.

And finally, we come to my main point: I would like to inform everyone that, as the other nations of Igrant have decided to survive on their own, my priority shall also be Avalon from now on.

The ensuing pause was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. The kings had already received reports about how terrifying Bel, the Battle God, was. There were many strong people in their borders, but Joshua Sanders, the Martial God, was still the only one in the continent who could stop Bel.

I was going to share Bels location, but I have no way of knowing that right now; he disappeared from Arcadia long ago.

Joshua hid the fact that Bel came to the snow mountain in north Avalonhe wasnt technically lying. After sending Bel off with the magic circle which had been prepared in advance, Joshua no longer knew Bels location.

-D-Does that mean that Bel isnt in Avalon?

I checked with my border guards weeks ago and confirmed that Bel has returned to Hubalt, so I can tell you with certainty that Bel isnt in Avalon. His current location is unknown.

-O-Oh, no! Do you have any idea where Bel might be?

Hmm Joshua stroked his chin and pretended to think with a grim look on his face. Who knows? Considering that Hubalts armies are invading on multiple fronts, Bel might be taking matters into his own hands and destroying weak countries one by one.

The kings of weaker countries gasped loudly. Their reaction was understandable because they had only one reason to lie low: it was common sense that whoever led the war against Hubalt was going to take the most damage. This was also the reason why Bel was bold enough to start a war in the first place.

To change the kings current passive stance, extreme measures were neededand Joshua knew exactly how to cajole the kings.

I did my duty, at least, so I wish the best for all of your lands. This is a world where the survivors are the strong, not where the strong survive. Do your best to endure until the time you rise as a strong nation Joshua let his words hang in the air.

When it looked like Joshua was about to end the communication, the king of Palentine quickly waved his hands.

-H-Hold on! Please wait for a moment, Your Majesty. Theres no need to hurry.

We dont have the time to waste either. Dont you think so? Joshua shrugged.

-Thats not what I meant You said that we should stop weighing our options and make a choice, didnt you?

All of the kings eagerly nodded. Ulabis, who had remained a spectator throughout, marveled at the change. With only a few words, Joshua had the continents illustrious rulers wrapped around his finger!

-Why dont you calm down a bit and advise us on our course of action?

-I-I agree. To be honest, I wanted to help Avalon all along! But I couldnt endanger my country like

-I remember the talks weve had about forming an alliance. If we need a more systemic alliance, then theres no better country than Avalon to lead it.

Ulabis was certain that the alliance was going to be established today in a completely different way than what was originally envisioned. Swallows attendance was no longer an issue because Joshuas presence on the alliances side far outweighed the empires.

T-Tower Master! A mage rushed into the chamber.

Theta frowned. What is it now?

Weve just received an urgent report from our mages in northern Avalon!

An urgent report?

Two hours ago, Hubalt and Avalons main armies met in battle! the mage shouted.

The entire conference stirred in surprise. Theta and the kings gave the messenger their utmost attention.

S-So? Theta stammered. What happened?

Before the start of the battle, knights from both sides fought each other to raise their troops morale

Get to the point.

Selim Sanders, the First Prince of Avalon, stabbed the enemy in his heart after exchanging only ten attacks! the mage exclaimed.

What?

His opponents identity is yet to be confirmed, but according to our mages, he was at least a Master

As the mage continued his report, the kings clenched their fists and let out cheers.

-Oh! Like father, like son!

-Indeed! The First Prince is the true heir of the Martial God!

Joshua heard the report too, naturally. He had to suppress a smile as he spun the situation to his advantage.

May I ask a favor from all of you? he asked.

-A favor? What do you mean? Theres no need to be distant among us! As leader of our alliance, you can just order us.

-Well said! I dont suppose theres anyone who would object to that?

-I highly doubt it. If there is, theyll have to deal with Hubalts vicious brutes on their own.

Joshua paid no attention to the kings while he sorted out his thoughts. After giving Iruca a crystal ball that could contact him directly, Iruca had been using it every chance she got. While they had talked like an ordinary father and daughter from time to time, Iruca had also told Joshua about Avalons plans for the war as well as passed him useful information about the activity across the continent. Among the pieces of information she gave him, there was one piece of news that particularly bothered Joshua.

Kireua is heading to Hubalt only with Cain and Anna bel Grace

He wasnt sure how big of a force had joined Kireua afterward, but Joshua was worried. When he thought about his sons childhood, Joshua was more worried about Kireua than he was about Selim. Of course, Joshua still trusted Kireua, but...

To be honest, as his father, I want to help Kireua.

If youre willing, then I wont mince words: I would like all of you to buy time.

-Time?

Yesdraft all your nobles and their armies. Aside from the forces needed to protect your countries, please dispatch everyone to your borders with Hubalt.

The kings tensed. Joshuas request could only mean only one thing.

The saying about how the best offense is a good defense is nonsense. I guarantee you that no one in the world would fear a country that doesnt fight back after its attacked. In all the millenia, was there ever a good country who never invaded another land? I say: to hell with it. In a war, you have to repay every wound tenfold.