Second World

Jack remembered Archibald Silas. He was a level 90 mythical-grade vampire who blocked his way when he was trapped inside Marcus' throne room. If Archibald was present when he challenged Marcus, the difficulty would have increased to a whole new level. Jack learned later that Archibald was with the blood army at the capital wall defending against the rebels' siege.

"Is he planning to rebel?" Jack asked.

"Not yet," Horatio answered. "He handed in his resignation when I became the emperor. Several influential officers followed his example. He is still hiding his intentions but my spies informed me that he has been meeting several clans that are known to be loyal to my father. It is easy to understand what they are planning to do."

Jack thought back to the time when Arther planned his revolt. He guessed there would always be disgruntled followers when an organization changed its leadership.

"When they left, they brought away their private armies around 300,000 strong," Horatio continued. "So, you should understand why I need to keep sufficient force just in case Archibald comes out into the open to contest my throne. For that reason, Ezekiel will stay with me in Sangrod. Vanessa will be the only relic marshall who goes with the campaign against Liguritudum."

Everyone thought this was a pity, but they couldn't deny Horatio's reasoning made sense.

"Don't worry. I'm truly committed to this alliance," Horatio said. "I have a plan in motion to deal with Archibald. If everything goes smoothly, I should be able to take him down without us going into an open battle. Once my plan succeeds, I will send an additional army as reinforcement."

"Well, this is an uncoerced alliance. Everyone sends their troops based on what they can afford," John said. "Now, from what I've recorded from everyone, I can say that we have a total of 6,600,000 troops."

Paytowin whistled after hearing the number of troops, which caused everyone to turn to him. Getting uncomfortable from the stares, he slowly moved and hid behind Jeanny.

  "This is an impressive number. But we are an alliance of five countries, I don't think such a massive army had ever been gathered before in this world," John remarked. "And now, we will review our opponent's number."

John had been inserting the data into the projection. Triangles indicating the troops were placed around the map. He was now inputting the data into the Liguritudum's region.

"We don't have intel of their actual number, of course. What we have is an assumption based on old intel," John explained. "Liguritudum retreated from Palgrost with 1,500,000 troops. They also have 500,000 defending troops in their country, so their total army numbers 2,500,000 troops. Aurebor has 1,500,000 troops stationed in Hydrurond and 1,000,000 troops defending their own country. On paper, they appear to have 4,500,000 troops."

"But…?" Kabaka asked.

"But I suspect they have recruited more troops out of the three countries they are controlling," John answered. "However, even if we consider they have enough resources and unusual recruiting speed, I'd say their total number is no more than 5,200,000 troops."

"They can recruit so many soldiers in such a short time?" Thelgrun asked.

Kabaka and Horatio were silent. They suspected the monarch system gave extra advantages in the hands of outworlders. Thelgrun was a bit slower in catching that notion.

"We still have more numbers than them," Jack said.

"Yes. For once, I'm glad that I don't have to go against enemies who outnumber us," John said. "That being said, we will now come to the most important part of this alliance."

"Which is?" Thelgrun asked.

"The chain of command," John replied. "An army is only effective if they can act as one. If one side does things that have no benefit to the other side, we will end up with a splintered force. That will make it easy for our enemies to pick on us. We have to move with a clear chain of command! Each army from the different countries has to move following the commands from one source!"

"And I suppose this command will come from…"

"Me, of course!" John declared.

Jack and Jeanny facepalmed. This guy truly had no tact.

Kabaka and the others looked at one another. They were all the top leaders of their countries. They were used to having the most authority without having to answer to anyone. Hence, the request to have their armies submit to the commands of another person was not something they were comfortable with.

"I think this is not a bad idea."

Everyone turned to the voice. Grace had come out and stood before the four country leaders.

"Grand Chief Kabaka, Emperor Horatio, President Thelgrun, and Queen Aldryth. All four of you are remarkable leaders who are no less than any other person, but all of you come here because of one person," Grace said.

The four understood whom Grace meant. They involuntarily turned to Jack. Jack felt awkward due to the stares.

"Each of you is here because you are allied to King Storm Wind. He is the connection between the four of you. Without him, I believe you won't be so willing to work with one another."

The four now looked at each other. They realized the truth in Grace's words. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't be standing here next to each other. They all came here due to their friendship and alliance with the King of Themisphere.

"Since that is the case, why not have King Storm Wind as the figurehead of this alliance?" Grace continued. "Every organization needs a leader. Even a temporary one. This alliance is forged for the sake of defeating Liguritudum. It is not permanent. You are not required to follow King Storm Wind's command once the objective of this alliance is achieved. But while this alliance exists, we need a leader. Are any of you willing to listen to the command of someone other than King Storm Wind?"

After several seconds of silence, Thelgrun announced, "If it is King Storm Wind, I'm willing to listen to his words."