Aengus looked over his companions and subordinate soldiers, noting the anxiety on their faces.
Calmly, he announced, “I can see the enemy approaching. But there’s no need to panic.” His voice was steady, aiming to ease their nerves.
“How many are there, Captain?” a few soldiers asked anxiously, believing he had a special vision skill.
“Yes, tell us honestly, Captain. We’re not afraid,” others urged.
Assistant Captains Dior and Ren also waited curiously.
Aengus sighed and replied, “At least twice our number. But, as I said, there’s no need to panic. We can do this.” He tried to encourage them, aware that this was his first time handling a situation like this.
In all his previous battles, Aengus had proven himself through actions, and it seemed even the demons he had faced weren’t as fearful as the human soldiers were now.
“Over twenty million?” Drake gulped, trying to fathom the number.
Some soldiers panicked, while others stayed calm, having anticipated the scale of the Imperial forces.
“Idiots! Why are you so surprised?” Co-Captain Dior scolded sharply, unimpressed by their lack of composure. “Did you think the Imperial army was a joke? Frankly, I’m astonished they didn’t bring more. We should count ourselves lucky!”
“And remember, we have our Captain’s promise! Don’t ever doubt his word!” Dior added, bolstering their spirits.
The soldiers calmed down, looking to Aengus with renewed hope and expectations.
“Captain Dior is right, comrades. We’re all in this together!” one of the soldiers shouted, earning nods of encouragement from others.
“Long live the Araknis Kingdom!”
“Long live the King!”
“Long live the Guardians!”
“Long live the Captain!”
Their unified shouts echoed through the camp, fortifying their resolve.
Aengus turned away, looking at the enemies where they were now seen setting their camping at the distance.
Aria and the others stood beside him, following his gaze, their expressions unreadable.
A few minutes later, Aengus received a private message from Commander Zain about a secret meeting of distinguished individuals.
“Captain Zero, follow me!” Zain called out.
Aengus silently left the camp, joining Commander Zain along the way.
“Where are we going, Commander?” Aengus asked quietly, following him without a clear idea of their destination.
“Haha… Don’t be so tense, Zero. Relax. We’re headed to an emergency meeting with other Commanders and Generals to discuss the attack plan. We’ve become a bit cautious about spies since we’ve caught some infiltrators recently. There might still be some lingering around, so it’s better to stay vigilant, right?”
Aengus nodded. “Yes, you’re right, Commander.”
They quickly crossed an isolated area where a transparent sound-isolation barrier surrounded a large tent.
Aengus noticed many S-Rank military personnel gathering in substantial numbers. Some of them cast curious glances his way, surprised to see an unfamiliar young man among them.
But, seeing him accompanied by Commander Zain, they held back their questions for the moment.
Inside, the tent was spacious, suitable for housing hundreds. Several long tables with over a hundred seats were already filled, with soldiers in stern military attire sitting attentively.
Aengus and Commander Zain took their seats near the center, drawing the attention of those present and sensing the urgency in the atmosphere.
Curious, suspicious glances fell on Aengus, but the silence remained unbroken as everyone noticed the stern demeanor of the three Guardians.
Generals Leon, Felix, and Martin each gave Aengus a slight nod of approval, quickly dispelling any doubts.
However, their curiosity lingered—it was rare to see someone so young included in such a serious, secretive meeting among high-ranking officials.
As the room filled with everyone present, General Felix was the first to break the silence.
“Before we begin discussing the attack strategy, does anyone have any questions?” he asked, directing his gaze to all the commanders, including Marshal Tyron, who stood silently in the corner, his presence radiating authority and power.
Aengus looked around curiously, his gaze eventually landing on Marshal Tyron, feeling the weight of his intimidating stare.
Suddenly, an interruption broke his thoughts.
“General, I have a question,” a commander spoke up, standing with a fierce expression. He was an older, shrewd-looking man with a displeased look on his face.
“General, I would like to know what a kid is doing here with us. Don’t you think an explanation is needed before we begin?” The commander asked sharply, clearly displeased by Aengus’s seemingly arrogant posture, as if he were an equal.
Aengus raised an eyebrow, not expecting to be targeted so abruptly. However, he remained calm and composed, as though he wasn’t the one the commander was speaking about.
This only seemed to irritate Commander Kyle even more.
“See that, General… how arrogant this young man is, paying no heed to his superior’s words, as if he thinks he’s above everyone here,” the commander continued, trying to spread venom in the minds of others.
Some high-ranking officials also began to feel irritated by what they perceived as Aengus’s presumptuous attitude.
Aengus, however, was simply in control of himself; he didn’t feel the need to show respect to those he considered “sneaky rats” around him.
He wasn’t disrespectful—just detached.
General Felix was clearly on Aengus’s side, but Marshal Tyron also appeared suspicious, as he hadn’t yet learned Aengus’s identity.
“You there, young comrade, who brought you here?” Marshal Tyron asked, his bulky frame radiating a hidden sense of authority that could instill fear.
Before Aengus could respond, General Felix spoke up.
“He is Zero, our new S-Rank Special Captain, Marshal. There’s no need for vigilance against him. General Leon has vouched for him personally. I trust this clears up any questions you may have regarding our young comrade, Commander Kyle,” General Felix said, his fiery gaze turning toward Commander Kyle, who had initially raised the doubts.
“Huh? An S-Rank?” Commander Kyle mumbled, quieting down and feeling slightly ashamed.
The other high-ranking officials, however, seemed to grow more interested in this young Captain “Zero.”
Commander Zain gestured for Aengus to say a few words for formality.
Aengus stood up confidently, unfazed by the scrutinizing and curious gazes directed at him.
