An Innocent Bystander Snake
"So, you plan to go to Rome in Queen of Heaven to further investigate the situation, and then head to Athens to meet us?"
On the turbulent, Sea of Chaos, Scathach gazed at the palm-sized, shimmering black scales and murmured softly.
"Yes, Greece is small and short of soldiers, while Rome is large and has few generals. The two sides complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, which can create perfect war potential. Therefore, the Pan-Hellenic Alliance is a win-win situation, and Rome's position in the whole situation is crucial."
In the quiet woods of Britain, Samael strolled along the riverbank under the moonlight, the serpent scales in his hand, which had established contact with the Viking Fleet, responding solemnly.
Then, the ancient serpent crossed the Celtic tribe shrouded in darkness, gazed at the territory of the Roman Empire, its eyes gleaming eerily, and continued to add to its story.
"Based on the intelligence I recently obtained, I have re-analyzed the battle situation of the two previous Iliad War."
While Greece's ability to withstand the pressure and defeat the Persian Empire was certainly due to the strength of its own troops, the most crucial factor was Rome's vast territory, which tied down much of the Persian Empire's resources. If Rome, this protective wall, had fallen, even if the Persians had used sheer numbers and resources, they could have easily razed Greece to the ground.
Therefore, to defend Greece, we must first Paul Ma!
Samael spoke with certainty, his gaze deep and unwavering.
The Greeks' victory over the stronger forces in the two Iliad War certainly inflated their confidence to an unprecedented level.
However, crises often lurk behind the glamour.
Short-term victories do not necessarily determine the long-term outcome of a battle.
It should be noted that the first two Iliad War both took place on Greek soil, which severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of the Greeks, and resulted in heavy losses of their Divine Blood Hero and elite soldiers.
The previous campaign depleted Greece's already weak, latent war potential.
What was subsequently lost was the very essence and substance of Greek philosophy.
Due to its population and geographical advantages, Greece adopted an elite military strategy, and the training of Divine Blood Hero and elite soldiers was extremely difficult, requiring at least several decades.
However, Persia had plenty of slaves and vassals, and its military strength and large population allowed for a more rapid replenishment of its troops.
Thus, the situation between the two was like a hunter aiming a gun at a fox, but the fox nimbly dodged several shots, leaving the hunter mocked by the little creature.
But all he wasted was a single bullet, while the fox had to carefully tread the line between life and death each time. If the hunter hit it even once, the fox would surely die.
Similarly, Persia could suffer several defeats but still have a chance to regroup, while Greece would lose everything if it suffered just one defeat. In reality, this was a completely unequal war.
Only if Rome continues to play a role will Greece have room to maneuver and respond.
However, recently the Hunnic cavalry have been rampaging through Roman territory, and this windbreak wall is not as sturdy as imagined, and seems to be showing signs of loosening.
This is why Samael strongly advocated for the Celts to enter Rome.
It's always better to have one more helper than one more trouble.
As for the specifics, a trip to the Roman Pantheon to meet Divine Ancestor Romulus, is necessary to reach a conclusion, which will also facilitate his next steps in Greece.
"Old friend, how are things over there?"
Samael was silent for a moment, then spoke in a warm tone.
"It's alright, don't worry."
Scathach glanced at her feet, smiled faintly, and with a flick of her wrist, a soft "plop" sound rang out as the Scarlet Demon Spear covered in thorns was pulled out by the Queen's bent fingers.
Crimson blood splattered wildly, forming an eerie, murky halo, and a ferocious sea beast, hundreds of meters long, floated on the Sea of Chaos.
As the chaotic storm surged and the fog dissipated, one after another enormous creature lay dead on the sea surface, the thick stench of blood nauseating. In the distance, the wreckage of two warships was slowly sinking into the deep sea.
"Over in Greece..."
"I understand. Here you go and do it, my friend. If there's anything I can help you with, just say the word."
Scathach bent her knees and leaped back onto the flagship's deck. With a swing of her arm, crimson bloodstains slid off the spikes of the magic spear. Throughout the entire ordeal, the Queen of the Shadow Realm's calm tone remained unchanged.
"Well, then I won't stand on ceremony. It's not convenient for me to leave here, and there are indeed a few things I need you to do."
Samael leaned against the tree trunk, pondered for a moment, and then spoke solemnly.
"First, the Third Iliad War has not yet begun. After reaching Greece, we should pay close attention to the movements of the Persian Empire's fleet at sea."
First, find out where the Athenian gods went after the Trojan War, and while you're at it, help me find out the whereabouts of a few human heroes.
Third, if possible, make some contact with the Egyptians in Greek ports.
Scathach, back in her room, casually dispelled the Scarlet Demon Spear, paused involuntarily as she took off her damp clothes, her brow furrowing slightly.
"You want to investigate the situation in Egypt?"
"Well, Rome is currently facing a pincer attack from the Hunnic Empire and the Persian Empire, and the situation is difficult to change. Greece needs to deal with the Carthaginians raids, but the Egyptians behind them have not directly come forward, and their attitude is somewhat ambiguous. I want to know what that Pharaoh is really up to. If possible, perhaps we can try to win him over."
Samael plucked a vibrant green leaf, twirled it between his fingers, his Serpent Eyes narrowed, and his gaze flickered.
"Start with Egypt? That's a bold idea, but according to you, they seem to be interested in overthrowing the Persian Empire. It will be difficult to get them to change their stance."
Scathach pondered for a moment, then shook her head, her brow furrowing.
"We should give it a try. Besides, between nations, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. Stances can be changed. That Pharaoh's integrity is probably not as high as you imagine."
The ancient serpent lazily stretched out its arms, a mocking smile playing on its lips.
"Alright then, I'll keep an eye on it."
Seeing that Samael was determined, Scathach nodded slightly in agreement, got up and filled the bathtub with hot water and sprinkled flower petals.
"Oh, by the way, before the situation becomes clear, do these things quietly and without making a fuss. His Majesty in the Golden Palace doesn't want to see Northern Europe dragged into this quagmire prematurely."
"Yes, Ai Bai..."
As the sound of rushing water reached him, Samael, who was sitting on a tree branch, finished giving his final instructions, wisely cut off the contact, and turned to look at the shimmering riverbank with a sense of regret.
Tsk, what a pity...
How about we research an image transmission function for this thing next time?
The ancient snake smacked its lips, its mind wandering. Just as its fantasies intensified, a rustling sound came from the bushes behind it. A graceful figure was lifting a branch and walking lightly along the riverbank. Facing the cool moonlight, she unbuttoned her clothes and stepped into the stream.
Uh, what I was thinking about came true, what a coincidence, really?
Should I not say anything?
Should I keep quiet?
Should I keep quiet?
Ugh, this is such a tough choice.
The innocent-looking snake, hidden by the branches and leaves, rubbed its chin, deep in difficult and painful thought.