This Is War!

"What? The Winged Race?!"

The twenty-second and topmost floor of Kasbah Tower, where the Elf Council convened.

As it was completely open to the sky, brilliant sunlight poured into every corner.

Yet the temperature within was nowhere near as scorching as one might expect. It remained pleasantly comfortable, with cool breezes occasionally sweeping through.

The place was spacious, with six tiers of stone seats rising on either side. Every seat was occupied by an elf draped in a green cloak, their appearances revealing no discernible difference in age.

At that moment, an elf of the Elf Race in a yellow cloak knelt on one knee in the open space, urgently emphasizing his report to Council Chairman Tliuk behind the central podium.

"Yes! Captain Yajil, who made first contact with the enemy, reported that many members of the Winged Race had appeared among the barbarian fleet!"

"But how is that possible? While the Winged Race may not hate the barbarians as intensely as we do, they have refused all contact with them for thousands of years, just as we have!"

An elf councilor on the left-hand tiers stood up and shouted.

"Enough!"

Another elf seated on the right-hand tiers rose and barked, "What use is there in saying that now? Whatever the reason, won't we find out once we defeat them all?"

Seeing this, the previous elf councilor did not dare say another word.

After all, this was no ordinary councilor. He was Aismailu, one of the three Archons alongside the council chairman, and the one with the worst temper.

Aismailu ignored him and turned to make a proposal to Chairman Tliuk.

"Chairman, since the Winged Race has appeared among the barbarians, the outer patrol fleet likely will not be able to hold out for long. I request permission to lead