So Baalzebul could not retreat! Not only could he not retreat, he had to win a decisive, glorious battle! Otherwise, the Eastern Army's defeat would become his responsibility!
That was right—it would be Baalzebul's responsibility!
He was one of The Dark Eight! The moment he appeared on the battlefield, he became the highest commander of the entire devil-occupied zone! Now that such a massive blame had emerged in the east, the other seven of The Dark Eight could not possibly just haul in some faraway scapegoat, and no one else was qualified to take the blame. Therefore, it was only natural for him to bear it.
Of course, Baalzebul could not accept such an outcome. Outsiders claimed that The Dark Eight were immortal and indestructible, but as one of The Dark Eight himself, how could he not know how things really worked? The Dark Eight could be replaced at any time. Anyone could be Baalzebul—it did not have to be him.
So Baalzebul knew that he had to save himself. How? First, he had to crush Miska's army before him. That was the bare minimum. As long as he achieved that, Baalzebul knew that, at worst, some of his power would be encroached upon by the other members of The Dark Eight. Though it would wound him deeply, it would not leave him without even a place to die. There would still be a chance to rise again.
If he could ultimately resolve the problem in the east and expand their territory while he was at it, then he might not only emerge unscathed in the end, but even gain some benefits.
Of course, Baalzebul only dared to dream about that. It was not that he lacked the ability, but that the other seven members of The Dark Eight would