Discussing War (Part 1)

"The flood season of the Sikasen River has arrived. Your Majesty, you should withdraw your troops."

The moment Ava spoke, the entire hall fell deathly silent.

This hall had once been Cadillon's council chamber. After its occupation, Bucktooth had preserved it specifically for when Guk came to the front lines in person.

After being remodeled, it was not lavish, but it was imposing. The thousands of skulls used as lamps and lampshades alone gave the hall a murderous atmosphere.

Guk sat at the highest point of the hall, upon a massive metal throne.

It was not ornate, merely cast from plain black iron, yet it carried an invisible sense of Oppression.

This throne had been forged directly from the captured officer sabers of the previous war. Sharp blades had been forcibly fused together by molten iron, becoming a throne bristling with lethal steel thorns.

And Guk sat upon this chair, which resembled an instrument of torture, looking quite comfortable.

Ordinary iron could no longer harm him.

"Your Majesty Guk, the Sikasen River runs swift during flood season. Even ordinary ferries avoid traveling on the river at this time of year. You and your army can no longer cross such a barrier. Withdraw your troops."

Ava stepped forward. Though she looked as delicate and fragile as a doll amid the enormous beasts, there was not a trace of fear on her face, even as several warlords bared their fangs at her in threatening expressions.

At the center of the hall, a huge flat tactical display device gave off a faint glow, projecting the terrain along the entire Sikasen River line into the air. Bucktooth had also had the mechanics install this device beforehand.

For that, he had received special praise from Guk.

"Bird!"

Gogu, the warlord of the Evil Sun warband,