Chapter 1004 Final Arrangements
"This ritual, the Great Rebirth as you called it—you said it will be taking place sometime within the next few days, correct?" Aurie inquired.
"That's right. Although I don't have an exact date, I think it will happen before or during the upcoming attack." Izroth confirmed.
"There's not enough time..." Aurie muttered to herself with furrowed brows and a troubled expression.
The Great Rebirth was a bombshell of news that would undoubtedly cause large waves throughout the Mortal Realm if it became common knowledge.
More importantly, if Izroth was correct and a new Night Lord was really born before or during the assault on the Night Lord's Crypt, it added an extra layer of threat that could not be ignored.
But, even if they did discover the location of the Great Rebirth, it was still too dangerous to make any half-hearted moves. After all, according to Izroth, the most powerful and influential Dukes of the Skounae would be gathered there.
In terms of status and strength, a Duke of the Skounae was on par with a High General of the War Brigade!
They were not individuals that just anyone could face. This was even more so given the severe lack of preparation and information about the Great Rebirth.
Still, to allow the birth of another Night Lord right under their noses while they did nothing to try and stop it—how could Aurie accept such a thing?
"I could always go there personally and use my Dream Domain. But, if I'm being honest, I'm sure not how long my Dream Domain will be able to contain that many powerful existences." Aurie thought to herself.
The reason Aurie could hold the Night Lord Zarolas with her Dream Domain for as long as she did was not only because she tried her hardest to maintain it, but also because he did not have his Spirix with him.
The Skounae Dukes may not be as powerful as Zarolas, but there would definitely be more than one gathered there.
Additionally, with such a grand and important ritual, it was likely that a Night Lord would be there to oversee it personally. Or, even worse, the Night King themselves!
Not to mention the Night King, even if it were only a Night Lord with their Spirix, the situation would still be dire.
"We are stuck in a rather awkward position. Our attack on the Night Lord's Crypt cannot be delayed. But, we also cannot afford to ignore the emergence of a fourth Night Lord. Otherwise, even if we stop the Night Lord Zarolas' revival, the balance of power will remain the same as it was before." Aurie stated.
"Do you have something in mind?" Izroth asked.
'Should I just send Astratis to take care of it?'
Astratis was someone virtually unrivaled among those who stood at the peak of the legendary realm. It was to the point that Izroth remained uncertain whether or not Astratis was actually a Plane Ascender.
If it were him, handling a Night Lord and a few Dukes of the Skounae should not be an issue. Even if the Night King themselves were at the Great Rebirth, while Izroth lacked an understanding of their exact strength, he still did not believe that Astratis would necessarily lose.
'No, it's still too early for his existence to be announced so clearly. There's also the potential aftermath to take into consideration.'
If some unknown entity suddenly appeared in the Mortal Realm who was capable of slaying a Night Lord or possibly even the Night King, it would create a tidal wave of problems.
Such an existence whose motives were unclear and there was no information about—how could the kingdoms of the Mortal Realm ever relax?
In the end, it would cause more chaos than anything. This would be even more so if they could not tolerate Astratis' existence and a battle of such magnitude took place.
"Nothing that solves our immediate problems. But worry not, Captain. I have no intention of remaining idle on this matter. Realistically speaking, it is nearly impossible for us to do anything to prevent the creation of another Night Lord with the current means at our disposal. That being said, there may be someone who can do something about it on such short notice. It's just that..." Aurie said with a heavy sigh as she halted mid-sentence.
"Oh? There's such a person? Though, I have to say, based on your reaction, it seems you're rather reluctant to contact them." Izroth pointed out.
"That's not it. It's just that that woman—she's really too lazy and indifferent when it comes to these sorts of issues. I'm not sure she'll be willing to make a move. But right now, we're low on options. There's no other choice." Aurie released another heavy sigh.
"If it's someone the Commander acknowledges, their strength must be the real deal," Izroth commented.
Aurie served under someone like General Solomon. Not to mention, she was the adopted daughter of one of the seven heroes, Nova. Therefore, she was no stranger to powerful figures.
"Well, there's a reason she's considered a special war power. In fact, since you're a Captain of a GSU, you must have already met her at least once before." Aurie stated.
"Ah, I believe I know who you're referring you," Izroth said with a look of pity in his eyes.
"Seeing that look in your eyes, I guess you've understood that woman's personality by now," Aurie said with a helpless smile.
"This... I wish you the best of luck, Commander," Izroth said with a carefree smile.
...
Aurie and Izroth spent the next few minutes wrapping up their conversation and deciding on what would be done with the sixth princess of Tempest, Ranazera.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Aurie tapped her finger on the table three times. Immediately after doing so, Kalmesia opened her eyes and sense of hearing.
"Captain Kalmesia, I am assigning you and the rest of the 1st Division under your command to safeguard the Sixth Princess of Tempest, Ranazera Tempest, until the Guardian Escort Squad arrives," Aurie stated.
She then continued, "I have already sent Captain Nagaza to handle the delivery of the news, so they should meet up with us before we arrive at the Night Lord's Crypt. Additionally, I will also temporarily place Captain Ward and the 2nd Division under your command as well. They are to assist you where necessary."
"Understood, Commander. I will carry out your orders as instructed." Kalmesia replied calmly.
In truth, Aurie was confident that Kalmesia and the 1st Division alone were enough to handle Ranazera's protection. The only reason she chose to send Ward and the 2nd Division as well as to give them some time to relax. After all, they were the ones who took the brunt of the operation in the Nightfall Glades. Plus, with Ward present, they should be able to detect and prepare for any dangerous situations at the drop of a hat. Of course, this was just a little extra insurance in Aurie's eyes.
"Then, I officially leave the safety of the sixth princess in your hands, Commander, Captain," Izroth stated.
Izroth looked back at Ranazera, who remained quiet the entire time as she silently listened to her fate.
"Since we've finished here, I should take my leave. There are still a few things I have left to take care of. I'd like to thank Commander Aurie for taking in the 9th Division and watching over them in my absence." Izroth said as he expressed his gratitude.
"Your thanks is appreciated but unnecessary, Captain. After all, are we not all allies who should do everything in our power to support one another?" Aurie commented.
"Yes, you're correct," Izroth replied casually.
"Take care on your way back, Captain," Aurie said.
"Of course, Commander," Izroth said as he turned to walk out of the command tent.
On his way, he stopped next to Ranazera.
"We'll be parting ways here. But, it won't be the last we see of each other, princess. I hope you'll behave yourself until we meet again." Izroth stated.
"Just don't forget what you promised," Ranazera responded.
"Naturally," Izroth replied as he resumed his steps and exited the command tent.
...
Approximately 5 minutes later...
After Izroth left the command tent, he made his way back over toward where the 9th Division was located.
Since his previous conversation with the Phantom Queen was cut short upon Aurie's arrival, she had been waiting for his return. And not long after Izroth got there, he and Morrighan went off to a more isolated area away from the temporary command camp.