saiki

ch 17

I filled my party members in on the current situation.

As I discussed the imminent onslaught of a thousand Living Armors, the faces of Damien and Lilly turned ashen.

Jupiter just exhaled billows of smoke from her cigarette without a word, while Lucas, having already been briefed, remained composed.

"What's our plan, your highness?"

Lucas inquired.

I acknowledged his query with a nod.

"We can't just twiddle our thumbs for three days. We'll do all that's within our power. I'll delegate tasks to each of you now."

I first addressed Lucas.

"Lucas."

"Ready for your command."

"I'm appointing you as the supreme commander of the Crossroad forces."

Lucas, the original protagonist of this game, essentially represented the player.

He was endowed with exceptional leadership skills. I could depend on him.

"I'll do my utmost."

With a respectful bow, Lucas accepted my terse and to-the-point directive.

"Crossroad hasn't experienced a real invasion in several years. Our troops have likely lost their edge. Your job is to whip them back into shape."

"I'll fulfill your command."

"The enemy we're about to face is the Living Armor. They're spectral knights. Physical attacks are largely ineffective, especially cutting strikes. They're practically worthless."

Would slicing through a ghost serve any purpose? Moreover, blades are usually ineffective against armor.

"Equip all our soldiers with blunt weapons. If that's not feasible, provide them with wooden clubs."

In essence, I planned to modify the nature of their weaponry to ensure they could deal substantial damage, even if it was to the armor.

The physical attack attributes in "Protect the Empire" were divided into three types: slash, strike, and pierce.

While no single attribute was clearly superior, aligning them appropriately could prove beneficial.

"In the next three days, swap the gear and provide basic training in the use of blunt weapons."

"Understood."

"Excellent. I'm counting on you."

I had faith that Lucas would accomplish his task proficiently. I then focused on the next party member.

"Moving on, Lilly."

As her name was called, Lilly, confined to her wheelchair, gestured towards her legs with a puzzled look.

"Your highness, as you can see, I am unable to..."

Her confusion was understandable. She had recently retired from battle due to her incapacitation. And here I was, urging her back into the fray against the monsters.

"I apologize, Lilly. But at this moment, we're in desperate need of your assistance."

Lilly, an R-grade magician with experience since the tutorial stage, was too precious a resource to leave unutilized.

I regretted it, but I had to leverage her skills.

"But don't worry excessively. You won't be required on the frontlines."