Necessary Villain

11 - Moving Forward

Everyone gathers, their attention focused on Lucas as he prepares to make an announcement. Standing by his side are four individuals: Amaya, Julia, a woman with long blonde hair named Leora, and a large man named Tyrone.

"We have created a plan to succeed in our mission," Lucas declares, fully capturing the attention of everyone present, his statement sending a small wave of tension through the crowd.

"We have a theory that the beings responsible for our predicament did not trap us here to kill us. Given what we've seen and what they've done to us, it's reasonable to conclude they could kill us easily at any time, but yet they haven't..."

Given you rule out they are not just toying with us... I digress.

"This suggests that we're not here to die. There must be a way for us to complete this mission, and I believe these camps hold the key to our survival. Inside of this one, we have found tools and it can be surmised that larger camps will have more valuable tools to claim. We plan to gradually gather supplies and tools by seizing control of these camps. After much scrutiny of the information we have, I have concluded that as we venture further north, we will encounter better-equipped goblins and larger numbers. If I were to also guess where the castle would be I'd say it's to the north as well. While it seems daunting that we'll have to face stronger opponents, we must not despair for unity and adherence to the strategy will ensure our survival."

As I listen to Lucas, I can't help but have the idea that these beings are merely toying with us; questioning if there is any true purpose behind our existence here. I wonder what plan he has devised to achieve our victory if such a thing can even be achieved.

"Our plan entails taking over as many camps as possible before launching an assault on the castle," Lucas begins his speech. "This will enable us to improve our equipment and secure essential supplies. To begin, we will need to scout the area once again. It should be a priority to confirm if my hunch of the north being more dangerous is right and if the castle is also to the north."

Lucas clears his throat then shouts, "The idiots who didn't listen and fought goblins already will explore the north." Lucas's eyes dart around passing over all who fought a goblin on day one, myself included. "Those who have not fought goblins will venture east, west, and south. Some will remain here to defend the base in case the goblins attempt to reclaim it. As for the four standing beside me, they will assist in leadership roles. I will lead the northern expedition," Lucas announces. Then, Lucas begins pointing to each person as he assigns their roles. "Amaya will lead the western expedition, Julia will safeguard this camp, Tyrone will head the southern expedition, and Leora will guide the eastern expedition.

Unsurprisingly, I saw each of these people talking together in a circle with him earlier.

"Come to me, and I will inform you of your assigned group," Lucas shouts. "Once everyone is ready, we will set out. You should return by hour 17:00, which is 691 hours remaining on the task. Remember, your lives are irreplaceable, unlike the weapons. If you have to run, don't be afraid to drop your weapon. Survival takes precedence over claiming bases for now. Today's objective is once again reconnaissance, do not raid camps, as we should have enough resources here in this base to last two more days; three if we are conservative. If any have suggestions or complaints, feel free to voice them. If none, then create a line."

A sense of nostalgia washes over me as I observe the orderly line forming, reminiscent of our initial summoning. Just like a bunch of toddlers, each person patiently waits for Lucas to allocate their groups. He proceeds down the line, assigning each person to a group, including me.

"Axel, you're with me exploring the north," Lucas declares as I expected.

"I have a few more words to say then I will take any questions," Lucas says after he gives the last person their role.