"What do you mean you want to lead the entire Indonexta army?" A general in uniform spoke to Thalamik in a high tone.
Currently, Diko and Thalamik are at the central government office in Jaka Province. The Governor is listening to what Thalamik has to explain regarding the allegedly upcoming war. Thalamik was in chains that were supposed to suppress his mana.
"We aren't asking out of our personal interest. What we want is strictly the guaranteed success of this war." Diko said with a soft tone. "Moreover, our urgency lies in the fact that this Demon Lord had manipulated the whole mermaid kingdom and Leviathan race. In detail regarding Leviathan..." Diko looks at Thalamik.
Thalamik stood up, still in chains on his arms and feet. "Leviathan is a creature of mythology. But due to the incursion in 2020, they came to our world. According to intel I collected-"
"Let me stop you there. Where did you find such intel?" The General asked.
"Of course, how I acquire such intel can't be stated. Even now, I still don't know if our enemy has infiltrated the army or not. But I can safely say that these details are credible."
"Son, I know you think you understand what it is to be in a war." The general spoke before nudging Thalamik. "I know your records, you have participated a lot in protecting the country's border while enrolling at L'arc academy. But this war is unlike that kind of war. It's a full war country versus country. What do you possibly know about how to win against an army that huge?"
Thalamik shook his head. "General. From my perspective, it's all of you who are clueless." He turned his attention to the governor of Jaka Province.
"General and Mr. Governor. If I may." Diko said as he stood up, presenting official document reports. "Thalamik had accomplishments in fighting the Demon Lord Envoy. He was at the battle of Paimon, Baal, Focalors, Vepar, and Eligos. He was given the title of Special Auditor in the academy. Surely these experiences are enough to prove he is competent."
"Who are you again?" The Governor asked.
"It's Diko."
"Diko, who?" The governor clarified.
"Director of Humanity from Vanguard Academy, Sir."
"Ah, that school in United Front." The governor caressed his chin, "If it were up to me, then I would gladly comply. The President gets the last say in all of this. However, you must understand that this is no joke of a war. If what you are saying is true, then more than 30 million people, per our census of 2029, are at stake."
Still flat-faced, Thalamik said, "I understand your concerns. I don't want to-"
"I don't think you do, son!" The General said.
"General. I was born in this province, in this town. I eat the same food that people in Jaka city eat. Why in the crazy hell would I not want to protect this town?" Thalamik gazed at the eye of The General.
"To protect the town is something. But to save as many people as possible is another thing." The General said.
"What are you inferring?" Thalamik asked for clarification.
"A few days after the letter from the United Front was delivered to the President, he didn't hesitate to issue a civilian evacuation. The army was primarily tasked to escort and escape, not to fight back." The Governor said.
"Are you intending to give up Jaka Province that easily?" Thalamik asked.
"It's never easy. But considering our enemy. And without a person like Child of Miracles or Raymed the Hero. Or even L'arc Academy, which specializes in people who can use magic effectively. How can we hope to fight Mermaid Kingdom, Leviathan, and a Demon Lord Envoy?"
Thalamik closed his mouth, closing his eyes before taking a seat back down.
"When did the president issue this?" Thalamik asked.
"He issued it around the time the letter arrived, delivered by..." The Governor looked at Diko.
"Diko, sir," Diko said.
"Right, Right." The Governor said.
Thalamik sighed and said, "Then, who here in this room is actually willing to fight for this province?" His eyes slanted.
"Thalamik, let's not-" Diko tried to bargain.
"No. I'll ask again, who the hell here is actually willing to risk their lives to fight?" Thalamik asked angrily.
"Mr. Thalamik. It's not like we don't want to fight. But what good is it to fight a losing game?" The Governor explained. "What good is it if we fight a war just to make other people lose 'hope'?"
Thalamik took a deep breath.
He remembered Raymed.
"You are wrong, Mr. Governor. The point of struggle is to find hope on the way. It's not that you get hope before the storm. The best kind of hope can only be seen inside the storm itself. But of course, navigating through the storm, especially in the ocean. You would need a good captain." Thalamik stood up.
"I am that captain," Thalamik said.
The Governor looked at the general who wasn't laughing.
"Governor. I might add that Thalamik is the renowned 'Fiend Kaiser of Vanguard'. He also has a record of most battles with a win rate of 100% both in sparring and missions." Diko said whilst presenting the paper to the Governor.
The Governor looks at the details.
"I am not asking you to die in this war. Instead, I want you to help me make my vision come true. I need you also to convey my word to the president so that the entire Indonexta can help me."
The general who stayed silent until now asked, "Then what is your vision?"
"My vision is a war without any casualties."
The entire room murmurs.
"How can you hope to achieve that. It's literally D-1 till the proclaimed war!" The general asked.
"The plan is already set, I just need the army's cooperation and to move quickly to support me and my team."
"This is actually crazy." The general said. "Governor, you seriously aren't buying this, right?"
The Governor put the papers down and looked at the general, giving him the sheets regarding reports of Thalamik's achievement.
"Undead... Army??!" The General Said.
"That is also Mr. Thalamik's specialty. Control of Undead Soldiers that can respawn infinitely as long as he has mana." Diko said while fixing his tie. "If you need more proof, I am sure Mr. Thalamik would demonstrate it for you. I just need him to be released from the chains."
"No need, Mr. Dicoz." The Governor said.
"It's Diko, Sir."
"Sorry. No need, Mr. Diko."
Thalamik smiled confidently. "The core Idea of my plan is for the Navy and Air Force to put on standby on Christmas Island. Most likely, they will start attacking there before progressing to Jaka Province. At the same time, the infantry focused on guarding Ankol Beach 400 meters from the beach."
"Discuss the details with the general, Thalamik. Instead, I wanted to ask you. Can I take your word? Will you win this war without any casualties from our side?" The Governor asked.
"I will guarantee it. Of course, Mr. Diko, who was a war veteran planner, will take care of the details. I will personally be the guarantor. Feel free to put me in prison if anyone dies." Thalamik said.
"I'll take your word for it." The Governor stood up and stretched his hand forward. "I'll do my best to convince the president and give you what you need to win."
"Thank you, Mr. Governor." Thalamik shook his hand.
"Call me Sani, Mr. Thalamik," Sani said.
"Thank you, Governor Sani. It has been a pleasure even though I am in chains." Thalamik said before turning to the general.
"Thank you as well, General. I have high respect for the military. I understand your position completely. Please help me win this war." Thalamik said.
"Even after all that. You are too humble, son. Will do my best to back you up, just make sure you win as promised!" The general said.
Diko and Thalamik then exited the office and spoke to each other while taking the MRT back to the safehouse.
"Thalamik, are you sure you can win with no casualties?" Diko asked.
"Not really, no. But it's enough. Suppose a lie like that is needed to win. I will lie." Thalamik said his hand trembles.
"I know you don't mean that," Diko said. "Maybe it's a good idea to stop putting too much burden on yourself. Raymed, Carmilla, and Momoka aren't here to help you get through this. But always remember I am here." Diko said, patting Thalamik's shoulders.
***
The door to Thalamik's house opened as he walked inside with Diko.
"Ah, you both are back. I trust the discussion went well?" Trish asked.
"It was fine, I guess," Thalamik said.
"Big Bro Thalamik is here! AWOOO!!!" Besitulars howled.
"SHUT IT! IT'S ALMOST NIGHTTIME!" Thalamik hit Besitulars.
"OUCH! SORRY!" Besitulars recoiled getting hit.
"Dinner's ready!" Illias said as she called everyone to the table. Everyone in the living room moved to the dining area, which had a large table for five people.
"Pasta Margarita. Smells great. Did you cook with Killiar?" Thalamik asked as he grabbed a plate.
"Well, of course, Headchef Killiar is the best cook in Vanguard," Illias said.
Thalamik, hearing the claim, suddenly laughed. "Best cook, huh? You clearly haven't fought me yet in cooking!" He said.
Diko, Besitulars, Trish, Illias, and Killiar started to laugh as well.
"Oh yeah, where are Lulu and Dwargo?" Thalamik asked.
"Ah, right! LULUUUUU DWARGOOO FOOOD IS READY!" Trish suddenly shouted.
"Trish.... Didn't I tell you it's nighttime? Wanna get punched like Besitulars?" Thalamik said with his fist raised and veins appearing on it.
"SORRY SORRY!"
Then an abrupt noise was made as footsteps could be heard climbing the stairs from the basement, which Dwargo now uses as his smithing area. "WE HEAR THERE'S FOOD!" Lulu said energetically. "I WANT SOME TOO!" Dwargo said.
Thalamik's eyes filled with fiery mana. He moved and gave a noogie to both of their heads. "hEy CHiLDrEns iTs NiGhT tImE. DoNt Be sO lOUd!"
"Sorry, Thalamik!"
"Sorry, Mr. Kaiser."
Thalamik sighed before saying, "Okay, let's eat!"
"Yes!" Everyone said in unison.
The Pasta Margarita was devoured quickly.
It seems everyone was hungry that night.
After cleaning the dishes and the table, Thalamik sat on the sofa in the living room as he said, "Sleep well, big day tomorrow."
Everyone nodded as they all went to different rooms.
Thalamik's house has five bedrooms.
One room is intended for him, one room is reserved for his kids, two rooms are intended for his parents and in-laws when visiting, and one more room is the guest room.
"Thal, may I speak with you?" Illias nudged towards Thalamik with a worried face.
"Ah, sure, what is it about?"
"Actually, I prefer not to speak here. Is there any quiet place we can go real quick?" Illias said, whispering. "Ah, sure." Thalamik looks at Diko, saying, "Going to Indextamart real quick with Illias."
"Be careful," Diko said.
Thalamik gestured for Illias to come with him.
As they both exited the door.
***
We walked to Indextamart.
As I saw, the environment looks quite chill.
I put up a finger sign before entering the door.
We were sitting down on the outdoor chairs of Indextamart. It's actually a convenience store, but it has a section where people can sit down. I bought her a tea as well as one for myself.
"Is there something on your mind?" I asked Illias, who rarely seems uneasy.
"It's nothing. It's just." Illias drank her tea in a cup before speaking her mind. "I am kinda feeling unconfident."
"I see. So it's about tomorrow." I asked before sipping my cup.
"I am still not up to the idea that I am Carmilla's replacement, Thal. I know I was a Saint Disciple before her. But seeing her fight firsthand at the Haunted House. I am pretty sure I can never match her." Illias said as she stroked her golden hair nervously.
I put down my cup and look into her eyes sincerely.
"Illias..."
"To be honest. Even on the first day, I saw her as she did a Spell Conversion so easily. I knew she was leagues above me." Illias said, smiling. "But, it wasn't that I was not content with that. I am so happy for her. But it just..." Illias looks down at the table.
"It just reminded me of how incapable I am. In the 9 years of training, I only rose to become a Saint Disciple after 6 years of training. Even after three more years, I couldn't keep up with Carmilla." Illias said as she scratched her head.
"If I may... Illias, is there a particular reason?"
"A particular reason?"
"Why do you want to become a Saint in the first place?" I said while slowly sliding a chocolate bar and gesturing for her to eat it.
She took the chocolate bar and bit it before her eyes moved to the sides. "I wanted something to do. I'd like to know something to contribute to, especially since I grew up in Europe, where the United Front ultimately hailed from. Hearing Veuz's mission to unite the world in a world of differences is the kind of mindset that I adore."
I smiled, hearing her answer.
In the end, every Saint that I know is always in a way thinking like that.
"A Saint fights—not because of emotions. A Saint's only reason to fight is to protect something. Is that right?" I said to her.
"Yes, that's right. But yeah..."
"Yeah...?"
"My incompetence feels like I don't belong with the group. It's like I am feeling left behind. Not to mention, most of the Saint Disciples in the United Front have already resigned their positions. So, the direct disciples of Veuz are only a few more left. I have no one left. No talentless friends at that."
I look at her worried face.
"Tell me... when you look at me... Did you ever think I have some talent?"
Illias directed her eyes towards me and said, "I do."
I pulled a picture from my wallet. A photo of my family before the South Jaka City Raid. "What about this guy?"
Illias smiled, saying, "He looks like a normal family man."
I pulled another photo of me, particularly my mugshot, back when I committed a crime.
"IS THIS A MUG SHOT!" Illias was surprised.
"It is actually. What do you think of it?" I asked.
"It looks like you are a typical bad guy?" Illias said.
"Exactly. Illias, you are far too concerned with how others will see you, and it affects how you see yourself. Feel free to express how you feel. But moving towards a goal with that kind of thinking won't get you anywhere." I said before presenting another picture. A picture of me, Carmilla, and Raymed.
"If you look at it now, I am the talentless one beside two of the most talented people in the world. Doesn't it?"
Illias smiled. "I mean, if you compare yourself to those two..." She then widened her eyes. "I see."
"When you compare yourself to others who are higher than you, that is always the response. Why am I so talentless? Why can't I be like them? You have begun to forget how to progress yourself—caught up by the idea that you can never catch up."
Illias looked to the night sky and said, "Fair enough. So don't stop my progress towards my own vision. Towards what I want."
"And besides. Don't ever call yourself useless. I can't even use sealing magic." I smiled, showing my teeth.
"Hahaha. Thanks for the compliment, Fiend Kaiser. Not like I can use undead armies like you."
"See, that was exactly my point," I said, sipping my tea once again.
Illias took a deep breath before looking at me again, "Thank you, Thalamik."
"Illias, in tomorrow's battle, you are my saving grace. No one knows how to cast a seal on a Demonic Core. Carmilla won't be there tomorrow, as clarified in her letter that she sent to us. But she did pass on her newly developed spell to seal the Demonic Cores towards you. And you already understood and can do the spell. So there's not a thing you should be worried about."
"It will be the others and my stage until the Demonic Core is exposed. Then, you are the protagonist. You are our only hope. And I trust you with my life." I said, rising from my seat and offering my hand to her.
Illias was startled by my gesture.
"So will you help this talentless Kaiser? Help him defeat a Demon Lord Envoy?" I said, offering her a handshake.
She smiled softly before rising from her seat and shaking my hand. "I won't disappoint you, Fiend Kaiser."
"Also, please forgive me about the movie..."
"My~My~ I have forgiven you since ages ago..." Illias said.
As we both get back to the safehouse.
I saw it once again, a Black Moth flying near me.
Instinctively, I couldn't help but smile.