Leaning heavily over the spread parchment maps, King Karui traced a weathered finger along the winding northern trade routes that connected the frost-bitten geography of the realm. The flickering arcane lantern cast long, jagged shadows across the safehouse walls.
"Given our current disadvantage, fighting our way through the capital's entire puppet garrison is suicidal," Karui stated gravely, his voice dry and authoritative. "My advice is to temporarily withdraw from the immediate perimeter of this city and head toward the neighboring Crystalis Kingdom. It borders Water Ice directly, separated only by a narrow mountain pass, and it remains outside the immediate radius of the puppet network's anchor."
Hegemon crossed his arms, his dark eyes fixed on the map. "Leaving the kingdom to regroup is a sound tactical retreat, but what about the citizens and soldiers trapped inside? If we simply run, the cult's control over this region solidifies."
From his bed across the room, Orobos stirred, pushing himself up onto his elbows despite the sharp wince that crossed his bandaged face. "You don't need to worry about the captured garrison and displaced townsfolk," Orobos rasped, his dark eyes flashing with cold resolve. "Many of the royal guards and citizens who resisted the initial purge weren't killed—they were secretly transferred and locked away inside the deep holding facilities of the Crystalis territory."
Orobos coughed lightly into a fist before continuing. "As a dual-titled sovereign who historically governed both regions under interconnected pacts, I know every secret holding ward between here and the border. I will volunteer to lead the vanguard and secure those captives ahead of your main advance."
Hegemon listened carefully, analyzing the tactical variables. "An advance strike to rescue the displaced prisoners is essential. It fractures the enemy's hostage leverage and creates immediate chaos in their rear lines."
Nodding in agreement, Hegemon quickly drafted a division of forces. "We cannot move as a single cohesive unit without drawing heavy surveillance. We must split our forces into two distinct tactical groups: two members will act as the distraction to draw the bulk of the puppet garrison away, while three infiltrate the central core."
Looking across the room, Hegemon pointed a finger. "Kenji and Orobos. You two will accompany King Karui to the border holding cells. Your overwhelming combat presence and Orobos's insider knowledge make the perfect diversionary strike."
Kenji grinned, resting his hand casually on the Holy Sword. "Sounds like a plan. I'll make sure the puppet guards are looking everywhere except where we want them to."
"That leaves the infiltration team," Lily noted quietly, her silver eyes glowing in the dim light.
"Correct," Hegemon confirmed. "Myself, Lily, and King Karui will take the covert route straight into the royal citadel. Since the central control core anchoring the entire puppet network is located deep beneath the sovereign throne room, our objective is absolute: neutralize the core, sever the mana broadcast, and liberate the remaining manipulated citizens and soldiers before the Western Cult can reinforce their position."