Lyon POV:
I stood at the front of a large table. A map of District 1 took up most of the space on it as Isabelle finished sketching in the remaining details according to Margaret’s accurate description.
‘As expected of a doctor.’
I scanned the network of pathways, making mental notes in the event any unexpected situations occurred. The locations of the Pit and Range had both been circled clearly on the map.
The Pit was located quite close to District 2’s boundary, whereas the Range was on the outskirts of the inner part of District 1. They could be connected together with a diagonal line.
‘The Organization.’
I shifted my gaze to the main base of the Organization, which was situated further inside the inner ring. This was where the majority of the Watchers and Vices would be staying.
‘That leaves them...’
Finally, the Royal Guards. They were based deep inside the inner part of the district, and thanks to Margaret, we now knew of the existence of Shadow Guards. Past that, the Ruler would be waiting right in the middle—the heart of District 1.
“Let me address the biggest issue right away.”
Margaret tapped on the Pit while looking at the rest of the Senior Vices. Ven, Gunnar, Triste and Brunaulf were present, while Frida stayed with Holder. Isabelle crouched down beside the table, and Lissandra leaned her back against the wall.
“The moment you attack the Pit, it’ll trigger a chain reaction.”
She pointed to various points on the map as Isabelle quickly added new red dots at those locations.
“These are relay points: it’s how District 1 is able to stay ready at any given time. Information flows through these points every 5 minutes, so the window of opportunity is small.”
She gazed at everyone in the room, and I noticed a slight look of displeasure flicker across Frida's face.
“A decent number of Watchers are present at each point, rotating out once their shift has come to an end. In other words, even if you take out the Pit and the Range within 5 minutes, once one of the nearby relay points stops receiving information, it won’t take long before everyone is mobilized.”
Gunnar let go of Ven’s waist and leaned forward. He narrowed his eyes while examining the relay points.
“That’s simple enough. We just need to shut down each relay point every 5 minutes. What’s the problem?”
Margaret put her hand to her face and let out a frustrated sigh. I pondered for a while over Gunnar's suggestion, quickly noticing the flaws behind it.
“It’s not that simple, Gunnar. Look how many relay points there are and also... Hmm... How do we know which way they’re sending information? For example...”
Ven pointed to two points on the map roughly 5 minutes away from the Pit's location.
“Let’s call these two points: A and B. What if someone from A moves to B at certain intervals or on certain days, whereas other times B moves to A. Plus...”
Ven traced her finger to a relay point further away from the two she mentioned earlier.
“If we factor in a point C, then the combination increases significantly. Now take a look at the whole map again. This network of information is designed to function even if we remove several points from the equation.”
“Tch. Right. Depending on how they move, taking out A and B might be pointless because 5 minutes may have already elapsed since C heard from either A or B.”
I pondered for a while as Triste scratched the back of her head.
“Isabelle, can you connect the relay points?”
“Sure, Leader.”
Her pen flickered across the paper, gradually forming long straight lines that converged together to create a giant pentagram that covered the entirety of District 1.
“Another pentagram?”
My gaze shifted to Gia and Cirris, who had finally arrived.
“Another?”
I looked at Gia, whose heterochromatic eyes trembled with excitement.
“We saw the same thing before breaking into one of their secure locations to save Isabelle. The Ruler has a warped fascination with pentagrams.”
“Gia is correct.”
Margaret confirmed her words while Gia slowly walked towards me.
“You look like a true leader now. I take it you need my help?”
Gia’s fighting spirit burned as we locked eyes; she was clearly itching to spar with me. The corners of my mouth rose slightly in response.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“That’s right. I need your ability to get rid of that.”
I pointed to the relay points while Gia’s lips spread into a wide smile.
“Cirris, your thoughts?”
“I don’t see why not. We can take care of the smaller triangles, leaving the other side confused, cutting off all the relay points here, here and there should be enough to buy us some time.”
He pointed to several places on the map as Brunaulf raised his hand to the left side of his mask.
“I have a better idea. Gia and I will break in alone. I will then spread out my ability, which will be hidden by Gia's, at most of the relay points and once we're ready to move in, I’ll activate Distortion.”
“That’s not a bad idea at all.”
Gia complimented Brunaulf's insight while the others looked at him with impressed eyes. I pondered over his plan for a few moments.
“Distortion would blanket their entire network in darkness while also confusing their senses. In other words, it would be like our own version of Tengu's Breath.”
Everyone, apart from Brunaulf and Lissandra, turned their heads and stared at me in surprise.
“...Correct. I’m now able to cancel the effects on other targets, so we won’t be affected by the darkness.”
“W-woah...”
Triste's face went slightly red as she admired Brunaulf's growth.
“What if they have an ability to cancel that effect?”
We all glanced at Holder, who opened his eyes. It was a fair point that couldn’t be overlooked.
“They don’t. A database is kept of everyone’s abilities, updated each time someone breaks through to Shin. In addition to that, the vast majority of people do not have complex abilities like everyone in this room.”
Margaret stared at Holder as he smiled back in response. Frida's eyebrows twitched while I sensed something had definitely transpired between the two sides.
“If it’s like this, maybe we don’t need to move the whole Organization to win this war?”
Ven peered down at the map while Gunnar wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“That depends. They still have a huge numbers advantage. Gia, if Isabelle amplifies your ability, can you sneak hundreds of us inside?”
“It’s doable, but you won’t be hidden for long—probably only 30 seconds at best.”
In the past, it would have been impossible. That meant Gia had been actively training each day. 30 seconds was enough for us to reach the Organization. I planned to have the Watchers and Vices handle both the Pit and Range while the Senior Vices dealt with the Organization. As for the Royal Guards, only a small group of combatants would be coming along with me.
“Then here’s the plan. Once Gia and Brunaulf return, we all break inside and split into three groups. The Watchers and Vices will head to the Pit. Ven and Gunnar will be their for support while they transition to the Range. Sindel, Orga, Triste and Cirris will deal with the Organization, with support from Skorr's side arriving 5 minutes after the battle begins.”
I tapped on the centre of District 1.
“From there, Gia, Lissiandra, Brunaulf and a few others will join me to take on the Royal and Shadow Guards.”
They all nodded their heads, happy with how the plan sounded.
“Gia, will X show up?”
Her eyes lit up as soon as I mentioned his name, and she smiled fiercely.
“Of course. He probably has his own plans already in motion too, so if anything unexpected happens, it’ll be in our favour.”
I nodded my head before turning my attention back towards the map.
“I suppose you may actually be able to win this war in two days after all, Leader.”
Margaret smiled at me while I narrowed my eyes slightly before smiling back.
“Brunaulf, gather all of the Watchers and Vices in the main hall. Triste, head to District 3 and inform Sindel and Orga of the plan. Ven and Gunnar, go to District 2 and inform Skorr as well.”
“Yes, Leader!!”
They bowed their heads and quickly left the room.
“I should get back to work.”
Margaret bowed her head, leaving after them.
“Let us know when you’re ready to head out.”
Gia and Cirris dipped their heads while Isabelle bowed and left after them. Frida pushed the wheelchair to the door slowly and locked eyes with me. I nodded my head, understanding her concern as she smiled and left with Holder.
“I guess it’s just the two of us now... All alone in a room~”
Lissandra winked at me while I rolled my eyes and took a seat behind the desk.
“You didn’t want to add anything to the discussion earlier?”
“Nope. You’re the type of guy who likes to think a lot, and I like that.”
She tilted her head to the side, and her eyelashes fluttered. I felt my heartbeat thump as I quickly looked away.
“Let’s head to the main hall.”
***
I stood on top of the elevated platform. The Vices were lined up at the front, followed by the Watchers behind. Their numbers swelled well over the hundreds as they filled the wide hall to the brim.
“We greet the District Leader!!”
They bowed their heads in unison as their thunderous shout shook the entire building complex. My gaze swept over them, admiring the determination and passion that burned within their eyes.
“Thank you all for gathering here. Two days from now, we will set off towards District 1 in order to put an end to the corrupt Ruler of the South. We will be going to war.”
I watched some of them gulp as the reality of my words drew near. This wasn’t a game. District 1 would strike back with the intent to kill, not incapacitate.
“I won’t hide anything from you. Everyone here has someone important to them—loved ones, friends and family. War means sacrifice and sacrifice means loss.”
Some gritted their teeth while the eyebrows of others quivered lightly.
“If anyone here doesn’t wish to take part in this fight, you should leave now. No one here will hold it against you. The choice is yours to make.”
I heard muttering from several places among the Watchers as a few people shuffled their feet.
“Umm... Maybe we should stay here?...”
“Huh? For reals? The situation here is only this good because of the Leader in the first place. Where’d your spirit go, girl?”
“R-right... Just... Hmm... Yeah, I need to fight too.”
“Ah man... Tell my mum I love her if I don’t make it back, yeah?”
“No point in saying that to me. I’m going with you, mate.”
I waited for a few minutes as they conversed amongst themselves. In the end, everyone chose to stay, and the corners of my mouth rose in response.
“Are you all sure?”
I probed them again, not wanting anyone to have any regrets. Instead, my question had the opposite effect, lighting a fire in their eyes as they stared at me intensely.
“Yes, Leader!!”
I took a step forward, pleased with their resolve. It was just like Keo Yeboah said: this was true strength. The ability to rely and trust, to support and uplift, to believe in one another.
“Then I promise everyone here two things: none of you will die and we will win this war.”
My eyes flashed as I peered down at them from above. They raised their hands and roared, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The sound of victory spread out from the building complex, reaching other parts of the district.
“Use this remaining time to prepare yourselves. In two days, we move out!”
“Yes, District Leader!!”
Their shouts continued as the ends of my cloak fluttered gently. I gazed at Lissandra, who was leaning against the wall away from the others. She winked at me while parting her cupid-shaped lips slowly.
“You're. So. Cool.”
I watched her mouth each word inaudibly while feeling the blood rush to my cheeks as I quickly shifted my gaze back to the crowd. I turned around, revealing Isabelle's handiwork and clenched my fist.
‘Now there's only one more thing left to do.’