Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

What decision should they take?

Should they stay back and wait for the news, there is a high chance Sebastian's words might turn out to be true, and they will lose everything before Valerie gets forced to take charge on the battlefield.

However, if that happens, then humanity would lose several of its important warriors, and that would further damage their defenses when the Demon Lord would arise.

Austin knows that he would get stronger but it would be impossible to limit Astaroth within the other realm.

So this domain still needs their eight S-rank warriors who could protect the general masses when it would matter the most.

So what could be the way?

"She has to go there.

" Selner gave the answer—direct and concrete.

"Why do you say so?

" Austin asked, his demeanor clearly signifying that he was reluctant.

Selner told them, "I have gathered information and it seems they have prepared a massive army.

" Rhea gasped at that information, but it didn't stop Selner from adding, "The Parasite Chief is going for an all-out war.

"There was a question that arose in Rudolph's mind—how did she gather such information while being on this side?

However, this wasn't the time to doubt their resources.

"How large is that army?

" Austin asked, his voice clearly containing the weight of the matter.

Selner leaned back in the seat, and calmly told them, "Around five thousand demons.

"The room fell under a grave silence.

Even Sebastian showed a reaction that clearly expressed his shock and fret.

For context, about one thousand demons attacked the tournament venue, and more than a hundred students died, and the whole place was wrecked.

And here....

five thousand demons...

"Have you informed the Council?

" Austin asked, somehow still sounding calm even though inwardly, he was also quite shaken.

Selner heaved a sigh, "You think they would have let me roam freely if I had revealed such information?

"Revealing something so clearly about the demon realm would instantly make them wary of Selner.

After all, just like Rudolph, they would also think, 'How did she get such clear information?

'.

That's why, "I will let them know what they could expect through some indirect source.

"Turning her narrowed gaze towards Rhea and Rudolph she said, "But if someone gets to know that it was me who shared the news, I will find you two.

"A chill ran down their spines as they stiffened and instantly nodded.

Valerie soon asked, "....

those numbers cannot be tackled by just Ademerg's army.

All the S-ranks would need to engage.

"Generally, just like this time, regardless of the situation, the Council always keeps a few high-ranking soldiers within the Headquarters since they prioritize their safety.

However, if Selner was telling the truth, then keeping the three S-ranks as reserve or backup would be a bad decision.

"A war on this scale...

I am not sure if the Council could prepare for it in the time they have left.

" Sebastian voiced.

From what he heard from his young master, it appeared they only had fifteen or so days before the demonic army would cross the Sea of Separation.

"Will they strike all at once?

" Austin asked, a bit hopeful.

If that was the case then he surely could utilize Scar to launch another of that black orb attack and cease the lives of hundreds at once.

If he could decimate a huge number at the beginning, not only would it throw the enemy side into dismay, but it also would boost the confidence on their side.

And even though the Parasite Chief is a calamity-class monster, he was originally slaughtered by Valerie.

So, with the help of several S-ranks, the job would be done more easily.

However, "I doubt he would deploy all the soldiers at once.

The Parasite Chief is a military commander.

He might be a demon but he isn't the mindless worms you have faced until now.

He will split his army to force us to send our strong warriors in different directions.

"Her words only elevated their worries.

If that happens then the S-ranks would be forced to handle different stations.

And that would spread the forces.

'They have the numbers but we don't...

' If Austin remembers correctly, Ademerg only had three thousand soldiers in possession.

And the Council doesn't possess the numbers but rather the quality.

However, opposing forces would have demonic beasts that could slaughter hundreds at once.

So there is a high chance for the demon side to have the upper hand.

"The war hasn't even started yet I feel hopeless," Rudolph muttered aloud, expressing his honest thoughts.

It wasn't like he was being pessimistic; rather, it was more like he had given the conclusion after deep contemplation.

"So are you going to just sit there and feel hopeless?

" Selner asked, her eyes focused on Austin.

Everyone turned toward the blond Prince as he said, "Losing hope and just waiting for them to destroy my home never crossed my mind.

" Austin spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

Selner hummed, interested in what he would say.

Austin turned towards Selner and said, "You need to inform the Council and get me in contact with this mage named Charlotte.

"Selner's brows elevated, "That...

barrier user...

what do you have in mind?

"Austin started to speak about what he thought to force the enemy to lead in the same way Austin wanted them to.

Everyone listened intently, without having a single thought of speaking in between.

"...

and that's what I think would be enough to lure them where we want them to be.

"Selner hummed, "I am impressed.

If this really works, we will be able to erase a huge amount of their forces in no time.

"Austin nodded as he got up, "Then we should start preparing for the war?

"Rudolph and Rhea got up instantly, all charged up for the war.

But then suddenly, Selner appeared behind Valerie, startling everyone, and rested her hand on Valerie's shoulder.

"What...?

" Valerie tried to turn towards Selner but the grip was too strong to allow her to move.

"I will take her and prepare her for the war.

"Austin panicked, "B-But there are only fifteen days left.

Don't take her....

""You know time stops being a concern when I'm involved.

And we both know—she's still nowhere near her full potential.

"Austin parted his lips, wanting to argue but he couldn't say anything.

Just as she said, Valerie is not as strong as her canon counterpart.

That's why Valerie needs some training before the war.

It was because she never became heartbroken and was forced to walk on a path where she could have embraced death at any moment.

Valerie also understood the necessity of the training that's why she approached Austin.

Cupping his cheek, she softly said, "It's just about a few days...

""I know...

but still....

" They hadn't been away from each other for more than a day...

so this sudden separation made them anxious.

However, to prepare for the future they have to sacrifice their present.

In the end, he just drew closer to her and after cupping her cheeks, he rested his head against hers before whispering, "Take care.

I will be waiting for you.

"°°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.