Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2645: 1456: Into the Depths of the Black Fog
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Once the two elite squads had steadied themselves, Leo Ray glanced to both sides, identifying the arrivals as the group commanded by Loris from the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and Sina from the Desert Alliance.
Within Loris's squad, Thomas, the elderly Susan, and the rest who joined the Shadow Market event showed little alteration, whereas Sina's companions had shifted entirely, now flanked by Lannis, head of the Catman Clan, a skilled female Fox People warrior, and a cactus-like humanoid specialist.
The Catman and Fox People were no strangers, yet Leo Ray was aware of the peculiar humanoid figure, truly hailing from the Desert Alliance's Desert Needle People.
Clearly, following the assault on Sina, numerous key powerhouses around her, such as the Masked Man, had endured heavy wounds or met their end.
“Desert Leader, you must take extra caution this time.”
Loris, clearly informed of Sina's troubles, displayed false worry on his leonine visage, taunting, “Should another trap spring, the Desert Alliance might find itself leaderless.”
“Rest assured, even in my folly, I won't allow just anyone to seize power and hand over the whole alliance.”
Well-versed in her rival's own woes, Sina refused to back down, lifting her chin defiantly to meet his gaze.
“You…”
At those words, Loris found himself at a loss for reply, and the normally loud old Susan could only hang her head in embarrassment, offering no counter.
Witnessing this exchange, Leo Ray offered a helpless grin.
True to form, the rival alliances nursed profound animosities, and despite their fragile truce, shedding the suspicion between them would demand considerable effort.
With that thought, Leo Ray coughed lightly and grinned, “Friends, such talk isn't fitting right now. Let's attend to the matter at hand.”
“His Majesty of the Humans speaks wisely; that vile Witch Demon demands swift justice, and we're burning to strike.”
Loris, eagerness lighting his lion-like features, declared with fervor, “This round, allow the Rainforest Fortress Alliance to charge ahead and crush those Witch Demons!”
“Of course, we're keen to lead the way too, ensuring the Desert Alliance doesn't fall short.”
Sina, loath to yield, added pointedly, “We've ventured far into foe territory already. Switching the front line now would spell disaster for us all.”
“Will you ever cease?”
Stung by Sina's subtle jab, Loris flashed his sharp teeth, though he soon drew them back.
Despite his fiery nature, Loris, as alliance chief, understood that infighting was unwise amid the perils lurking forward.
“Then let His Majesty of the Humans make the call.”
Having scored the advantage, she shot a look at Loris, chose to end on a high note, and turned to Leo Ray.
“We too defer to His Majesty of the Humans.”
Loris promptly agreed, stating his stance.
Beyond the two chiefs, Thomas, old Susan, Lannis, and the other alliance veterans voiced no dissent, all giving nods of approval.
By defusing a threat that might have doomed both alliances and spared the majority there from doom, Leo Ray had secured their true admiration.
Sensing the confident looks directed at him, Leo Ray harbored some doubt.
He realized the vanguard's duty extended beyond scouting to uncovering magical snares, responsibilities of critical weight.
In contrast, his personal prowess fell short, rendering the lead position a tough fit; picking one alliance to spearhead risked offending the other and sabotaging the fight ahead. The path forward was evident.
“All, remember the proverb: united efforts ease the burden. We'll pick top warriors and assemble the mightiest vanguard unit as one.”
Leo Ray voiced his idea, which swiftly won unanimous backing.
Soon after, a force of one hundred Tier 6 Experts got selected for the vanguard, crafting a compact yet powerhouse team of our finest talents.
Regarding the positioning of remaining troops, guided by Leo Ray, the group rapidly hammered out flawless plans, given that nearly everyone there were seasoned war tacticians, making it straightforward.
Moreover, the bulk of the alliances' forces stood stationed at frontiers bordering fellow second-tier forces, blocking any chance for the Witch Demon's supporters to slip through weaknesses.
A handful of Shadow Markets, directed by Leo Ray, covertly surveyed key spots, poised to enable rapid troop shifts for the alliances whenever needed.
“Just one issue lingers now.”
With affairs sorted, Leo Ray gave a subtle nod and announced, “Selecting the overall commander.”
“It has to be His Majesty of the Humans.”
Loris boomed with laughter, quick to affirm, “Had His Majesty not stepped in so boldly, the Rainforest Fortress Alliance would have turned into a haunted ruin ages ago, never reaching this point.”
“Yes, I concur—His Majesty of the Humans is the ideal pick.”
Sina bobbed her head vigorously in support, rescued by Leo Ray from the earth's depths, leaving her without qualms.
“Very well, I'll humbly take up the command.”
Leo Ray showed no reluctance, keen to embrace the duty.