Limes Temple is currently on alert because of the impending threat coming their way. Triteia and Haru were summoned to join the discussion with the Divine Lord Foeni.
These two have encountered the Shadows more frequently than anyone in the room. Their insights and expertise will be rendered useful to everyone.
On the other hand, the Limes Temple Guards have four divisions— North, South, East, and West. They are all well trained under Eu's specific instructions years prior.
They are the longest group who have trained under her, and even Jairu is confident with their capabilities. They are simply an elite among the elites.
Even the Divine Lord was impressed. He was staying in the temple and witnessed the guards' rigorous activities.
He didn't pay attention to it until then. He didn't really bother checking on their status and left Captain Jairu's better judgments.
Compared to his guards, he can say they are really exceptional. Their abilities have genuinely surpassed the standards.
He never really thought Eu could be so meticulous. He smiles as he remembers his Palace Guards received an intense beating from her.
He even thought of hiring her to put them on her training course one of these days. He wonders, how will his men take that? He is sure the temple guards didn't readily accept her propositions too.
Not long, the Divine Lord Foeni laid out his plans before them. The guards should hold their designated positions and protect their respective areas faithfully.
They need to cover as much ground as possible, and it doesn't matter if they stretch their forces way too thin. This is the plausible course of action if they are not aware of where they are going to strike.
Meanwhile, Eu hides her exhaustion from everyone as she listens to their discussion. She also needs to share her insights about what she learned, and contradict him.
"Forgive my objection, my Lord. Those locations don't hold any threat. I suggest you concentrate your forces here at the Southern Forest. We will have better chances if you are all there…" Eu suggested.
"The Southern Forest...? Do you mean their main forces are on that unlikely location...? " Jairu inquired.
"I'm afraid so. We already secured these parts. Lumina and I also put some countermeasures. I assure you, they won't be able to pass through here. We must not let them split up as well." Eu discloses.
Triteia quickly understood her words. Shadows can easily overwhelm them like what happened to Jairu. They should match their strength and numbers as much as they could.
Then again, how can Lumina and Eu take on such a task so easily?
How can they manage to overwhelm them?
Eu and Lumina already stopped two advancing forces on their way back. These gave them better chances of knowing how to handle the situation.
She wasn't able to come back sooner because of the incidents around the area. Eu also considers there are two opposing factions behind the attack.
They are making a diversion making it less possible for them to assume they would strike from an improbable location. That would be the Southern Forest.
Everyone is intently listening to her explanation as they view the map. Eu arranged the enemy's placements and their possible movements.
Meanwhile, everyone else is convinced they should also protect the temple and two other locations. Still, if she suggested the possibility, they have to reconsider the option.
"Fine. I am all ears. Let's go with your suggestion." the Divine Lord Foeni spoke as he urges her to speak.
Eu nods as she gives her instructions and the enemies movements, base on her findings.
She is convinced they wanted them to assume they are going to attack from the visible locations. This will blindside them and ignore their actual whereabouts.
Southern Forest is the farthest route towards the temple. The trees are dense, and it remains an unexplored terrain.
It was indeed a poor, more unlikely choice.
"If I may, young miss. Are you truly certain? If we concentrate our forces and they don't show up…" Someone raised his concerns.
Eu accepted his reasons. There are four known routes and the skies, yet she is suggesting an unlikely strategy.
"I understand your concern. Still, none of us would think they will strike from there. They have already scouted this place beforehand. Besides, Lumina already cleared the mountain pass. While I took care of the Western terrain…" Eu discloses.
He was shocked by her revelation, but he expects nothing from her. Eu is always very efficient in handling such matters.
"Do you plan to fight?" the Divine Lord asked and breaking his silence.
"No. I need to rest. I'll stay here. I'm tired..." Eu confessed.
"Then, I'll consider your suggestion. Still, I leave Jairu and your comrades back here. We can't leave the Temple unguarded," the Divine Lord told her.
"No, Triteia and Haru will be more helpful if they are with you. I suggest you bring them along. Gwyd is also here. We will be fine. Don't worry." Eu said and reassuring him
His face slightly twitched upon hearing the witch's name. Ravikanth decided to forgo his jealousy, and trust Eu better judgment.
"Very well. Please prepare yourselves. We will head out soon." he ordered the men before approaching Eu and said, "I'll escort you to your quarters."
Eu is looking at him quizzically.
"It's not necessary..." Eu refuted.
"I insist." Ravikanth replied.
She sighs and accepted his offer.
The Divine Lord noticed her haggard face and wanted to ensure she is well. They walked the empty hallways towards her room as they talk.
"You have been doing a lot lately. You have to rest..." Ravikanth told Eu.
"I am sorry, Brother Ravi. It is necessary..." Eu responded in a silent voice.
They continue to discuss random matters until they reach her quarters. Sadly, they have to part ways once again.
"We have to talk once I come back. I need to tell you something important..." Ravikanth said.
"Sure. I'll wait..." Eu responded and continues, "Brother Ravi, you have to save him..."
The Divine Lord knits his brows as he looks at her. He wasn't sure who she is referring to that he needs to save.
"Who...?" he asked quizzically.
"You'll see. You'll know when you see him..." Eu smiles as she enters the room and continues, "Take care and I'll see you when you get back..."
He heaves a heavy sigh as he shook his head. The girl obviously has planned out everything and seems already knew what will transpire.
Ravikanth decided to follow her nonetheless and heads back with everyone. He knew Eu always means well, after all.
The Divine Lord Foeni ordered fifteen guards and Captain Jairu to stay behind as a precaution. Even with Eu's insistence, he can't leave the Temple unguarded.
Not long, the Divine Lord Foeni, accompanied by Triteia and Haru, left the premises. The rest followed as soon as everyone has gotten their assignments.
Shadows are very tricky enemies, and they can't be defeated by reasonable means. They also have bizarre skills and abilities.
Everyone simply needs to be cautious at all times. They are very unconventional enemies.
Meanwhile, back in Eu's room, Gwyddien appears as soon as the Divine Lord said his goodbyes and left. Far from everyone's knowledge, she has another plan.
"Hey, Gwyd, why are you shaking? This is the reason why you trained so hard." Eu reminded him.
She saw him trembling as he always does when he is overwhelmed and nervous. How can't he?
That night, Eu discloses something will transpire at Limes Temple. She entrusts Gwyddien to handle everything on her behalf.
"Don't you think this is too soon? I just finished my lessons… How can you just leave me in charge?" Gwyddien asked hesitantly.
"You are not doubting me now, are you? Lead Lumina's team for me. I trust you." Eu pats his shoulder.
"I am scared..." Gwyd mumbled.
"This is the best time to find your courage." she looked at him as she smiles at him reassuringly. She continued, "Lumina is also there. She will protect you on my behalf."
He looks at the cuddly little creature on the table. He hasn't seen Lumina's true form as he starts doubting the cuddly little creature can actually do some damage.
Meanwhile, Lumina narrowed her eyes as her lips twitched, showing one of her sharp fangs. She had a very gentle face and graceful aura, but Lumina is undeniably a powerful Majestic Beast.
Gwyddien continued to refuse and argued with Eu. He is not convinced that he can handle the tasks to protect Limes Temple.
Besides, Eu already said the Temple doesn't need protection. Why is she insist on agreeing with her proposal?
Meanwhile, a sudden knock on the door disrupted their conversation. Captain Jairu just arrived to join them.
"I can't believe you always put me on such tight spot with the Divine Lord Foeni, Little Eu." Captain Jairu said.
He wipes off his sweat as he enters the room. Eu already informed him beforehand and requested his cooperation.
She knew the Divine Lord would order men to guard the Temple. Even with her insistence, it was still not logical to leave the temple unguarded.
That would leave Captain Jairu and his fifteen chosen men under her disposal. It will be enough to carry on with her plans.
"Thank you for always obliging to my demands. I truly owe you." Eu chuckles.
"You are not disclosing everything, right?" Gwyddien asked straightforwardly.
"You kept on asking the same question ever since we've met, Gwyd…" Eu responded.
True, she withheld one crucial detail from the Divine Lord. She knew that he would oppose her entire plan once he learned about it.
He needs to trust her.