A chorus of guffaws rang out within the meeting hall, shattering the deathly hush that had enveloped the gathering in response to my father's question. The source of the laughter was an average-height man with blue hair and eyes, situated towards the rear of the council with his two beautiful assistants, their appearances seemingly instrumental in their selection as his attendants.
His two assistants did not join in the laughter, appearing rather ashamed of him. Nonetheless, they dared not react, as he was their superior after all. It was only when he noticed the gazes of the commanders and the Emperor fixed upon him that he took notice of his surroundings. Clearing his throat, he spoke, "Commander Arkan, the advanced Aloki bested us all, so what could Commander Khato and my sister do alone against it? Don't you think your inquiry is merely a waste of time?" The Second Division Commander aimed a defiant look at my father.
"I comprehend your standpoint, Commander Timo, but a verification wouldn't hurt anyone, would it?" My father addressed the Second Division Commander in a composed, non-hostile tone.
"I concur with Commander Arkan, the appearance of that Aloki and the elimination of three division commanders demands thorough scrutiny, this obligation falls upon all remaining commanders." His tone conveyed a sense of reproach towards the Second Division Commander, who maintained a smile on his face without exhibiting any expressions of contrition.
"To address Commander Arkan's query, no, the advanced Aloki was not present at the battle that transpired yesterday, I comprehend your skepticism, given the ferocity of yesterday's assault, I harbored the same suspicions, contemplating the possibility that the advanced Aloki might be lying in wait for the opportune moment to ambush us again, like that day."
The Commander Khato finally responded to my father's question.
"Relief to hear that," my father noted before returning to his seat.
"I too have a question, Your Majesty."
"By all means, Commander Chestar, feel free to ask," the Emperor responded, addressing the only commander near him in age, I am uncertain whether the Emperor and the Commander of the Sixth Division are intimately acquainted, but his tone conveyed a graciousness that was missing when conversing with my father and the other commanders.
"I would like to inquire about the possibility of reinstating the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth divisions."
"Unfortunately, little progress has been made in that regard, as you are aware, those regions remain infested with Aloki, nevertheless, I assume you are already mindful of this, Commander Chestar, might you harbor any specific recommendations regarding this issue?"
"Truly, I do have a proposal, Your Majesty."
Beside Commander Chestar, sat a youthful male who mirrored his commander's gaze in Miura's direction, concern washes over me for her, another person fixated their eyes upon her, I can only wonder what life is like for her in that division, Chestar prodded the young man, jolting him from his trance and prompting him to salute the Emperor.
"Who is your young assistant, Commander Chestar?" The Emperor queried, appearing puzzled. He appeared to be unaware of his friend's intentions.
"Your Majesty, this is my assistant Lefor, I petition your indulgence to elevate him to the rank of division commander."
Though I am not well-versed in military matters, I sensed the unease pervades in the air, signifying that something is awry, all gazes fixated upon Commander Chestar, who remains seemingly unperturbed.
"Your Majesty, I am aware that appointing a commander at random might appear rash, yet Commander Bera thrived and revived the Eighth Division after the unfortunate demise of my dearest comrade, Commander Senmu."
When her name was invoked, I observed her elbows shudder, Although I had been bored during the gathering, I could sense a sense of anticipation building within me, indicating that an interesting incident was imminent.
"Commander Chestar, my sister has proven herself deserving of a commanding position over the past years and did not emerge out of nowhere, unlike your youthful assistant," a voice from the back chimed in and interrupted the discussion, it was the Commander of the Second Division, Timo, once more expressing his objection and giving the impression that his only purpose here was to express dissent.
Perhaps you are unaware, Commander Timo, of the reckless act your sister committed yesterday, she attempted to send me, the second strongest individual in her division, back home once the battle concluded, moreover, I question the validity of your praise, coming as her brother and inherently biased.
"I comprehend your perspective, Commander Timo, yet if we position these young people at the vanguard, they would convey the notion that humanity has birthed a fresh contingent of soldiers, and we can portray them and Commander Bera as the vanguard that shall restore what was lost."
Although he perceives me as a romantic rival and I desire to confront him, I agree with him, his approach seemed realistic, with this young leader acting as a figurehead until someone with more experience takes over.
"I agree with Commander Chestar New faces will boost public morale" a voice said.
This is the first time the individual has talked since entering the hall, a man who resembles an ordinary man and would draw little attention if spotted on the street, despite this, he is the most powerful human living, with the second strongest man nowhere near his level.
"I also nominate someone from my division to fill one of the vacant positions, Regrettably, I did not bring him with me today, but I can vouch for his suitability, Your Majesty," the first division Commander stated.
"I trust your judgment, Commander Freyr, the notion Commander Chestar proposed appears both sensible and necessary in these challenging times" The Emperor acknowledged.
Is it really that simple?! I anticipated some form of escalation, I glanced at Commander Timo, anticipating his objection, yet when our gazes intersected, he barked at me, "What are you staring at, smudged man?"
Seriously? Is your intent on provoking me, the second strongest man in the Eighth Division after your sister? You know I will be the individual she relies upon in future engagements, do you not? Would you prefer that I suddenly lose my ability to hear while she calls for me to rescue her on the battlefield someday?
Furthermore, you yourself acknowledged, I am a smudged man, that I can suddenly gain immense strength and surpass you in might- perhaps-, do you truly wish to be hostile towards me? Although I may abstain from attacking you within human territories, we are both soldiers, and you are aware that we often find ourselves in Aloki lands, away from the protection you relish here.
"I apologize, Commander Timo, I simply glanced, my apologies if my gaze caused you any trouble." It's essential to exhibit esteem, even if my sentiments differ.
"You should show gratitude that we permit you to exist and bestow the honor of sharing this hall with His Majesty, and now you dare to raise your gaze to me."
You turned your attention to me since you were unable to interact with the other commanders, now, Commander Timo, you are number one on my list of adversaries, right behind your sister. You will both regret saying anything that does not glorify me one day.
Do you believe I am truly content to share this room with you? I've been thoroughly bored ever since I learned of this meeting, I silently waited for two hours for the Emperor, I was also standing the entire time, as this city failed to contemplate the possibility of hosting a significant figure like myself, resulting in a lack of suitable seating for a robust giant like me, However, such negligence is unsurprising given your inherent weakness as mere humans.
"I don't see how you, Commander Arkan, can accept his existence, if my wife bore a kid like this, I would surely dispose of it without hesitation, or perhaps I would accuse her of marital infidelity in order to distance myself from any relation to this filthy offspring! Ha, ha, ha!..."