A battlefield is chaos.
It is a wide layout of destruction. And as such, it requires capable soldiers spread out in the canvas of carnage in order for it to be called a battle.
Different brigades are led by competent leaders, and they handle various battle positions while properly sticking to the established formation.
Every role is important, and is required to remain firm—from the vanguard, to the flanks, to rear defenses and support—else, failure is certain.
That is the nature of war.
*********
"We won't be together? For real?" Justin's voice echoed among the students as he raised his brows and voice in shock.
"You didn't know that? I figured it out pretty early."
Eric sighed as he flexed his glasses. To him, all of this was just common sense. Anyone could see why the Otherworlders couldn't just be one elite force when the front lines had various areas that required attention.
Plus, Otherworlders weren't invincible as well.
The Dragons were a lot, and they were just nine. In order to win, just like they learned in the Dungeon, they required a functional strategy.
"Ehh? You already knew, Eric?" Justin asked with widened eyes.
"Yeah. It was obvious."
"I sort of figured it out too."
"Yeah… me too."
It turned out most of the Otherworlders had at least an inkling of suspicion about the nature of their dispatchment. This had to be because they thought very critically about the battlefield and what they would be doing there.
And , well, thinking wasn't Justin's strongest suit.
"In any case, everyone, let's get back to topic." Adonis drew the attention of the students back to himself, and he folded his arms as he looked at them seriously.
"If we take on this mission, we can use the last days preparing for the battlefield rather than just having fun and getting rusty. I understand the temptation to take a break, especially after all we've been through. I also understand if anyone wants to remain in the Royal Estate, but… I really think this is a good opportunity for us."
The fact that Adonis emphasized this point made it all the more curious.
"We'll register as Adventurers and join different Parties. Our identities as Otherworlders from the Capital will also be kept a secret. If some found out about it, it could lead to some unsavory results."
Not all Adventurers had forgotten the past. In fact, it was safe to say that most still clung to it, and would never respect any established government.
In that vein, it was of utmost pertinence—as important as it was to succeed in the Conquest—to keep the deal a secret.
"So, who's in?"
The Otherworlders looked at each other, one by one, trying to gauge on another's response.
Unlike in the past, this choice had no major consequence. Even though some chose to remain back, some could still go for the mission. In the same vein, everyone could choose to accept or reject the mission.
For a moment, tense silence pervaded everywhere.
The students seemed to be waiting for something—or at least, someone—to break the inevitable decorum.
Then—
"I… I am in."
—The voice of someone from behind echoed, causing everyone to look in his direction.
It was Rey Skylar.
"I don't want to be left behind. The EXP and experience everyone will gain in the Conquest will be lost to me if I don't go. To better myself and not be a burden, I would like to participate."
Once he gave his reasons and shared his resolve, there wasn't much silence after that.
"I'll go too."
"Me too!"
"Count me in!"
"Hehehe! This should be fun."
"I'm supposed to be resting, but okay… why not?"
One after the other, the Otherworlders accepted. Alicia, Belle, Billy, Justin, Eric, Clark, Trisha, Adonis, and Rey; all of them unanimously agreed to the challenge.
Conrad and Vida watched this sight with even more relief in their hearts.
Seeing how Adonis always managed to succinctly explain the situation, and convince everyone to follow him… these two adults couldn't help but be envious.
The Hero had everyone's trust.
It was a wonderful sight to see, regardless.
*********
'What an interesting development…' Rey smiled internally.
He had been planning on visiting the Adventurer City one way or the other during the break since he planned on getting stronger before the deployment, but he never imagined such a unique opportunity would pop up.
Of course, this wasn't the first time he was hearing the news. That would be moments ago, when Adonis and the Royal Council called for him about a pertinent issue.
He had left a Communication Device that they could use to contact him in their possession, so he got their call and headed there immediately.
'To think things would turn out this way…'
*******
[Moments Earlier]
"So… how bad is it?"
Ralyks sat opposite the trio, having only an elaborate table to separate their equally prestigious and comfortable sofas.
His question remained in the air for a few moments before receiving an answer.
"The situation isn't too bad yet, but it is projected to become uncontrollable. The Grand Calamity Class Dungeon itself isn't the issue, but the Adventurers. About a hundred have already ventured in, based on what we last heard, and there has been no word from them."
As Conrad spoke, his face became crestfallen.
"Adonis suggested we deploy the students as backup, but we would like to get your input—as the one who observed them throughout the Raid. Do you think they're ready to take on such a challenge?"
Ralyks chuckled almost instantly once the question was posed to him. His arms were folded, but his body shook gently as he stifled his laughter.
"Such a needless question." He replied, his tone still containing hints of amusement. "All nine of them exceed even the most powerful Adventurer."
Adonis smiled and nodded, a spark in his eyes. It seemed he was in agreement with all that Ralyks said.
"I can guarantee it."