Korgon's army moved like a shadow across the northern plains, their banners slicing through the sky as the storm clouds gathered overhead. From the southern ridge of Rimuru, Padrino stood watching, feeling the weight of the impending clash settle heavily on his shoulders. His scouts had reported that Korgon's forces were advancing faster than expected, and the council had immediately begun final preparations for defense.
But the tension in Padrino's gut was not just about Korgon's overwhelming force. There was something more—something darker brewing on the horizon. He had trusted Hinata to sow the seeds of discord among the northern warlords, but she had yet to send word. His faith in her was strong, but in war, even the best-laid plans could go astray.
Asuna appeared at his side, her face calm but her eyes brimming with concern. "They're coming," she said softly, her gaze tracing the distant columns of soldiers. "But it feels too... simple. Something is missing."
"I feel it too," Padrino replied, his voice low. "Hinata should have sent word by now."
Marko, standing nearby, spoke up. "It's possible she's succeeded, but we haven't received the confirmation. Korgon is marching fast. We may still have the advantage if the northern alliances are fractured."
Padrino nodded, though his mind raced through the possibilities. If Hinata had failed, or worse, been discovered, they would be fighting a united northern force. But if she had succeeded, then there was a chance to strike at the heart of Korgon's weakness.
The Northern Warlord's Camp
The fires of the northern warlord's camp flickered in the cold wind as Dagmir sat silently, sharpening his blade. Across the fire from him, Thalos watched, his eyes betraying the same unease. The council of war had ended earlier, but the tension in the air had not dissipated. Korgon had taken the news of Hinata's movements as proof of betrayal, and his decision to march without hesitation had only heightened the sense of looming disaster.
"There's no way this ends well for any of us," Dagmir muttered, testing the edge of his sword with a thumb. "Korgon's acting like a cornered beast."
Thalos remained silent for a moment, his mind turning over the same thought. "I know," he said finally. "But if we don't act soon, we'll be caught in his madness."
A cold breeze swept through the camp, and Thalos pulled his cloak tighter around himself. He had known for weeks that Korgon's drive for domination would lead them all to ruin, but he hadn't expected it to come to this. Hinata's presence had stirred old fears in Korgon, and now the once-fractured warlords had united under his banner out of fear rather than loyalty. But fear was a fragile thing, easily broken.
"What do we do, then?" Dagmir asked, his voice low. "We can't openly defy him. Not now. Not with the army on the move."
"We don't defy him," Thalos replied, leaning forward, his voice a whisper. "We wait. Korgon is too focused on Rimuru—he won't see the knife coming from behind. If we strike at the right moment, we can take him down."
Dagmir met his gaze, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "And then what? We take control of the army? Fight Rimuru ourselves?"
Thalos shook his head. "No. We don't need to fight. If Korgon falls, the alliances will crumble. Each of us can return to our territories, pull our forces back, and let Padrino deal with the rest."
There was silence between them for a moment as the weight of the plan settled. It was a dangerous game, one that could easily backfire. But both knew that Korgon's leadership was unsustainable. The only path forward was one paved with treachery.
"We'll need a signal," Dagmir said quietly. "Something to tell the men when it's time to strike."
Thalos nodded. "I'll arrange it."
The Calm Before the Storm
Back in Rimuru, Padrino walked the streets of the fortified city, taking in the preparations. Soldiers moved in formation, their faces grim but determined. The citizens, those who had chosen to stay, had taken refuge in the underground bunkers, while the rest had fled south to safer territories. The city was ready for war, but that didn't ease the knot in Padrino's chest.
As he rounded a corner, he found himself face to face with Hinata. Her arrival was unexpected, and the sight of her brought both relief and a fresh wave of concern.
"You made it back," Padrino said, his voice tight with a mixture of surprise and worry.
Hinata nodded, her expression grave. "The situation in the north is... delicate. Korgon's forces are united, but it's a fragile alliance. Dagmir and Thalos are plotting against him. They plan to strike once Korgon is fully committed to the battle."
Padrino's mind raced. "Can we use this?"
"Yes," Hinata said. "But we'll need to time it perfectly. If we attack too early, it might force Korgon's hand and make him rally the warlords even tighter around him. If we wait too long, the betrayal could come too late to matter."
Padrino rubbed his forehead, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "What about Dagmir and Thalos? Can we trust them to follow through?"
Hinata's eyes hardened. "Trust? No. But they fear Korgon more than they fear us. And fear can be a powerful motivator."
Marko appeared at their side, his face set in a grim line. "The northern army is less than two days away. Whatever we're going to do, we need to do it soon."
Padrino nodded. The pieces were falling into place, but the margins for error were razor-thin. If Korgon sensed betrayal too soon, the entire plan would collapse. But if they waited too long, the battle could spiral out of control.
"We'll need to create a diversion," Padrino said, his voice firm. "Something to draw Korgon's focus while we maneuver. Marko, gather the elite units. I want them ready for a rapid strike."
Marko bowed. "Understood."
As he left to carry out the orders, Hinata placed a hand on Padrino's arm. "This is dangerous, Padrino. If Korgon catches wind of what we're planning…"
"He won't," Padrino interrupted, his voice steady. "He's too focused on me. And that's exactly what we'll use against him."
Hinata gave him a searching look before nodding. "Just be careful. We're playing with fire."
Padrino watched as she walked away, her words hanging heavy in the air. Fire, indeed. And if they weren't careful, they would all be consumed by it.
Korgon's March
The northern army pressed onward, the thunder of boots against the frozen earth filling the air. Korgon rode at the front, his massive warhorse kicking up clouds of dust with every step. His eyes burned with ambition, his mind fixed on the destruction of Rimuru.
But deep within the ranks of his army, hidden among the loyal soldiers, whispers of rebellion spread like wildfire. Dagmir and Thalos had already begun to set their plan in motion. Korgon would never see the blade coming, not until it was too late.
As the sun set on the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, the storm that had been brewing for so long was finally about to break. And when it did, only one side would emerge victorious.