The Kingdom of Rimuru was in a state of tense anticipation. Every corner of the bustling city reflected the quiet anxiety of its people, who worked tirelessly to fortify their home and prepare for the inevitable conflict with Galdros. Padrino Penduko watched from the balcony of his chamber, taking in the sight of blacksmiths hammering away at steel, soldiers training, and farmers stockpiling provisions. Even the refugees from Earlshide, now an integral part of Rimuru, had found roles to play in this new order. They all knew war was coming.
In the distance, storm clouds loomed ominously on the horizon, mirroring the threat that drew nearer with each passing day. Padrino's mind was full, but his focus was unwavering. This time, they would not merely hold the line—they would push back and strike Galdros where it hurt most.
His door creaked open, and Hinata entered. She had just returned from a series of diplomatic missions to the nearby territories, her face marked with the exhaustion of travel and negotiations. Still, there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Padrino," she greeted him softly. "The talks went well. We've secured alliances with the Kingdom of Arduin and the Duchy of Evermist. They're willing to send reinforcements and supplies, but it will take time for them to mobilize."
Padrino nodded, satisfied. "That's good news. Time, though, is something we're running short of. Did they mention any intelligence on Galdros' movements?"
Hinata's expression darkened. "Yes. Galdros has been recruiting mercenaries from the Northern Wastes, and rumors suggest they've hired dark sorcerers from the Broken Plains. We'll be facing more than just soldiers this time. Their king, Aldros, is determined to crush us in his next offensive."
Padrino frowned, the weight of this new information sinking in. Galdros wasn't just preparing for another battle—they were assembling an unstoppable force. The inclusion of dark sorcerers worried him most. Magic of that kind was forbidden in most kingdoms due to its corrupting influence, but Galdros clearly had no such moral reservations.
"Then we must act swiftly," Padrino said. "Marko's been gathering intelligence on their supply lines. If we can hit them hard enough, we might delay their offensive long enough for our allies to arrive."
Hinata crossed her arms, deep in thought. "Do you think it will be enough? Galdros has more resources than we do, and if their king is as ruthless as they say, he won't stop until we're ashes. We'll need more than just brute strength to overcome them."
"We will," Padrino replied, his voice steady but determined. "That's why we need to strike before they're ready. I want to cripple their war machine before it ever reaches our gates."
As if on cue, Marko entered the room, maps in hand and his mind already at work. He nodded to both Padrino and Hinata before unfurling the maps on the large table in the center of the room.
"We've got an opportunity," Marko said without preamble. "The majority of Galdros' supplies are being funneled through three key outposts to the east. If we can disrupt even one of these, it'll delay their march by weeks, maybe even months."
Padrino leaned over the table, studying the routes Marko had marked in red. "What kind of defenses are we looking at?"
"Moderate at best," Marko replied. "Their forces are spread thin as they consolidate their army. If we strike quickly, we could take them by surprise. I've already mobilized scouts to gather more information, but I'm confident we can pull this off."
Hinata raised an eyebrow. "But what about the dark sorcerers? We don't know what kind of magic they'll bring to bear on the battlefield. Attacking a supply line is one thing, but if they anticipate our moves and send reinforcements…"
"That's why we won't give them the chance," Padrino said, his voice firm. "This mission needs to be surgical. No drawn-out battles, no prolonged skirmishes. We strike, destroy the supplies, and vanish before they even know what hit them."
Marko nodded in agreement, his mind already planning the tactical details. "I'll handpick a small, elite force for the mission. Speed and precision are key."
"Good," Padrino said, turning to Hinata. "And while Marko handles that, we need to be prepared for the sorcerers. Can you gather our mages? We'll need every bit of magical power we can muster to counter whatever dark forces they've enlisted."
Hinata's eyes lit with determination. "I'll prepare them immediately. I'll also reinforce our magical defenses within the city, in case Galdros tries to attack with sorcery before we can counter their forces."
With their plans set into motion, the meeting concluded, leaving Padrino alone once more in his chamber. He gazed out at the storm again, the darkness creeping ever closer. This time, it wasn't just a battle of steel and blood—it would be a battle of magic, strategy, and resolve.
Later that night, as the preparations were well underway, Padrino found himself walking through the quiet streets of Rimuru. The people were tired, but there was a sense of unity and resilience in the air. They had survived this long, and now they were stronger than ever. He stopped at the gates of the city, looking out at the dark forests beyond. Somewhere out there, Galdros was preparing its forces, planning to snuff out everything he had built.
But Padrino would not let them win. His mind was set. For his people, for his kingdom, he would lead them through this storm.
And when the time came, he would meet Galdros head-on—not as the villager he once was, but as the emperor he had become.