Second World

"Yes," David answered. "Aside from Palgrost, the guild members of the State of Galhana were most active in Liguritudum. From our investigation, they were also very active in joining the war summon quest on Liguritudum's rebel prince's side. So, I dare to presume that guild and World Maker were longtime partners."

"I assume that guild is like yours? One that is filled with soldiers?" Kill Order asked David.

"Mostly," David replied. "Most of the ones in that guild were his soldiers in the past world and mercenaries he used to associate with. But unlike the Dogs of War or Jackal Crews, Sizhad doesn't truly place high requirements in terms of discipline. He accepts any ruffian and scumbag as long as they are experienced in killing and are willing to listen to his commands."

"At any rate, we have to assume that the Vice President Boron would be working together with Liguritudum," John said. "Which placed Thelgrun's force at a serious disadvantage in number."

"Liguritudum has 3,500,000 troops in total, aided with Boron's 1,200,000 troops against Thelgrun's 2,600,000 troops. It's a no-brainer," Nomodem remarked.

"If Thelgrun plays defense in his capital, there is still a chance for him to resist the enemies for some time," Armstrong said.

"What do you think?" Jack asked John.

"I say Thelgrun best chance is to play defense until our reinforcement arrives," John answered. "That, or his brother changes his mind. Do you want to try that miracle?"

"No, I know nothing of this Boron fellow, and someone who pictures himself as the mad dictator was influencing him by the side. I doubt I'm allowed anywhere near."

"Good. It will be suicide if you say you want to try that," John said.

"I can't believe Liguritudum schemed so many attacks even before their army crossed the border," Jeanny remarked. "The incident in Themisphere and Verremor's border, Boron's rebellion, even the previous serial murders in Hydrurond. They are weakening the enemies as much as possible before they bare their fangs."

"Well, as much as I don't want to admit it. In terms of political strategy, I'm not my mo… the enemy's chief strategist's equal," John said. "But in field tactic, I beat her three out of four war simulations. That, of course, if our two forces were equal enough."

"Well, considering your field expertise, if you think defense is Palgrost's best chance at the moment, I'll believe you," Jack said. "I'll send a message informing Thelgrun about it while telling him our reinforcement is coming. How many troops can we muster to go into Palgrost?"

"We currently have 3,170,000 troops in total," Arther answered. "But more than ten percent are recruits who are still low levels, while around twenty-five percent of the army have never been to war before. Sending these rookies for an overseas war is rather pushing it. So, we have around 2,300,000 veteran troops that are good to be mobilized."

"However, we can't send all of them on a campaign to Palgrost," Thaergood said. "Verremor might be friendly now, but I understand not all its tribes agree to the current peace. Not to mention we still border Sangrod and Hydrurond where Aurebor's army is on standby. We can't leave our country to be defended just by rookies."

"What do you think?" Jack asked John.

"I say if our army is to make a difference in Palgrost, we need to mobilize all those veteran troops," John said. "But I think I can do something with at least 1,500,000 troops."

"Okay, then that's how many we are to rally for this campaign," Jack said. "Arther, I appoint you as the main general for this campaign. Meryl will join as your second-in-command. Emris will stay back and protect Themisphere."

"I'm honored, Your Majesty," Arther responded.

"I will send your orders to the other Lord Marshalls," Armstrong said.

"How long do you think this rally will take?" Jack asked Armstrong.

"I will have them rally near our border facing Sangrod. It might take four to five days until they all gather."

Jack wished it didn't need to take so long, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn't pay the teleportation fees for all the soldiers.

"In the meantime, we and our guild members will go to Palgrost and join the war summon quest there and help with the defense," Jeanny said.

"We will go but half of my guild members will be focusing on another task," Steelhand uttered.

"What task?" Jeanny asked.

"This kingdom faction quest David mentioned, we have members who are kingdom faction members in Palgrost. Some of them had a kingdom faction quest named Preventing a Rebellion. I didn't pay much attention to this before but after hearing about what is happening in Palgrost, I've sent a message to these members. They just replied. They said after the rebellion happened, the quest's name changed to Weakening the Rebellion. I think this quest might help us deal with Boron's force."

"That's good," John said. "Go there and ask about this quest in detail. If you need help completing it, we can arrange for our guild members to help."

"If you work on that quest, I'm pretty sure it will put you on a collision course with the State of Galhana," David said. "My guildmates and I will go with you to help in case they give you trouble."

"That will be appreciated," Steelhand said.

"As for the others, you will teleport to Palgrost's capital, Balgadur," John said. "Send me reports on the real situation there. In the meantime, I will study Palgrost's map and work out a strategy once our army arrives. Peniel, you stay with me tonight."

"Huh? Why?" Peniel asked.

"The map our kingdom has doesn't have many details. I have Hope's knowledge, but the images from his knowledge are somewhat hazy, I need you to help me clarify the actual terrain. Plus, I want to confirm the monster distribution in the Jagara region. I want to make sure my knowledge matches yours so I can map the safest path for our army to pass the Jagara region, just in case Sangrod doesn't allow our army to enter their territory. The Jagara region is home to draconic monsters. It will be a waste of time and manpower if we get harassed by these monsters while on the move."

"Okay," Peniel said.

"I will send a message to President Thelgrun about you," Jack said to Jeanny. "I will ask him to grant you an audience so we can better coordinate."

"Okay, everyone has their assignment," John said. "Do not disappoint me, folks. This is the time for you all to prove your worth to me."

Everyone gave him a side-eye.

"That should've been my line," Jack said.

"Are you going to say something like that?" John asked.

"No."

"That's why I said it on your behalf."

Jack didn't have the energy to debate with John. He hadn't slept for almost two days. He needed to use the throne to send diplomatic messages before resting. After they spoke for a little more bit, everyone dispersed. Jack, John, and Thaergood went to the throne room where Jack used the Diplomacy function to send a message to President Thelgrun and Emperor Marcus.

He also used the Monarch system to create a military campaign. He spent 300,000 gold coins to mobilize the 1,500,000 troops for the campaign to Palgrost. He also paid 150,000 gold coins for the materials to build a supply line as the army marched. Each week, 50,000 gold coins would be deducted from the kingdom coffer to maintain the supplies going through this supply line.

Jack also requested permission to establish an embassy in Verremor, which was later approved. He spent another 100,000 gold coins on this matter. With the embassy, he could have quick communication with Grand Chief Kabaka.

If they hadn't built the World Commerce Center, Jack wouldn't have had the coins to do all this.