SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

"WHAT?!"

The expressions of the Midas Emperor and the Dragon King morphed into that of shock when they heard Neron's absurd statement.

"W-what exactly are you implying? If what I heard is right, you're trying to…"

"Indeed. We will launch a well-coordinated and simultaneous assault on the various territories that Jared controls."

Once again, their faces displayed puzzlement. They appeared downright stupefied by Neron's logic.

"Are you stupid? What kind of dumb plan is that?"

Um, I actually made the plan. Hearing that these people were badmouthing my creation so much would have hurt my pride, but I completely understood where they were coming from.

It sounded insane to challenge the most powerful person in the world by splitting our forces to all the areas he controlled while leaving a less-than-desired number to face him.

'When cutting down a tree, you don't have to take down the branches first. When killing a person too, it's best to use the most efficient method to end their life.'

However, we weren't simply concerned about ending Evil Jared's life, or his rule. By the time one considered the various people who were under his control, it became easy to imagine many scenarios where they could be threatened if the situation was handled with care.

By spreading out and ensuring every territory was accounted for, we wouldn't need to worry about the fates of the innocents who would get dragged into the conflict.

'I'm sure Neron will explain the rationale perfectly well.' I smiled at our dear leader as we all watched him address the issue.

"Jared has major factories and bases stationed all over his Allied Nations. He has innocents working under him, and he controls their very lives. Our priority isn't merely to stop Jared, but to ensure their safety as well."

"But by focusing our attention on Jared and ending his reign, we can guarantee their security. Both goals aren't mutually exclusive!" Kuzon argued, as expected.

Just as Kido told me, he was really more interested in defeating Jared than anything else. I mean, my alternate self was a genocidal maniac, so I understood the hatred Kuzon hatred toward him.

"I understand your line of logic, but it is flawed. When two elephants battle, the grasses always end up being trampled. While I do not consider myself superior to anyone, our joint forces will end up being a powerful force that stands against Jared's forces. Ultimately, weaker groups and individuals will end up suffering the brunt of our assaults."

That was why damage control was important. Neron was hitting the nail on the head.

"By ensuring we cover Jared's entire territory, we can launch attacks on the several bases and strongholds of power. We will emancipate the people, then we will deliver righteous judgement on Jared's forces, leaving no chance for them to recover. There will be no chance of retaliation or any hostage situation. In one clean sweep, we will take care of all the problems—branches, stem and root."

There was a lot to discuss in terms of logistics and practicability, but this was just the basic overview of the plan.

"You… you may sound smart, but… " Kuzon's low tone interrupted the silence that accompanied Neron's calm presentation.

The frown on his face showed irritation and I could sense elements of animosity. As an absolute emperor used to having his way, he was most likely displeased by Neron's opposition to his selfish plan.

That said, though, there was one major flaw with all that Neron had said so far. Based on my predictions, Kuzon had most likely spotted it.

'He's going to use that to try to resist Neron's proposal.'

"You claim this and then say that. Yet what do you have to show for it? At the end of the day, all the things you spouted are just idealistic. Jared's army far out scales anything we can produce!"

Kuzon was mostly right. The plan was idealistic.

"Do you understand how much land we'll need to cover? Have you considered transportation? Or the total resources we'll need for the potential expenses?"

Once again, Kuzon hammered on the plan's impracticability.

"You lead a little bunch of people, so I don't expect you to understand. Leading an entire Empire is far different from the image you're painting. The fact that we're up against the combined forces of nations shows just how large the scale of this conflict is. Don't get in over your head!"

Perhaps he was right. Were we too arrogant in our plan by assuming that we could take such a route and still end up victorious?

There was a lot to consider and the requirements that we needed in order to fulfil the conditions of victory seemed too impossible.

"We should just go with my—"

"No. It is indeed possible." Neron's voice interrupted Kuzon's, a smile plastered on the former's face.

My grin widened upon hearing his response.

'That's right…' My thoughts trailed. 'With Magic, anything is possible.'

"Based on the calculations we have made, we need over 5 million members in our forces in order to stand a chance against Jared and his forces." Neron began. "To guarantee overwhelming victory and the safety of those we want to protect, we are raising the number to 6 million."

"Can you hear yourself?" Kuzon instantly scoffed in response. "The Midas Forces, in addition to the Magic Beasts barely exceed the one million mark. While you lot are certainly formidable, your numbers leave very little to be desired. Even if we were to draft citizens and choose to squeeze in the most capable of soldiers, we'd hardly reach the two million mark."

What Kuzon had just stated were brute facts. I was stunned to hear the number they had in their forces. Looking at Neron, he was stunned as well.

"I thought they'd be way less, but it seems we will have no problems, after all." He smiled, provoking even more puzzled reactions from the dumbfounded duo.

"Can you even listen to the drivel you are uttering? Are you mad?!"

"I'm perfectly sane, I assure you." Neron stepped forward, oozing confidence. "My confidence simply stems from the fact that there appears to be no need for concern."

"W-what…?"

Kuzon and Z'ark seemed to think Neron was retarded. Considering the fact that all of us Outers looked completely unfazed by Neron's words must have made them conclude that we were all nutjobs.

But was that actually the case?

"We currently possess five million forces at our disposal. The problem was that additional one million, which, fortunately, you possess."

Silence followed Neron's assertion, and I could sense the disbelief—no, utter bafflement—that grew thick in the hall.

'Too bad they don't know of my pocket dimension and the number of constructs I have inside.'

"From Automatons to Golems… We have an ample supply of soldiers. We only ask for your cooperation in supplying the rest."

Surely, Kuzon and Z'ark were smart enough to realize the implication of our offer… and our claims.

'Not only can the Outgroup infiltrate the Midas Empire at any time, but we also have an army that's more than twice the amount that they can ever manage to muster.'

Unless they were complete idiots, the only answer they could give was a resounding YES.

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[A/N]

Jared carries this whole team. Lol.

Here's the link.