As Tatsuo's forces crossed the border into his county, a collective sigh of relief swept through the ranks. They were safe, for now. The open plains offered a tactical advantage, allowing them to observe the demons' movements and prepare for any potential attacks.
Tatsuo, however, remained vigilant. He understood that this reprieve was temporary. The demonic horde, though hesitant to cross the forest's edge, would not abandon their pursuit. He issued a series of rapid commands, his voice ringing with urgency.
"The female Hobgoblins," he instructed, addressing Jiasraal and Matriarch Moifsai, "will settle in the Hobgoblin Village. It will serve as a fortified refuge, a place where they can be protected and integrated into our society."
He then turned to his Hobgoblin warriors. "All Hobgoblin battalions," he commanded, "prepare for battle. Sharpen your weapons, reinforce your armor. We will face these demons, and we will vanquish them!"
He issued similar commands to his human forces, instructing them to fortify their defenses, replenish their supplies, and prepare for a prolonged siege. He also sent messengers to every town within his county, warning them of the impending demonic threat and instructing them to prepare for potential evacuation.
"We must be prepared for any eventuality," he declared, his voice echoing with resolve. "These demons are unlike anything we have faced before. We must be united, we must be strong."
He then instructed his men to summon all Clash Commanders and his advisor, Hui Cheng, for an emergency war council. "This is a matter of utmost urgency," he emphasized. "We must strategize, we must plan. We must be prepared for the coming storm."
He proceeded directly to the war room, accompanied by Rota and Kael. One by one, the Clash Commanders and Hui Cheng arrived, their expressions grave, their minds racing with questions. Valerius Blackrose, Reeldos Umbra, and Hui Cheng joined the gathering, their presence adding to the weight of the situation. Ragnar, still en route from the Elven town, was expected to arrive shortly.
Once the council was assembled, Tatsuo laid out the situation, his voice clear and concise. He described the demonic horde, their vast numbers, and their unsettling hesitation at the forest's edge. He outlined his plan for defense, emphasizing the need for unity and preparedness.
"We cannot face this threat alone," he declared, his gaze sweeping across the assembled commanders. "We must seek aid."
He then issued a series of commands, his voice firm and resolute. "Send letters," he instructed, "to my father, the Emperor. Inform him of the demonic threat. Request reinforcements, request his guidance."
"Send letters to my uncle, Grand Duke Shun of the Lion Flame Domain. He is a powerful ally, a seasoned warrior. We need his strength."
"And send a letter to my sister, Divine General Kabayashi Tsuru of the Yōgan Domain. She is a force to be reckoned with, a warrior of unparalleled skill. We need her aid."
"We must unite," he emphasized, "against this common enemy. We must stand together, or we will fall."
He knew that the coming battle would be a test of their strength, their resilience, and their unity. He was determined to protect his people, to defend his domain, and to vanquish the demonic threat that loomed on the horizon. He was determined to protect everyone.
Tatsuo, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation, decided to expedite the delivery of the letter to his father, the Emperor. He knew that time was of the essence, and waiting for conventional messengers would be too slow.
He retreated to his office, his expression grim, and activated his Skill: Dimension Gate. The air shimmered, and a portal opened, leading him to Harbor City, a bustling port town known for its swift and efficient maritime trade.
He sought out Mayor Musuke, a shrewd and pragmatic administrator, and presented him with the letter. "Mayor Musuke," he commanded, his voice urgent, "this letter must reach the Emperor as quickly as possible. I need you to send it via your fastest ship, with your most reliable messenger."
Mayor Musuke, recognizing the gravity of Tatsuo's request, nodded solemnly. "It shall be done, Your Highness," he assured him. "I will personally oversee its dispatch."
Tatsuo, satisfied with the mayor's assurance, activated his Dimension Gate once more, returning to Dragonsden City. The night that followed was restless, the looming threat of the demonic horde casting a long shadow over the city.
The next day, Emperor Hiro received Tatsuo's letter, his expression turning grave as he read the contents. He immediately summoned his most trusted advisors and generals for an emergency war council.
"My son is facing a demonic horde," he announced, his voice filled with concern. "Their numbers are vast, their intentions unknown. We must act swiftly."
He turned to his uncle, Grand Marshal Kasai Ryujin, a seasoned warrior with decades of experience. "Uncle," he commanded, "prepare a battalion of Wyvern Knights. We will provide aerial support to Tatsuo's forces. Ground troops will take too long, but Wyverns can reach Dragonsden County quickly."
"Also," he continued, "send a letter to my brother, King Kazan of the Massugo Domain. Inform him of the situation. Request that he send at least a platoon of Wyvern Knights to aid his nephew."
"And send letters to the Lion Flame Domain and the Yōgan Domain," he instructed. "Inform them of the demonic threat. Urge them to gather their forces and reinforce Tatsuo's army. We must stand united against this common enemy."
Emperor Hiro understood the gravity of the situation. A demonic horde of that size posed a significant threat, not just to Tatsuo's domain, but to the entire region. He knew that swift and decisive action was required to prevent the demonic forces from gaining a foothold. He knew that if they fall, the empire will fall. He will not let that happen.