An Extra’s POV

Tense silence filled the room.

It was clear that the natives of H'Trae heavily disliked Rey's plan, as well as his perspective on the matter at hand. Who could blame them? The experience that humanity had with the denizens of the South were far from pleasant. Besides, they already had a somewhat more preferable alternative in the form of a mutually beneficial alliance with the human nations scattered across the lands.

Yes, the might of the Giants and the Technology of the Dwarves would be far more preferable compared to their current options, but the risks associated with that were also worth considering.

The Royal Council currently didn't think they could take that chance.

"If I may offer some kind of compromise…" Ater slowly raised his hand, instantly quelling the silence in the hall.

All turned to look at his smiling demeanor, causing his grin to broaden further.

The eyes they used to look at him were less of skepticism, and more of nervous curiosity. After all, Ater was the one largely responsible for the damage control following the matter with Dagon, and also the restructure of the Capital.

He was already recognized as a brilliant individual, and it only added more accolades to Rey, since the latter was his master.

Hence, Ater's words could not be ignored.

"Why don't we send a small, elite team to offer an alliance to the Giants and Dragons—preferably Otherworlders. That way, the risk of loss is minimized, and chances of success are higher."

Unlike the humans of this world, the Otherworlders were incredibly powerful.

They were strong enough to fight Dragons—the strongest race in all of H'Trae. That meant, of course, they could hold their own against other races—Dwarves and Giants included.

"But we need the Otherworlders on the battlefie—"

soldiers you currently have at your disposal. Besides, I think it's important

he said this, Ater turned to the group of teenagers, a

do you

convince the Elves to join us, right? I

Following him was Belle.

"I agree!"

to outright abandon Rey's idea since they didn't have the firsthand knowledge of the Southern Natives like the people of

was only one who disagreed. "I think all of us should stick together. Splitting us into multiple groups will greatly reduce our potential… especially considering how we've been training together since we arrived

took Rey by surprise, but her words were

the teamwork in that?" Justin asked with a skeptical tone, but Alicia

am well aware of that, but I'd argue that there is still going to be a great deal of teamwork—especially relating to the formation that each squad employs. By sticking together, we'll be able to

people will die." Ater's

"...."

moment those chilling words echoed in the

needlessly die. Rather than sacrifice our warriors in a battle that is way above their capacity, is it not better to outsource and have others sacrifice themselves in

sounded coldhearted, but it was the most strategically sound

and we have enough strength to convince the Giants. Rey's plan holds the most merit, unless… you'd prefer the deaths of countless innocents whose demise could be easily prevented." Ater's eyes were narrowed on Alicia as he said those words, causing a bead of sweat

was his intention or not, everyone in the room was reminded of the sheer damage that her Divine Summon caused in the Capital… as well as how many lives were

Otherworlders to stick together was pointing towards

enough, Ater." Rey's voice echoed

heaviness it carried caused everything in the room to tremble. He slowly turned his head and glared at Ater, silent rage evident

Familiar witnessed this,

my words too far…" He mumbled, bowing his head very lowly at

just don't do

troubled expression she had told him that she hadn't stopped recoiling from the consequences of her actions. He knew her plan was to simply take out the Dragon Lord and herself, and the only reason she became so