Lightning Is the Only Way

"We'll assault the land," Gravis said to Shira. "Do you already have a plan in mind?"

Gravis wasn't sure, but he thought that he saw Shira smirk.

"This is not the first time I've been part of something like this," she said. "I know how these raids go, and generally, they go horribly."

"How come?" Gravis asked. He already had some answers in mind, but he wanted to be sure. Shira had first-hand experience in these things.

"Adaptation and strategy," Shira answered. "We are not adapted to fight on land. Additionally, the common strategy is a war of attrition. We just send beasts into the enemy until either they die, or we die."

Gravis nodded. "That's indeed a stupid strategy. What's your idea of a better one?"

"Using the Water Makers," Shira answered. "Water Makers are beasts with an affinity with earth. They are very rare, but their skills are invaluable. After the war ends, they can lower the ground and distribute it over a wider area. Because of that, the lowered ground gets flooded with water."

Shira knew that Gravis wasn't from here. So, she had explained the concept of a Water Maker to him. Gravis was a bit surprised about the Water Makers' affinity. By the name, he had expected that they had an affinity with water, not earth. Yet, the explanation of Shira made sense.

"But that isn't so simple, right?" Gravis asked.

"Yes. Water Makers are rare and, therefore, valuable. Sending them in while we're still fighting is putting them at risk. That's why they generally only come after the fighting is finished."

Gravis nodded. "And I guess the beasts on land have beasts that can do the same, correct?"

"Of course," Shira answered. "Additionally, beasts with an affinity for earth are more numerous on land. They create high walls and mountains to make it harder for us to fight. In general, the land dwellers don't do invasions but counterattacks."

take another territory by attacking. Yet, this forces them to survive the defense.

easy," Shira said. "There are fewer beasts on our level among

furrowed his brows. "But isn't the continent in the center of the world and also bigger?

beasts knew about the greater layout of the world. The fact that Gravis knew about this, but not about the concept of Water Makers or

Natural Essence. This means that we have more beasts on our level and about the same number of Lords. The difference comes into play at the

also assume that the more powerful Lords and Kings aren't interested in territories this far

as an opportunity to increase the power of their followers. After all, when we

into thought again. He remembered the map that his father had shown him of the world. There was a stretch of ocean that even touched the center of the world.

beasts to reclaim that part of the ocean. Yet, they didn't. This could only mean one thing. There was at least one very powerful beast able to resist the land

do you plan to use

territories and defending them. The Water Makers will lower the land on these territories, giving us a stretch of water that enters deep into

better strategy, yes,

didn't like it when someone questioned her craftiness. "Which is?" she

issue is that they can attack our rear. Instead of attacking the stretch of water, they might go to the shore and attack the territory behind us. At that point, we would be stuck in

to refute Gravis' claim since she believed that her plan was perfect. Yet, she wasn't sure what she could do against such a counterattack. Sadly, her pride was in the

to become powerful, you need to remember that you

"Explain," she said icily.

life up to now. Would you say that the you from ten years ago is as

course not," Shira answered

will also think that

and fell into

down on the current you means that you still have room to grow. You pride yourself in your intellect, but there are beasts just as intelligent as you that have the

immediately convinced. Doing that felt like lowering herself to the level of common,