The newly fortified command center was a hive of nervous activity, shielded by Arthur's vast magical barrier.
Shion stood like an unmoving marble statue beside the unconscious slime, while Shuna monitored the magical communication lines.
Arthur sat at the strategy table, his eyes closed, mentally linked to the front lines.
A sharp, strained telepathic pulse cut through Arthur's concentration—a direct emergency channel from Benimaru.
"Arthur-sama! The Orcs are here. They've bypassed the eastern marsh where the Lizardmen were supposed to be positioned. Gabil's stupidity caused confusion, and now they are assaulting our center formation in overwhelming numbers!"
Arthur opened his eyes, a flicker of cold intensity in their depths.
"Give me a damage report, Benimaru. Where is the Orc Lord?"
"We are holding for now, but losses are heavy on the flanks. The Orc Lord is not visible, but their individual Orcs are displaying the ability to regenerate and fight past fatal wounds! They are feeding on our fallen! We're being consumed, Arthur-sama!"
The Orcs were already utilizing the unique skill Starved, making simple attrition warfare impossible.
As Arthur processed the dire information, the two Oni women watched him—not with fear, but with fascination.
Their powerful, warrior instincts recognized the immense power of the Dragon, and their female sensibilities were intrigued by this strong, handsome male figure who commanded the entire war.
Their attention was drawn to him far more than to the genderless slime that was currently their sovereign.
Shion broke the silence, her voice smooth and deep, completely ignoring the unconscious Rimuru for the moment.
"Arthur-sama,"
Shion began, her violet eyes assessing him.
"Your aura is immense, yet you are not a god, but a warrior like us. To command such power, you must have faced countless battles. A male so strong... it is a rarity even among the ancient monster races."
Shuna chimed in, leaning over the strategy map Arthur had drawn, her tone respectful yet bold.
"Indeed. Rimuru-sama is our Queen, but to see such strength in a male figure... it is a comfort to us, Arthur-sama. You carry the full weight of this war, protecting our defenseless leader. Will you fight? Your strength alone could crush this army."
Arthur sighed, rubbing his temple.
He understood their traditional monster mindset—strength in a male was a point of deep interest and trust.
It was an ingrained instinct that superseded their initial loyalty to the slime.
"My role is not to crush the army, but to ensure this nation learns to win,"
Arthur explained, his voice measured.
"I am here to protect the idea of this nation, which means protecting Rimuru and ensuring her subjects rise to the challenge. If I destroy their enemy for them, their loyalty will be to my strength, not to her leadership."
Shion crossed her arms, a hint of admiration in her expression.
"A powerful Dragon showing such restraint. It is a new kind of strength. When Rimuru-sama awakens, she will be most fortunate to have such a resolute and powerful mate."
Shuna quickly agreed, adding her own assessment.
"You possess a wisdom that surpasses even the greatest Chiefs. Please, tell us what to do. Benimaru is strong, but he needs your strategy to survive this."
Arthur fixed his gaze on Shuna, momentarily ignoring Shion's comment about him being a "mate."
"Benimaru needs to be informed that he cannot win through attrition,"
Arthur stated, tapping a point on the map.
"He is facing the unique skill Starved. If the Orcs consume enough fallen, even their fallen, their evolution will accelerate beyond his control. Shuna, your task is now twofold."
"Yes, Arthur-sama?"
Shuna replied, leaning closer, eager to be of use.
"First, use your magic to establish a secure, wide-range communication web. Benimaru must order his forces to incinerate every single fallen body on the field immediately—Orc, Goblin, or Lizardman. Nothing can be left for the Orcs to consume. Second, you must work with me to track the magical signature of the Orc Lord Geld. We need that intelligence for the end-game."
Shuna bowed low.
"It shall be done immediately, Arthur-sama. Your wisdom will save us."
Shion, still guarding Rimuru, gave a final, approving nod.
"Go, Shuna. And when you return, perhaps Arthur-sama will take a moment for a strong male's perspective on how best to utilize Shion in the defense."
Her implication was clear, and it had little to do with fighting.
Arthur merely sighed, returning his attention to the crisis.
"Focus on the map, Shion. Your turn for action will come soon enough."
The first strategic order is out: burn the bodies!
What is the immediate, crucial action or unexpected development that happens next on the front lines, requiring Arthur's further input?
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