Early in the morning, Arthur awoke to the sound of unusual commotion echoing through the palace.
Speaking to himself, his face etched with anticipation, he muttered, "What's happening this morning? Why all this chaos? Why is everyone moving as if an emergency has struck?"
As his consciousness fully returned, his father's words flashed through his mind like a spark: "Ah… Didn't he tell me there was an important meeting scheduled in a week? Could this be the reason? Have grave events occurred? Have the monsters appeared?… Damn it, they must have moved faster than I expected. What wretched timing."
Lost in his whirlwind of thoughts, the door burst open, and Leyla rushed in, panting: "How are you, my lord?"
Arthur replied calmly, though with a hint of caution: "I'm fine… Why are the soldiers so heavily deployed? Is there an emergency?"
Leyla's surprise was unmistakable: "Ah! So you don't know… That explains why you're not ready yet."
Arthur raised an eyebrow in confusion: "Ready for what?"
She answered quickly: "The emergency meeting your father told you about… It's been moved up to today due to grave developments. Your father is waiting for you in the military hall, and everyone is expecting you, my lord."
Arthur's tone turned decisive: "Very well. I'll change and join you shortly."
Leyla smiled and said, "Good. I'll wait for you."
---
Meanwhile, Vlad, Sebastian, Asta, Victoria, Elena, and Luna had gathered in the meeting hall, awaiting the final attendees.
Vlad, his voice tinged with irritation, glanced at Victoria and said, "Where is Arthur? Shouldn't he be the first to arrive for an emergency meeting like this?"
Victoria replied with calm confidence: "Not as you assume. Arthur wasn't aware the meeting had been moved up—he still thought it was a week away. That's why I sent my maid to inform his knight, so he could prepare quickly."
Vlad sighed. "I see… That's reassuring."
Suddenly, the voice of a knight guarding the door rang out: "Military Commander Morgan and his deputy, Ingris, have arrived, along with the Strategic Division."
Vlad gestured. "Let them in."
Morgan entered with steady yet heavy footsteps, the gait of a man long accustomed to war. Behind him followed his deputy and several officers. Morgan was one of the highest-ranking commanders in the Duchy of Dragonith, and none dared oppose his orders—save for Vlad, the family's patriarch. He was one of the Ten Pillars, the ten strongest human warriors who formed humanity's last shield against annihilation.
As for his deputy, Ingris—though not officially one of the Pillars—his skill and ferocity had earned him their respect. Many fighters considered him their equal, if not a rival to the strongest among them.
Every step Morgan took carried the weight of a bloody history, his legacy carved into the memories of those who had fought beside him.
He stopped before Vlad and saluted. Vlad returned the gesture with a nod and motioned for him to sit.
And so, everyone was present… except for one: Arthur.
Morgan and the leader of the Strategic Division, Esmouth—an analytical man—approached the main table with a large map in hand, preparing to present their plans.
Morgan spoke in a professional tone: "Shall we begin the meeting, my lord? Everyone is here."
Vlad's voice was firm: "Not yet… One person is still missing."
Morgan scanned the faces in the room before settling on Victoria. "It's good to see you well, my lady."
She smiled politely. "Likewise, Morgan. I'm glad to see you unharmed."
Morgan thought to himself: (It's good to see her composed… A woman like her, with her ferocity and cunning, could turn the tide of any battle. Her presence here is reassuring.)
Victoria was a warrior feared by enemies and allies alike. Even among the Ten Pillars, she was considered a force not to be underestimated.
Morgan asked, "Is the missing attendee Lord Fern? Or Lady Christina?"
Vlad shook his head. "No… You'll see soon enough."
Just as he finished speaking, the knight outside announced: "Lord Arthur has arrived."
A ripple of surprise passed between Morgan and Ingris. Who was this person referred to with such formality?
The door opened… and Arthur entered.
A moment of silence swept through the hall.
Morgan stared intently, his face betraying astonishment: (Is this the boy who was on death's door?! He was in a long coma, and now he stands before me like a phoenix reborn! His demeanor, his posture, his gaze… Everything has changed. He has been reborn.)
Ingris, meanwhile, smirked slyly and mused: (Even the biggest failure managed to rise? Haha… Wonderful, truly wonderful. This kind of surprise is what keeps life exciting.)
Ingris adored mystery and unpredictability. To him, challenge was the only spice that never spoiled.
As for Arthur, he studied Morgan briefly and thought: (This man… taller than Vlad, his body bearing the scars of countless battles. But beneath that imposing presence, I sense deceit… the same smile I've seen on many men before him. He may appear a noble warrior, but a serpent knows how to hide its fangs.)
Note: Arthur had regained all his past memories, including details of the people and events of this world, after awakening in the child's body.
Arthur spoke clearly, his tone confident: "My apologies for the delay… I hope I haven't held you up too long. You may begin now."
Vlad smiled. "No matter. The assembly is now complete."
He then turned to the strategic commander. "Begin the meeting."
The man nodded and unfurled the map on the table. "According to our latest reports, the monsters have launched fierce attacks on several villages in the dense forests. The speed of their assaults was terrifying, exploiting the terrain to their advantage."
"What's more alarming is that some of the monsters spoke. Yes… they spoke. This means they belong to the Talking Monsters category—the most intelligent and dangerous kind."
"Despite the violence of the attacks, no villages have been fully seized yet. The monsters attack and retreat. We don't know why, but this suggests someone is leading them with cunning strategy, avoiding direct clashes with the Duchy's knights and striking where defenses are weakest."
"The entire border has become a target. This isn't random chaos… It's the prelude to something greater."
A heavy silence filled the room as questions swirled in everyone's minds. But Arthur stepped forward and asked: "Which kingdoms border the Northern Duchy?"
The attendees looked at him in bewilderment, as if his question were out of place.
The strategist answered calmly: "The Northern Duchy shares borders with several kingdoms… To the south lie the Monster Kingdoms. To the east, it connects directly to the capital of Draxia."
Arthur's gaze lifted to the map, and a faint, inscrutable smile touched his lips…
He replied: "So, most of the neighboring kingdoms belong to monsters?"
Then, he pondered silently:
"Why do the monsters attack only to retreat without occupying any land? Isn't this a classic hit-and-run tactic? Attacking, withdrawing, then attacking again in the same pattern? This usually happens when one kingdom prepares for war with another, trying to avoid a strike from behind… Perhaps these attacks are just a diversion from the real war. But… Do monsters possess that level of intelligence and strategy? I doubt it. Or maybe… It's just speculation for now."
Vlad noticed Arthur's distraction and asked: "What's on your mind? You seem deep in thought. Have you noticed something?"
Arthur was caught off guard by the direct question and snapped out of his reverie. "No, nothing important."
Then, he thought to himself: "Of course, I won't tell him what I'm thinking. I don't want to be bombarded with questions when I'm not even sure of my own analysis."
At that moment, Asta spoke up: "Doesn't it seem like they're not planning a full-scale war? More like a war of attrition… or a ruse."
Morgan replied cautiously: "Yes, it's possible, but it's more complicated than it appears. I doubt their intentions are so straightforward."
Vlad added: "I agree with Morgan. I don't believe this is as simple as it seems."
Then, he turned to Victoria and asked: "What's your take? Don't you have a different perspective?"
Victoria answered with quiet confidence: "I'm no military expert, but from what I see… I don't think the monsters' true target is the Northern Duchy. There's something much bigger at play."
Her words were followed by a tense silence. Everyone realized that a full-scale monster invasion wasn't just a threat—it was a catastrophe. If they weren't prepared, they could lose everything in an instant.
Arthur was still staring at the map, his focus locked on the monster territories, when Ingris approached and asked: "What's caught your attention, Arthur? You seem deeply engrossed."
Arthur looked up and asked: "Are the neighboring Monster Kingdoms united? Or are they at odds?"
Vlad nodded gravely and turned to one of the strategists: "An important question. Go on, enlighten us."
The strategist replied: "In truth, the kingdoms bordering the Northern Duchy are not united. Recent reports indicate a major conflict between the Wolf and Cat tribes."
Arthur blinked in surprise. "Cats? Fighting wolves? Aren't cats far weaker compared to wolves?"
The room erupted in laughter. Vlad let out a boisterous chuckle and said: "Really? Do you know nothing about these two tribes? Haven't you studied their history?"
Arthur thought in dismay: (Damn it, my memories are still incomplete… No choice, I'll pretend I don't remember.)
He said softly: "My memory is still a bit hazy, so I didn't recall."
Victoria gave him a sympathetic look, as if saying, "I'm sorry, my son."
Vlad's tone softened slightly: "No matter, don't dwell on it. Your body is still recovering—take your time. Asta, explain the situation to him."
Asta smiled. "Of course."
Then, he began: "The Northern Wolf Tribe is a race of wolf-like humanoids. They walk on two legs, have muscular builds similar to ours, human-like eyes, but with prominent ears, sharp fangs, and tails. They're among the largest wolves on the continent, standing between two to two-and-a-half meters tall. Their primary strength lies in their ability to fully transform into wolf form, using spirit energy to enhance their power and speed."
"As for the Northern Cat Tribe, they share a similar structure but are smaller. Males range from 1.7 to 1.9 meters tall. However, they're incredibly fast, with razor-sharp claws, tactical intelligence, and remarkable courage. Never underestimate them. They also wield spirit energy, though they rarely use auras like the wolves, as it's not their primary combat style."
"These two tribes are historic enemies. It's rare for them to unite."
He then looked at Arthur. "Is that clear?"
Arthur's youthful face couldn't hide his excitement. His eyes sparkled, and his cheeks flushed with enthusiasm. Instead of fear, he looked like someone ready for a new adventure.
Asta grinned. "As expected from a formidable opponent."
Arthur replied eagerly: "Yes, I understand. And they sound truly fascinating… I hope to meet them soon."
Vlad laughed. "Hah! That's the spirit of a true warrior… Unafraid and unyielding."