"The purpose of today's court meeting, I believe, is something all of you already know."
King Ord sat tall upon the central throne in the grand hall, his powerful voice echoing off the marble pillars.
The giant flock of dark monster birds had attacked the capital last night, leaving large portions of the city in ruins and inflicting devastating losses.
If not for the brave soldiers who resisted—and the giant known by the codename Tiga—the capital might already have been wiped from the map.
"These creatures that attacked the capital are not the same as the one that struck Fuhuo City," one general said, comparing the two major assaults that had shaken the continent.
"They are not the same species of monster."
"This flock," Yuzare spoke up from her seat below the throne, "is called Zoiger. They first appeared in the ocean and attacked the Marine Guard. I didn't expect them to directly assault the capital next."
"They can be considered the vanguard released by the source of darkness," she continued calmly. "Explorers of both sea and land for that dark power."
After that, ministers and generals voiced their opinions one after another, analysing the Zoiger and debating strategies.
Following a long discussion, King Ord finally made his decision—
"To defend against the invasion of darkness, I hereby establish a special organization," he declared solemnly.
"This organization will possess the most advanced science and technology on the continent, the most elite warriors, and the richest reserves of resources."
As the king spoke, the air in the hall grew heavy with anticipation.
"Such an organization," one minister said, "will surely need a capable leader, Your Majesty."
At once, murmurs spread among the generals.
Everyone present was of high rank, veterans with strong influence. To command such an organization meant both immense responsibility and glory—every general in the room desired that position.
Invisible sparks of competition flashed in the air.
"The leader of this new organization," King Ord said suddenly, "shall be Princess Yuzare."
Silence fell instantly.
Every whisper and unspoken rivalry vanished in an instant as all eyes turned to the princess seated beneath the throne.
"I support Princess Yuzare as commander!"
"I'd drop to my knees right now if Princess Yuzare leads!"
"I agree completely—no one is more suited!"
"To be honest, I'd challenge anyone else, but if it's Princess Yuzare, I've got nothing to say!"
"Same here! Princess Yuzare's strength speaks for itself!"
Cheers and agreement filled the hall after a brief hush.
Indeed—no one could be more fitting.
Her combat ability surpassed every general present. Her knowledge of ancient texts and her understanding of the darkness far exceeded anyone else's.
And above all—she was the daughter of the king, the princess of the realm.
There was no second person in the world more qualified for this role.
(Except, perhaps, her father himself.)
"Yuzare, what do you say?"
Ord's eyes softened slightly. He knew well that choosing any general would cause discontent. But naming his daughter would unite them all, as he had just witnessed.
As expected of his daughter.
"In that case," Yuzare rose gracefully, "I will accept the position of commander."
Darkness had invaded their world—battle was inevitable. As the princess of the continent, if she would not stand on the frontlines, then who would?
Only by understanding darkness could one truly defeat it.
"Then, Yuzare," Ord said with a faint smile, "why don't you give this organization its name?"
"Yes, Father." Yuzare nodded and paused in thought.
An organization to resist darkness and protect the light of Earth…
She remembered the words of a certain someone—the man she met last night.
"The Earth Defence Force," she said at last. "Let's call it the Earth Defence Force."
"Very well." Ord nodded approvingly. "Then from this day forth, Yuzare, you are the commander of the Earth Defence Force."
"Understood, Father. I will not fail you!" Yuzare stood tall and bowed slightly, her voice firm and resolute.
"Father! I want to join the Earth Defence Force too!"
The king's third son, Prince Cain, stepped forward eagerly.
"Cain…" Ord looked at him for a moment before replying, "You're no longer a child. It's time for you to train in real battle."
"Ask your sister for permission—after all, she is now the commander."
"Sister!" Cain turned toward Yuzare, eyes full of excitement.
"Fine," Yuzare sighed softly, unable to resist his pleading expression. "You may join—but you must obey my orders and not act recklessly."
"I will! I'll follow everything you say, Sister!"
The young prince almost jumped with joy, drawing envious looks from the younger soldiers.
"Princess Yuzare, I request to join as well!"
"Me too, Princess Yuzare!"
"Commander! Please let me fight the darkness alongside you!"
"Commander, I love you!"
"Princess Yuzare, I've admired you for so long!"
A wave of eager voices filled the hall. Whether they were drawn by Yuzare's beauty or her strength, young warriors began volunteering one after another.
Some even blurted out confessions of love on the spot, making the usually stoic princess blush crimson.
Of course, the new organization needed elite members—but Yuzare herself would personally oversee the selection.
King Ord granted her full authority to choose the Earth Defence Force's founding members from among all generals and soldiers.
The rest was now up to her.
"Everyone, please be patient," Yuzare said, motioning for silence. "I will soon establish an entrance evaluation. Those who pass the test will officially become members of the Earth Defence Force."
Her clear voice steadied the hall.
Yet deep in her mind, the first person she thought of wasn't a soldier or general—it was him.
The mysterious man she had met just last night. The one who turned into that towering giant.
"If he could join the Earth Defence Force," she thought, "he would be an incredible asset."
The image of that man transforming into the giant flooded her thoughts again.
That was the power that could resist darkness—an unmatched power.
If the Earth Defence Force could wield such strength… then against the darkness, they would finally have the hope to fight back.