Ultimate Level 1
Chapter 503: Battle Plans

Max couldn’t help but admire the woman who continued to stare at him.

Out of everyone in the room, General Kim was the only one who didn’t seem to think his plan was crazy.

“Adventurer Hoste… you realize this plan requires you to defeat an army by yourself.”

Nodding at the older woman, he didn’t avert his gaze from her grey eyes.

“General Kim, only a third of the army as I already mentioned. Anyone near me will be caught in the chaos of the battle and die to something none of them can withstand. You understand there isn’t any other option.”

Max pointed at the latest intel that they had received.

A large table with a lifelike model of the city and countryside was in the center of the massive room. Almost fifty people gathered, his party, Everett, and Dexic with him. Molly and Macy stood nearby, each queen having spoken only briefly at the start.

Four other Faction leaders had come, the rest choosing to remain neutral .

“They have split their army, and we know that Savantus is leading the troops north of the city. With his wife to the east and his other daughter to the west, this battle can only be fought one way.”

Having moved as he spoke, Max stood where pieces representing the Elven king and more than the expected 10,000 elvish soldiers were gathered.

“If your troops go out here, they would die regardless of if I was there or not,” he continued. “Besides, you know Savantus’s requirements for surrender.”

Everyone in the room went silent for a few seconds after those words.

“We will never hand him the throne,” Macy whispered. “For an–” She stopped talking, her eyes landing on Tanila who stood with the rest of his Faction, gold hair shining in the well-lit room. “For a Gilmenor to rule here would mean… Phaius would not be happy. Something akin to the records of what took place the last time a war was fought would spill out and I’m afraid every human would be wiped out.”

“If you were lucky,” Tanila replied. “Most likely, my sister would rule and what she would do to you all… would give grown men and women nightmares.”

When he realized both women were done talking, Max cleared his throat.

“Tanila and Dexic will take the army to the west. Fowl and Batrire will take the army to the east. Keep the bulk of the warriors behind them as far as possible and trust that the adventurers who are standing with you understand the weight of what we are doing.”

“Still… to know the Elven King has put his entire bloodline at risk…” General Kim said as she ran a hand through her silver hair, “Means there is only one option. Win or die.”

“Then we must win,” Fowl said as he stepped forward. “Each of us knows this man right here is willing to risk his life for everyone in this city. Now comes the moment we prove we are worthy of the title hero .”

“Wait, who said we’re heroes?” Cordellia teased, causing a few laughs to break the tense moment.

“I did,” their warrior replied. “Besides, we all know we’re out of time. We can keep standing here and talking about stuff that won't change or go out there and do what needs to be done.”

Batrire wrapped her arm around Fowls and smiled. “Spoken like a hero.”

Max let himself chuckle, then moved to General Kim and held out his hand.

She shook it and sighed.

“When Major Greyson told me about how much of a pain in the arse you are, I didn’t believe him. Go prove to Savantus just how big of one you can be.”

***

Slowly, Max pulled his lips away from Tanila’s, and both breathed heavily afterward.

“Be safe. Return to me,” he whispered.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Besides, Dexic has promised to take care of me,” she replied.

A grunt came from the golden warrior who was near them.

“Please, don’t bring me into this. We both know I’m nothing more than a bump in the road to the real problem,” Dexic stated. “Still, I’ll do whatever I must to keep her safe. She has a group of adventurers all dedicated to her.”

Max nodded and finally let go of Tanila.

“I know. Thank you again.”

A golden gauntlet waved off his words before pointing at the group of twelve adventurers from other factions, all waiting on them.

“It’s time. Not all of us are as fast as you,” Decix replied. “Besides… those clouds…”

Everyone looked up again at the clouds that had formed overnight.

Lightning occasionally crackled through them, and the sun they expected to shine was struggling to reveal itself from behind the curtain of darkness.

“Just means Tanila can summon lightning faster. Now go,” Max said as he turned to where Fowl, Batrire, and Cordellia were.

“Hey… don’t expect a kiss like that from me,” Fowl joked. “My lips can’t take anymore.”

Cordellia groaned and yet a small smile appeared.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” Max asked as he looked over the other adventurers who would support these three.

“Ockrim loves me,” their warrior replied. “He’s given me the skills I need, a woman who loves me and a brother so ugly no one else would claim him. Of course, I’m okay.”

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Max embraced his friend without missing a beat, lifting the dwarven warrior off his feet before setting him back on the ground.

“Bah, I hate when you do that,” Fowl muttered. “Still… you going to be okay?”

“I am. Besides, you lucked out and got Aerthen. She’s anxious to help you.”

“Anxious to eat him,” Batrire said. “He’s right, though, Max. You heard what Tanila said… or what she could say.”

Nodding, he came and hugged his healer.

“I know… keep him alive. I need his horrible jokes.”

Batrire managed only a grunt before sniffing a few times and nodding.

When he turned to Cordellia, she had already moved, wrapping her arms around him.

“I got them,” she whispered. “No matter what, I’ll protect them both.”

Giving her a gentle squeeze, Max nodded and smiled as their ranger pulled back from the embrace.

“I don’t expect anything less. Just remember, Sylvandra won’t be an easy fight. Save your mana.”

The bow he had made her appeared in Cordellia’s hand.

“No worries. I’ve got a few charges saved up for her.”

“Then go. Be safe you three.”

Each gave a quick nod before turning and moving to the group waiting a dozen yards away.

“You’ve grown so much,” Everett said as he approached Max. “Gone is the young boy who stood in my office just a year ago. Now before me stands a man and a hero.”

“I’m not okay with that title,” Max replied, seeing the wet eyes his Faction leader had. “Besides, we both know I owe a lot to Tanila for making me who I am.”

Everett laughed and nodded.

“The right partner can make anyone a better person. Now then, tell me what you need.”

Letting out the breath he had held back, Max banished the smile he had been wearing for the last few minutes.

“My family, keep them safe. No matter what happens.”

“Already taken care of. Though your sister is as stubborn as you, they are already out of the city. They would be taken across the great waters if something were to happen. But tell me, Max… can you–”

“I don’t know,” he replied, cutting Everett off. “I won't hold back but if Dagon taught me one thing, it’s that a true King or Queen is different from anyone I’ve ever faced. As much as I’d love to go against Dagon again and see if I could win, there’s no time for that. Don’t worry, though. I won’t hold back.”

Slowly Everett nodded, his lips pressed tight against each other.

“Thank you again for getting all the items you did for my team,” Max said as he held out his hand. “And thank you for trusting me as you have.”

A sigh came from Everett as he grabbed Max’s hand and yanked it.

The action did nothing but propel the older man to where he stood, and letting out a laugh, Max gave him a quick one-arm hug before stepping back.

“Be safe, Adventurer Seth Pendal… ” Everett said with a wink.

“I will. Now then, if you’ll excuse me. I need to go pick a fight with the Elven King.”

Without waiting for a reply, Max leaped into the air and flew north from the center of town.

***

The reports were close. I see about ten thousand on my side and Aerthen says she sees about the same. Thank you for trusting me with Tanila.

We both know you’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Besides, it’s time for you to make a name for yourself apart from me.

A small sensation of laughter came through their bond, and Max couldn’t help but smile. He knew that Rakonath didn’t care about that at all.

Yes, they shall soon sing songs about the silver dragon who saved the human capital from the evil elven empire. Perhaps you can do enough to earn a few lines in my story.

Smiling, Max hovered about a hundred yards above the city's outskirts, staring at the farms along the northern road. His eyes could detect movement far away as a large army trampled the crops growing beneath their feet.

I can sense some hesitation… Are you certain you will be fine?

Attempting to calm himself, Max struggled with the different desires that wanted to take over.

The bloodlust was back as the thought of so many to kill stood before him.

Never in his life had he imagined a reason he would ever need to end someone's life.

Adventuring had quickly taught him that moments would arise and require it.

So many memories of the elves who had tried to kill him flooded his mind, sharing space with the bandits that had attempted to strike him down while he relieved himself.

A smile grew as he remembered those moments.

The power he had gained from them had been monumental in his growth.

Each time it had stoked a fire inside him and made the fight against Bob’s hunger harder to resist.

Yet staring out over the approaching army, Max couldn’t help but wonder what might come from this moment.

How many lives must I end today? You know me… You know what I fear.

No reply came for a few moments and finally Rakonath replied.

I do know you, Max. You are the kindest and strongest individual I have ever met. Most wouldn’t risk this moment, choosing instead to flee to the other kingdom or across the waters.

You choose to fight this battle for many reasons, the greatest one being that you cannot stand watching others suffer. While that reason has gotten you in trouble, no matter what happens today, I know you will return to Tanila. She and your child are the anchors that keep you grounded.

Taking a deep breath, Max slowly let it out.

I will have to find a way to repay your Father someday for allowing us to bond. No matter what happens, know that you are more to me than just some dragon. You are part of my family as well.

I know. Now then, it is time. A horn has sounded from the other side and these clouds are growing darker. Whatever is going to happen will start soon.

Glancing up at the growing storm above him, Max moved closer to the army that could be easily heard, whose steps echoed across the fields.

Horns were blowing and banners fluttered in the wind.

Emblazoned upon them was an image he had often wondered about.

A gold tree stood on some while the outline of golden drops of blood was on others.

With a good mile between them, Max’s eyes searched to find the one he was looking for.

Like a beacon on a hill, the glowing hair stood out from the rest of the army.

Oh Bob how I wish you were here…

Max flew toward the army with that last thought, ready to deliver a message and pick a fight.

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