Meanwhile, back at the outskirts of the Aethelian border, just a few kilometers away from where Aron's group had made its camp, a large grey mist shrouded a good chunk of the woodland.
It was incredibly dense and impossible to see through with the naked eye. But at its center, a small but sizable visible space was present. It was at that space that Aron was teaching Jagu and Jin.
Pa!~
The mist suddenly shook with incredible intensity as Jagu's figure appeared from it, flying through the air before colliding violently with a tree.
"Argh…" he grunted in pain and looked forward with a frown, soon a tall silhouette emerged in the mist, soon revealing itself to be Aron as he walked out casually, looking at Jagu with contempt. "The key here isn't to overpower me Jagu, it's to keep me busy. The moment you allow yourself to take a few direct hits is the moment you die, you cannot afford such a mistake when fighting with a Koliean intent on killing you."
As Aron was saying this, his ears twitched ever so slightly as he moved his gaze to the corner of his eye, where another silhouette whizzed past him at an immense speed.
"Jin is doing his part fine. Moving at that speed whilst maintaining his mist illusion arts would make it incredibly difficult for any Koliean to keep up or target him. Let's stop here for now."
Hearing Aron's words, Jin's figure soon emerged from the mist, his forehead covered in sweat. "I can see why you'd think this plan can work but my body won't be able to keep it up for long in an actual battle."
With their short attempt at practicing Aron's plan, the trio was able to immediately see where it was lacking.
In theory it was possible yes, but practically… a lot of problems arose. The biggest was perhaps Jagu's lack of coordination and quick decision making skills.
His role in the plan involved him needing to draw the attention of the attacker or attackers, invading their attacks and waiting for openings created through Jin's distraction.
However, Jagu was slow in making decisions and his instincts often made him try to take some attacks head on, confident in the toughness of his body.
This was something Aron soon realized he couldn't overcome in a short span of time. Why? Because it was a habit of his race, forged from generations of evolution.
It was only when he thought about it now that it made sense. Given his people had developed in a territory where many of their foes were physically lesser to them, they instinctively fought more directly, even without armor.
Habits or traits developed through evolution were tough to overcome, with some appearing as natural as breathing.
In Aron for example, he had an innately domineering personality, as did most if not all Kolieans.
The second problem came in the form of Jin's stamina. Although he could execute his role quite well, he was let down by his own physical limits.
Looking at him, Aron could also see it wasn't an aspect they would be able to deal with in a short span of time.
Humans naturally had limits to how physically capable they could become. Jin was already an impressive case, similar to Juliet as they both possessed monstrous talent for their race.
Sadly, his limits weren't something that could be delt with easily. Similar to Aron who had his entire body undergo a forced metamorphosis, Jin would need to experience the same.
But since humans didn't evolve physically like Kolieans or Komi during their lifetimes, it could only be done artificially… something Aron lacked experience and resources for, hence unwilling to risk.
"You're right, at most you two would only be able to deal with three to four Kolieans, and they need to be at the same or lower tier as you. This can't work for a large attack." Aron unhesitatingly revealed his plan could not work, finding no shame in it.
Before, he was dealing with beings he could defeat in battle even if his plans didn't work, but now that he was back in Limbo, he began to face the obstacles that any native of Limbo would face… surviving against or bearing foes stronger and sometimes smarter than oneself.
Aron heaved a sigh, but the knowledge he bore was immense, so such a small setback could not stop him.
Argo's library, although only a small drop of knowledge in an otherwise expansive ocean of unknown, it was enough.
The key being, deduction. Using what he had, to the fullest.
"We'll need to incorporate other elements if this is to work." Aron added, making both Jin and Jagu curious.
"Like what? The formation you used on the southern Komi? That only works if the Kolieans we fight aren't flying, and as you said, some definitely will be." Jin wiped the sweat off his brows and began to contribute to the plan, feeling somewhat moved by Aron's stance even in dire circumstances.
Confidence in a leader was always a big boost to morale and this situation was no different. Rather than show agitation or worry, Aron simply accepted the faults in his plan and moved on to covering for them.
Jin's guess was actually correct and Aron nodded. "Yes for one. But given that can only work once so it will need to count taking out as many Kolieans as possible. But there's more we can do. Poisonous projectiles for those in flight, luring them to runed traps, isolating one or more of their senses and shifting their targets. I'm sure of it now, this plan will work."
Aron eyes glinted with resolve as he pictured the ideal scenario in his mind. Even if their forces were incredibly outmatched, he was confident they could cause enough damage to stop an attack on the aethelian settlement should it occur.
Seeing his increased confidence, Jin and Jagu's doubts dwindled and their faith in him rose.
"Let's go back," having reached a new conclusion, Aron no longer saw the need to dwell at their positions. "We now need to map out the land, capture some birds, harvest venom and or poisonous vegetation and lastly, convince the Aethelians that an attack may be coming."
Normally not one to reveal his plans, Aron didn't see the need to shroud them at this point.
He and his group were in similar circumstances, if he fails, they fail. Like it or not, some twisted degree of necessary trust was forming.
Aside from that, he wanted both Jagu and Jin to grow more knowledgeable about combat strategy.
And following this interaction, they were becoming more involved. As they walked, Jin took the initiative to contribute.
"We can appeal to Mirai or Sharla, they could back out claims and make it easier to get support from the Aethelians, common enemy and all."
Aron nodded at the suggestion but, "that could have only worked if Mirai still held the position she did before in Pesia. As you saw, the voices of the Aethelians are Lufair and Solair, as I told Rose, we will need one of them to make this work. But you're right, Mirai may still possess some degree of power over those she came with from Pesia, so next time we visit, approach and warn her but do not tell her of the plan."
Seeing this contribution from Jin, Jagu also felt the need to add on. And shockingly enough, his suggestion proved to be perhaps the best.
"Why not let me capture live beasts and birds, then you can use your runes on them?" Although it lacked detail, Jagu's casual suggestion brought alone to a wonderful realization.
"Right… the same way the Rorthik placed runes on those birds and used them for scouting. We can do the same, except our runes, would cause disaster. The only problem would be controlling that many creatures with enough skill… Rose." Not needing to think further on it, the plan was already getting stronger.
After a short walk, the trio arrived back at their camp, where they were met with an unexpected sight.
Rose stood near the trail they had used to come from the Aethelian settlement and in front of her stood a nervous looking Sharla.
Seeing Aron and the others arrive, Rose looked over toward them and explained.
"She says she has a message for you Aron, from Solair." Rose quickly revealed and looked poised to walk away.
Aron nodded and looked at Jagu and Jin. "Go ahead and update Rose on the changes in the situation."
Jin and Jagu both nodded before walking past Sharla without exchanging any words. Despite their short time working together in Pesia, no casual relationship was formed.
With others moving away, Aron gestured Sharla over. "We can talk a bit further away for privacy."
Sharla was inwardly very wary of Aron but she maintained a strong front on the surface and followed him as they began to walk away from the camp.
After walking some distance from the camp, a worried Sharla took the initiative to speak. "Isn't this far enough?"
Aron paused his steps and looked down at Sharla, his presence naturally intimidating. "It is, what message did your Queen candidate wish to give me."
Sharla disliked the look of contempt Aron often gave, making her feel as if she were inferior. Regardless of her emotions, she put them aside for the sake Solair's own plans.
"She asked me to warn you, she believes sire Lufair is plotting against you due to his hate for your race. She is willing to help but only in exchange for a favor as well."
Aron was inwardly already smiling, already aware of where this was going. "Is that so? And what favor would she require?"
"Support in ascending to Queen."
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