John was standing with Lord Commander Armstrong and Duchess Isabelle near the command tent. In front of him was a war table. Above it was a 3D projection. It was similar to the guild army command platform. But instead of the guild army, this projection showed the kingdom's army.
He could give commands to the kingdom's army via this war table, but not as detailed as the case with the guild army. Kingdom's army was composed of natives who had better free wills compared to the guild army who mostly act like puppets that carried out every command unafraid of death.
Even so, he was very happy about this war table. The number of the kingdom's army in his command was not comparable to a guild army. He was like a child who had been presented with a better toy. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to play with this toy. At least for another two more days.
Jeanny was also there with him. She brought a large number of guild members to assist the siege. If a war broke, she could summon their guild army.
Only members from Everlasting Heavenly Legends were here. The kingdom didn't announce this as a formal war, so no war summon quest was issued. Everlasting Heavenly Legends received the summon via guild quest due to the guild's status as Themisphere's national guild.
"Jack is on his way," Jeanny said. She had been in contact with Jack.
John nodded. "I kinda wish he doesn't. Though I doubt he can do anything, the guy tends to defy expectations. If he truly creates a miracle here, then there will be no war. If there is no war, I don't get to use this war table."
"Is that so important to you? Preserving lives is more important," Jeanny reprimanded.
John shrugged. "The guild will also not receive any reward if the war is canceled," John said.
"If he can quell the rebels without inciting a war, I don't mind getting no reward," Jeanny said.
"You two are real do-gooders," John sighed. He then noticed something on the radar of his God-eye monocle. "Speaking of the devil."
He saw a green dot approaching at a high speed. He turned in that direction.
Not long after, he saw the red speck in the sky, which revealed itself as a fiery winged horse when it got near.
Paytowin, who was among the players, whistled after seeing the new nightmare. He had heard about it but hadn't witnessed it directly. The flight speed of Jack's nightmare was even faster than his Pegasus.
Jack landed in front of the command post. Lord Commander led by issuing a salute. The rest of the soldiers saluted in unison.
Jack looked at the city they were sieging before unsummoning Pandora. He then approached the war table.
"So, what are you going to do?" John asked.
"The army is ready to move at your command, Your Majesty," Armstrong uttered.
Jack nodded. He gave each of the people there a glance before saying, "I will need you all to back off at least one kilometer."
"What?" Armstrong was unable to understand the command.
"Are we doing tricks here? You know tricks are supposed to be my department, don't you?" John said.
"No. No tricks," Jack said. "I'm going to challenge Arther to a one-on-one battle."
"What? Are you insane?" John asked. "That's your plan? Defeating the enemy's commander in single combat?"
"Well, it's not exactly one-on-one," Jack corrected. "I will still summon Therras. It is considered one of my skills, so I guess it should be okay."
"Your Majesty, Arther is not someone who can be faced alone," Armstrong said.
"The lord commander is right. You do know Arther is ten levels higher than you," John said. He just checked Jack's level from the guild member page. He thought somehow Jack's level had gone so high that he dared to challenge the lord marshall. Turn out Jack was still ten levels lower.
"I know you can fight a mythical grade opponent already, but to fight one ten levels higher, that's a bit pushing it. You will be lucky to survive, much less win."
'Nine levels,' Jack thought. He was actually level 71 before using the level-down pill, but he was not going to fuss about that. Not like one level made much of a difference.
"Don't worry. I'll manage," Jack said.
"I don't see the benefit of you doing this," John continued. "Even let's say you somehow win, I don't think the army inside that city will just drop down and surrender."
Jack looked back at the city for a while before turning back to face John. "They just might," Jack said.
John saw the resolution in Jack's eyes. He knew then there was nothing he said that could change Jack's mind.
"Let's believe in him," Jeanny said to John.
John shook his head. "Whatever. He is the king, anyway."
He then used the war table to give the army Jack's instructions. They started retreating slowly. The enemies who watched them from Themelot's wall were confused about their intention.
After issuing the command, John signaled for the soldiers to move the war table. The war table wasn't something that could be shrunk down like the guild army command platform. It gave the army a tactical advantage due to the fast relay of commands but it had to be moved manually or by carriage.
Only the king or the Royal Advisor could issue the usage of this war table in the field. Hence, it was not present during the previous wars. One country could only have one such war table. If it was destroyed, it could be reforged but will take at least one month.
"Are Your Majesty sure about this?" Duchess Isabelle asked. She didn't feel comfortable leaving the king to fight such a high-level enemy.
"Trust me," Jack said.
Isabelle could also see the determination in Jack's eyes. She let out a long sigh and said, "If I see Your Majesty in danger. I will rush over."
"Um… I think I will be in danger, but I prefer it if you don't interfere. Don't worry, I will be fine," Jack smiled.
Isabelle couldn't bring herself to believe Jack's words, but she somehow felt assured by that smile. There was a certain confidence in the king that made her want to believe the impossible.
Isabelle nodded reluctantly. She then floated back following the army.
"You bring the thing, don't you?" Jack asked Jeanny.
"For a consumable, this potion takes a lot of mana cores to copy. Don't expect another bottle anytime soon. I need the mana cores for many other things," Jeanny said as she handed the item Jack asked for.
It was the Divine Might Potion Jack had gotten from Thelgrun. Jack proceeded to drink the potion.
"I see. That's why you dare to challenge him," John said after seeing the potion. "But I think it will still be a difficult fight."
"If it's easy, everyone can do it," Jack replied after finishing drinking the potion.
"In that case, I hope this will help as well," Jeanny said and gave Jack the gold seed he had copied. "I still have other things planned for you, but I don't have enough mana cores yet."
"It's okay. This will help as well," Jack said and received the gold seed.
He used the gold seed on his Call Wolf Pack skill, evolving it into Call Golden Wolf Pack. Peniel mentioned that this seed generally gave light or earth elements if used on offensive skills and gave defensive properties when used on other types of skills.
Jack's wolves were good at intercepting due to their speed, but they died too easily. This should increase their survivability.
"Good luck!" Jeanny said to Jack and followed the others.
John just gave Jack a stare without saying anything. He then walked away.
Jack let the army retreat until the distance he requested. He then faced the city and walked toward it. Everyone on the city wall was flabbergasted seeing Jack come to them alone.
"ARTHEEERRR…!!!" Jack shouted. He incorporated mana manipulation in his voice. His voice traveled to a large distance without losing intensity.
"Your rebellion all comes down to your challenge of my sovereignty. I'll give you the chance now. Challenge me directly! If you win, I'll quit my post as the king of Themisphere. If you lose, you'll bow to me!"
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