Chapter 478 Strategic Meeting
After a round of heated discussions, everyone still couldn’t come to an agreement on the matter of enemy warships being stationed around the Southern territorial waters.
Astronia and Vadesia were both relatively powerful countries with advanced military technology.
Some of the officers wanted a peaceful resolution as they didn’t want a war to happen. But most of the officers, including the God of Wars, had voiced their agreement on fighting until the very end.
Suddenly, a soldier ran into the hall with a stack of documents in his hand. “Your Majesty, I have the latest intelligence to report!”
“You may speak,” Balthazar ordered.
“Astronia and Vadesia have made a public announcement that they’ll be holding a joint
military exercise in two days. The location will be right outside Diatoran’s southern territorial waters. They’ve also mentioned the use of heavy weaponry during the drill.”
The expressions of fellow officers in the hall instantly sank.
“I see. You may leave now.” Balthazar waved his hand.
The informant lowered his head as he retreated from the hall.
“What’s the deal with Astronia and Vadesia? What do you guys think?” Balthazar asked with a confused expression.
One of the higher–ranking officers stood up and explained, “Your Majesty, Astronia and Vadesia may be claiming to be doing a joint military exercise right outside of our borders, but I believe they’re just trying to show off their weaponry and assert dominance.
“I believe we don’t have to worry about a war.‘
Benjamin countered, “This isn’t to be taken lightly, Your Majesty. Considering their distance. from our shores, they can easily launch a pre–emptive strike from their warships and cause immense damage to our cities. We need to set up defenses!”
“What should we do if they truly attack us?” Balthazar asked.
“We will not attack unless we’re attacked. But if they do… We’ll have to show them the full force that Diatoran has to offer!” Dax declared.
Another officer stood up to voice his opinion, “We absolutely shouldn’t provoke them, Your Majesty! Starting a war with both Astronia and Vadesia would incur too many losses to be worthwhile. The greatest loser would be the citizens of Diatoran itself!”
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“Are we really going to tolerate having our enemies stepping on our heads? We Diatorans aren’t cowards! If they ever cross our borders, we’ll have to show them who’s boss!” Benjamin
shouted.
The other Champions nodded in agreement.
Balthazar had his own plans and considerations as initiating war wouldn’t involve just the
three countries alone.
Nearby countries could also potentially become enemies given the opportunity.
Diatoran would be facing a huge disadvantage if a war really broke out.
Balthazar turned to face Caspian, who had been silent throughout the meeting. “What do you think, Caspian?”
“I believe we can drive them away without any bloodshed, Your Majesty,” Caspian answered.
“Oh? What’s your plan?”
“Diatoran’s military has been similarly flourishing, and we can play along with Astronia and Vadesia with a military exercise of our own. It would essentially be a contest of sorts to see
who’s better.
“If we can manage to shock them with our own military strength, I believe they’ll retreat on
their own.”
“Not a bad idea. Anyone have anything they want to add on?” Balthazar turned to face everyone in the hall.
A high–ranking officer stood up. “Your Majesty, I don’t think this is a good idea. It might just incite and provoke Astronia and Vadesia to start a war!”
“And? So what if they do? We have nothing to be afraid of. With our combined might, starting the war would only spell their own demise!” Caspian answered with confidence.
The fellow Champions nodded their heads in agreement.
Diatoran could easily lose its presence as a country if it chose to remain peaceful at a time like
this.
“I agree that we have the ability to defeat our enemies, Lord Caspian. But I can’t help but be worried about the possibility that our war with Astronia and Vadesia may well trigger wars on a worldwide scale. The consequences would be unimaginable.”
“What’s the point of overthinking it and hesitating at every decision? If we listen to you, Diatoran will only be sitting and waiting for enemies to invade!” Caspian snorted.
He disliked the newer officers who had only recently risen through the ranks during a peaceful
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“Lord Caspian, your radical opinions to start the war may cause countless innocents to lose their lives! Society of the modern era should be developing a global economy, not warfare with one another!”
Caspian was furious. “I’m not being radical. I’m simply voicing my opinion as a soldier of Diatoran. We train ourselves day and night and fight on the battlefields in order to protect our loved ones and to protect our country.
“If we were to sit idly by as our enemies invade our homeland, then what’s even the point of having a military?”
Balthazar clapped his hands and announced, “Well said, Caspian! I’ve made my decision. We’ll play along with Astronia and Vadesia with a military exercise of our own and scare them away. I hereby assign Caspian to be the commander–in–chief of this operation!”
Everyone in the hall looked at each other, but no one dared to voice their arguments.
Caspian stood up. “Your Majesty, I have to admit that naval combat isn’t exactly my forte. I believe it might not be the best decision for me to be the commander–in–chief.”
Balthazar nodded as he understood Caspian’s worries. Caspian spent most of his career at South Aridlands. He rarely fought at sea and did not have the required experience to lead such
an operation.
“Anyone among the Champions who would like to step up?” Balthazar asked.
The Champions looked at each other in confusion for a while.
Benjamin finally stepped up. “I volunteer to be the commander–in–chief, Your Majesty!”
Balthazar replied, “You’re a great choice, Benjamin. But I’m worried that Estrya might invade East Aridlands during your absence. I believe you should still remain in the East Aridlands to
bolster its defenses.”
“I still believe that Lord Caspian would be the best choice as commander–in–chief! Lord Caspian has led us to countless victories. Even if he may not be experienced in naval warfare, I believe his presence alone could contribute to scaring away our enemies!
“We can always have Benjamin serve as the deputy commander to assist Caspian!” Dax
declared.
Everyone in the hall nodded their heads in agreement.
Everyone was afraid of the immense responsibilities that came with being the commander–in-
chief.
At the end of the day, Caspian would still be the best choice.
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Balthazar asked, “What do you think, Caspian?”
Caspian nodded his head and announced, “I’m happy that everyone believes in my abilities. Since you’ve all entrusted me with such a task, I won’t deny my post any further.”
Caspian knew why everyone was trying to push him into accepting the position.
The position of the commander–in–chief may well be a double–edged sword. The other Champions refused to accept the mantle as the consequences of failure outweighed the glory of success.
Astronia and Vadesia weren’t easy prey either, and no one could guarantee victory.
Balthazar praised him, “Very well! You truly are the Diatoranian God of War!”
The King also understood that it was a title that came with immense responsibility and duty to uphold.
“That will be all! Caspian is hereby appointed as the commander–in–chief, and Benjamin will serve as his deputy!”
Both Caspian and Benjamin respectfully bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty!”
Balthazar continued, “All forces shall cooperate with Caspian in preparation for the military exercise! We’ll have to show Astronia and Vadesia the might of Diatoran! We’ll also begin preparations for war in the meantime.”
The entire hall erupted in unison. “Yes, Your Majesty!”
“That is all, you may all go now. Caspian, I still have some questions for you.”
Caspian nodded his head. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
It must be an important matter if the King was asking him to stay for a private conversation.
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