King Albrecht walked slowly down the steps of the throne.
"Listen carefully," he said. "This is not a war to be won by sheer force. This is a war of intent, information, and timing."
He gestured toward the large map spread across the marble floor.
"First, fortify the defenses along the border. Seal all minor mana nodes. Demons follow corrupted mana flows."
He continued without pause. "Hold the line. Do not advance recklessly. Buy time."
"Hire mercenaries and adventurers to supplement the forces," he added.
"Send envoys to the empires for aid, and to the Church of Light, the Church of Nature, Love, and War. If demons walk openly, higher powers are already involved."
His gaze hardened. "Until we fully understand the situation, we will not rush like madmen."
The court fell into deep silence.
A strategist spoke carefully. "Your Majesty… if the demon army advances before we uncover the source?"
King Albrecht did not hesitate.
"Try to delay them," he said.
