"It's exactly politics! And pride!" Gattychan stepped forward, his divine presence filling the tent. "You don't like us, Commander. You see us as invaders who diminish the accomplishments of 'real' soldiers. I get it. If I were in your position, having fought demons for forty years, then suddenly summoned heroes show up and solve in minutes what took you months to achieve... I'd resent it too."
Elric's expression confirmed the accuracy without words.
"But your pride is influencing tactical decisions," Gatty continued, his voice carrying conviction born of absolute certainty in his cause. "You're committing soldiers to a battle that could be won more cleanly with our intervention, because winning without us matters more to you than minimizing casualties."
