"Against conventional forces, yes. Against demon lord-supported defenders with corruption specialists..." Elric paused. "The mathematics are less certain. But with four heroes supporting our assault, the advantage remains ours."
He straightened, his command voice carrying absolute certainty.
"Tomorrow we break Third Line. Full army, four heroes, maximum pressure from dawn. The settlement has played its trump cards—demon warriors, corruption specialists, wide-area contamination magic. Tomorrow we counter with our trump cards—the Four Heroes of the Church."
"And if a demon lord manifests during the battle?"
"Then the heroes engage immediately. That's what they were summoned for. Gattychan's Villain's Bane will reduce any demon lord to one-tenth combat effectiveness. The other three heroes provide support. We've trained for this scenario."
Elric looked at his assembled officers.
