Chapter 261.1: Ignition (4) Part 1
Ignition (4)
"To properly deploy personnel, we must first distinguish how each individual can best contribute in different situations."
Frondier spoke, manipulating the Obsidian.
On the three-dimensional map displaying Tyburn's barrier, a name was inscribed: Aster Evans.
"We will send Aster Evans to Tyburn first. With Hector Dutoit already guarding the area, the force should be sufficient."
The people in the meeting room tilted their heads at the unfamiliar name, then spoke as if they had just remembered.
"Aster... Isn't that the student from Constel?"
"The kid rumored to have Baldur's divine powers?"
As expected, everyone here knew who Aster Evans was, even if he wasn't present in the meeting room.
Frondier nodded and said, "Aster is a versatile swordsman who can perform well in any situation. He's probably the most suitable person for Tyburn, where we expect the most variables."
"...But he's just a student."
"I assure you, his skills are on par with everyone here. Osprey, the headmaster of Constel, can vouch for that."
"I can." Osprey testified, as if continuing Frondier's words.
The worried looks from everyone weren't completely dispelled, but there were no further objections.
Of course, there's another important reason for sending Aster to Tyburn.
Though unspoken, Aster needs to acquire Excalibur.
Frondier had already informed Aster about this. He told him to head to the 'Sacred Forest' if the opportunity arose.
Of course, Aster, upon hearing this, said with an anxious face,
"──I'll try if I can, but will there be time?"
Regardless, Aster will fulfill the request.
Then someone spoke up.
"Tyburn is a harsh place where we send criminals who have committed serious offenses. Don't we need more personnel?"
Frondier shook his head at that.
"I believe it's enough, and that's not the only reason I'm sending Aster. No matter where you look at the barrier, we will be short on personnel."
Everyone fell silent at the chilling statement. It was true. As a simple matter of numbers, the Empire's personnel were severely lacking.
This was evident considering the Empire's past, where they would call upon knights and mercenaries to patch things up whenever the barrier was in danger.
"However, it's difficult to find someone as versatile and strong as Aster. Everyone here has preferred situations and easier opponents. It's difficult to distinguish them all, so let's first divide them into two main categories."
With that, Frondier raised two fingers.
"Those strong against monsters, and those strong against humans."
Everyone easily understood what he meant. Frondier shifted his gaze to Enfer and Azier.
"For example, my father, the head of the Roach family, is accustomed to fighting monsters. Brother Azier is much more advantageous in fighting humans."
For reference, the Roach family's swordsmanship was originally created to counter monsters.
Only Azier had built his own unique swordsmanship, adapting it for human combat.
"Wherever you are positioned on the barrier, those strong against humans and those strong against monsters must be paired together. I will initially arrange the deployment like this, but please remember this in case of unexpected situations or developments. While you're fighting monsters, a hidden human's dagger could stab you in the back, and while you're preoccupied with Manggot, monsters could break down the barrier."
With the addition of a more realistic description, everyone's tension rose further.
"And here, we divide them again."
"Again?"
"Depending on where the barrier is located, I may divide them into four groups. This is the criteria for that scenario."
Frondier raised two fingers of his other hand.
"Those strong against many, and those strong against few."
"...?"
Several people tilted their heads at his words. The question came naturally.
"Who's strong against many? Of course, it's better to be against few."
"There's a slight omission in that statement. Simply put, a hundred goblins versus one ogre. Assuming you're fighting them alone, which would you be more comfortable with?"
Several people unconsciously opened their mouths at his words.
"Of course, the ogre would be,"
"No, the goblins would be,"
They stopped mid-sentence and looked at each other. This disagreement wasn't just a matter of mages versus warriors, but rather individual differences. Frondier smiled.
"As you can see, it's quite different."
"...Indeed."
These individuals had a lot of combat experience, but they had always fought based on their own standards, so their assumptions about situations were tailored to themselves.
Of course, there were strong individuals who could handle both situations, but when it came to preference, it differed quite a bit.
"Since the battlefield will inevitably involve fighting many, this distinction comes after the previous one. However, Manggot has strong individuals comparable to the Zodiac. Someone must be assigned to fight them first."
Everyone nodded in understanding at Frondier's words.
Confirming this, Frondier waved his hand once more. This time, a larger amount of Obsidian gathered from all directions, inscribing names on the barrier.
"Then this is the configuration I've divided according to the criteria. Please check the map."
With that, everyone checked the map, confirming where they would be going.
Osprey, who was also checking the map, furrowed his brow. He discreetly approached Frondier and spoke, using a magical voice instead of his actual voice.
[Frondier, at first glance, it seems like there are many empty spots on the barrier.]
[That's correct.]
Frondier replied using the same skill. As long as the other person was using a skill, Frondier could replicate it.
Of course, Osprey's eyes widened, unaware of the inner workings. However, his eyes soon softened.
[Do you believe this is the best personnel deployment for the barrier?]
It seemed like he had postponed his question about how Frondier used magic. Or perhaps he had come to his own understanding.
Frondier paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, then spoke again.
[Manggot has a desire.]
[A desire?]
[The desire to burn down the entire Empire.]
Manggot's powerful flames were a great fear for the Empire. The fear was even greater because they didn't know Manggot's full strength, identity, or what lay at the end.
Therefore, from the Empire's perspective, Manggot's plan seemed to stem from a terrifying desire for revenge, but even that couldn't be achieved solely through revenge.
[Can you call that a desire?]
[They are prepared to make sacrifices, but they fear those sacrifices becoming meaningless. Ironically, the willingness to sacrifice and the fear of it coexist.]
The words Selena had spoken in the past echoed in Frondier's ears.
─Terrorists, no matter how noble their intentions may be, seek meaning in their actions.
─They cannot choose the option of 'doing nothing and suffering'.
While Manggot wasn't simply a terrorist, these words were still applicable.
To think he was learning from Selena's words even in her absence.
[Therefore, they won't do anything reckless. They will definitely choose a plan that can inflict significant damage on the Empire. So, conversely, we can also make rough inferences.]
Just as Frondier was saying this to Osprey,
"Hey, Frondier."
Someone's voice flew in.
It was one of the Zodiac, Ludovic de Fabre.
"I don't see my name on the map."
Among the Zodiac, Ludovic's fighting style was most similar to Aster's. In other words, he was an all-rounder. He was the most balanced powerhouse among the Zodiac and had exceptional loyalty to the Empire.
Therefore, Frondier said,
"Lord Ludovic will not be going to the barrier."
"What?"
"Please guard the Imperial Palace."
Ludovic blinked his eyes for a moment at those words. Then he quickly realized what Frondier was saying.
"...Are you saying the Imperial Palace is in danger?"
"If I were Manggot, I would explore every possible way to directly target the Emperor. Especially with 'Shadow Transfer' available."
At those words, Ludovic closed his mouth as if holding back many words.
Ludovic was more loyal to the Empire than any other member of the Zodiac. Knowing this, Frondier placed him in charge of guarding the Imperial Palace.
The loss of the Zodiac's power from the barrier was painful, but with him at the Imperial Palace, Frondier could worry less about it.