The newly fortified command center was a hive of nervous activity, shielded by Arthur's vast magical barrier.
Shion stood like an unmoving marble statue beside the unconscious sli, while Shuna monitored the magical communication lines.
Arthur sat at the strategy table, his eyes closed, ntally linked to the front lines.
A sharp, strained telepathic pulse cut through Arthur's concentration—a direct ergency channel from Benimaru.
"Arthur-sama! The Orcs are here. They've bypassed the eastern marsh where the Lizardn were supposed to be positioned. Gabil's stupidity caused confusion, and now they are assaulting our center formation in overwhelming numbers!"
Arthur opened his eyes, a flicker of cold intensity in their depths.
"Give a damage report, Benimaru. Where is the Orc Lord?"
"We are holding for now, but losses are heavy on the flanks. The Orc Lord is not visible, but their individual Orcs are displaying the ability to regenerate and fight past fatal wounds! They are feeding on our fallen! We're being consud, Arthur-sama!"
The Orcs were already utilizing the unique skill Starved, making simple attrition warfare impossible.
As Arthur processed the dire information, the two Oni won watched him—not with fear, but with fascination.
Their powerful, warrior instincts recognized the imnse power of the Dragon, and their female sensibilities were intrigued by this strong, handso male figure who commanded the entire war.
Their attention was drawn to him far more than to the genderless sli that was currently their sovereign.
Shion broke the silence, her voice smooth and deep, completely ignoring the unconscious Rimuru for the mont.
"Arthur-sama,"
Shion began, her violet eyes assessing him.
"Your aura is imnse, yet you are not a god, but a warrior like us. To command such power, you must have faced countless battles. A male so strong... it is a rarity even among the ancient monster races."
Shuna chid in, leaning over the strategy map Arthur had drawn, her tone respectful yet bold.
"Indeed. Rimuru-sama is our Queen, but to see such strength in a male figure... it is a comfort to us, Arthur-sama. You carry the full weight of this war, protecting our defenseless leader. Will you fight? Your strength alone could crush this army."
Arthur sighed, rubbing his temple.
He understood their traditional monster mindset—strength in a male was a point of deep interest and trust.
It was an ingrained instinct that superseded their initial loyalty to the sli.
"My role is not to crush the army, but to ensure this nation learns to win,"
Arthur explained, his voice asured.
"I am here to protect the idea of this nation, which ans protecting Rimuru and ensuring her subjects rise to the challenge. If I destroy their enemy for them, their loyalty will be to my strength, not to her leadership."
Shion crossed her arms, a hint of admiration in her expression.
"A powerful Dragon showing such restraint. It is a new kind of strength. When Rimuru-sama awakens, she will be most fortunate to have such a resolute and powerful mate."
Shuna quickly agreed, adding her own assessnt.
"You possess a wisdom that surpasses even the greatest Chiefs. Please, tell us what to do. Benimaru is strong, but he needs your strategy to survive this."
Arthur fixed his gaze on Shuna, montarily ignoring Shion's comnt about him being a "mate."
"Benimaru needs to be inford that he cannot win through attrition,"
Arthur stated, tapping a point on the map.
"He is facing the unique skill Starved. If the Orcs consu enough fallen, even their fallen, their evolution will accelerate beyond his control. Shuna, your task is now twofold."
"Yes, Arthur-sama?"
Shuna replied, leaning closer, eager to be of use.
"First, use your magic to establish a secure, wide-range communication web. Benimaru must order his forces to incinerate every single fallen body on the field imdiately—Orc, Goblin, or Lizardman. Nothing can be left for the Orcs to consu. Second, you must work with to track the magical signature of the Orc Lord Geld. We need that intelligence for the end-ga."
Shuna bowed low.
"It shall be done imdiately, Arthur-sama. Your wisdom will save us."
Shion, still guarding Rimuru, gave a final, approving nod.
"Go, Shuna. And when you return, perhaps Arthur-sama will take a mont for a strong male's perspective on how best to utilize Shion in the defense."
Her implication was clear, and it had little to do with fighting.
Arthur rely sighed, returning his attention to the crisis.
"Focus on the map, Shion. Your turn for action will co soon enough."
The first strategic order is out: burn the bodies!
What is the imdiate, crucial action or unexpected developnt that happens next on the front lines, requiring Arthur's further input?
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