The ring that Verdia wore was a magical item found in a labyrinth.
Its effect allowed the user to project, in three dimensions, a predefined geographic region, like a real-scale map.
However, this map was not generated automatically by magic—it had to be created manually by the user. This meant that the display depended entirely on the knowledge and memory of whoever manipulated it.
In this case, Verdia had spent weeks, perhaps months, meticulously shaping the contours of the continent of Millis based on her own travel experiences, geographic notes, and the physical maps available to the Iron Legion.
Despite inevitable inaccuracies in less-visited regions, the display was impressively realistic.
Elevations, valleys, mountain gorges, dense forests, and swampy areas were all represented with surprising detail. It was a tremendous tactical advantage over any ordinary map.
As soon as the projection solidified into a large, multicolored magical sand model atop the black stone table, several council members began correcting small errors or updating terrain information based on their latest missions and explorations.
With the map adjusted, markings were then added to represent the forces of the Iron Legion and those of the Millis army.
Observing the overall layout, it became clear: the situation was truly unfavorable for the Legion.
Over the past few months of conflict, even with victories in isolated battles, Millis's forces had gradually pushed the Legion into the Great Forest.
At certain points, the Millis armies had even invaded forest territory, establishing fortifications in zones that had once belonged to the beast tribes.
The meeting's atmosphere grew heavy once all territories were established. Closed expressions and worried glances crossed the hall.
The meeting began from there, first discussing the current situation of the armies.
Despite being somewhat affected by the present disadvantage in the conflict, having the Beast God at their side seemed to ease concerns a bit.
After all, Rygar had already proven several times that he could annihilate an entire army single-handedly. That alone would immensely reduce the pressure on all the Legion's main troops.
The meeting was open to all questions and suggestions from the leaders present.
"It really doesn't matter if we can stop their attacks on the Great Forest," said the leader of the Bartag beast tribe, a massive warrior named Brontg.
He pointed to one of the cities near the border on the map.
"My tribe has attacked that city before. Their Magic Barriers make victory almost impossible. Few among us can break through those blasted protections."
"That's true," added a purple-skinned demon with white eyes. "Advancing armies in the open field isn't the biggest problem. The real challenge is these fortified cities. They not only have absurd magical defenses but are usually garrisoned by hundreds of armored crusaders under the command of a Saint, sometimes even one of Millis's Ten Generals."
He crossed his arms, looking around. "I trust my tribe's warriors, but their equipment simply doesn't measure up. We can annihilate ordinary soldiers with our innate magic, but under the command of a competent leader, they don't break, they don't scatter… they hold firm. And that breaks our ambush and siege tactics."
It was then that Ornthorn snorted and spoke loudly: "Fuck the Ten Generals! They may have had numerical advantage before, but now… we're on equal footing!"
He then added, uninterested, "Besides, our elites are stronger!"
Rufus, who was seated near the North Emperor, crossed his arms and said, "That's true. And now we have the Commander and his two companions."
He glanced briefly at Rygar and continued.
"Even before his return, that advantage already existed. The Saints of Millis almost always follow the same pattern. Most use the Water God Style. A few follow the Sword God Style or the North God Style… and rarely any other style."
He paused for a moment, recalling his battles.
"At least in the fights I've had, it was like facing variations of the same enemy. The Legion, on the other hand… has an absurd variety of powers. We have demons, beast races, warriors with hybrid styles, and innate magics that no one outside the forest understands."
He then looked at Lisena, "Some of us can use Chantless Magic on a large scale."
Afterward, he turned to Ornthorn: "And we also have several masters of the three classic swordsmanship styles. The variety makes us unpredictable."
Rufus's words generated murmurs and reflections around the table.
Rygar watched him in silence, half surprised and impressed.
Rufus was only twelve years old but already demonstrated strategic vision and field reading that few adults possessed.
It was no wonder he had earned a war title so young.
Rygar stepped forward, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Rufus is right. Millis may outnumber us in combat forces, but based on what I've observed over the last month, the current forces of the Iron Legion can handle them perfectly."
He looked directly at all the leaders gathered around the table, his expression sober.
"I'm neither overestimating your forces nor underestimating theirs. These are just facts. Before, Millis could move their armies and forces at will… but now, they have to consider me."
Taes crossed his arms, thoughtful. "That's true. This way, as long as the Legion's elites can take down Millis's elites, we can advance. Of course, that assumes the Commander continues leading the frontline fight. That would keep them cautious at all times."
Rygar nodded and continued. "Moreover, many of the problems you mentioned are already being solved. About the city Barriers… Verdia and I developed a cancellation magic circle last month."
Aisha drew a scroll and laid it on the table. On it was drawn an intricate yet relatively straightforward magic circle.
Everyone leaned in with curiosity, observing closely.
This magic circle had been developed based on an ability Rygar had been trying to master for a long time.
Ran Ma. Or, as he called it, Disturb Magic, the magic of the Dragon God.
During the three years he trained at the Sword Sanctuary, his progress in magic was slow, but he had come close to understanding this technique.
In the following six months, during his return journey, he finally gained some mastery over it.
Still, there was much he did not comprehend. The ability interrupted the magical flow in formation through mana waves whose principles were still a mystery to him.
It was complex, but with a good mastery of Chantless Magic, it became possible to replicate it.
However, since it interrupted the magical flow in formation, it didn't work against magic circles activated directly or magic items that triggered their effects instantly.
But when Verdia explained to him how Millis's cities used large defensive magic circles in their main cities, he had the idea to develop a version of a magic circle based on Disturb Magic.
With the help of his master, he managed to create something functional—with limitations, of course.
This circle only worked against other magic circles.
It was no use against a fireball or a wind spear—but against defensive barriers created by fixed formations, it could potentially disable them, depending on the circle's level.
To demonstrate, Rygar used a small magic circle and formed a transparent spherical barrier in the center of the table. Everyone watched his movements intently.
He then infused mana into the new cancellation circle. A line cut through the Barrier's magic circle almost instantly. The protective sphere shattered with a dry sound.
There was a moment of surprised silence. Then, a laugh echoed.
"Hahahahahaha! As expected of you, Rygar!" said the Ore God, Godbard, with a wide smile.
"Well, about the weapons and armor… Rufus and that lunatic Brightstone presented me with an idea a few months ago. An armor. It has been mass-produced since then."
He crossed his arms proudly. "As named by them, the armor is called Legionary. Of course, I made some modifications here and there."
He looked at some of the warriors present. "Actually, some of you are already using it. I released a few to the high ranks as a test. So? How are they performing?"
Some of the warriors looked down at the armor they were wearing. One of them exclaimed in disbelief:
"This armor is being mass-produced?! It's the best armor I've ever used!"
That seemed to satisfy Godbard. "This will more or less reduce the equipment disparity between the Legion and Millis. But to completely change that… it would take several years of continuous forging!"
Kilian, one of those wearing the Legionary armor, nodded. "I believe it will be enough if our best can use this armor. It will greatly reduce casualties."
The atmosphere brightened. For the first time in the meeting, faces became lighter and more optimistic.
There were many matters to discuss.
Lisa, as deputy commander of the Administration Division, directed the meeting like an tireless secretary, and also documented all decisions taken with precision.
However, there was so much to record, so many details and orders to note, that she soon had to call an assistant to help with transcription.
The young elf who assisted her wrote quickly, but still seemed to struggle to keep up with the meeting's pace.
Countless topics vital to the campaign's future were discussed.
One of the main points was the armies' overland progression route, raising the question of the viability of carrying out a continuous offensive campaign rather than maintaining a passive defense posture.
Advancement strategies required much more complex logistics, transporting supplies through unstable terrain, mapping hostile areas, and preparing reinforcements and support units in real time.
But everyone knew that if they wanted to change the war's course, they would have to attack.
Special units were also brought to the table, such as beast tribes with specific combat and support abilities, or warriors mounted on domesticated monsters.
These unique forces demanded specific mobilization, both for coordination and maintenance, and could make a great difference in medium- and large-scale battles.
The topography of future battlefields was also debated with attention: elevations, narrow valleys, swampy zones, dense forests, and open areas.
Thanks to Verdia's magical map, tactical movement decisions were being made based on much more accurate analyses than any previous Legion attack.
It was at this point that the new chain of command began to be discussed.
Based on the strength, experience, and individual achievements of leaders and generals in recent years, a new hierarchical structure was being drawn up.
Of course, not everything proceeded without friction. At various moments, there were disagreements among the council members.
Some believed they should advance via a riskier route to achieve faster results, while others insisted on safer, more conservative routes.
There were also differences regarding the roles each tribe should play and even about the volume of forces to be sent to each front.
Despite the tension, no discussion escalated into conflict. This was due to two fundamental reasons.
The first was the presence of Verdia and other sharp-minded, vastly experienced strategists.
They were capable of dissecting every argument presented, dismantling fallacies, and reinforcing good ideas with solid logic. There were no fools in that room.
Some were impulsive, others stubborn, but no one was blind. When confronted with a clear line of reasoning, most would step back and admit their mistake.
But the main reason for the order that reigned there was Rygar's presence.
His golden, penetrating, and steadfast eyes brought unbearable pressure to anyone who dared let pride take over and become aggressive.
Those eyes seemed to see beyond words, straight into the soul of those present.
Thus, even in the most heated moments, the atmosphere remained under control. Under his gaze, no one dared deviate from reason.
Rygar listened to everyone, analyzed every proposal and objection, and with the knowledge he had accumulated about strategy, logistics, magic, and combat, he was perfectly capable of making measured decisions.
And in the end, the final decision always fell to him.
The meeting lasted for hours, but no one seemed tired.
The only exception was Lisa… who was clearly exhausted from so much writing.
Her shoulders were stiff, her finger joints ached.
But Taes discreetly used healing magic to ease his wife's pains and restore her energy, allowing her to continue.
After long discussions and analyses, the situation of the troops, terrain, and logistics was basically decided.
There were still topics being rushed and inevitable interruptions, but following the plan established by Lisa, the meeting proceeded with surprising order.
Then came the moment for one of the most delicate topics: the high-level combatants.
It was time to speak of the names that could truly decide the war's outcome. Both on the Legion's side and Millis's side.
The Ten Generals of Millis. They were names that had stricken the Legion's flank like a thorn since the conflict's beginning.
Each one was a legendary warrior at the King level or above, with the power to lead and inspire entire armies.
But now, with Rygar's return… that reality was about to change.
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