The great Shaka once said:
"Forsake all extremes and realize the Middle Way."
The path to truth lies neither in the reckless pursuit of desire nor in the excessive torment of asceticism. It is the moderate, balanced choice that represents the correct way forward.
It wasn't that Rest was consciously following the teachings of a saint, but the path he chose was similarly nuanced, navigating the middle ground between two conflicting opinions.
"How about a surgical strike on enemy territory using a small elite unit?"
It was neither an all-out offensive nor a total commitment to defense.
A handful of specialists—warriors capable of surviving even if the Foreign Tribes caught wind of them—would launch a targeted attack on the enemy’s base.
Even if the raid failed, the losses would be limited to the few who went on the mission. The kingdom would avoid a catastrophic blow to its military strength.
(Of course, it’s a do-or-die mission for the members of the strike team. But with a small group, escaping is far easier than trying to retreat with a whole army.)
At the very least, a skilled mage could take to the skies and flee.
It was dangerous, certainly, but it wasn't a suicide mission with no hope of return.
"Sounds like fun! My blood’s pumping already. Count me in!"
"Hmph... I couldn't care less. I'm just here to cut down whatever stands in my way."
"Fufu, infiltrating enemy territory... it certainly takes me back to my younger days."
The strike team consisted of about ten people.
Bareia Catreia, son of the Knight Commander; Wilhelm Lyubase, the 'Woman-hating Sword Saint'; and Dieble, the butler of the Marquis Rosemary House. They were joined by a few other selected knights and mages.
They were all surprisingly motivated.
In this fantasy world, life was often treated as a cheap commodity. There were many instances where honor and victory outweighed the fear of death.
And Rest, the architect of the plan, was naturally included in the roster.
(Since I’m the one who proposed it, I can’t exactly say 'I'm scared, so I'm staying behind.' Besides, the sooner this battle ends, the sooner I can go home.)
The reports regarding the Geisel Empire's suspicious movements had left him deeply concerned for his fiancés and friends back in the Royal Capital and his own territory.
Viola, Primula, Yuri, and Celestine.
Then there was Urula. As the daughter of the Margrave Lavender House, she would be the first to find herself on the front lines if a war with the Empire broke out.
When he thought of them, he knew he couldn't afford to waste time in this northern frontier. He wanted to settle this matter as quickly as possible.
(Of course, plunging into a forest without knowing my left from my right would be the height of folly. We need a guide.)
"…Are you serious? Asking me to lead you there... you've lost your mind."
The person chosen for the role was the Ogrekin boy who had been held in the basement dungeon as a prisoner.
Rest had recently learned that the boy’s name was Rou.
By Rest's request, the boy was released from his cell and brought along to serve as their guide through the deep woods.
"We discussed this in your cell, didn't we? I told you that we could cooperate if there was a mutual benefit. This operation is in your best interest as well, isn't it?"
Rest spoke gently, as if reasoning with a child.
This elite surprise raid wasn't targeting the Foreign Tribes' settlements so much as the 'Sorcerers' manipulating them from the shadows.
The tribes had been forced into this conflict with the Aiwood Kingdom because their people were being held hostage. If they could eliminate the Sorcerers and free those hostages, the war would essentially be over.
"Mgh…"
Rou looked reluctant, but he offered no further protest.
The 'Sorcerers' had taken his sister as well.
If Rest and his companions actually managed to defeat them, it would be a windfall for him. Even if they failed, being out of the cell gave him a chance to run.
(I know it’s a bit idealistic... but surely this is more realistic than just slaughtering each other until only one of us is left standing. Probably.)
The safety of the hostages wasn't the military's primary concern.
However, the Sorcerers had to be dealt with. Ideally, they would capture them alive to uncover their true masters and motives. That would be the best-case scenario.
"Alright, let's move."
Every victory required a moment where one had to gamble against the risks. That moment had arrived.
Rest and his comrades steeled their resolve and vanished into the depths of the forest.