Forge and Steel

Loki Familia Residence, Meeting Room.

"Then, considering her familiarity with the area, Tsubaki will take command of the group responsible for defending the industrial zone," Finn declared firmly as his eyes scanned the room, locking onto everyone present.

Finn's decision was quickly approved by everyone. Tsubaki, known not only for her expertise as a blacksmith but also as one of the elite adventurers of Orario, was a natural choice to lead the defense of such a crucial area.

"I know every corner of that zone. If they try anything, they won't escape," Tsubaki assured with a serious gaze. For her, who had practically grown up in the industrial zone, defending it was not a difficult task.

"Then I'm relieved," Finn said, nodding with a smile toward Tsubaki. Then, in a more serious tone, he added, "Though I believe everyone understands the importance of Orario's industrial zone, I still feel the need to remind you. If the defense of this area fails, it will be an irreparable disaster for Orario."

Finn's words fell like a hammer, heavy and forceful. The industrial zone wasn't just a collection of workshops and forges; it was the heart of weapon production and a symbol of Orario's strength.

"It won't happen. As long as I'm alive, Orario's industrial zone will be safe," Pyrion said, who had been silent until then. His voice rang out loud and firm, accompanied by a determined look that swept across the room.

Finn nodded in relief. The presence of Pyrion and Tsubaki in the defense of the industrial zone was something that put him at ease. After all, who better to protect such a vital place than those who considered it their home?

Leaving the warning behind, Finn didn't waste any time and, grabbing his notebook again, continued with the plan.

"Additionally," Finn added, "this group will receive tactical support from members of various familias. Among them will be Familia Hermes, Familia Hathor, and Familia Magni..."

As Finn spoke, he mentioned a lengthy list of familias. Most were mid-tier or lower in Orario, but the combined effort of so many adventurers under a solid strategy had the potential to become a formidable force.

"I understand that many of these familias lack experience in large-scale combat, but their knowledge of the terrain and specific skills will be key to ensuring that the industrial zone doesn't fall," Finn explained while pointing at strategic locations on a map spread across the table.

Tsubaki spoke up, crossing her arms confidently. "Those reinforcements will be useful, but remember, I'll be in charge. If anything happens, follow my instructions to the letter. There will be no room for mistakes."

Tsubaki's authoritative tone left no room for doubt, and several adventurers from the mentioned familias nodded seriously.

Tsubaki clearly wouldn't tolerate mistakes when it came to defending her home.

"Then, with the defense of the industrial zone covered, let's move on to the next point," Finn continued, flipping to the next page of his notebook. "Now I'll organize the group responsible for counterattacking any forces that attack the industrial zone."

The mention of the counterattack made the adventurers sit up straighter in their seats, the atmosphere charged with expectation.

"I'll be the leader of this group," Finn announced, pointing at his notebook. Then, smoothly, he continued, "In addition to me—"

"Wait, Finn!"

Suddenly, Finn's words were interrupted by Tsubaki, who glared at him with furrowed brows.

"What's the matter, Tsubaki?" Finn asked, maintaining his calm but raising an eyebrow at the interruption.

"What do you mean you'll be the leader of the counterattack group?... No offense, but I think that position is more suited for Pyrion, given his strength and knowledge of the area," Tsubaki's tone sounded slightly annoyed. After all, she believed no one was better suited for the job than her brother, and she simply couldn't trust Finn with something so important.

Not only Tsubaki, but many of the adventurers also felt it was strange that Finn was taking command of the group.

"Heh, what's wrong, little human race? Can't stand being out of the spotlight?" Hedin interrupted, with a malicious smile as he crossed his arms. After being embarrassed earlier by Finn, he now saw an opportunity for revenge and immediately threw sharp words.

Pyrion, seated with an indifferent expression, said nothing. However, he cast a deep look at Finn, as if waiting for an appropriate explanation before intervening.

"Alright, everyone, calm down!" Finn, taken aback by Tsubaki's sudden outburst and Hedin's taunts, raised his voice to restore order. "There's a reason I can't put Pyrion in charge of this group."

"Oh, really? Then we'd appreciate it if you explained, Finn," Tsubaki said, her skeptical tone and sharp gaze fixed on the strategist of the Loki Familia.

Shaking his head in resignation, Finn responded with a bitter tone. "It seems like everyone is still ignoring a critical point..."

He paused, scanning the room with his eyes. The adventurers were watching him intently, waiting for his explanation.

"A key point for this plan is that both Pyrion and Ottar need to be aware of a greater threat than the Dark Faction... I hope you haven't forgotten that within the Dark Faction, there are two people we cannot afford to overlook."

Finn's sudden words woke everyone in the room, and the atmosphere tensed immediately. Everyone present instantly understood who Finn was referring to: Alfia and Zald, two names that carried a heavy burden of danger.

"Finn... do you think they will participate in this attack?" Alice asked with a grave expression, her voice trembling slightly.

"I'm not sure... but even the slightest possibility can't be ignored," Finn massaged his head and continued. "Taking this into account, it's a priority for the plan that both Ottar and Pyrion are ready to act at any moment in case these two figures appear."

Finn sighed as he looked at Tsubaki. "That's precisely why I can't give the leadership role to Pyrion."

"I... understand," Tsubaki replied with a heavy face, quickly realizing Finn's decision. Pyrion clearly couldn't lead the group while also keeping an eye out for these two figures at the same time.

"I wonder if you have any objections, Pyrion-san?" Turning his gaze to the person involved, Finn asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Pyrion, with a stoic expression, fell silent for a moment as he looked at Finn. Only after a long, uncomfortable pause did he speak. "I agree."

With those simple words, Pyrion seemed to cut the tension in the room. Finn and several adventurers let out a sigh of relief at hearing Pyrion's response.

"Ahem, well, now that that's settled, I'll continue," Finn coughed lightly to draw everyone's attention. "As I said before, the group will be led by me. In this group, Hedin, Shakti, and the rest of Familia Freya will also be included."

Everyone's gaze returned to Hedin. It was clear they were suspicious about whether the elf would accept working with Finn after their previous disagreements.

However, Hedin only slightly furrowed his brows but didn't complain. It seemed that, although he didn't like the idea, he wouldn't complicate things.

"On the other hand," Finn continued, turning his attention to Pyrion and Ottar, "although you won't be actively participating in the attack, both of you will remain in the industrial zone to intervene in case things get out of control. The priority is still to contain any unexpected threats, especially if the individuals I mentioned earlier show up."

Pyrion nodded with a slight motion of his head, while Ottar remained silent, wearing his usual unperturbed expression.

Finn took a deep breath and continued. "With this, I think we've covered the most critical points for Orario. Now I'll talk about some other points of lower priority..."

...

"Are you worried, Pyr?" Tsubaki asked as they walked under the night sky of Orario. The three members of the Hephaestus Familia were heading back to their residence, and the blacksmith quickly noticed her brother's agitated mood.

"Well... I just feel a bit uneasy," Pyrion replied, shrugging. However, his carefree tone didn't convince Tsubaki, who knew him too well.

"Could it be that you're worried about the defense of our home?" Tsubaki wondered, glancing sideways at Pyrion as they walked. It was a logical possibility; the industrial zone wasn't just her home, but the heart of her family's work.

Pyrion didn't answer right away. His silence, however, said it all. Tsubaki interpreted his lack of words as a silent agreement.

Frowning slightly, Tsubaki suddenly walked quickly toward Pyrion and, raising her fist, struck him hard on the shoulder.

"Ow! Why was that?" Stunned by the sudden blow, Pyrion looked at Tsubaki in confusion.

"Hmph, idiot! Are you doubting my abilities?" With an angry expression, Tsubaki crossed her arms, looking at him reproachfully.

"Hey, Tsubaki, I didn't mean that. It's just that... I'm a little worried," Pyrion said, hastily trying to explain as he raised his hands in a surrendering gesture to calm her down.

However, his words did not manage to dissipate Tsubaki's anger. She strode forward until she was standing right in front of him, looking him directly in the eyes. "Idiot, the industrial district is my home. Do you really think I'm going to let it be destroyed by the trash of the dark faction?"

"I... I'm sorry, Tsubaki. I was wrong to doubt you," Pyrion replied, lowering his head with a look of regret. With his shoulders slumped, Pyrion felt guilty for having doubted his sister.

Tsubaki didn't respond right away. She turned around and started walking again, leaving Pyrion with the feeling that he had hurt her feelings. However, just as he was about to stop her, he froze when he saw Tsubaki turn back to him, her expression serious and determined.

"I'll borrow your words, Pyrion... As long as I'm alive, the dark faction won't lay a finger on our home," Tsubaki said, her voice firm, resonating in the silence of the night.

Without saying more, she turned and continued walking toward home, leaving Pyrion feeling downcast.

"I... I think I made a mistake, Julan," Pyrion murmured, his expression tired as he turned his head to his companion. His melancholic tone made his regret clear.

"Well, captain, this time it seems entirely your fault," Julan replied with a bitter smile, looking at Pyrion with some sympathy.

It was well-known throughout the familia that when Tsubaki got angry, she could hold onto her bad mood for days. And Pyrion, despite being the closest person to Tsubaki, was no exception.

"Fantastic," Pyrion sighed, scratching the back of his neck as he looked up at the starry sky. "Just what I needed before a battle."

"If I may say so, captain, I think you're lucky that Tsubaki only scolded you, and didn't hit you," Julan added with a suppressed laugh.

"Yeah, sure, make me feel better, Julan," Pyrion replied sarcastically, giving a half-smile as he glanced sideways at his companion.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Tsubaki's words continued to echo in his mind. His sister had not only shown him her resolve but had reminded him of something crucial: he wasn't alone in this battle.

"Hey... I'll have to find time to apologize. And I'm sure it's going to cost me quite a bit," Pyrion commented, scratching his head, letting out a soft laugh. His mood had shifted slightly, and although his smile was small, it was sincere.

With firm steps, he resumed his walk toward home. As he moved forward, a sense of inevitability washed over him. Pyrion felt more and more that soon, he would face a critical battle for his life and for the life of his family. However, even with that great weight on his shoulders, he didn't think for a second about giving up.

He had already wasted one life, and he wasn't going to waste his second chance. He would fight tooth and nail to protect what was his.

...

Well, this chapter is a bit short, consider it a prelude to the upcoming battle.

By the way, this chapter is thanks to your power stones. Originally, I said that if we reached 400 power stones, I would upload two more chapters yesterday. While we didn't reach the number, we came pretty close, so this extra chapter is a sort of reward.

By the way, crucial battles are coming soon, not just for the MC but also for those around him, so get ready, because soon the world will burn!!

Thank you for the support!!