Chapter 987: Second Chance
"My lord, I believe it's time for us to request reinforcements. We can't delay any longer," The Shadow Sword remarked in a calm tone.
This wasn't just any Shadow Sword- It was a Level 43 Dark Emperor leading the miniature Shadow Sword system stationed on Planet R1. It was safe to say that he knew everything happening on the battlefield, perhaps even more than Alexander himself.
Alexander's stern expression slowly shifted into a sarcastic smile. "I understand that Shadow Swords have to work hard during the war- for reconnaissance, point calculations, delivering reports, and even direct involvement in battles. I know you're exhausted, but has your fatigue robbed you of your common sense to this extent?"
Alexander then cast a glance over his shoulder. "It hasn't been long since we learned that His Excellency requires 60% of our forces as urgent reinforcements for the Poison Rock Planet. The messenger told us he was battling a colossal wave of beasts led personally by Durger the Devourer. Not to mention, there are two Marshals and 200 Imperial Guards stationed on that planet who will undoubtedly intervene in the battle. I'm already ashamed that I didn't send the requested reinforcements. Do you want me to be the one asking for help? Wouldn't that be like an ill person seeking aid from a corpse?"
Shaking his head, Alexander turned forward again. He had been entrusted with this challenging planet for a reason- His Excellency trusted his ability to subdue it. Not only had he failed to subdue it, but he needed to seek help in such a dire situation? This is out of the question. Death would be preferable. At worst, he would halt his advances and defend this position until conditions improved.
"We don't have to request support directly from His Grace, Governor. There are other sources," Shadow Sword reminded him again.
"Do you mean I should request reinforcements from Supreme General Sakaar?" Alexander shook his head once again. "Forget it. The task assigned to the Demons is no less critical or dangerous than what we're dealing with, and after what they went through, they'll be out of combat readiness for a while."
Of course, Alexander had heard of the appearance of the Dark Shadow and the assassination of King Morin, which had nearly wiped out a third of the Demon army. It was a miracle they had been tasked with guarding the Southern portal, and an even greater miracle that they actually obeyed and took up the position!
In truth, Alexander's admiration for Sakaar and the Demons had grown immensely after hearing this. If he were in Sakaar's place, he wouldn't know if he could rally human soldiers to do something similar.
"There are two other options, Governor," Shadow Sword reminded again. "Please don't forget, we're an empire consisting of multiple planets, and the entire empire is currently at war, not just Planet Jura and the Demons. Why should the rest be exempt?"
"...His Excellency won't be pleased, and you know it," Alexander furrowed his brows slightly. He now understood what Shadow Sword was hinting at, and why he hadn't spoken plainly from the start- it was because his suggestion went against His Excellency's wishes.
"Greenland and Orphan's Blood planets have already suffered immense devastation, with countless casualties. His Excellency doesn't want their populations to turn against us if we pressure them further by involving them in the remaining battles."
"But Governor, haven't we on Jura been pressured as well? Haven't we endured the greatest losses since the war began? There isn't a single soldier in our army who hasn't lost a loved one, some have lost them all! Yet, we continue to fight, because this is war, and if we stop, we'll be annihilated. I believe the rest of our allies will listen to reason. Haven't they had enough time to recover already?" Shadow Sword pressed his point again, though his tone was cautious. He was merely planting seeds of thought in Alexander's mind, careful not to appear as the instigator of an idea that went against His Excellency's commands.
"...." Alexander remained silent for a few seconds, then slowly began nodding. He then retrieved two blank scrolls, wrote on them, and sealed them with the insignia of Greenland's Governor, Alexander. He handed the scrolls to Shadow Sword. "Deliver this one to Fogun and the other to Flora. I'll take full responsibility."
Shadow Sword exhaled a relieved sigh. "A wise choice, Governor." He accepted the scrolls, gave a slight bow, and vanished.
A short while later - Planet Orphan's Blood-in front of the Stepped Pyramid "Hmm?" Flora furrowed her brows slightly as a Shadow Sword appeared beside her, holding a scroll in both hands. "Governor Alexander's seal? ... Alright you may leave."
After handing over the scroll, Shadow Sword bowed again before disappearing.
"..." Flora spent a few seconds quickly reading through the contents of the message. Her expression shifted from furrowed brows and curiosity to raised brows and astonishment! Looking up, she called out gently, "Darling, I think you need to read this."
"Hmm?" Aru, who was hovering above, overseeing the progress of today's sacrifice, was drawn toward Flora's voice. He descended to her side, accepted the scroll, and read it carefully. A smirk crept onto his face. "He's getting his backside handed to him on one of the planets under the Great Serpent Empire, and now he's turning to US for help? And he's doing so on his own responsibility, not even under direct orders from His Excellency?"
After finishing, he rolled up the scroll and tossed it back to Flora. "So, this is the Alexander everyone talks about? Seems like he's just a wishful fool."
"Don't underestimate him. Alexander holds a very prestigious position within the empire. Remember when His Excellency promised you your rank? He said he'd make you a governor, like Alexander, he is only one step under the Supreme Generals." Flora reminded him, glancing at the scroll in her hand. "Writing this message must have been very difficult for him."
"Hmph. If I were in his place, I wouldn't have written it, even if it cost me my neck," Aru scoffed, waving his hand dismissively as he prepared to fly back to the top of the pyramid. "Ignore it. We're not fighting for this Alexander. Don't move unless you receive an imperial decree directly from His Excellency."
"Not move? What about you?" Flora quickly grabbed her lover's hand. "You're not planning to defy orders, are you?"
"Defy who? That option is long gone for me," Aru shook his head. "It's just that I'm not officially part of the Empire yet. Didn't you hear His Excellency? He said he'd make a custom oath tablet just for me before granting my rank and promises. That hasn't happened yet. So officially, I'm not a member of the True Beginning Empire."
"You're the only one he's done this with. He doesn't trust you, not even a little," Flora said, her gaze dropping to the ground. Serving Robin under such circumstances would always be clouded with suspicion, even if Aru took the most severe oath imaginable. And everyone would always see Aru as a slave rather than an ally.
"...I can't blame him. I'll have to live with it." Aru shrugged, his expression bitter. If he were in Robin's place and knew his own history, he wouldn't have lasted a minute, let alone been given a second chance.
"Don't you want to change how he sees you?" Flora smiled mischievously, waving the scroll in her hand.