Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

The construction of the city was progressing at an exponential rate with the addition of Chibari and her family, who introduced more efficient building techniques.

In the heart of the city, they had even constructed a massive mansion, which now served as the headquarters for Kaede and her inner circle. At this moment, they were gathered within its grand meeting hall.

"It looks like they're finally making their move," Crimara reported with a grin. "The Bovoids can no longer ignore our existence. Soon, the Equinoids will have no choice but to make contact."

As usual, a projector sat at the center of the rectangular table, displaying a floating hologram above it. The image showcased two distinct regions, highlighting key strategic locations.

Crimara leaned forward, her tone confident. "Based on my estimates, the Bovoids number close to ten thousand. They're a powerful race that values strength above all else, which should make them relatively easy to deal with. Their territory consists of seven major settlements and eleven villages. Aurina will take command of five hundred of our forces..."

Kaede abruptly raised a hand, cutting her off. "Hold on. Five hundred?" she questioned, arching an eyebrow. "You just said the Bovoids number over ten thousand."

Crimara's grin didn't falter as she met Kaede's skeptical gaze. Leaning back into her chair, she tapped a finger thoughtfully against the table. "You're right, their numbers are impressive," she admitted. "But numbers game are our specialty not theirs."

She gestured toward the hologram, zooming in on the settlements scattered across the Bovoids' territory. "They may have ten thousand warriors, but they can't afford to mobilize them all at once. Every settlement, every village, relies on a portion of their forces for protection. If they pull too many into a full-scale assault, they leave their homes vulnerable."

Kaede studied the map, her brow furrowing. "They risk spreading themselves too thin."

Crimara nodded. "Exactly. They have strength, but it's not centralized. Each settlement is self-reliant, which means they can't bring their full might to bear without exposing themselves to other threats." She smirked. "And that's where we hold the advantage."

Kaede glanced at Aurina, who sat quietly, listening intently. "Even so, five hundred seems like a small force to send against them," she pressed. "Are you sure it's enough?"

Aurina, a calm and composed presence as always, responded in a steady voice. "We don't need to match them in numbers, Lady Kaede. Our forces are faster, stronger, and better coordinated. Every Antari soldier is worth at least a dozen Bovoids in combat."

Crimara nodded in agreement, her expression confident. "Our warriors operate with coordination and discipline, it's in our nature. The past few months have also been spent on hellish training courtesy of Shifu. The Bovoids rely on brute force. We've observed their fighting patterns, they charge headfirst, relying on raw strength to overwhelm their opponents. Against a force like ours, that kind of strategy is doomed to fail."

Kaede frowned, her expression troubled. "This whole thing still feels unnecessary. Why can't I just go there and force them to submit? I'd rather not put any of you at risk."

Crimara shook her head, her gaze steady. "You're right, my lady. You could easily force them to submit," she acknowledged. "However, this is our chance to prove our strength hand our worth-to you."

Surprisingly, it was Hachi who spoke next, his voice calm but resolute. "My lady, if we cannot handle this on our own, then we have failed you."

Despite their words, Kaede still wasn't convinced. She glanced around the room, searching for any sign of hesitation among her inner circle. Yet, all she saw was unwavering determination reflected in their eyes.

Kaede turned to the elven elder, Eryn. "What are your thoughts, Eryn?"

Eryn, momentarily taken aback that she had sought his opinion, straightened in his seat, carefully considering the situation. After a brief pause, he spoke. "The Bovoids and Equinoids have caused the elves no small amount of trouble ever since their senseless war began. I believe my people would welcome the opportunity to settle the score. If they were to simply submit without resistance, there might be lingering resentment."

Kaede rested her chin on her hands, deep in thought. "I just wish we could have resolved this through diplomacy," she murmured. "But the Bovoids attacked my people unprovoked." Her gaze shifted back to Crimara, her tone firm. "I want no casualties. Is that clear?"

Crimara immediately stood, placing a hand over her chest in a salute. "Yes, my lady. This will be a flawless victory. I won't fail you."

Kaede studied her for a moment before nodding. "If you succeed, I will appoint you as head of our military, a general."

Crimara's eyes widened briefly at Kaede's words before a confident smile settled on her lips. "I won't disappoint you, my lady," she said with unwavering determination.

Kaede sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Alright, then. I'll leave it in your hands."

Hachi crossed her arms, a serious expression on her face. "We'll handle it efficiently, my lady. The Antari know their roles, and we've prepared for all contingencies. The Bovoids will come to understand their place without us having to annihilate them."

Kaede studied them all for a moment longer before finally nodding. "Good. Then let's proceed carefully. Crimara, continue with your briefing."

Crimara pressed a button on the projector, and the hologram shifted to display a detailed map of the Bovoids' territory. "As I mentioned earlier, their numbers may seem overwhelming, but their forces are spread thin across their settlements and villages. They cannot afford to deploy their entire army without leaving their homes vulnerable."

She pointed to key locations on the map. "Our scouts have confirmed that their largest stronghold houses around four thousand warriors, with the rest scattered across smaller outposts. If we strike decisively, they'll be forced to consolidate, and that's when we can negotiate from a position of undeniable strength."

Ari, who had been silently observing until now, spoke up. "And what of the Equinoids? They've been watching us closely. If they see us engage with the Bovoids, they might take advantage of the situation."

Crimara's grin widened, turning almost feral. "We're counting on it. This won't even be a fight. With Aurina leading five hundred of our forces in a precise strike, we'll still have over eight thousand troops ready to stage a massive display of power. Once they see our true numbers, they'll realize they have no choice but to surrender."

She gestured toward the holographic map, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Our intelligence suggests that the Equinoids number close to thirteen thousand. Unlike the Bovoids, they're far more tactical than they let on. I suspect they'll seize this opportunity to eliminate our 'queen' while we're preoccupied with the Bovoids."

Crimara's gaze met Kaede's, her expression dark with resolve. "That's why our approach needs to be twofold. Not only will we crush their forces with overwhelming might, but we'll also move to eliminate their so-called 'king' before they can even think of making a move against you."

Kaede folded her arms, considering the plan. "You're certain this will work?"

Crimara nodded confidently. "Once the Bovoids fall in line, the Equinoids will be forced to rethink their position. For as tactical as they may seem, they're not ones to rely on deception and misdirection, and against our overwhelming force, those tactics won't save them. We'll strike fast and hard, leaving them no time to react."

Kaede's lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine. But remember, this isn't about wiping them out. I want a victory that leaves them willing to work with us, not one that breeds more resentment."

Crimara bowed slightly. "Understood, my lady. We'll make sure they understand their place, without unnecessary destruction."

Kaede sighed, glancing at the faces around the room. "Then proceed with the operation. But stay vigilant. If the Equinoids try anything, I expect you to counter it swiftly."

Crimara smirked. "Leave it to us. This will be over before they know it."